Newbie...Here

[Chrl]

I am traveling for the first time since my SCI, and thinking about bringing my own power chair. I have read some of the posts about power vs manual, I would perfer my power chair, I guess for independence, rather than having someone push me. My trip is in June which I know there will be crowds. Is this a good idea? Also, can I go from park to park in my chair or is that to much?

 

[eternaldisneyfan]

I've always used a power chair. I would go crazy not being able to look around stores or park myself in the best position for a show. Ask yourself these questions:

Are you comfortable driving in crowds and close to other people?
Can you stop pretty fast/reaction time?
How much stamina do you have driving? (Epcot alone is several miles across)
Are you flying?

The reason I ask the last one is because power chairs can be treated kinda rough. And you have to reconnect everything. Sometimes they're damaged.
Good luck with your decision

Christamae

 

[Cheshire Figment]

First of all welcom to both DISboards and disABILITIES!

If you are staying at a Disney Resort you will find everything comfortable for you. The monorail trains are equipped to handle powerchairs with no problem. All the buses are either lift or ramp equipped, with the newer (and majority) with excellent low ramps. Most of the boats will have no problems with a pc.

A couple of important things. One is to read the "disABILTITIES! FAQ" to give an idea and the other is to make sure that you are able to contact WDW Special (Medical) Reservations at 407-939-7807 as they are the ones who can lock in an accessible room for you.

Also, if you are flying contact the airline as soon as possible so you can gate check your chair. Don't forget the charging unit!

Feel free to ask more detailed questions as your plans firm up.

Also you might want to get the "Passporter's Walt Disney World For Your Special Needs" which is available at least from www.passporter.com or Amazon which can assist you with lots of good information.

 

[Chrl]

Thanks for the reply and the welcome

I guess I will have to secure and cushion it somehow b/c I really want to take my pc. I have already secured my flight thru a travel agent but I did not mention I am taking my chair, will definately do that first thing Monday. I am staying at a hotel in epcot resort...should I still call WDW reservations to secure a accessible room anyway? I did inform my TA I did need special accomadations.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Yes, or have your TA call. The thing is Special Reservations are the only people who can block an accessible room and have the confirmation indicate it is a "guaranteed" room assignment. The regular reservations people cannot do this, they can only put that one is "requested" which in your situation is probably not acceptable.

Though I do not use a pc, some of the suggestions that I have seen from people who do use the follow:
1. Have your technician mark (with bright contrasting paint) the tie-down locations. This may be necessary for the aircraft but an absolute necessity if you ride the buses.
2. Bring some heavy (duct) tape to keep loose parts (such as footrests) from being moved at all when the pc is stored on the plane.
3. Be sure to remove the control box/joystick when you go to board the plane. See if you can get a padded box to keep it in.
4. Attach a sign, preferably with pictures, on how to put the chair in freewhhel or lock.
5. Note that any medical equipment or supplies you bring aboard the plane with you do not count against your carry on limitation. Since you will be the first to board you will have sufficient storage room for anything. Note also that you will probably also be the last off the plane.

 

[pugdog]

Anything that can come off your chair take off and place it inside the plane if you want to see it again. LIke legrests and your cousion. Also make sure your battiers are GEL cell that way the airline does not have to take them out of your chair. One thing that we do with DW's chair is to have some of the bolts on the back replaced with cotter pins so we can "fold" the back down to make it easier to fit in the plane. Other question ask away we have now taker her chair down for the last 8 years or so with minimal damage. The key is to plan ahead as much as you can so the damage is prevented to start with.

 

[Chrl]

Thanks all you guys for your input, I am sure I will have more questions as time gets closer, glad I can come here.