Options besides ECV?

[KGK]

I’m not quite sure what to do on my upcoming trip and need some advice – or perhaps just confirmation that I need an ECV.

About 4 years ago I suffered a back injury. Minor, but permanent nerve damage. I’m able to do just about anything. But I cannot stand for more than a few minutes. My legs go numb. Painfully numb. After 15 minutes of sitting or walking, the legs are fine. But with each “standing”, the time before the numbness comes back shortens.

Walking, sitting even running to keep up with my kids won’t be a problem. But the thought of standing in line terrifies me.

Basically I need something to sit on while waiting in line. The cane chairs don’t help by the way, actually make my legs go numb faster.

Do the handicapped access areas have benches to sit on?

Our trip is planned for the first week of Feb, so I know crowds will be light, but we’ll still have to wait for many rides.

Your thoughts and suggestions please. Is an ECV the best option or only option?

 

[SueM in MN]

I’m not quite sure what to do on my upcoming trip and need some advice – or perhaps just confirmation that I need an ECV.

About 4 years ago I suffered a back injury. Minor, but permanent nerve damage. I’m able to do just about anything. But I cannot stand for more than a few minutes. My legs go numb. Painfully numb. After 15 minutes of sitting or walking, the legs are fine. But with each “standing”, the time before the numbness comes back shortens.

Walking, sitting even running to keep up with my kids won’t be a problem. But the thought of standing in line terrifies me.

Basically I need something to sit on while waiting in line. The cane chairs don’t help by the way, actually make my legs go numb faster.

Do the handicapped access areas have benches to sit on?

Our trip is planned for the first week of Feb, so I know crowds will be light, but we’ll still have to wait for many rides.

Your thoughts and suggestions please. Is an ECV the best option or only option?

No, the handicapped access areas usually have no benches.
Most of the lines at WDW are “Mainstream Access” which means that the regular lines are accessible and there is not a different handicapped entrance.

A few attractions, like Small World, are not accessible thru the main line and have a special handicapped access area. There are no benches and, in fact, you will be standing still longer in that line than in going thru the ‘regular’ line.

If you look on page 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, there is a post on page 2 that lists attractions where all guests stand for a time period unless they have a mobility device with them. Many of these are shows and all guests without a mobility device will be standing for at least the length of one show.
You can find the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature (this will take you to page 1).

Other than those attractions, your best bet is to use Fastpasses and to have a good touring plan. Most attractions have times when they have a long wait and other times when the wait will be short. For example, Spaceship Earth in Epcot is typically a wait of 30 minutes or more in the early morning, but by mid-afternoon, it will be basically walk right on.

An ECV is probably your best bet. If you would rather walk, you might consider a rollator - it is basically a walker that has a fold down seat. You would push it while you are walking and if the line stops, you can fold down the seat and sit. It would be a better option for you than the canes with a fold down seat - the rollator seat is much larger and will not put pressure on your legs like the tiny seat on the canes do.

 

[Disney4us2]

I have the same type of back problem. I use a rollator, but my seat is always down and has a carry compartment under the seat. I also have my own ECV.

I go to Disneyland quite often and use the ECV there. It is just more comfortable than walking with my rollator all day long. I mainly use the rollator when I am shopping at a store that does not have a scooter, or any place that I may need to sit.

 

[I Love Pluto]

I agree - ECV or rollator is the way to go. You'll be fine!

 

[picktails]

Ok, I'm here now & my mom has 2 herniated discs. She was dead-set against an ECV, it made her feel old! Well, one day in the parks and she gave in - best thing - she LOVED it! So many people use them here, young and old, for various reasons. Go for it!

 

[bankgirl05]

Ok, I'm here now & my mom has 2 herniated discs. She was dead-set against an ECV, it made her feel old! Well, one day in the parks and she gave in - best thing - she LOVED it! So many people use them here, young and old, for various reasons. Go for it!

can I ask what company you ented your ECV from?

TY

 

[SueM in MN]

can I ask what company you ented your ECV from?

TY

Are you going to WDW or Disneyland?

Post 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread has a list of companies that DIS posters have used and recommended.

There is also a post about DL with recommended companies.

You can find the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature.

 

[picktails]

We used Scooterama, because they had a great website (we have laptops with us.) I see alot of Apple Scooter, Walker, and other brands.

 

[KGK]

Thank you for the advice. I too, don't like the idea of getting old or letting people think I'm old. But ECV here I come. SueM thanks for your post and the links. It's a great source of info.

 

[jdb in AZ]

You probably won't see the other guests again in your lifetime, so don't worry about them thinking you're old. Instead, lots of people with tired aching feet and backs will envy your wheels and wish they could rent a "royal coach" as well.