please help me show my wife she wont' get flamed for using an EVC

[OneLittleSpark]

If you're going to be leaving the ECV outside some rides, shows, restaurants or shops, make sure you have a spare poncho to cover the seat. The last thing you want is to come out and find that a Floridian shower has been past in your absence, and soaked the seat. Ponchos are also useful on Khali River Rapids, as the design of seat means you're sitting in a puddle of water before you even start. I know from experience that it's not pleasant sitting in a chair when your lower half is soaked right through to your undergarments [insert smilie representing soggy backside ].

 

[whgrn]

I have to chuckle reading about the 400 degree leather seats!!! On our last trip 5 years ago, it was beastly hot. I was using an ECV, and came out of someplace to exactly that. YIKES!!! Fortunately I was wearing capris, not shorts, but I felt that heat right through to my gatchies!!! After that experience, I always left something on the seat to keep it cool.

I've been looking at rental sites for our trip in November, and many of them offer a canopy for the ECV. That looks like a great idea, as it could help with the hot seat prolbem, as well as keeping the sun off me.

 

[mcco5543]

ooh the canopy sounds lovely! I think we're just going to bring an old towel for the seat (if it gets swiped...no big deal). Of course i assume nobody would even dream of swiping anything from the happiest place on earth but you never know.


much love to all..keep those tips coming!

 

[allie_to_you]

First let me just say that I hope you both have a wonderful & memorable disneymoon. My DH & I had our honeymoon at Disney World and we had a fantastic time. Be sure to get Mickey & Minnie bride & groom hats to wear.

I'm so glad she decided to take all the advice and rent an ECV. My DH is also confined to a wheelchair. He was born with Spina Bifida and has been in a wheelchair since birth. We have been on 2 Disney vacations together and the last one about did me in. I have problems with my feet and knees that cannot be seen by anyone so even though I was in incredible pain last year, I was too stubborn to try and rent an ECV. I soooo wish I had. Trust me, this year, if I get to hurting I'll definitely be getting one.

It's a shame that there are jerks out there that will make comments or stare or just be rude because they can't see a person's disability and they just assume the person using an ECV/wheelchair lazy, but those people only do those things out of ignorance and stupidity. I used to be too proud to rent an ECV too. Your right, it's hard to not listen to others opinions but I just had to tell myself to think about...how many of those people am I going to see again after my vacation...probably none.

Your wife will feel so much better now that she has decided to rent an ECV. It's so hard to just tough it out.

I hope you have a magical and romantic honeymoon together!

 

[starwishing]

Loved the bumper sticker idea!!! I actually had purchased a stuffed "Beeker" from the muppet store in MGM and attached him to the front basket. Anyone who glanced my way immediately broke into a smile! I also was very worried but I never had one mean look or word.....and I am sure you will be fine too!!!!

 

[Mami2Princesa]

I have decided to rent an ECV for our upcoming trip to Disney World because I have developed a heal spur in my right foot. It's very painful to walk and stand for long periods of time. I was concerned about what other might say but I know that I don't want to be in pain when we watch our daughter see Walt Disney World for the first time. I want to enjoy watching her and making magical memories. If I don't rent the ECV I know I will be in pain and miserable. This post has been so helpful. A friend of mine suggested that if I am concerned about what others may think since I look healthy (which I know I shouldn't be) to wrap my ankle in an ace bandage. I know I shouldn't have to do this but I know I will be very upset if I get stared at and I don't like standing out in a crowd. I think I will take her advice. I am glad your wife is getting an ECV. Enjoy your Disneymoon!!!

 

[hollygolightlytika]

I have never had to use an ECV, but I have juvenile diabetes and the start of neuropathy in my feet so I am fully aware that in the future I will need assistance. I have seen the "looks" and heard the "comments" while standing in lines and I have to say it drives me crazy! I would never be so rude! I especially hate the comments where they say the person looks fine to them and shouldn't be using an EVC because if anyone looked at me they wouldn't have any clue that I have such a horrible disease or that I am slowly losing my eyesight due to it. I know when the time comes I'm going to get the comments too, because I look perfectly healthy but no one else can know how bad the pain and burning in my feet gets, how sometimes I have no choice but to stop the vacation and sit down because I cannot walk any further. I am forrtunate that so far my neuropathy is intermittent and not yet a permanent state, and truth be told right now all the walking I do at DW keeps my levels in a more normal range and I'm less likely to experience the neuropathy on vacation. But unfortunately this will not last, it will eventually be a permanent issue.

I just don't understand how people can be so rude though. I mean, why get angry over something so trivial, we'll all get our turn on a ride, or at a show, people need to have a little more patience and a little more understanding that not all disabilities are visible, but that doesn't mean the person isn't disabled. I'm one of those who actually goes out of my way to make it easier for EVC users, more than willing to lend a hand if someone needs some assistance, and it makes my trip a better one for it!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

i wanted to say ty. i have been going back and force with the idea of ECV. a few years ago (1month befor going to dw. I had an acdent at work. every one said it wasnt permnet but my legs still hurt when i walk to much. I can walk normaly I try to alot, but dl im thinking its alot of standing and walking and do i relly want to take the chance of trying with out evc and maybe runing my vacation. Or just rent one use it most times.

I will not do charcter photos in i this time. i thought i looked horibuel in whell chair last time. and I want good emmorys.

what worries me most is some one will see me stand up to take pic with charcter with my son and then see me in line at some ride.

I know i keep being told dont worrie what others think and I am not gona pay atition to other ppls adituieds towards me if there bad.

I hope the lady who was gona need the evc got it. im sure it helped her vacation just like it would with me. im only 23 and fill so old and weak and hate giving up, but if im gona do it any where i see dl and wdw being the place

im also traveling with my 57year old dad and he may decied to need one. hart attack few years back and harder time walking lately

 

[kmjmom]

Congratulations and have a wonderful Disneymoon!! I have been considering renting an ECV offsite after having major ankle surgery in May. After transitioning through four casts and having Physical therapy twice a week for the last month, I am actually walking increasing distances. Granted, I do 10 minutes on the treadmill at therapy, but I feel stronger each day. Having been to Disney before, I know I will probably not have the necessary stamina to last at the parks, so I will most likely need to rent an ECV for the parks. I want our trip to be magical and if I am in pain that won't be possible, so I'm keeping an open mind about the ECV!

 

[ThistleMae]

Some people find putting a jokey sign (like an L plate) on the back of the scooter relieves some of their tension. I know that's not something that everyone would go for, but some do find it helps. I'm thinking of making a couple of bumper stickers for my wheelchair before Disney, such as: "43 square miles of magic, and I'm the most exciting thing you can find to look at? I'm flattered!". All right, it's not really snappy, but it'd get the message across.

Wherever you go, whatever you do and whatever your abilities, you'll probably find some jerks. But what's more important: pleasing the jerks, or having a great trip? I say scoot away and have fun!

I love your bumper sticker idea! It is really clever. I do agree with you that most people are there to enjoy their vacation. There is always one or two angry, frustrated people around on occasion. Just think of how miserable they must be! Go...be happy...have fun. Be grateful for technology!

 

[lanejudy]

Tips and info is probably still valid but this is another old thread so please start a new thread if someone has questions.

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