powerchair hints and tips for my honeymoon!

[KPeveler]

Hi all - I am renting a powerchair from Buena Vista Scooters (Jazzy select), since my powerchair will not be ready in time for my trip.

Has anyone had experience with Buena Vista Scooters, especially their powerchairs? I liked them when I spoke with them, but I think powerchairs are less forgiving of rough treatment than ECVs, so I am hoping that mine works well!

Also, I know there are some attractions which say that they you have to transfer from a scooter or "electric vehicle" to navigate the queue. the jazzy select actually has a smaller footprint than my manual chair, and I can handle a powerchair better! I cannot use a Disney manual chair... So do they mean just scooters, or powerchairs too? I know about Pirates, but what else? Thanks

14 days til I am married!!!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Normally the "must transfer to wheelchair" is for people in an ECV as it has a much larger footprint that a wheelchair. The rides where you can actually stay in the chair on the ride cannot handle an ECV due to size limits.

 

[SueM in MN]

As Cheshire Figment mentioned, "must transfer to wheelchair" normally means people using ECVs. In most cases, power wheelchairs are handled the same as manual wheelchairs. There are a couple of ride cars that are convertible, meaning there is a seat that is left in when someone not needing an accessible car can is it. The seat can be removed to make a space for the wheelchair. On the Magic Carpets of Aladdin and on Triceraptop Spin, there is a clamp on the bottom that your wheelchair needs to clear. For those, if it doesn't clear, you will need to switch to a manual wheelchair. I have pictures of the space, but don't have them posted anywhere.

I am not aware of any other ride cars besides those 2 that should cause you any problem. ECVs are not able to make the sharp turn to get into some of the wheelchair accessible ride cars, but you should have no problem with a Jazzy since it will pretty much turn in its own footprint.
If you want to read about experience in a power wheelchair, there is a link to eternaldisneyfan's trip report in post #3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. She was using a rear wheelchair drive wheelchair, which is not able to turn as sharply.

 

[ireland_nicole]

Nothing useful to add, but I just wanted to send pixie dust and congratulations on your upcoming wedding

 

[KPeveler]

Thanks - I have heard mixed things about having to transfer, and I have never done disney in a powerchair before (just started needing one the last two or three months), so I am a little nervous!

Sue - thanks for the info - I don't ride those two anyway, so no problems!

10 days til I am there!!!