question about rollators?

[disneyseniors]

I have seen rollators mentioned several times on this site. My husband could benefit from use of a rollator on our next trip to WDW. He had recent back surgery with nerve damage and has poor balance plus difficult walking. He was going to rent an ECV, but I was wondering if a rollator would be better?
Now for the dumb question: I know you can rent wheelchairs and EVC's at the parks,but what about rollators to rent? We travel from about as far as you can be from WDW, and change planes twice. I wonder if there is an easier way to get a rollator at wDW other than buying one here and bringing it with us on the plane and buses???
thanks for your help.

 

[gap2368]

they do not rent them at the parks but there are off site vender that do there is a stick at the top of this that has a list of venders

 

[gap2368]

just did a quick look and all I could find is this one http://www.caremedicalequipment.com/products06.htm that rents them

have you thought about renting a wheel chair he could use it as a walker and sit when need be and if he had to be pushed and if you could it would be easer for you to do so.

 

[lanejudy]

Rollators are not rented on-site at the Disney parks. As noted above, the disABILITIES FAQs sticky near the top of this forum is a great resource. Both Care Medical and Orlando Medical Rentals rent rollators. Check pricing as it may be less expensive to purchase rather than rent. Airlines will check mobility equipment for free. I can't vouch for either vendor but have read positive reviews of both.

If you decide to go with a wheelchair or ECV, you may want an off-site rental. It will be less expensive, he'll have it to get to/from the parks and around the resort, and no worry about the on-site rentals running out (for ECVs in particular).

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[jenniy122]

For my trip I bought one, as I'm going for 10 days and it was cheaper to buy outright, and then I'll have it for every occasion. Checking a device for your flights is painless and free, and if you might need assistance getting around the various airports you'll want to call them in advance. The buses are manageable, with the Disney Express you can just put it with the luggage, and the parks buses will have you fold it. I hope you have a great vacation!

 

[Bete]

I'm still pro ECV. The average person goes 6 miles a day in a park. I would think even with a rollator he would be in pain with that much walking. If you do a rollator then I would suggest alternating rides with shows and entertainment like parades. This way you will get a rest, here and there. I would buy a rollator and use it at the airport and so forth. You will have it to keep for whatever else you may do in the future.

Also, it will be much faster to go with an ECV. You will accomplish a lot more in less time. He will be less tired and you will probably be able to stay in the park longer.

 

[mamabunny]

I have seen rollators mentioned several times on this site. My husband could benefit from use of a rollator on our next trip to WDW. He had recent back surgery with nerve damage and has poor balance plus difficult walking. He was going to rent an ECV, but I was wondering if a rollator would be better?
Now for the dumb question: I know you can rent wheelchairs and EVC's at the parks,but what about rollators to rent? We travel from about as far as you can be from WDW, and change planes twice. I wonder if there is an easier way to get a rollator at wDW other than buying one here and bringing it with us on the plane and buses???
thanks for your help.

Since you are flying, a couple of points to consider:

First of all, if he will benefit from a Rollator at home, don't worry about bringing it along on the trip; medical equipment flies for free. He would use the Rollator to get down the Jetway to the plane, and then it can be gate checked, and brought back to the door of the plane upon arrival.

Many airports are HUGE and long walks between TSA and the gates are not uncommon. Not to mention that TSA lines can be long, and move slowly, so I encourage you to think about not just WDW, but your travel to/from.

Next, reach out to the airline(s) you will be flying with and let them know that he may need assistance at the airport(s) between gates and/or to from gates. (You can also take that opportunity to let them know about any medical equipment he will need to gate check, like a Rollator)

Finally, I agree with @Bete; there is nothing worse than getting home and needing a vacation from your vacation! The ECV will benefit him in multiple ways; if he wants to be able to walk at times, then you could drive the ECV for him while he walks. Also, many folks park the ECV in a central location at WDW, explore that area, and then move the ECV to the next area they want to explore. Additionally, he can park the ECV outside of dining venues and shops, and walk a bit there as well. A folding cane would be an excellent "companion" to an ECV rental.

If he is worried about renting an ECV - that he might be stared at, or that it is somehow "cheating", please tell him not to be. So many people rent ECVs at WDW that he will not stand out at all! Most other guests at WDW are too busy worrying about their own vacation to even notice. He just needs to think about that ECV as a tool - just like he would wear a hearing aid if he couldn't hear properly, or glasses if he can't see properly... it's just another tool to help him enjoy WDW, and hopefully arrive at the end of the vacation in the best possible shape!

Last, but not least - if he is considering riding any rides, you may want to consult with his surgeon if his surgery was relatively recent prior to the trip.

 

[disneyseniors]

thanks so much Mammabunny, for your valuable information We have settled on an ECV and a cane. We will keep the rollator info for later evaluation. Your heartfelt information is much appreciated. As for his back surgery. We asked the PA 2 months ago if we could go to WDW in November. She said we could. But I don't think she had a clue exactly how much walking there is, or the bumpy rides. We have another visit scheduled in December and will clarify exactly what he can do. All of your information is very useful, and again thanks