Question on Wheelchairs in the parks?

[lucky978]

My grandmother will be joining us for our trip in December. She will be 83. Although she is in good health and insists that she does all her own walking, I really don't think she can. I would rather have her comfortable and be able to spend more time in the parks insteas of getting exhausted after the first hour. She is a bit stubborn!!!

Does anyone have any experience with renting wheelchairs or the electric ones? Not sure how she would do with the electric one, but I wouldn't mind pushing her around (as she only weighs a little more than 110 lbs. anyways).

Any experience?

 

[deb305]

My then 64 yr old mom had one for our July 2001 trip. We rented her an electric one from an offsite company recommended by WDW (call them and they will give you a list). It was about 25$ a day at that time. The company delivered it to the Bell Hop at POR and it was ready when we got there, drop off was easy to. Mom can walk but not for more than an hour or two. It was easy to roll into our rooms, and the buses were always equiped to take it. It saved our trip, Mom was usually the most rested of all of us. The only problem was, she could stand in lines but WDW policy was to treat her as handicapped so we always had to go as a group to the handicap areas.

 

[Eeyore1954]

I've had experience with both. The Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) are available at all parks, but the supply can be limited. They tend to go quickly in the morning rush, although Epcot always seems to have a supply available anytime during the day. They are fairly easy to drive, although it may take grandma some time to get used to it. They do not stop on a dime, so anticipate some bumps or possible run-ins with other guests.

WDW also rents non-motorized wheelchairs at all parks. Keep in mind that most parks have some type of incline area to deal with. At 110 lbs. Grandma may seem light, but after pushing her around all day, you might have a different opinion as you exit the park!

Having used both, I'd opt for the ECV.