? re: walking & ramps at TTC

BWVDenise

I believe in something, I just don't know what it
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For persons who need to rent wheelchairs in the parks but who don't normally use them, what is the best way to get someone from the TTC to the parks & vice versa? My SIL will be there soon with her MIL who has Parkinson's and can usually walk okay but once her meds start to wear off, she has some trouble walking. She doesn't have a wheelchair at home but doesn't normally have to walk long distances or up and down long ramps. Any suggestions for her?

TIA!
 
Instead of the monorail take the boat. The ride is nice and relaxing and no ramp to climb.
 
First thing to do is consider using an outside company, or, for a wheelchair if staying at a Disney Resort, see about borrowing one from the Resort for the entire stay. Either of these will allow for use outside of the parks, such as with transportation or Downtown Disney, etc.

You may be better off renting an ECV, as pushing a wheelchair can get very tiresome, especially if you are not used to it. Also it depends on the weight of the passenger and the condition of the pusher(s). Some information for off-site rentals (which can be used for either ECVs or wheelchairs) are:

Here are the urls:

Care Medical:
http://www.caremedicalequipment.com/

Walker Mobility:
1-888-726-6837
www.walkermobility.com

RANDY'S Mobility is in Kissimmee 407-892-4777
http://randysmobility.com/

Colonial Medical
http://www.colonialmed.com/about_cms.html

I have used Walker a few times. They will ask for a credit card and charge it the day before arrival. They will deliver the ECV to your hotel bell services before your arrival and pick it up there after your departure. Their rates, especially for longer than a week, are much better than Disney's. Also, their scooters are much better.

Ifg a person has never used an ECV, most large grocery stores have them available for customers with disabilities, so a "test drive" can be done before committing to a rental. Note that the ones in the stores tend to be much larger than the normal ones due t the oversize basket.

You don't say if you are renting a car or what. If you are using a car for getting around, the ECVs break down into five pieces, the heaviest about 39 pounds. They take about a minute or so to take apart and about two minutes (once you are used to it) to put it together.

If not renting a car, generally Disney Transport is very accessible, for both wheelchairs and ECVs. Almost all the buses are lift or ramp equipped, and the drivers can provide some assistance. The boats, except the smaller yachts, are easily accessible. AS Michigan said, going beteen TTC and MK you are better off with the ferry as the monorail stations at TTC, MK and Epcot have long and fairly steep ramps.

Another suggestion is find out your state's requirements for a temporary disabled hang tag and get the paper work and have your doctor sign off on it. The tag will allow you to use any of the handicap parking areas (which will be a necessity). Also, with the policy of charging for valet parking, with a handicap hang tag the fees will be waived. Also the valets will usually volunteer to assist in loading/unloading an ECV. In Virginia I printed the required form from the DMV website. When I took the completed form to the DMV Office it took less than 15 minutes from the time I walked in until I had my tag.

You can use a bungee cord to help keep crutches or a folded up walker on the EVC or wheelchair. Usually it would be a short walk with the crutches from the wheelchair or EVC.

Good luck and let us know what finally happens.
 
Both of the others gave very good advice.
Even if you have a wheelchair, the ramps at TTC and MK are steep and difficult to push a wheelchair up or down. We avoid them if at all possible.
 













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