Rent vs bringing own wheelchair?

[ember303]

Jackson was granted a wish trip through make a wish. I am trying to make sure I plan accordingly : ) He has a special needs stroller right now. It is HUGE! We are in the works of getting a wheelchair. I am just not sure if it will be here for his trip. So I am wondering if anyone has rented a pediatric wheelchair for Disney t World. He can walk some. So the airport is doable as we can carry him when he tires. I just will not be able to carry him all day. Thanks : )

 

[lanejudy]

How exciting for you all! I think the smallest size rental chair I've found listed was a 16", but I've mainly checked the featured vendors and others most commonly mentioned here so you'll need to check around. GKTW or MAW might have suggested vendors. If he's comfortable in his stroller, I'd opt for that - especially if it has a canopy and cargo area. But if it's too large and unwieldy to manage on vacation a rental wheelchair or rental special needs stroller is a good option.

FYI... I believe you can borrow a wheelchair from the airline to use at the airport if needed.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[ember303]

Thanks so much for the advice! I love his stroller, but the dr would like him to be learning more independence which is why we are switching to a wheelchair. I am just not sure about the size of his stroller, and taking it in and out of rental car.

 

[KPeveler]

I say bring your stroller. He is NOT going to be able to push a rental wheelchair on his own at all. I use a manual wheelchair everyday, and *I* can barely move one of those rental WC. It is also possible that you will not find a wheelchair that fits him - on many rentals the armrests and footrests are not adjustable and I have never seen a rental smaller than 16" (most companies consider that a "pediatric" WC - which is bigger than mine and I am an adult).

I am not sure which stroller you have, but I can also tell you that a rental WC will likely be bigger when folded, or at least just as big.

It will also be vinyl, barely or not padded, with no sun shade. I say bring his stroller if you can and know that he is comfortable on his Wish trip! I am sure there will be plenty of time to work on independence when you are not at Disney.

Hope you have a great trip!

 

[ember303]

I say bring your stroller. He is NOT going to be able to push a rental wheelchair on his own at all. I use a manual wheelchair everyday, and *I* can barely move one of those rental WC. It is also possible that you will not find a wheelchair that fits him - on many rentals the armrests and footrests are not adjustable and I have never seen a rental smaller than 16" (most companies consider that a "pediatric" WC - which is bigger than mine and I am an adult).

I am not sure which stroller you have, but I can also tell you that a rental WC will likely be bigger when folded, or at least just as big.

It will also be vinyl, barely or not padded, with no sun shade. I say bring his stroller if you can and know that he is comfortable on his Wish trip! I am sure there will be plenty of time to work on independence when you are not at Disney.

Hope you have a great trip!

Great advice! Thats what I was thinking!!!!!