See Walkers In WDW?

[brittsmum1998]

I'm bringing a walker to Disney for the first time and it got me thinking, I haven't seen too many. I would prefer not to be in a wheelchair (I haven't reached that point yet) but I don't remember seeing too many walkers, unless I just don't notice them? I have the kind that has the "pull down seat" . I'm wondering how easy it will be to get around?

I know the cm's will bring it to the exit of the ride for me, I was just wondering if other people have noticed walkers around the parks.

thanks,

Kim

 

[KPeveler]

I use a walker at home, but a wc out of the house, and I would not bring the walker to WDW. but that is my personal preference. If your problem is balance, perhaps a walker will work, but if your problem is mobility and stamina, I just dont know if a walker will help you enough. People walk between 3 and 9 miles a day is disney, and that would be a lot for a walker I think!

I say it is up to you. You can always bring the walker, and rent a wc if it does not work for you.

 

[SueM in MN]

Our last 3 trips (March 2009, Oct 2009 and May 2010), I have been noticing more and more walkers. Most have been the ones with the seats (often called rollators) and the people I saw using them looked like they were doing well.

A lot is going to depend on the individual person. Some people just need a little extra support and a chance to sit every once in a while. Those people could do well with a walker, especially if they do quite a bit of walking in their 'at home' life.
But, someone who really just walks around their house with the walker is not going to have the stamina to spend a day at WDW.

If you decide to try the walker, you would be able to rent a wheelchair if you need one - They do run out of ECVs, but wheelchairs are not usually a problem. I would suggest taking the phone numbers for some of the off-site rental companies with you. There are numbers in post #2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread (you can get to that thread from the link in my signature).

 

[brittsmum1998]

I've got arthritus which is uncontrollable right now w/ remicade etc. I will be taking solumedrol by iv along w/ a full dose of remicade (usual) before trip and taking doses of steroids while there. I really need the walker for distance. It seems after a few minutes my joints just go and they aren't moving for Mickey or anyone else lately lol. Now with that said, we are DVC members so I'm aware of how much walking I could/will be doing. This is a "laid back" trip but I do want to do parks couple days, I'm just hoping not to be too much of a burden w/ the crowds. I'll take my chances. I'm afraid if I go to a wheel chair I'll never get out. I'm 45 yrs old and I'm a stubborn irish girl . I really need excersize to keep moving.

This is the first time its been bad enough to need the walker though

I started walking the neighborhood today (first time I've been able to do it since last August !! ) so I'm hoping between the walker and the prednozone (sp?) I will be good to go.

 

[peemagg]

I was just talking with my Mom about bringing my rollalator with us plus my scooter in January. There is a possibility that my 80+ year old aunt will be going with us and her knees aren't the best (niether is my foot, but I'm 40 years younger than her). We figure that way she can use the scooter and I can push the walker and just kneel on the seat and push myself around or I would have a seat when needed too. This way we wouldn't need to rent a second scooter. We (my aunt and I) would switch off an on of the scooter, but incase she needs it more than we thought, there will be something to give my foot a break.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

I'm just hoping not to be too much of a burden w/ the crowds. I'll take my chances. I'm afraid if I go to a wheel chair I'll never get out. I'm 45 yrs old and I'm a stubborn irish girl . I really need excersize to keep moving.

Why are you making things more difficult for yourself than need be? YOU are in control. Sitting down in a chair does not mean you'll never get out of it again until you get burried. You can get out of it anytime you're up to it.

In your situation, think about renting a wheelchair. You can still do the exercise you can manage. It's not against the law to walk behind the wheelchair. Scr*w any possible stares, they're simply because you're to darn beautifull.

Biggest plus of using a wheelchair like a walker is the fact that it offers more options. You can sit down when the joints have had enough, but still keep moving. Aint happening with a walker and let's be honest; you're probably one of those folks that will overdo it when using a walker, feeling it's been enough buuuuuuuuuuuuuut somebody still wants to do X or you still need to walk down mainstreet to get to the bus. While rental chairs aren't overly comfortable, they're a heck of a lot more comfortable sitting down in than on a walker. Again something to help out reducing the work the joints have to do. If you do end up being more tired and/or having more pain than hoped for, your DH can help out pushing you when using a wheelchair. Aint happening when you're using a walker. If you do hit your wall earlier than hoped for, somehow you will have to manage yourself, miss out or overdo it.

Again, you are in control. A wheelchair is not something like Ursula from the Little Mermaid that drags you down to the 'bottom of the ocean' as soon as you give it any chance. It would be great if you'll end up finding you used the chair as a walker in like 90% of the time. Still, for that 10% of the rest of the time it can be a real saver being able to sit down and still be mobile. Exercise and wheelchair usage come in all different types, shapes and forms. It is OK to still keep moving while still using a wheelchair. It's not just OK, it is VERY smart. Just like it is very smart to not overdo it and when knowing you're stubborn enough to just do that, to have some options in place you'll make it easier on yourself not to overdo it.


Don't get me wrong; if you are confident you can manage perfectly with a walker; great for you! I know all about how a walker can make a world of difference for specific reumatoid problems (my dad uses my manual wheelchair as his walker ). But you sound a bit like somebody that is more stubborn than convinced they can do it with the walker. Not somehing I will ever judge -I'm known for a stubborn streak or 2 -, but it was something that triggered me to reply.

Whatever you end up deciding to do; have a great time!

 

[cm8]

I use my rollator at the parks and it really comes in handy when needing to stand in the lines and watching the parades. I also get some good use out of it when standing in line for the buses. I have a pretty pink and black one and it has been a lifesaver in many situations. I would not hesitate to bring it again. I was embarrassed at first, since I was one that was big on appearances, but now I couldn't care less who was watching as it is my trip. my body and my $$$ and my memories. I say go for it

 

[lilwhiterabbit]

It's really up to you to decide what you're most comfortable with. If you're more comfortable with your walker than in a wheelchair or ECV, then that's for you to decide. I have a rollator and use it to great success in the parks, because sometimes all I really need is a place to sit down while in line. I find being in a wheelchair or ECV frustrating, so I understand why it's not for everyone.

Different people have different needs and often have different reasons for preferring a particular mode of support. I'm much more comfortable with my rollator than in a wheelchair. If you think you'd be too, then I say go for it.

 

[Bete]

No one has to push you and you will last longer in the parks; believe me. There is a cost factor, but to us it's well worth it. You make up the cost by enjoying the parks longer and better. If you are doubting yourself then rent one the first or second day. If you like the scooter you may be able to still get a weekly deal or whatever form an outside source (cheaper then renting at Disney). Compare using the walker to the scooter and then decide what's best for you. You mentioned only doing the parks a couple of days. You may find with a scooter you can go many more days to the parks. Give the scooter a try. If you take some bungee cords or other strapping you should be able to secure the walker to the scooter. Again, if you want to walk some you can do it and let another family member ride the scooter. They will probably be grateful for the rest.

 

[disneymarie]

I'm bringing a walker to Disney for the first time and it got me thinking, I haven't seen too many. I would prefer not to be in a wheelchair (I haven't reached that point yet) but I don't remember seeing too many walkers, unless I just don't notice them? I have the kind that has the "pull down seat" . I'm wondering how easy it will be to get around?

I know the cm's will bring it to the exit of the ride for me, I was just wondering if other people have noticed walkers around the parks.

thanks,

Kim

This is similar to mine. got mine from Amazon, by Dura-Med.. Love the ability to sit on it and rest anywhere. I have a small cooler and a stroller holder for drinks and zipper compartments that velcro's across the handles.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TVTLMI?&tag=shopwiki-us-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325