Stroller or wheelchair?

[RayJay]

Any Op's would be helpful,

We have arrived at that stage where my 9 year old is starting to get the comments from people and even cast members about her riding in the stroller.

It looks like we may have to switch to a wheelchair or something else unless I just keep strollering her, she's not that heavy. Problem is she can do Magic Kingdom maybe a half day as long as it isn't in the 90's, but MGM and AKL will turn her blue quickly and Epcot is definately out.

Her condition is Heart issues, she is currently single ventricle with multiple defects and 3 surgeries behind her, so she tires easy after alot of walking, and the heat (forget it, no way) she needs frequent breaks and water. Needless to say we don't go commando.

Just looking for some thoughts as she gets older and harder for her to understand, she hates her stupid heart (as she puts it now). I'm just sick and tired of the comments.

We've been many times, in the heat and all, but always in a stroller, now what?

Thanks
RayJay

 

[OKWMom]

I think the correct answer for you will boil down to personal preference for both you and your daughter. Since she is sensitive to the looks of others, a wheelchair may attract less attention than a stroller designed for a larger child.

My DD9 preferred the wheelchair to the special needs strollers, so my choice was pretty easy. We rented a chair from Care Medical, one of the providers listed in the sticky thread on this board. I know there are companies that rent the special needs strollers as well if you decide that is the way you want to go.

Best of luck to you and your daughter.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Coming from someone who has been disabled since she was 6, please let your daughter use a wheelchair and ditch the stroller. Let her keep her dignity. I would have been absolutely mortified at 9 years old if I had to do WDW in a stroller. Not to mention it will give her independence to move herself around and not be stranded in a stroller.

 

[Schmeck]

Just a note - the wheelchairs that you rent at the parks are not sized well for children. I'd look into renting a child's wheelchair from one of the companies listed in the sitckies at the top of this forum.

 

[LindaDVC]

I 'd also ask if you need it for other destinations to since you seem to go to Disney once a year! A trip to the zoo, an all day shopping outlet, ............

If yes I would get your insurance to get her something appropriate that would be avialable when ever you need it.

Linda

 

[bzzymom]

I would go with renting a child's wheelchair as well. Get a mister fan and keep her cool

 

[RayJay]

I 'd also ask if you need it for other destinations to since you seem to go to Disney once a year! A trip to the zoo, an all day shopping outlet, ............

If yes I would get your insurance to get her something appropriate that would be avialable when ever you need it.

Linda

Linda,

Actually, sometimes but not really. She can go pretty good at the mall or other places. Disney is just a little too much.

Although she will often kick her little brother out of his stroller so she can ride and take a rest, he dosen't mine, he'd rather not have it.

Looks like a wheel chair, I don't think it fazes her that she's in the stroller, I'm the one getting the looks.

Thanks for all the opinions.
RayJay

 

[wvdislover]

When you're at WDW, at least, a stroller for your 9yo is still doable. My DD9 rode in one this summer (she has several issues, gets overwhelmed, gets tired, and tends to wander off A LOT). We looked at using a stroller or wheelchair for her, and went with a double stroller that we rented at Disney for her and our DD5. Sometimes they walked, sometimes they rode, but it was always great for carrying all our "stuff". I saw a lot of older kids riding in the strollers and they are big enough for them to sit pretty comfortably, esp. in the double stroller. Also, if you do a multi-day rental, they'll give you a small discount. If you don't use all the rentals, they'll give you a refund at the end if you give them your unused tickets. Good luck!