Suggestions for Grandma with mobility issues?

[welovedis]

I have a couple of different questions for those who have more experience than I do with this type of issue. Our family is returning to WDW this coming Sept. & including my mom on this trip. She currently walks with a cane & has back/leg pain after walking too far or standing for too long. She doesn't use a wc though, just the cane. We are planning to fly down & use town car transfers to/from an on site property. My questions are:

1. Any suggestions on good room locations at the following resorts: WL, CSR or ASMo? We are not looking for a non-barrier room--just something close to bus stops/pools/food areas mostly.
2. Should we just rent a ECV at the park we visit each day or should we rent one outside of WDW? If we do the latter how do we get the ECV to the park since we are not renting a car & relying on Disney buses? Would it be hard to start out at one park & hop to another but still find an ECV available at the second park (during value season)?
3. Would it be cheaper/easier to just rent a regular wheelchair (no ECV) & push? DH & I wouldn't mind--we pushed a stroller last year-LOL!

Please tell me your suggestions & thanks in advance for the help!

Karen

9/00--CBR
9/01--Who knows where-heehee <IMG SRC="/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif" alt="confused">

 

[Figaro]

Hi,

I don't have any information about room locations, as we always get a disabled access room(smile). What you might consider doing when you get to the on-property resort is asking them if you can have one of the resort wheelchairs. They have them on a first come, first serve basis, and you can use them at the resort and in the parks. And there has not been a charge for using them(smile).

 

[SueM in MN]

I can't make links from this computer and I don't have my home files available, but I can help with the bus question. Almost all the WDW transportation buses are equipped with lifts and tie downs that can accomidate a wheelchair or ecv. Unless you have a very large ecv or wheelchair, you will have no trouble fitting it on the lift. Ask when you arrange the rental (just to ease your mind). I'm sure you will get good opinions from our regular posters who rent ecvs, so I'll leave those questions for the ones with first hand experience.

SueM in MN
Co-Moderator of disABILITIES

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[bfeller]

I rented an EVC at each individual park this past August. I was in a walking cast and was only suppose to be on my foot for a couple of hours. So, I decided that the best option for me was to only rent while at the parks for the day. I didn't have any trouble park hopping. Just keep your receipt and then you can get free rental at next park. I arrived in the parks during the first 2 hours that they were opened and there were always EVCs available. I found it much easier to walk to buses and around resort and didn't want to hassle with EVC when I didn't really need them the whole time.

Just make sure you know what your grandmother's needs are. If she needs a wheelchair/EVC 100% of time, then maybe you should rent from a company. Talk it over with her and see. She needs to be comfortable with any decisions.

 

[irish]

I definitely agree that whatever makes Grandma happiest, is the way you should go. But, having said that, IMHO an ECV rental is the way to go. It's available to you 24 hours a day for your entire trip. If you decide not to use it, of an afternoon, ex., fine. But I think she will be most comfortable having it around. My opinion is based on 2 trips in the last year and having an ECV both times.

 

[SueM in MN]

Here's some contact info:
Walker Mobility:
1-888-726-6837
www.walkermobility.com

RANDY'S Mobility is in Kissimmee 407-892-4777

Colonial Medical
http://www.colonialmed.com/about_cms.html
Also lists respiratory equipment

WDW RESORTS/SPECIAL RESERVATIONS
(407) 939-7807 [voice]
(407) 939-7670 [TTY]i

SueM in MN
Co-Moderator of disABILITIES

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