Suggestions for my mother

[NCRedding]

I would love to take my mom to WDW in eary December. We went together in 2000. She had polio as a child, but does not use any equipment (canes, braces, etc) at home, in her day-to-day life. She wants to go, but worries that it will be too much for her. Unfortunately, on our last trip, I was too "commando" on her--wanting her to see as much as possible. we were also with my high energy DD. Can anyone give any suggestions.

She has never used an ECV. How difficult is it to use as a newbie. Would renting one at the parks be easier in December, due to lower crowds? I don't know if we would want to rent one from an outside company, as she doesn't need it all the time, and I am a little uncertain of how to transport one.

Are there places at the park where I could "let her off" to wait while I went to parK? That would cut down on some of the walking.

How are wheel chairs to push for someone? Are they more easily rented?

Can we use our state issued handicap sticker in FL. Are there handicapped parking areas?

We currently have reservations as POFQ, due to its smaller size. Would you recommend another resort?

Thanks for any assistance. I really want her to make this trip. My brother passed away in July, and I know she'll have a hard time if she just stays home.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Welcome to disABILITIES

All state handicap tags are valid within Florida. When you park in the lots, be sure to have the tag hanging from the mirror after you pass the toll plaza; that will alert the parking controllers to send you to the "medical parking" area. Also, if you go to one of the deluxe resorts, they will waive the $6.00 valet parking fee (but realize that the valets are tip positions).

There is a FAQ about differences between on and off site rentals and access. That will give you tons of information. My recommendations are get an ECV for several reasons.

One is there are hills in the parks, and unless you are used to pushing a wc you will notice them.

A second is it will give your mother a sense of freedom and not dependence on someone else.

We tend to suggest doing Epcot first as the walkways are wide there. Also, you might want to take your mother to a large grocery store or WalMart type store; they have ECVs that shoppers can use. Be aware that the ECVs in the store are much slower and more difficult to manage than rentals.

Once you've seen the FAQ, ask more specific quesitons; we are more than willing to help you.

 

[SueM in MN]

If you haven't checked it out already, there is a FAQs on the top of this board that should help you out. It includes info about renting ecvs at the parks and from off-site rental places. It also includes info about parking.
The one thing that is important to know is that if you drive to MK, it's quite a walk to the TTC from the handicapped parkiing area. For MK, you are definately better using WDW buses than driving yourself.