Taking Granny!!!

[Selina]

We are thinking of taking a 79 nearly 80 year old with us!! Now she is lively and loves walking (but she walks in little steps - size 3 feet and 60inches tall!!! and walks at a much slower pace.) I have suggested we hire a wheelchair as I think it will take us ages to get round the park - but she isn't too keen and wants to walk! Has anyone else taken a granny and how?

 

[tcfdick]

I've not taken my granny (unfortunately she has passed on), but I have seen many who were in their golden years. If you are staying at a WDW resort, they have wheelchairs available for the length of your stay for free on a first come basis. This is the best way to go so she can walk when she wants to and ride when she is tired. Also, she won't feel like she's holding everyone up (my granny would have felt that way). You will be able to use the wheelchair at the resort, DD and at all of the parks too.

 

[my3princes]

My grandmother lived with me until she passed and also did not like the idea of a wheelchair. I was surprised however when she bagan talking about buying herself an ECV. Have you suggested renting one of these for granny? She could drive it herself and not feel like she has to rely on anyone and somehow my grandmother felt there was less stigma attached to it.

 

[SueM in MN]

Renting an ecv sounds like a good idea. That way, she won't feel like she is bothering anyone by walking too slow or having someone push her. If she wants to walk, she could park it outside stores, lines and restaurants. That way, she'd get to walk sometimes (in places where walking slowly doesn't really make a difference) and would avoid using the ecv in places where it's harder to drive.
Follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES Board if you want more info about ecvs.

 

[Selina]

Thanks for your replies. Could you give me a rough cost to hire an ECV and if you can hire them at all the parks.

 

[Selina]

I've been to the disabilities board and seen that it's about $40 to hire an ECV at the parks. Anyone know how much to hire just an ordinary wheelchair on a daily basis at the parks?

 

[all4fun]

Hi, we rented a wheelchair at Epcot for a day a couple of years ago. I believe it was $8 for the day - much more cost-effective than the ECV. Also, we were pushing my mom, who is "pooh" sized, with no trouble. (I told her I always wanted to be able to push her around ) We found out that day that with a wheelchair, you get excellent parade viewing opportunities.

HTH!

Cheryl

 

[hyzdufan]

My Grandma used to love Disney World while my Pap was still alive, but she won't go back without him. She said the only way she'd go back is if she has a great grandchild. I guess we should get cracking then.

 

[my3princes]

Selina
Check the disabilities board for ECV info. I think that you can hire them through outside companys for your length of stay and they deliver them directly to your resort at a lower cost than Disneys daily rental.