Things you should know about wheeling at Disney

[SueM in MN]

Cheshire Figment, where would I look for something to use as slipcovers? It occurs to me that the ECV might get rained on while I'm in a ride or something, and it wouldn't be fun to come back to a wet scooter.

We saw quite a few people who had covered their ECV with the type of cover that you might use on lawn furniture to protect it from rain/winter.
We also saw some people who had put a poncho or piece of plastic over their ECV and held it in place with clip type clothespins.
Be sure you cover the controls with something if you are using it in the rain or if it is out in the rain. We saw quite a few people who didn't do that.

I'll be using a non-powered chair on board the Wonder and an ECV in the parks (along with crutches), and I have both types of gloves - I lift AND I ride (which is how I broke my ankle, come to think of it...) a BMW. Any thoughts on which would be more useful - the workout gloves with padded palms and the wrist support, or the deerskin riding gloves, with even shorter fingers and the back of the hand with a cutout (so it's cooler to wear)?

I was thinking that the lifting gloves would be better when I'm on my crutches, but the riding gloves would be cooler, so... Which would be better to use for what? Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks - it's less than 4 days til departure, and I'm getting excited... and nervous, too.

I think you are probably right; the workout gloves with padded palms and wrist support might be better for the crutches and the riding gloves might be better for the wheelchair. There are specific wheelchair gloves for sale, but many people just use bike riding gloves. (google wheelchair gloves). We got a pair for DD once, but she would have nothing to do with them (they were pretty 'girly' looking ones too, but no deal).
I guess you would do well to bring both pairs and try them out. The wrist support may be helpful with crutches, but may also work with the wheelchair too - you don't really move your wrist that much when propelling a wheelchair.

 

[Marie14625]

It's the guy walking with a lit cigerette swinging it into my face that I like the least.

There's a suggestion carry a fire extinguisher!!!

My suggestion would be for one of those little misters that squirts a mist of water. You could take it out squirt the cig with water till it goes out, then hide the mister really fast...then they will be looking around for whoever soaked their cig.

 

[mechurchlady]

My father had a ford courier pick up, the small kind. He found and mounted an air horn on the truck so it sounded like a semi truck was coming, lol.

The next time I use an ECV oh do I want one of them horns. I got trapped in a corner in AK exhibits by about 15 people and that would have helped.

Is there a way to fix a chair so it shocks people who lean on a wheelchair?

Once I got sunburned even though I had a top that covered the area. I had a nice lace decoration on my chest that was sunburn red.

I think you covered most of my ideas and complaints.

 

[kimbac3]

My father had a ford courier pick up, the small kind. He found and mounted an air horn on the truck so it sounded like a semi truck was coming, lol.

The next time I use an ECV oh do I want one of them horns. I got trapped in a corner in AK exhibits by about 15 people and that would have helped.

Is there a way to fix a chair so it shocks people who lean on a wheelchair?

Once I got sunburned even though I had a top that covered the area. I had a nice lace decoration on my chest that was sunburn red.

I think you covered most of my ideas and complaints.

I soooo want an air horn!! I did have a few people try to lean on my chair but my kids and DH were quick to fix it. Even before I could say anything my DD9 would pipe up with "Excuse me, you can't be there!" This past trip I only had one CM "talk around" me. She looked at me and then DH and said "Can she transfer and walk a bit?" We both answered her at the same time. I felt like saying "Yes, she hears and speaks too!!"

One thing I noticed this trip is that alot of CM made sure to ask if I was enjoying myself. I also had a very kind guest interact with me. I was in the restroom, she was about to take her little one into the handicapped stall, she called out to me and asked if I needed that stall. I didn't I was just washing up but I thought that was thoughtful. It was unexpected to say the least!!

Another thing I noticed..my wheelchair seat is not very soft!! My bum hurt so bad!! I need to fix that soon. I use my chair at the mall and when I go out but I don't go out much I guess because I never noticed it before. Maybe it was because it was so hot.

I used many of the tips from here, so thanks to everyone!!

Kimba

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Several years ago I had very serious thoughts about getting a horn that uses a can of compressed gases. I went to a boating supply store to see what was available.

Unfortunately, all these horns were designed to be heard several hundred yards away. The problem with using them in an enclosed space, or pointed in the direction of nearby people, is they can actually cause auditory damage.

And Judy would not let me buy one. <sigh>

 

[lovespoohbear]

if your chair has a horn use it. it actually works. i didnt use mine until 2 nights before we left. i was laughing histarically because people parted like the red sea parting and i made my way through.

 

[Figaro]

Hi, kimbac3!

I've used all kinds of different cushions and it wasn't until I fell and broke my tail bone (didn't know that was what happened) right before our trip to WDW that I discovered using the inflated rubber "donuts" as a cushion.

I realized I needed to see a physician when we visited Animal Kingdom and the bumpy pavement caused me so much pain that we went right to the First Aid station and asked for directions to an urgent care clinic. I now use that as my only cushion and place it inside a pillowcase because rubber sticks to me when it is hot.

Hope that helps! I get mine at the local pharmacy.

 

[SueM in MN]

if your chair has a horn use it. it actually works. i didnt use mine until 2 nights before we left. i was laughing histarically because people parted like the red sea parting and i made my way through.

Be aware though that is one of the things that posters often complain about. So, if you do it, be prepared to read about yourself in a complaint thread.

If there is a crowd, it's better to hang back and wait a while until it clears in our experience.

Hi, kimbac3!

I've used all kinds of different cushions and it wasn't until I fell and broke my tail bone (didn't know that was what happened) right before our trip to WDW that I discovered using the inflated rubber "donuts" as a cushion.

I realized I needed to see a physician when we visited Animal Kingdom and the bumpy pavement caused me so much pain that we went right to the First Aid station and asked for directions to an urgent care clinic. I now use that as my only cushion and place it inside a pillowcase because rubber sticks to me when it is hot.

Hope that helps! I get mine at the local pharmacy.

That is OK for someone who can get up and change position frequently, but I have seen patients who could not move/fell who actually ende up with pressure ulcers on their bottoms because using a donut gives a smaller amount of skin surface for you to be resting on. The skin that is resting on it gets more pressure and could be damaged. So, just be aware, get up and move around from time to time.

 

[kimbac3]

Hi, kimbac3!

I've used all kinds of different cushions and it wasn't until I fell and broke my tail bone (didn't know that was what happened) right before our trip to WDW that I discovered using the inflated rubber "donuts" as a cushion.

I realized I needed to see a physician when we visited Animal Kingdom and the bumpy pavement caused me so much pain that we went right to the First Aid station and asked for directions to an urgent care clinic. I now use that as my only cushion and place it inside a pillowcase because rubber sticks to me when it is hot.

Hope that helps! I get mine at the local pharmacy.

That is OK for someone who can get up and change position frequently, but I have seen patients who could not move/fell who actually ende up with pressure ulcers on their bottoms because using a donut gives a smaller amount of skin surface for you to be resting on. The skin that is resting on it gets more pressure and could be damaged. So, just be aware, get up and move around from time to time.

Thanks! I can get up and do try - I can't go far. I use my cane when I do. But it seems the pain is getting worse and worse. I think I'll try the donut and see how it works for me. I'm also going to look online and see what the make specifically for wheelchairs.

Thanks Again,
Kimba

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks! I can get up and do try - I can't go far. I use my cane when I do. But it seems the pain is getting worse and worse. I think I'll try the donut and see how it works for me. I'm also going to look online and see what the make specifically for wheelchairs.

Thanks Again,
Kimba

I'm posting from my iPod so I can't do any cutting and pasting, but if you do an internet search for "wheelchair"+"cushion" you will come up with all sorts. From donuts, to memory foam and gel. You can find some good ones for $40 or a little less. Don't be surprised to see some expensive ones; my DD has a lot of pressure reduction and positioning needs, so she has an expensive gel seat cushion -over $500!

 

[All4Nuthin]

Hi!

If you are using an ECV, rather than using a towel on the seat that can slip and slide check out your auto department for a comfy looking bucket seat cover. The bottom will stretch to fit even the larger seats. While the back will be longer than the ECV seat you can tuck the excess into itself behind the seat, forming a kind of pocket that will lye flat.

In addition to having a nice seat cover, if you are using a rental you will easily be able to spot your ECV as the seat cover will make it stand out in a group of same color/model ECVs.

Take care.

 

[mechurchlady]

I was in the parking lot of Wal-mart yesterday and learned a dirty lesson. Make sure you clean the chair or ECV for a trip even to the store. My mother's chair has all sorts of thread and hair in the whee and I am still not done cleaning it. She will not use the back up chair so I never get to see it, lol, silly mother will not let me near the throne if she is in it. Make sure the chair is lubed and cleaned.

Today I slept like a rock from pushing mom in the store. She is to stubborn to use a power chair but then again we would not have a way to transport a power chair.

I still want that air horn. As for trips I have not had problems lately on trips using an ECV except at WDW and SeaWorld when people would get on top of you to see the animals. At the Wild Animal Park and Aquarium of the Pacific there were fewer people but still some kids and a few adults will crowd a person in a chair.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Be aware though that is one of the things that posters often complain about. So, if you do it, be prepared to read about yourself in a complaint thread.

If there is a crowd, it's better to hang back and wait a while until it clears in our experience.

I totally agree. I cannot think of anything more rude than to honk at someone while in a chair/ECV. If I am trapped in a crowd or cornered in a store, moving and saying excuse me goes a long way. No horn needed.

I am in a wheelchair, not a car.

 

[Mickiethepooh]

Thanks! I can get up and do try - I can't go far. I use my cane when I do. But it seems the pain is getting worse and worse. I think I'll try the donut and see how it works for me. I'm also going to look online and see what the make specifically for wheelchairs.

Thanks Again,
Kimba

I have had two gel cushions designed for wheelchairs and very expensive, though ins. usually covers it. However one time I forgot it on a plane, [I did get it back eventually] anyway in a pinch I used one of those dining room chair cushions you can buy foam about 3 or more inches thick. It turned out to be the most comfortable cushion I have used and was like 12.00 or something like that.
You might try that, little to lose.

 

[KPeveler]

i have found what may work well for those of us who can get up and shift positions easily - i went to a sewing store and got a pillow form, just a 3 inch thick piece of foam, and it was perfect! you can also cut it to the size of your chair, so it fits perfectly. I just put it in a pillow case, and poof! instant cushion! it was all of $6. that way if it gets lost or ruined, its okay with me

 

[KPeveler]

i have also heard that bubble wrap can help - i plan on taking the foot rests and cushion and brake handle extenders off my chair, but i may well cover some of the exposed parts with bubble wrap (nothing to interfere with rolling it) to avoid scratches and dings... i cant imagine the paperwork to get the airline to cover something like a pain job - its easier to spend $5 on bubble wrap!

 

[BillSears]

if your chair has a horn use it. it actually works. i didnt use mine until 2 nights before we left. i was laughing histarically because people parted like the red sea parting and i made my way through.

Be aware though that is one of the things that posters often complain about. So, if you do it, be prepared to read about yourself in a complaint thread.

If there is a crowd, it's better to hang back and wait a while until it clears in our experience.

I totally agree. I cannot think of anything more rude than to honk at someone while in a chair/ECV. If I am trapped in a crowd or cornered in a store, moving and saying excuse me goes a long way. No horn needed.

I am in a wheelchair, not a car.

Yep it seems pretty rude to me to use a horn. I feel it's the equivilent of going through the crowd yelling "Get out of my way!". When you're in a crowd you have to learn to travel with the crowd not expect it to part like the red sea.

I tend to tap someone on the shoulder or say excuse me when I need to pass through a tight area in a store. In crowds I just go with the flow and work my way to the exit just like everyone else.

 

[Mickiethepooh]

I agree with Bill about the horn thing, mine sounds like a sick duck anyway, but the only time I ever use it is after sitting about 2 min or so trying to get past someone, saying excuse me, and being not heard, then and only then I hit the horn, oh yes one other, when someone suddenly is about to crash into me or fall in my lap, if there is time to beep.

 

[Tigrrtum]

We bring two Disney rain slickers, one to wear and one to drape over the scooter. When my wife has to wear the slicker, it usually will fit over the back of the seat and cover the handlebars also, draping one extra pouncho over the scooter is fine, but beware of the hood and the hole where your head comes through, one wrong move and up dump water right on your seat!

 

[SallyfromDE]

I rented an outside ECV for my trip last month. I don't have much experience with one and was really worried. But I made out well and wouldn't hesitate again, if the need arose. Hopefully next trip, I'll be in good shape and it won't be needed.

For the rain, I had taken a clear trash bag from the room, so when we were in a resturant, I'd just wrap the basket and handles with it. It worked well. If we were not sure of the weather, I'd fold the seat down, that way I wouldn't have a wet butt when I came out. And if I had to ride in the rain, I used the Disney poncho. I can't wear hats, but I bought a cheap visor. I hate to get the rain on my glasses. Plus it helps to keep the hood up. The ECV company suggested a large Disney bag. I like the shower cap idea.

I had meant to bring a clip on battery fan we have at home. I wanted to try it and see if it worked. Someone might want to try that when it's hot. They make them for baby strollers. I got mine at 5below.

I had rented a cane holder. I thought it was a waste of money. The cane kept popping out, or the bus driver would take it off so he strap the ECV. I would just stick it through the hole in the basket.

Thankfully, many times the bus driver would ask if he could put it on the bus for me. After the first day, I got pretty good at it.