Traveling with 2 power chairs....HELP!

[asramears]

I will be traveling with my kids (7 & 8) and my parents that will both have power chairs. We will be staying at the CR for 7 nights. Has anyone ever done this? Any tips for the bus, parks etc... Will we have trouble in resturants? Really any tips would be greatly appreciated!!!!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

First of all, welcome to disABILTIES!

Second an important question. Are these actually power chairs, approximately the footprint of a wheelchair and controlled by a joystick, or are they Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECV) with three or four wheels and controlled by a lever on a steering tiller?

To assist in answering this question normally a user of a power chair has a customized chair and may require assistance to move from the chair to another location while the user of an ECV will have stamina or mobility problems and be able to walk short distances without assistance.

A lot of the advice will be different for a power chair than an ECV.

 

[asramears]

First of all, welcome to disABILTIES!

Second an important question. Are these actually power chairs, approximately the footprint of a wheelchair and controlled by a joystick, or are they Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECV) with three or four wheels and controlled by a lever on a steering tiller?

To assist in answering this question normally a user of a power chair has a customized chair and may require assistance to move from the chair to another location while the user of an ECV will have stamina or mobility problems and be able to walk short distances without assistance.

A lot of the advice will be different for a power chair than an ECV.

OK...they are power chairs. They are renting them from (can't remember the name right now). They do have mobility but not for long. The reason they went with the power chairs instead of the ECV was easier use and a smaller vehicle. It will already be tight with 5 people in 1 room (at the CR). On the bus, rides etc. they would be able to transfer but wouldn't be able to stand for to long in line. for your help!!!

 

[eternaldisneyfan]

We have traveled to Disney with 3 power chairs. Usually my Dad rearranges the hotel room furniture. Restaurants can be tricky but can be done. That said have they ever driven a power chair??? The toggle/joystick is very sensitive. It usually takes about two weeks of consistant driving to get good. Driving a power wheelchair for the first time at Disney World would be bad. When my mom first got her power chair, she underestimated the sensitivity of the toggle. She put a hole in the door (wheely bar), overcorrected pulling forward and did a wheely, then panic turned and broke the drawer of our vhs drawer. I would seriously reconsider renting a power chair- unless they have experience.

Christamae

 

[BCV23]

I would not choose power chairs because of the room issue. They are actually harder to use for most people. And the CR rooms are nice and roomy and I think you could fit two ECVs in without a problem.

You asked about restaurants. Since they can transfer, it would probably be better to park outside the restaurants and walk in. Many have tables close together and it would just be easier for everyone if it is easy for your parents to do. Plus it is nice to get out of the chair according to our DD.

 

[asramears]

Thank you all for the info. I will let them know what you guys said. Thanks again!!!

 

[Juliah]

My DDs (age 19) both use power chairs. There is room on the buses for two wheelchairs; once in a while, we encounter a bus that already has someone in a wheelchair aboard, so we have to wait for the next bus. We can also get both of the girls' chairs in a monorail car, though I should add that their chairs are on the smallish side.

If you don't go to the parks the day of arrival, maybe they could spend some time practicing driving around the resort to get the hang of the joysticks.