Trying to decide offsite stroller rental or wheelchair in the park..

[Brandee987]

We are going to be at DW next week! I am starting to panic. I posted about my daughters heart condition and how we needed to get a stroller or wheelchair. (cant find the post now) I am torn between what is the best option... We are staying at ASM and I am wondering how crazy it will be to fold up and fit a special needs stroller on the bus. Are the buses crowded and cramped? Would renting a wheelchair in the park be easier? Last minute advice is super welcome! I did order the Frog Toggs cooling towel to help with the heat. Thanks!!!

 

[lanejudy]

If I recall correctly from your earlier post, your DD is younger elementary school age. A wheelchair is likely to be too big and not comfortable at all for her. I would opt for the special needs stroller. I think the Liberty Pushchair is available to rent from the regular stroller rental locations; that is a bulkier stroller but would still be do-able on the buses. A smaller special needs stroller is the Maclaren Major, and the regular "baby" stroller companies don't rent it but I know I found it available at a couple of locations listed in the FAQ sticky when I was looking. We ended up buying this stroller, it folds like an umbrella stroller so very easy to take along on the bus or any transportation.

But unless DD is tween or older, I think the special needs stroller will be a better option than a wheelchair. And for a tween or teen, you'd probably want a pediatric sized wheelchair which can be rented offsite but not at WDW parks.

Enjoy your vacation!

ETA: found your earlier post: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3105690

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree with lanejudy - the biggest issue will be size. The park rental wheelchairs are adult size, which is fine if you have a adult size child, but not so good for a smaller child.
Besides that, renting from outside would mean you will have it available at your resort and for getting back to the bus stop - especially helpful if she is tired at the end of the day or you need to wait a while for the bus.


Here is a link to your previous thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3105690

 

[clanmcculloch]

You need to ask her how she feels about sitting in a stroller. My 12yo was barely 10 when we needed a mobility devide for her at WDW due to a broken ankle. She told me should would REFUSE to ride in a stroller because that's for babies.

The park chairs are big. We were very happy with the 16" chair we rented offsite though she probably would have fit better in something even a little smaller.

Don't worry about the bus. You do what you need to do for your DD. If other people have a problem with you taking up room with a folded stroller or wheelchair on the bus (I found folding the wheelchair easier than getting it strapped down but you can get it strapped down if you don't want to or can't hold a folded chair but a stroller has to be folded and held) then that's their problem, not yours. You are using a Disney approved type of mobility aid so that's what matters.

 

[Brandee987]

You need to ask her how she feels about sitting in a stroller. My 12yo was barely 10 when we needed a mobility devide for her at WDW due to a broken ankle. She told me should would REFUSE to ride in a stroller because that's for babies.

The park chairs are big. We were very happy with the 16" chair we rented offsite though she probably would have fit better in something even a little smaller.

Don't worry about the bus. You do what you need to do for your DD. If other people have a problem with you taking up room with a folded stroller or wheelchair on the bus (I found folding the wheelchair easier than getting it strapped down but you can get it strapped down if you don't want to or can't hold a folded chair but a stroller has to be folded and held) then that's their problem, not yours. You are using a Disney approved type of mobility aid so that's what matters.

She is very young for her age so a stroller would not be a big deal. My other 9 year old would not dare ride in a stroller! They are so opposite I decided to go with the stroller. I like that they have ample storage for extra water!! Thanks everyone for your help. Thank you SueM for linking my old post too My daughter has to get bloodwork tomorrow for a quick check and I am praying all is great!!! We are headed out on Saturday to make the drive!!!

 

[cgncga]

She is very young for her age so a stroller would not be a big deal. My other 9 year old would not dare ride in a stroller! They are so opposite I decided to go with the stroller. I like that they have ample storage for extra water!! Thanks everyone for your help. Thank you SueM for linking my old post too My daughter has to get bloodwork tomorrow for a quick check and I am praying all is great!!! We are headed out on Saturday to make the drive!!!

We use a stroller (the Maclaren Major) for our 9 year old, and so far she has no complaints about riding in it and will even ask for it if the walking is too much for her. We don't use it much for school trips--but will if the trip involves a lot of walking outside. So far, teasing hasn't been an issue, but it does help that she has been with most of her classmates since Kindergarten.

 

[writersblock42]

One thing to consider is that a rented DW wheelchair is not allowed past the gate. There was a huge issue with this from somebody in line in front of us. She ended up screaming at the cm but the cm was just following policy.