Virgin Wheelchair Assistance

[Mrs Doubtfire]

We are tentatively planning a Xama Holiday 2008!

Our MIL would like to come (we all went the other year) but feels she won't be able to keep up anymore. She is really slowing down now.

Can anyone tell me what the 'assistance' consists of at the airport and has anybody any other tips on how we can help make this trip easier for her. We would be staying off site.

Thanks & a 'Merry Christmas' to everyone

 

[disneydopey]

Our son has his own wheelchair-he only needs it for long distances as his legs get tired-and Virgin are brilliant. If you contact them before you go they either take down details of your wheelchair and what you need or arrange for you to have a wheelchair at the airport when you depart and when you land. Someone meets you at the plane with a wheelchair and helps you through immigration a bit quicker then if you line up with everyone else. You also pre-board before everyone else which is a big help as you aren't in the crush with eveyone and can find your seat without slowing everyone else down.
We think Virgin are really the best in this area.

 

[Merylj]

Yes agree with the above post, we just used Virgin and received excellent service from them.
How about renting an ECV whilst you`re there, that might help alot with the rest of the trip.
Merry christmas

 

[rpbert1]

We had assistance last year, Dw had an operation so was not able to manage much , we checked in and when we went through security we waited to be collected by one of the motor vehicles at Gatwick , took us right up to the departure gate, and as was said you get on first. At MCO they where waiting at the exit of the plane with a wheelchair and again took us straight through immigration , the desk that was for USA citizens to show passports . Coming back we got collected at checkin with a wheel chair took to boarding gate ,again first on the plane and at Gatwick collect by motorised vehicle and took to our flight departure gate. Virgin was very good ,so get in touch with them.

 

[disneydopey]

Don't forget to ask for bulk head seats. You can't reserve them but they can note your request and you can then ask for them when you check in. These seats mean you have no seats infront of you so you have a little extra room.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Thank you - I think the wheelchair would help as the journey is tiring. Any ideas for the parks? I'm not sure she would be able to control an ECV. A wheelchair might help, but MIL is not too keen.

 

[rpbert1]

Thank you - I think the wheelchair would help as the journey is tiring. Any ideas for the parks? I'm not sure she would be able to control an ECV. A wheelchair might help, but MIL is not too keen.

We stayed on site at Disney, and i asked for a wheelchair when we checked in, we got to keep it for the 2 weeks.

 

[disneydopey]

If you hire a wheelchair at the theme parks you will definitely not be in the minority! Lots of people hire them so you will not be alone. it is so much easier as the parks are very tiring. They do make it easy to get around the parks with a wheelchair too. You can keep it until you board many attractions and some even let you stay in it while on the ride.

 

[SueM in MN]

There is a link to the disABILITIES FAQs thread in my signature.
Post #2 in that thread has a lot of information about wheelchairs and ECVs (power scooters) and how to get them.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Thanks everyone