Walker/rollator tips?

[Sanacrow]

I'm planning a WDW vacation as an anniversary treat, and for the first time will be using a wheeled rollator-style walker to get around. I've used a cane in the past, but it's just not enough anymore when I'm going to be on my feet for very long. I can move around a bit without assistance, but have to be rather careful.

Does anyone have experience/advice on doing Disney with a walker?

Due to medications, I am also temperature/sun sensitive and have a lowered immune system. Is there any advice for getting out without ten layers of colds/whatevers?

Is there anything I need to be aware of or careful of since I don't "appear" disabled a great deal of the time?

Thanks!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

You may be better off renting an ECV, Remember that it is over a mile around the Epcot Lagoon

Some information for off-site rentals are:

Here are the urls and phone numbers:

Walker Mobility:
1-888-726-6837
www.walkermobility.com

Care Medical:
http://www.caremedicalequipment.com/

RANDY'S Mobility is in Kissimmee 407-892-4777
http://randysmobility.com/

Colonial Medical
http://www.colonialmed.com/about_cms.html

I have used Walker a few times. They will ask for a credit card and charge it the day before arrival. They will deliver the ECV to your hotel bell services before your arrival and pick it up there after your departure. Their rates, especially for longer than a week, are much better than Disney's. Also, their scooters are much better.

You don't say if you are renting a car or what. If you are using a car for getting around, the ECVs break down into five pieces, the heaviest about 39 pounds. They take about a minute or so to take apart and about two minutes (once you are used to it) to put it together.

As far as staying out of the sun, you will want to go to Guest Services at the first park you enter and ask for a Guest Assistance Card (usually referred to as a "GAC"). Even using an ECV or walker will effectively let the CMs know of problems, having the GAC will handle the non-visible items (such as sun sensitivity).

Another suggestion is find out your state's requirements for a temporary disabled hang tag and get the paper work and have your doctor sign off on it. The tag will allow you to use any of the handicap parking areas (which will be a necessity). Also, with the policy of charging for valet parking, with a handicap hang tag the fees will be waived. Also the valets will usually volunteer to assist in loading/unloading an ECV. In Virginia I printed the required form from the DMV website. When I took the completed form to the DMV Office it took less than 15 minutes from the time I walked in until I had my tag.

You can use a bungee cord to help keep a folded up walker on the EVC or wheelchair.

Good luck and let us know what finally happens.

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome to disABILITIES.
I second Cheshire Figment's suggestion to look into an ECV (or a wheelchair, if you have someone to push you and don't mind giving up some independence). I've read estimates that the average person walks between 3 and 8 miles a day at WDW - an awfully long distance for someone with mobility problems.
A lot of the lines are deceptively long - like the only way to get into ITTBAB is a fairly long, winding path, the line to get into the Safari at AK is long and even the way to Pirates of Caribbean is a long way. It would be better for you to use the walker in places like stores where you have control of how far you go and how long you stay.
Most of the queues are pretty well shaded, but a GAC would help out for those times when the line is not shaded. When you go to Guest Services to request one, be prepared to explain what problems you need assistance with. The GAC would be good in all parks for your entire length of stay.