What is it like using the electric wheelchairs?

[YorkieMommyKandis]

My DH and I will be going to Disney World in November with my parents. My mom has very bad arthritis that causes her to be in lots of pain if she over does it on the walking. My dad has only 1/4 of his heart functioning and so he cannot over do it either. We really want to all go together, but I am afraid that they will not be able to move at our speed. We don't want to push them and cause them to have a bad vacation. I am planning for us to follow the touring guides from the Unofficial Guide, and I am wanting to do as much as possible during our one day at each park.

I was thinking it may be best for them to rent the electric wheelchairs . Are there any negatives to using these? I'm worried about trying to maneuver through the crowds in these, getting on rides, etc.

I am trying my best to get them excited for this trip but this is the major thing that is holding them back. Any advice would be much appreciated!!

-Kandis

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and welcome to disABILTIES!

Please realize you are probably talking about an "Electric Convenience Vehicle" (ECV) and not a power wheelchair. There is a world of difference with a power chair being very personalized and controlled by a joystick.

A couple of suggestions ahead of time. Suggest to them that at a large grocery store or WalMart (or similar) they try out the ECVs there. Point out to them that the ECVs rented by Disney are smaller but still with four wheels while the ECVs rented from off-site companies, are not only smaller than the ones in the stores but have three wheels and are much more maneuverable.

You might want to click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. The third item down is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information, including where people rent ECVs.

Also you might want to order the "Passporter's Walt Disney World for your Special Needs", available at many locations including Amazon.com and also directly at www.passporter.com which is an excellent reference.

Also please ask specific quesitons as the need arises, we're always happy to help here.

 

[arminnie]

A couple of suggestions ahead of time. Suggest to them that at a large grocery store or WalMart (or similar) they try out the ECVs there.

Great idea. I would also suggest that you try to go when the store is not too crowded. I took my dad to KMart to first try out an ECV because quite frankly they don't have a lot of shoppers there, and it was easier for him to practice. He's 85 and had no trouble picking it up right away.

No matter how slow you go there comes a time when one just can't do all of the walking required at WDW. I think they would enjoy their trip so much more if that burden was lifted.

November is a great time of year to go.

 

[YorkieMommyKandis]

Thanks! My dad already has his own...would it be possible for him to bring it along? Does it make it more time consuming to get on rides when using one of these?

 

[BroganMc]

Thanks! My dad already has his own...would it be possible for him to bring it along? Does it make it more time consuming to get on rides when using one of these?

Not really. Only logjam I've encountered is at the Kilamanjaro Safari when there's a glutton of disabled patrons already waiting for their bus. But then I use a powerchair and prefer not to transfer for that one. (The buses can only take one wheelchair passenger, so the rest must transfer.)

By all means bring your dad's scooter if you're staying on property. Disney's transportation system is fully accessible. Just check with the airline about their policy in handling assistive devices. I fly Southwest and they're the best. Allow me to board at the plane and then take the powerchair to the luggage cabin.

If you want to allow your folks to both keep your pace, rent a scooter for your mom too from some off-site place. Then you get it for the length of your stay and never have to worry about a shortage at the gates. My dad uses AA Rentals and gets the canopy top to shield him from the hot sun. The off-site scooters tend to be faster, thinner and more maneuverable.

 

[YorkieMommyKandis]

Thanks! Luckily we are driving so we don't have to worry about any problems at the airport or anything. I think my dad actually has an extra scooter thing so maybe we can pull that one behind our SUV.

I appreciate all the help! I will let them know it shouldn't be a problem anymore.

 

[SueM in MN]

I'd suggest trying one out in Target if there is one close to you. Their aisles are much larger and they don't put merchandise in thecenter like Walmart and Kmart do.

Also, MK is probably smallest, busiest and most congested, so I would save that one until they are comfortable. AK is also hard because it has fairly narrow walkways and you have to backtrack to get out of some areas.
Epcot is the biggest park, and also least congested.