What to know...What to expect?

[JessiMommy]

Looking for any opinions and/or advice you can give me. I'm a seasoned WDW traveler but on my next trip I will be experiencing something new. We are bringing my Mom who is in her seventies. She is quite active at home although she is slowing down as of late. She does suffer from arthritis in her feet as well as neuropathy. Long distance walking knocks her out. Obviously we want her to enjoy herself so we are thinking about bringing her a wheelchair. She can stand in lines no problem and do some walking but I'm thinking if we push her from place to place she will last all week and have a lot more fun. My questions are: Would an ECV be a better option? Why or why not? We will have a car and plan to drive to most parks except MK. Obviously that would have to change if we rent the ECV. She can board the bus on her own, so if we do bring our own wheelchair that folds, can we carry it onto the bus or does it have to be loaded on the ramp? We won't be entering any shows or lines with the chair. Can it just be parked like a stroller outside of the attractions? Is there anything else I need to know? Thanks.

 

[gap2368]

I think it will depend on how much walking your mom can do as pushing someone will tier you out fast. you will need to get on the bus by the ramp ( I am almost sure) wether you have a wheel chair or an ECV ( most ECV can fit on the bus) if you do not want to take the wheel chair or ECV through the line ( and I would as they can be very long both in time and distance) then you can park them, but I would ask a CM.

 

[minnie mum]

First, the decision re: ecv vs w/c. It would be a no brainer if your Mom was used to using an ecv at home; using one at the grocery or other large stores like Walmart. There is a steep learning curve to operating them safely. And it's much worse for a novice in the heavy crowds inside the parks. She would have to be able to remain alert and vigilant in avoiding hitting all of the other guests who remain totally unaware of what is going on around them, at the same time operating the ecv safely. It can be exhausting for some folks if its not something they're used to. Then there is the problem of not being able to fit it into your vehicle, although there are certain models that can be broken down quickly just for this purpose. If using the buses, she would need to be able to safely and quickly drive onto the bus, maneuver into position, and then off load.

If using a chair, at least one adult in your group ( preferably 2) need to be willing and able to push her chair. Self propelling a rental chair is difficult. You can rent one at home if she doesn't already have one, or you could rent one from an off site vendor in Orlando which would be delivered and picked up from your resort. When using the buses, you would normally enter from the rear door of the bus even if you are bringing it on folded.

You will have the option of parking the chair outside the attractions in stroller/ ecv parking, or taking it into the queue with you. You might want to do this for those queues with a longish wait time, or those requiring a lot of walking. CMs will take care of it at the boarding area, so it is close by when you leave the ride.

If you choose to use a chair, get a pair of gloves for the pusher. The kind with padded palms like those used by bike riders or weight lifters. They'll prevent the blisters that are guaranteed if you dont use them.

 

[Bete]

The average walking in the Disney parks goes about 6 miles. Of course, that is not constant walking. I actually vote for an ECV. You can get a much better deal getting a scooter from an outside vendor. You will have the scooter at the resort, too which is nice. Most portable travel scooters breakdown to 4 or 5 pieces and can fit in most car trunks. So, you would still have the option of driving to the parks if you wanted to do it. Some have used the back seat if they couldn't fit everything into the trunk in case you have a really small car. The biggest part doesn't go more than 35 pounds. You can watch videos on u-tube to see how these scooters dismantle. A popular one to use is the Pride go go scooter model.
You will have to recharge the battery everyday.

As far as training you have time to go to a grocery store and practice on those free models. Those scooters are actually harder to use than the one you would use at the parks. In fact, you might want to consider going to a local zoo and use one there for practice. You will have to pay the rental fee at the zoo. I would suggest getting the 4 wheel style scooter; they are considered more stable. The 3 wheel style does turn easier. Once you get to your resort your mom can practice there with her scooter before going to the parks. You can park the scooter if she wants to walk some unto to the rides and so forth. You are allowed to take the scooter through most ride queues.

The scooter is the same as a wheelchair in the sense of handicap access and viewing locations. If your mom has any difficulty of getting a scooter on a bus or off or whatever else then someone else can do it for her.

Yes, you do have to be cautious in the parks. I will usually be next to the scooter leading out wherever we go. I will watch for those who will be darting out in front of you and so forth. I serve as a shield. If there is a sudden stop necessary, then I say stop, now. This is a little tricky, but we haven't had any issues this way. You do have to show due diligence yourself for this to work. You become the eyes for the scooter person. They still have to look, too.

I have always felt the cost of a scooter rental was well worth it. We were always able to stay in the parks much longer and enjoy more than if someone had to push a wheelchair all day. Park tickets aren't free and you do get better value with your tickets if you can stay in the parks longer.

If you do the wheelchair then I would make sure to alternate rides, shows, parades, and eating. Use the shows for a rest period for the pusher, for example. Bring a pad for the wheelchair seat.

 

[Hopefully]

If there are 2 of you able to push, I suggest a wheelchair. I am in my early 60's and needed an ECV secondary to severe COPD and shortness of breath last fall. I found it exhausting. As Minnie Mum stated, you need to be constantly diligent while driving the scooter. No one watches out for you and indeed many folks unintentionally and sometimes deliberately dart in front of you. I think it would be easier for her if you could push her.

 

[Disneyorbust45]

My daughter and I just returned from WDW and I was determined I was NOT going to use an ECV. But after our first day at Universal despite wearing my most comfy supportive tennis shoes, moisture wicking socks and body glide on the footsies I had blisters all the way across my foot right under my toes. It was torture to walk. So the next day when we arrived at MK I limped myself up to scooter rental and got myself one. Very easy to use, not so easy to dodge the people and kids jumping out in front of you suddenly. I read a blog on another site complaining about the “rude” “Fat” scooter people at WDW that had no manners and if they were so fat they couldn’t walk to just stay home. Well, I am overweight but if it had not been for the blisters I would have been walking. And I can’t help it if your child jumps right in front of me and I get his ankle cause I didn’t see him coming. And even WORSE. The Adults! They just keep walking and refuse to make room. Some do but most just keep walking and expected me to maneuver around them. I tried to be gracious about it and politely move out of the way and I did apologize over and over to the child who got his ankle bumped but come on. Let’s give a bit here people! Give and Take. You move right, I’ll move left. And for G’s sake don’t walk suddenly in front of me. I may not see you till it is too late. Finally after the second day I got a bit angry about it and said to myself, “Ok let’s play chicken.” You won’t move, nor will I. Ok I didn’t actually do this but I really felt like it. It wasn’t like I wanted to ride on one of those things. It can be a bit limiting. So, when you go be warned. People do not watch for scooters. You may get an ankle or two. Or some toes. And they will glare at you like it is your fault when they jumped right out in front of you with no warning. IN fact, get some ankles and toes for me! ha

 

[Disneyorbust45]

AND come to think of it, who says that we scooter riders are obligated to stop and wait for those who suddenly decide to run across the walkway? Cause that is what most expected you to do. NO matter if you were already on a path to your destination. Ok, letting it GOOOOOO now ...(bursting out in song..."Let it GOOOO, Let it GOOOOOO")

 

[minnie mum]

Sorry you had problems on your trip Disneyorbust, but your posts aren't really helpful to the OP with answering her questions, IMO.

 

[Disneyorbust45]

Sorry you had problems on your trip Disneyorbust, but your posts aren't really helpful to the OP with answering her questions, IMO.

Sorry

 

[DisneyDreams15]

Asking for myself because my mother has decided she needs a manual wheelchair this year and has very similar needs to what the OP has described... would a person like this be someone who could use/needs a DAS or would they not qualify for that? I think she would be ok waiting in most lines particularly since we would be eliminating the vast majority of the day's walking. For that reason I am guessing no? Total newbie to this side of Disney, sorry if this is basic. Just trying to figure out what all I need to get together for her before our trip (Jan. 2016).

 

[Gracie09]

Asking for myself because my mother has decided she needs a manual wheelchair this year and has very similar needs to what the OP has described... would a person like this be someone who could use/needs a DAS or would they not qualify for that? I think she would be ok waiting in most lines particularly since we would be eliminating the vast majority of the day's walking. For that reason I am guessing no? Total newbie to this side of Disney, sorry if this is basic. Just trying to figure out what all I need to get together for her before our trip (Jan. 2016).

If it is a mobility issue, then no, not likely to be issued a das. You can take the wheelchair in line with you (I would recommend as some lines are physically very long).

 

[gap2368]

Asking for myself because my mother has decided she needs a manual wheelchair this year and has very similar needs to what the OP has described... would a person like this be someone who could use/needs a DAS or would they not qualify for that? I think she would be ok waiting in most lines particularly since we would be eliminating the vast majority of the day's walking. For that reason I am guessing no? Total newbie to this side of Disney, sorry if this is basic. Just trying to figure out what all I need to get together for her before our trip (Jan. 2016).

since it is just mobility she dose not need a DAS and they will not give her one so I would not wast my time standing in the GR line. take the wheel chair with you in line as some can loo short but are really long and even if it say 10 minutes it will be the ride that breaks down and the line will end up longer the person in the wheel chair can all ways get out and push it when they wan tot walk around.

 

[JennyDrake]

First, the decision re: ecv vs w/c. It would be a no brainer if your Mom was used to using an ecv at home; using one at the grocery or other large stores like Walmart. There is a steep learning curve to operating them safely. And it's much worse for a novice in the heavy crowds inside the parks. She would have to be able to remain alert and vigilant in avoiding hitting all of the other guests who remain totally unaware of what is going on around them, at the same time operating the ecv safely. It can be exhausting for some folks if its not something they're used to. Then there is the problem of not being able to fit it into your vehicle, although there are certain models that can be broken down quickly just for this purpose. If using the buses, she would need to be able to safely and quickly drive onto the bus, maneuver into position, and then off load.

If using a chair, at least one adult in your group ( preferably 2) need to be willing and able to push her chair. Self propelling a rental chair is difficult. You can rent one at home if she doesn't already have one, or you could rent one from an off site vendor in Orlando which would be delivered and picked up from your resort. When using the buses, you would normally enter from the rear door of the bus even if you are bringing it on folded.

You will have the option of parking the chair outside the attractions in stroller/ ecv parking, or taking it into the queue with you. You might want to do this for those queues with a longish wait time, or those requiring a lot of walking. CMs will take care of it at the boarding area, so it is close by when you leave the ride.

If you choose to use a chair, get a pair of gloves for the pusher. The kind with padded palms like those used by bike riders or weight lifters. They'll prevent the blisters that are guaranteed if you dont use them.

THIS POST SUMS IT UP!!!

I went 3x to WDW as a traveling companion to a senior lady with mobility and memory issues. Her son INSISTED on renting an ECV--now this poor little old lady has never even driven a golf cart or car. It was not pleasant for ANYONE. IF you have at least 2 adults to help push, I would highly endorse the wc over the ECV.

I have had wonderful customer service from Walker Mobility.