Wheelchair availability

[mommy23]

We will be at Disney in 2 weeks. My daughter has an issue with her knee (having surgery at the end of August). She will be wearing a knee brace but we don't know if she will be able to do all of the walking. Has anyone tried to rent a wheelchair mid-day or later and found none available?

 

[lanejudy]

While it's possible, I would say unlikely that they will run out of wheelchairs mid-day. ECVs frequently are gone by mid-morning but I've never heard of them running out of manual wheelchairs. However, depending on her age and size, your DD may be more comfortable in a smaller or pediatric sized wheelchair -- which can be only rented offsite. So you might consider that. The wheelchair can be pushed to a "land" or section and parked for a bit while she walks. Then you'll have it when she needs it.

Enjoy your vacation and good luck with the surgery!

 

[mommy23]

Thank you for your reply. DD is 19. We don't know if she will need one at all. I was just thinking of 'what if' scenarios. I assume rentals are done out front by the strollers? I never paid attention so I am not sure where to rent.

 

[bidnow5]

We have rented a wheelchair mid day several times no problem

 

[SteveMouse]

At 19, she is old enough to rent an ECV (scooter). While more expensive, they offer more independence. You might also consider renting from off-site, especially depending on where you are staying and what your itinerary is- some of the distances at the hotels are quite long. While the hotels have a limited number of wheelchairs available to borrow, they are generally in pretty bad shape.

Happy travels!

 

[mommy23]

I mentioned an ECV. She most emphatically said 'no'.

 

[mommyofsamson]

Thank you for your reply. DD is 19. We don't know if she will need one at all. I was just thinking of 'what if' scenarios. I assume rentals are done out front by the strollers? I never paid attention so I am not sure where to rent.

Yes, strollers and wheelchairs (and ECVs) are all in the same spot, usually near the front of the park.
I see a lot more teenagers with the legs in braces with wheelchairs than the ECVs (I work at a theme park) so I'm guessing it's the stipulations of them.

 

[SueM in MN]

Yes, strollers and wheelchairs (and ECVs) are all in the same spot, usually near the front of the park.
I see a lot more teenagers with the legs in braces with wheelchairs than the ECVs (I work at a theme park) so I'm guessing it's the stipulations of them.

Most places will not rent an ECV for use by someone under the age of 18.
Since the OP's daughter is over 18, she could rent one.

But,some people don't feel comfortable using one - driving one at WDW is a bit like driving a car in a busy city and still trying to sightsee.
(And, unlike a city street, cars and pedestrians are coming from all directions).

 

[JenniBugInPink]

Young folks hate the 'look' and the image of the ECVs. Can't say I blame them, considering the comments and the dirty looks I've endured. However, the wheelchair will exhaust her if she pushes herself unless she has really great upper body strength, and it will be tiring to a 'pusher' if she doesn't push herself. At the very least, you might consider getting to AK early enough to rent an ECV, as I found it difficult to negotiate in a manual chair and for a pusher my first time before I rented a scooter. Just something to think about.