Wheelchair dilema

[Katie's Butterflies]

Ok, here is a probably stupid question but

1) my dad has a back issue (semi-recent) that causes him a great deal of pain especially if he walks/stands too long or sits too long (around 30/45 min still or 10/15 min moving) So, I know we could get him a wheel-chair, but the problem is, we’d need to get an ECV (neither my mom nor I would be able to push him around, and his back problem prevents him from being able to roll it himself) but he would not be able to stay in it for long periods of time so it would kind of be a waste and we’d be left with this hunk of machinery to deal with. (of course, he would suffer it out and be near paralyzed after a few hours because he doesn’t want to be a bother )

So, my questions is can this GAC card be used to allow my dad to sit down somewhere instead of standing in line? (he also can’t do stairs easily) I know Magic Mountain (near LA) has a special card where you come back after so long allowing the person to sit/move around etc. but not “cut.” Can the GAC card offer something like that or should my dad just get the wheel chair and take breaks?

Being the excessive worrier I am, I’m hoping some more experienced people can give me some tips, Pretty please! Lol

 

[kaytieeldr]

Disney's recommendation for mobility/stamina issues is to rent a wheelchair or ECV, raither than issuing a GAC. Perhaps you or your mom could operate the ECV during those periods when your dad needs to not sit?

 

[Katie's Butterflies]

Disney's recommendation for mobility/stamina issues is to rent a wheelchair or ECV, raither than issuing a GAC. Perhaps you or your mom could operate the ECV during those periods when your dad needs to not sit?

Thanks so much for the reply!

Yes, that is an option--the most obvious and the one we’ll most likely use. (as I said “stupid question“!) The only problem is I know my dad will feel bad using it for a while then walking/standing for a bit because a) those things are not cheap! And b) there is not an unlimited supply so by taking one, another person may end up not having one. (we’ve been in that position before at stores and such where he all of a sudden needed one but there weren’t any.) He also hasn’t quite accepted the fact that he shouldn’t be walking around all day and might turn down our offer to get an ECV which was another reason I was asking about the GAC. It was great at Universal and Magic Mountain, we took it slow sitting on a wall or a bench for a bit, then walking around until the time was up. I guess Disney doesn’t do that though?

I’m sorry for all the questions. I just want to make sure my dad enjoys the parks and doesn’t end up in mind numbing pain because of his stubbornness or because I couldn‘t find all of the options! I really appreciate the help!

 

[SueM in MN]

I don't have time for a long answer, a GAC probably will not help much in your situation. In most attraction queues, you are not actually standing still, but are continually moving forward at a slow speed. There are some attractions where you will be standing for up to the length of one show - they 'load' the next audience in a holding area so they are ready to enter the theater when it is time for the next show. Some of those have limited numbers of seats, but no guarantee you will get one, even with a GAC. Some attractions provide wheelchairs for use at that attraction, but that won't help if you can't push it.

Check out post #6 in the disABILITIES FAQs thread about Guest Assistance Cards (GACs). You can find that thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature. You can request a GAC that would allow him to avoid stairs, but there are only a few attractions with stairs in the queue and at least 2 of the (Splash Mountain and Dinosaur) are ones he may not be going on anyway because they are not recommended for guests with back or neck problems. There are posters who have gotten a GAC that said they needed a place to sit, but they found it was not really that helpful.
There are also links to some information in in post 3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread that might be helpful, including one about attractions with no place to sit.
One thing that will be helpful is using Fastpasses and using a tour plan that allows you to know where/when it is least busy. Many people have posted about using services like TourGuide Mike and having average 10 minute waits for everything. That still won't help with the attractions that have a period of standing and waiting as part of the 'loading' but at least you can plan to not have a number of those types of attractions one after the other.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

One thing you could do is to park the ECV up, when you don't need it. You can leave it in the stroller parking areas (of which there are plenty), cover it to keep the rain of the electronic controls and seat, and take the key with you. Do be aware that CMs will sometimes tidy up the parking area, so the ECV may have moved when you get back to it.

If you know you're going to be in a line for a while, I'd suggest taking the ECV into the line with you. That way he can sit when he needs to, and if he needs to stand, you can take kaytieeldr suggestion of one of you two driving it. Also, be aware that even seemingly short lines can take a while to go through, especially if the ride breaks down while you're in the line.

I would suggest you look into renting an ECV from an offsite company. This usually works out cheaper; they're normally a lot easier to drive than the Disney rentals; you don't need to worry about supplies running out, or taking one away from somebody else; and your father would be able to use it around the resort as well. This would mean taking it on the bus / monorail / boat with you, but Disney have made that as easy as possible. If your father can't cope with twisting to look behind him, he might need you or your mother to reverse-park it into the spaces on the bus. If you look in the FAQ thread, you'll find a list of rental companies who have recieved positive reports from other DISers.

As Sue said, the Fastpass system is a Godsend when things are busy, and can save you a lot of waiting. That said, when the fella and I went in September, lines were so short that most Fastpasses weren't even in use - it was practically walk on for all of us!

One thing that a GAC might be useful for, is to avoid steps whilst walking. If your father decides to walk through a line, the GAC allowing you to be treated as a wheelchair user will help you avoid steps. I don't know whether this would be an issue for him or not, but I know a lot of people with back problems get very uncomfortable after a few steps. Most rides don't have steps in the lines, but there are some which do, even some which have whole flights of stairs (e.g. Dinosaur and Toy Story Midway Mania). Also, this card would allow him to board where those with wheelchairs do (varies for different attractions, but often the exit), so he could have more time and space for the loading. This won't make you skip the line, so you don't need to worry about that.

Please encourage him to take the best care of himself as possible. If he pushes himself too hard at the beginning of the holiday, he might be in too much pain to have fun by then end, and that wouldn't be good for any of you . I've done a few Disney trips where I pushed myself too hard, and I really regretted it later. He can use the ECV as much or as little as he needs to, and he shouldn't feel guilty about either! Also, I always find that a good hot bath or, better still, a soak in the hot-tub at the end of the day is very good for my back. It just helps to relax all the muscles before going to sleep, and helps to return the body to its 'factory settings', if you will.

However you play it, have a great trip and don't be afraid to ask for whatever help you need!

 

[peemagg]

If he doesn't want an ECV and no one can handle a wheelchair how about one of those rollalators? They are rolling walkers with seats on them. It would give him a seat when needed and be very light for him to push when walking. The only issue with this is that it is not good for pushing someone on, but it might be an option.

I would highly recommend renting an ECV from off-site also. Disney for a week would cost $350 and some of the companies that are listed are between $150 and $250 for the week. There is no guarantee that Disney would have one for you if you tried to rent from them even if you got the length of stay option. They don't reserve them for you. It's first come, first serve.

Everyone might find the ECV to be a god send. I have my own and need to walk some and sit some, so when I need to walk someone in my party uses the scooter. It allows them a bit of a break too. I know my Mom liked the break that it gives her back when we are in the parks.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Some of the lines, such as for Soarin' or Safari are over 1/4 mile from the entrance until boarding and have no places to sit and no alternate entrances. Unless you can see an entire line, all the way from entrance to boarding, don't make any assumptions about length.

 

[Katie's Butterflies]

Some of the lines, such as for Soarin' or Safari are over 1/4 mile from the entrance until boarding and have no places to sit and no alternate entrances. Unless you can see an entire line, all the way from entrance to boarding, don't make any assumptions about length.

wow!

 

[Katie's Butterflies]

I don't have time for a long answer, a GAC probably will not help much in your situation. In most attraction queues, you are not actually standing still, but are continually moving forward at a slow speed. There are some attractions where you will be standing for up to the length of one show - they 'load' the next audience in a holding area so they are ready to enter the theater when it is time for the next show. Some of those have limited numbers of seats, but no guarantee you will get one, even with a GAC. Some attractions provide wheelchairs for use at that attraction, but that won't help if you can't push it.

Check out post #6 in the disABILITIES FAQs thread about Guest Assistance Cards (GACs). You can find that thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature. You can request a GAC that would allow him to avoid stairs, but there are only a few attractions with stairs in the queue and at least 2 of the (Splash Mountain and Dinosaur) are ones he may not be going on anyway because they are not recommended for guests with back or neck problems. There are posters who have gotten a GAC that said they needed a place to sit, but they found it was not really that helpful.
There are also links to some information in in post 3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread that might be helpful, including one about attractions with no place to sit.
One thing that will be helpful is using Fastpasses and using a tour plan that allows you to know where/when it is least busy. Many people have posted about using services like TourGuide Mike and having average 10 minute waits for everything. That still won't help with the attractions that have a period of standing and waiting as part of the 'loading' but at least you can plan to not have a number of those types of attractions one after the other.

Thank you for explaining. I read the FAQ and I kind of figured the GAC wouldn’t help much, but I was crossing my fingers I was missing something. So, thank you very much for clarifying and taking the time to answer!

 

[Katie's Butterflies]

One thing you could do is to park the ECV up, when you don't need it. You can leave it in the stroller parking areas (of which there are plenty), cover it to keep the rain of the electronic controls and seat, and take the key with you. Do be aware that CMs will sometimes tidy up the parking area, so the ECV may have moved when you get back to it.

If you know you're going to be in a line for a while, I'd suggest taking the ECV into the line with you. That way he can sit when he needs to, and if he needs to stand, you can take kaytieeldr suggestion of one of you two driving it. Also, be aware that even seemingly short lines can take a while to go through, especially if the ride breaks down while you're in the line.

I would suggest you look into renting an ECV from an offsite company. This usually works out cheaper; they're normally a lot easier to drive than the Disney rentals; you don't need to worry about supplies running out, or taking one away from somebody else; and your father would be able to use it around the resort as well. This would mean taking it on the bus / monorail / boat with you, but Disney have made that as easy as possible. If your father can't cope with twisting to look behind him, he might need you or your mother to reverse-park it into the spaces on the bus. If you look in the FAQ thread, you'll find a list of rental companies who have recieved positive reports from other DISers.

As Sue said, the Fastpass system is a Godsend when things are busy, and can save you a lot of waiting. That said, when the fella and I went in September, lines were so short that most Fastpasses weren't even in use - it was practically walk on for all of us!

One thing that a GAC might be useful for, is to avoid steps whilst walking. If your father decides to walk through a line, the GAC allowing you to be treated as a wheelchair user will help you avoid steps. I don't know whether this would be an issue for him or not, but I know a lot of people with back problems get very uncomfortable after a few steps. Most rides don't have steps in the lines, but there are some which do, even some which have whole flights of stairs (e.g. Dinosaur and Toy Story Midway Mania). Also, this card would allow him to board where those with wheelchairs do (varies for different attractions, but often the exit), so he could have more time and space for the loading. This won't make you skip the line, so you don't need to worry about that.

Please encourage him to take the best care of himself as possible. If he pushes himself too hard at the beginning of the holiday, he might be in too much pain to have fun by then end, and that wouldn't be good for any of you . I've done a few Disney trips where I pushed myself too hard, and I really regretted it later. He can use the ECV as much or as little as he needs to, and he shouldn't feel guilty about either! Also, I always find that a good hot bath or, better still, a soak in the hot-tub at the end of the day is very good for my back. It just helps to relax all the muscles before going to sleep, and helps to return the body to its 'factory settings', if you will.

However you play it, have a great trip and don't be afraid to ask for whatever help you need!

I was not aware that ECVs could be parked in the stroller parking. That makes things a bit easier then, if we can park it and walk around in that area! It would cause a problem though if the ride broke down. I forgot about that possibility! So, I think we’ll take your and kaytieeldr’s advice and switch off with the ECV and also get a no steps GAC. My dad cannot do stairs most of the time. Sometimes, when he’s feeling great he climb a few, but not whole flights!

Thank you very much for the advice. I will try very hard to make sure he doesn’t push himself too hard. He’s done it many times and I don’t think he’d want that to happen in Disney!

 

[Katie's Butterflies]

If he doesn't want an ECV and no one can handle a wheelchair how about one of those rollalators? They are rolling walkers with seats on them. It would give him a seat when needed and be very light for him to push when walking. The only issue with this is that it is not good for pushing someone on, but it might be an option.

I would highly recommend renting an ECV from off-site also. Disney for a week would cost $350 and some of the companies that are listed are between $150 and $250 for the week. There is no guarantee that Disney would have one for you if you tried to rent from them even if you got the length of stay option. They don't reserve them for you. It's first come, first serve.

Everyone might find the ECV to be a god send. I have my own and need to walk some and sit some, so when I need to walk someone in my party uses the scooter. It allows them a bit of a break too. I know my Mom liked the break that it gives her back when we are in the parks.

Thank you! I saw those walkers a year or so ago at sam’s club and wanted to get one for him (for everyday use), but then when I came back they were of course all gone and I haven’t seen them since. (of course I didn’t think to look online ) I completely forgot about them. I’m going to look them up right now because that would be perfect for him, though I’m not sure how it would work in the parks as Disney is huge. So, I think we will look up the off-site renters for an ECV as several people are suggesting them and they look like a much better deal.

Thank you also for sharing your experience. It makes me (at least) feel better to know that other people do this and it works.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

You could try talking to the ECV rental companies, and see if any of them have a way to attach walkers to an ECV. I know they can fit crutch holders, so they might have something for this. Rollators are often quite bulky, so you might not be able to get one to fit. You could get a folding rollator, which might be easier to attach on, but they can cost more.

Also if he had a rollator, you wouldn't need to worry so much about a ride possibly breaking down. Just be careful of long queues, as CF said, because some of them cover a long distance, even if there's nobody else in line. If you're unsure about the length of a line, you can ask the CM at the line entrance and they should be able to give you an idea of the distance to walk.

 

[Katie's Butterflies]

You could try talking to the ECV rental companies, and see if any of them have a way to attach walkers to an ECV. I know they can fit crutch holders, so they might have something for this. Rollators are often quite bulky, so you might not be able to get one to fit. You could get a folding rollator, which might be easier to attach on, but they can cost more.

Also if he had a rollator, you wouldn't need to worry so much about a ride possibly breaking down. Just be careful of long queues, as CF said, because some of them cover a long distance, even if there's nobody else in line. If you're unsure about the length of a line, you can ask the CM at the line entrance and they should be able to give you an idea of the distance to walk.

I don’t know if it is possible to attach a walker to a wheelchair, is it? My dad has a regular walker and push wheelchair at home and I can’t imagine combining the two. Of course, I’ve seen more impossible things happen!

I think if we used both we’d use the walker on days we’re just going to DTD or around the resort, and then when we go to the parks we’d use the ECV? Does that sound plausible?

Thanks also for the tip of asking the CM how long the queue is. I would have never thought of that!

 

[kaytieeldr]

Yes, that is an option--the most obvious and the one we’ll most likely use. (as I said “stupid question“!)

The only "stupid" question is the one someone refuses to ask

If he doesn't want an ECV and no one can handle a wheelchair how about one of those rollalators? They are rolling walkers with seats on them. It would give him a seat when needed and be very light for him to push when walking. The only issue with this is that it is not good for pushing someone on, but it might be an option.

NOT that I'm encouraging this in any way, but when I was in Las Vegas recently, there was an elderly woman using / pushing a rollater - with an elderly man sitting on the seat facing her.

Thank you! I saw those walkers a year or so ago at sam’s club and wanted to get one for him (for everyday use), but then when I came back they were of course all gone and I haven’t seen them since. (of course I didn’t think to look online )

Walgreen's has them on sale in their ad about every three weeks or so.

I don’t know if it is possible to attach a walker to a wheelchair, is it? My dad has a regular walker and push wheelchair at home and I can’t imagine combining the two. Of course, I’ve seen more impossible things happen!

Most likely they do have a way to attach a (folded) rollator to a wheelchair - although I know when I was using a wheelchair and a walker (granted, in the rehab hospital) the only way to transport a walker was upside-down in one's lap, like a cage. And of course then it was impossible to roll oneself in the chair...

 

[mcco5543]

My wife and I go to Disney for a week and rent an ECV for 200 dollars. She has no cartlidge in her knees and if she walked Disney. She's also be paralyzed by the next day. The ECV is very worth it and trading off riding the ECV when your dad needs to stand/walk is a brilliant idea. Trust me, by then one of you will want the break and to sit down will be heavenly. Don't worry about anyone else but yourselves and your own comfort on this trip. The money's totally worth it and anyone who says anything can go stick it. Search for how to rent an ECV on these boards. The company will even deliver the ECV to your hotel and pick it up when you are done! Have a great time!

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Thanks also for the tip of asking the CM how long the queue is. I would have never thought of that!

Make sure when you ask that they realise you're asking about distance, not wait time. Most of the people they meet will not be worried about the distance to walk, just how long it will take them to get on the ride, so you'll have to be very clear (not saying that the CMs wouldn't get what you were asking, just that an ambiguous question might get misunderstood, especially when things are very busy). Just ask roughly what distance you would have to walk to get through the line, and they should be able to help you.

NOT that I'm encouraging this in any way, but when I was in Las Vegas recently, there was an elderly woman using / pushing a rollater - with an elderly man sitting on the seat facing her.

Some of the rollators are actually designed to double as transport chairs when needed. I don't know how comfortable it would be to use it for a long distance, for the pusher or the person sitting, but it can be used as such for a while.

Don't worry about anyone else but yourselves and your own comfort on this trip. The money's totally worth it and anyone who says anything can go stick it.

Hear hear!

Oh, and don't forget to decorate up the ECV! I always do this with my wheelchair for Disney trips, and always get a great response from CMs and Guests alike . I understand that he may not go in for ribbons and bows, but you can use just about anything. I know one of our regulars made a sort of pillowcase cover for the back of her ECV, so it just slipped on (and off again, when she came to return it!).

 

[Katie's Butterflies]

The only "stupid" question is the one someone refuses to ask

Oh, I could probably think of a few…

NOT that I'm encouraging this in any way, but when I was in Las Vegas recently, there was an elderly woman using / pushing a rollater - with an elderly man sitting on the seat facing her.

Now that’s something you don’t see everyday

Walgreen's has them on sale in their ad about every three weeks or so.
Most likely they do have a way to attach a (folded) rollator to a wheelchair - although I know when I was using a wheelchair and a walker (granted, in the rehab hospital) the only way to transport a walker was upside-down in one's lap, like a cage. And of course then it was impossible to roll oneself in the chair...

I’ll make sure to ask the ECV company to see if they have any suggestions other than the caged animal way.
It sounds like the hospital staff were trying to make sure you didn’t try to escape!

 

[Katie's Butterflies]

Make sure when you ask that they realise you're asking about distance, not wait time. Most of the people they meet will not be worried about the distance to walk, just how long it will take them to get on the ride, so you'll have to be very clear (not saying that the CMs wouldn't get what you were asking, just that an ambiguous question might get misunderstood, especially when things are very busy). Just ask roughly what distance you would have to walk to get through the line, and they should be able to help you.

I’ll keep that in mind!

Some of the rollators are actually designed to double as transport chairs when needed. I don't know how comfortable it would be to use it for a long distance, for the pusher or the person sitting, but it can be used as such for a while.

That’s neat! Unfortunately, I think it would be very uncomfortable for my dad to ride in one. He’s 6’8”ish and all leg, so I don’t think that would work unless my mom or I pushed him at a slant. Lol! That would be a sight!

Oh, and don't forget to decorate up the ECV! I always do this with my wheelchair for Disney trips, and always get a great response from CMs and Guests alike . I understand that he may not go in for ribbons and bows, but you can use just about anything. I know one of our regulars made a sort of pillowcase cover for the back of her ECV, so it just slipped on (and off again, when she came to return it!).

That sounds like a lot of fun! My dad definitely would not mind decorating the ECV. He’s very laid back and actually usually encourages it. For instance, he had a horrible foot wound that forced him to wear a big black fuzzy boot thing. We saw some Disney Princess paper tape and some neon colored (fake) duct tape at the 99cent store and bought it so that I could decorate his foot and his “boot“.
Now my mom on the other hand…I think it will take a while to convince her.

 

[Katie's Butterflies]

My wife and I go to Disney for a week and rent an ECV for 200 dollars. She has no cartlidge in her knees and if she walked Disney. She's also be paralyzed by the next day. The ECV is very worth it and trading off riding the ECV when your dad needs to stand/walk is a brilliant idea. Trust me, by then one of you will want the break and to sit down will be heavenly. Don't worry about anyone else but yourselves and your own comfort on this trip. The money's totally worth it and anyone who says anything can go stick it. Search for how to rent an ECV on these boards. The company will even deliver the ECV to your hotel and pick it up when you are done! Have a great time!

Thank you very much for sharing your experience! I‘m sure one of us will definitely be happy for the chance to sit down! Plus, $200 is a great deal. I’ll make sure to look up the different companies and read through all of the information provided by the knowledgeable DIS members!

 

[Schmeck]

One thing to note also is that your dad won't be able to ride many of the attractions with FP, as they are too jerky/violent for someone with a bad back - he could take a break and rest while you and your mom experience those rides.