Wheelchair for Distances?

[powellrj]

Have you looked into a rollator? I use mine in the house for short distance, because I can't get my wheelchair through my doors. It is easier to push, will fold up and when you use it you always have a seat.

 

[bopper]

Here are top 5 Reasons that people think they shouldn't get an ECV when they should.

I can't drive one. Go to your local Costco/Walmart/Target or other large store. They probably have an electric cart type thing that you could use while shopping. Try it out. I bet you can drive it.

People might think I don't really need it because I can walk. Are these people going to share the pain with you at the end of the day? Do you care what they think? Save your walking energy between rides and use it for lines or getting on the rides. Enjoy your family and your vacation.

It will slow my family down. No, actually it will speed your family up. No more rests because mom is tired. No more going back to the hotel because grandpa is in pain. No more cranky mommy because she tried to walk miles and miles in Disney instead of renting an ECV. You are completely mobile on your own (nobody pushing you in a wheelchair). What's the slow down here?

It's expensive. Um, how much are you spending on this vacation? Don't you want to enjoy it? If money is that tight, take a day off of your trip and spend that money on the ECV so you can enjoy it!

I don't want my kids/family to think I am disabled. You are either temporarily or permanently disabled in some way if you are even asking about this issue...once again, why not make it a better vacation by saving yourself from pain? Nobody is saying you have to confine yourself to a wheelchair permanently or you should not stop trying to get better. If somebody told you to go walk 4 miles, you would think they are crazy. But you are paying for the privilege when you go to Disney to do just that...why not use an ECV to make your family's vacation better?

 

[dixie47]

Here are top 5 Reasons that people think they shouldn't get an ECV when they should.

I can't drive one. Go to your local Costco/Walmart/Target or other large store. They probably have an electric cart type thing that you could use while shopping. Try it out. I bet you can drive it.

People might think I don't really need it because I can walk. Are these people going to share the pain with you at the end of the day? Do you care what they think? Save your walking energy between rides and use it for lines or getting on the rides. Enjoy your family and your vacation.

It will slow my family down. No, actually it will speed your family up. No more rests because mom is tired. No more going back to the hotel because grandpa is in pain. No more cranky mommy because she tried to walk miles and miles in Disney instead of renting an ECV. You are completely mobile on your own (nobody pushing you in a wheelchair). What's the slow down here?

It's expensive. Um, how much are you spending on this vacation? Don't you want to enjoy it? If money is that tight, take a day off of your trip and spend that money on the ECV so you can enjoy it!

I don't want my kids/family to think I am disabled. You are either temporarily or permanently disabled in some way if you are even asking about this issue...once again, why not make it a better vacation by saving yourself from pain? Nobody is saying you have to confine yourself to a wheelchair permanently or you should not stop trying to get better. If somebody told you to go walk 4 miles, you would think they are crazy. But you are paying for the privilege when you go to Disney to do just that...why not use an ECV to make your family's vacation better?

 

[dixie47]

Thanks to all who posted here. I wandered over to this board convinced I would never visit the World again. Following a lovely cruise I spent two intense days walking MK with family as well as back and forth from Contemporary (monorail had issues). Midfoot arthritis has definitely worsened since my last trip and I told the kids and grandchildren this had to be my final trip. The pain was unbelievable and I've been hobbling around ever since. Maybe an ECV is the answer. I can manage on my own most of the time, but Disney walking - Wow!!

 

[gap2368]

A good number of people airing ECV at Disney do not need them in every day lift. Use what ever tool you need and enjoy your trip

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Thanks to all who posted here. I wandered over to this board convinced I would never visit the World again. Following a lovely cruise I spent two intense days walking MK with family as well as back and forth from Contemporary (monorail had issues). Midfoot arthritis has definitely worsened since my last trip and I told the kids and grandchildren this had to be my final trip. The pain was unbelievable and I've been hobbling around ever since. Maybe an ECV is the answer. I can manage on my own most of the time, but Disney walking - Wow!!

you will never know until you try a trip with an ECV. I would rent offsite so you have to get to and from the bus/ resort/ monorail. and you always have a place to sit and rest. different problem with walking but been there done that. go and have a great trip wondering what took you so long to make the move

 

[mamabunny]

Thanks to all who posted here. I wandered over to this board convinced I would never visit the World again. Following a lovely cruise I spent two intense days walking MK with family as well as back and forth from Contemporary (monorail had issues). Midfoot arthritis has definitely worsened since my last trip and I told the kids and grandchildren this had to be my final trip. The pain was unbelievable and I've been hobbling around ever since. Maybe an ECV is the answer. I can manage on my own most of the time, but Disney walking - Wow!!

Oh no! I'm here to second and third what Gap & Betty said - please don't give up just yet!

I don't know the exact figure, but just based on the comments we see around here, 50% or better of the folks you see using an ECV at WDW don't use one at home, in their daily lives.

And the most important thing you need to remember about using an ECV at WDW is this: it's a tool that you can use to have the best possible vacation. Just like using glasses to see better, or a hearing aid to hear better... or even a calculator to do math, an ECV is a tool you use to allow you to keep up with your family - while not slowing them down!

I do second the idea of renting from an off-site vendor; most of the Resorts are big enough that you will find it handy to use at the Resort as well. And Disney Springs is nearly twice as big now as it once was! The ECV will let you be independent too - if you want to grab your Resort mug and go fill it early in the morning... hop on that thing, and go to the Quick Serve!

Go back to Disney World, rent an ECV, and have a great time with your lovely family!

 

[dixie47]

Oh no! I'm here to second and third what Gap & Betty said - please don't give up just yet!

I don't know the exact figure, but just based on the comments we see around here, 50% or better of the folks you see using an ECV at WDW don't use one at home, in their daily lives.

And the most important thing you need to remember about using an ECV at WDW is this: it's a tool that you can use to have the best possible vacation. Just like using glasses to see better, or a hearing aid to hear better... or even a calculator to do math, an ECV is a tool you use to allow you to keep up with your family - while not slowing them down!

I do second the idea of renting from an off-site vendor; most of the Resorts are big enough that you will find it handy to use at the Resort as well. And Disney Springs is nearly twice as big now as it once was! The ECV will let you be independent too - if you want to grab your Resort mug and go fill it early in the morning... hop on that thing, and go to the Quick Serve!

Go back to Disney World, rent an ECV, and have a great time with your lovely family!

 

[dixie47]

Thanks to all of you for the encouragement!!!!

 

[KPeveler]

I would keep whatever he uses in lines. As someone who has dislocated their knee many times, I can say that standing still is much worse than walking! It means if a line gets stalled or takes longer than normal, he wont be stuck in pain.