Wheelchair okay? Or no?

[xdramaqueenx]

I have a question about when it is okay to use a wheelchair...

I am aware that there are people out there who get wheelchairs only to cut lines... Which is NOT our plan but I am worried it will come off that way...

I have FINALLY convinced my dad to go to WDW and we leave in JUST over a week... But I am starting to get nervous... My dad is under 50 and in very good health, but he has bad back problems. He has had to go on short term disability several times after throwing his back out. He finds a lot of standing to be very painful... Would it be reasonable to get him a wheelchair? Or would that look bad?

I don't know if he will even go for it... He would be embarrassed I'm sure...

 

[BradyBz12]

Please don't worry about what people think - it's none of their business and who are they to judge. If your dad needs the wheelchair, get it.

And contrary to what some people believe, you don't automatically get to cut lines just because you're in a wheelchair. On some rides you may be in a *different* line, but it isn't a "front of the line" pass and you still need to wait your turn.

 

[Brian_WDW74]

I've moved this thread to the disABILITIES! board.

 

[mrsksomeday]

One thing to take into consideration is you are most likely never going to see these people again so their opinions do not matter. If he finds it painful to stand then by all means get the wheelchair, do what you need to do to make the vacation enjoyable. If he is in extreme pain no one will have a good time.

 

[Piper]

The people "who get wheelchairs to cut lines" have a big surprise----you go in the same line as others and when you do go in a different line, you often have a longer wait than others!! It just doesn't work that way!

 

[KPeveler]

This is exactly what rental wheelchairs are for. Most people (though not all by any means) who rent a wheelchair are people who either have a temporary disability, or who can handle usual amounts of walking, but not the 6-10 miles a day in Disney.

I would suggest renting off-site, which means you will have the wheelchair with you at the resort and DTD and such as well. This also means you do not have to wait at the counter each day at the parks, and you will have it for park hopping.

Especially as it sounds like he is used to doing things on his own, you may want to consider an ECV for him. This means he could drive himself, and won't be "holding anyone back." There are links for off-site rental companies in the FAQs at the top of the forum.

Also, there is no "perk" to being with a wheelchair or scooter. The lines are almost all mainstreamed, which means he won't need to feel like he is "taking advantage" or anything. The family will get to wait together, though in a couple shows the family may have to sit some beside and some in front of the wheelchair row.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

The majority of attraction lines in WDW are "mainstreamed". This means that a wheelchair or ECV will use the regular entrance and line all the way to either a show seating or ride load area. If a line is not mainstreamed there will be signs and/or Cast Members to direct you where to go.

If a show, normally there will be spaces to park a chair or ECV and there will be seats next to the space for other members of the group.

If a ride, usually you will have to transfer to a ride vehicle, although some rides will allow a person in a wheelchair to remain in their chair. If you have to transfer to a ride, and unload is not at the same location as load, your ECV will magically appear at the unload area.

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Note that Post #2 discusses mobility and equipment. Post #3 had a wide variety of information and links; it might be a good idea to look at the various park "Guidebook For Persons With Disabilities" for more detailed information.

Or, if you want an easier route to the FAQs, click on the link in my signature.

Also, please ask your father the following questions. Here are the suggested answers to go with them.

1. Are you disabled (even temporarily)? Yes.

2. Do the people you are traveling with, such as your family, know you are disabled? Yes.

3. Do you expect to meet anyone you know during this trip who may not know you are disabled. Probably No!

4. Do you expect to meet a bunch of people who you will probably never meet again in your life? Probably yes!

5. Is there any reason at all that you should care what these people think about you? Absolutely No!!

6. Will using a wheelchair or ECV make for a better vacation for you and your family? Absolutely YES!