Wheelchair or scooter experiences at WDW.

[Zaunsomelady]

Hi All. I'm new to the boards and have a question. I am working on plans for a large group traveling to WDW in October 2016 and there are afew people in our group that will likely be needing the help of either a wheelchair or ecv. One of them, a sister in law is EXTREMELY self conscious about people looking or staring at her if she uses one. To the point that she may choose not to go with us, which would be awful. I have no worries about Disney or the Cast Members, I'm sure they will be as helpful and sensitive as can be. Has anyone using a wheelchair or ecv experienced much in the way of people staring or commenting to them. I love my sister in law and know she worries what others think of her, whether or not she knows them. I just her to have a great experience with us.

 

[bidnow5]

Disney is the best place anywhere to be in a wheel chair or on a scooter I have had comments in stores and at other parks but very seldom in Disney most people are overwhelmed with things to see to notice who is on a scooter

 

[Bete]

You may be able to shield your sister-in-law by surrounding her on all sides of the scooter except the front of it even while she is driving it. No strangers should be able to get close to her that way. After a while she may see it's okay and be relaxed by it all. You can shield her in ride lines and show lines, too.

I have heard others say there have been a few bad incidences in their travels with a scooter on these boards, but mostly everyone has had a good experience at Disney.

Disney bus travel with a scooter can be more challenging; so, be prepared to help if you use the buses. She may need assistance getting it parked on the bus.

 

[jdb in AZ]

I've had several looks and comments from people at Disneyland -- they were all from tired(!) people wishing they too had a scooter.

To help your SIL feel more comfortable, have her practice at a store like Costco that has scooters for their customers to use. They're a lot more cumbersome than the scooters at the parks, so if she can comfortably use one of the store scooters, she'll feel more confident in the parks.

BTW, it's much cheaper to rent a scooter from an outside source in Orlando, and the scooters are in better condition than the ones available at WDW.

 

[Piper]

The best way to prepare yourself for the trip is to read the FAQs at the top of this board. You might also want to read the board throughout your planning. You have quite a few years to plan 2016 is 4 years from now. Things could change between now and then.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Please ask 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!