Wheelchair question

[jjarman]

Some really good friends will be traveling to WDW in December. There will be 4 adults and an almost 3 year old girl. One of the adults, grandmother of the toddler, has some serious health issues and while there may need to use a wheelchair. She literally cannot walk at times due to issues with her feet. Since they don't know when it will raise it's ugly head I suggested they go ahead and bring a wheelchair with them. Fortunately they have one. I told them it would come in handy because she can use it from the car to the airport, airplaine to car at the airport, parking to the resort (they are staying at the Contemporary), etc.

Do you think there will be any problems with them bringing their own wheelchair with them? Can you take it on the plane or will it have to be checked baggage? That would be okay I believe. They could make do for a little while at the airport if need be.

 

[lanejudy]

Absolutely no problem bringing it to WDW. I'd suggest they "decorate" it or somehow make it stand out that it's theirs. They'll be able to park it in stroller parking if grandma wants to walk for a bit.

Another option is to rent an ECV if she'd feel comfortable driving one. It would allow her a little more independence than relying on someone to push a wheelchair. She could try one out at a local big-box store or grocery store - those are usually bigger and harder to maneuver than a rental.

The wheelchair can be gate-checked at the airport, allowing her to use it right up to the door to the airplane if needed. At security, she will either need to stand and walk though, or request a pat down. I believe those are the only options.

 

[jjarman]

Thank you so much. I'll pass this along.