Wheelchair question.

[barbaraann]

Has anyone ever done this? I go to Disneyland a lot solo, and I want to continue to do this. It is getting harder and harder for me to spend all day on my feet. Has anyone ever traveled solo with a rented wheelchair? Are they easy to handle? I don't want the expense or the confusion of a scooter. However, a wheelchair would get me off of my feet enough, and keep my back/feet from hurting due to excessive amounts of walking. I like to go at my own speed, and I really don't want anyone else pushing me. I want the independence of doing it myself. This might sound silly, but I am considering it for maybe part of my up and coming trip, which is a long one? Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

 

[Indiana Scott]

Using a WC for hours and miles is very hard on your arms if your not used to it. There's also a learning curve you have to go through - which isn't advisable at DL. I honestly don't think it would work out very well unless you have someone to push you.

 

[barbaraann]

Using a WC for hours and miles is very hard on your arms if your not used to it. There's also a learning curve you have to go through - which isn't advisable at DL. I honestly don't think it would work out very well unless you have someone to push you.

I actually did think about this aspect. I recently pushed someone else around at Disney World for 2 days straight in a chair. I have also in the past pushed a good friend. I have never been in the wheelchair myself, however. I am only thinking about this now, because as I get older, it is harder and harder to maintain the pace I would like. I do take rest periods, but at the end of a long day, when I want to watch a parade, or the fireworks, my legs/feet/back are suffering. Losing weight would help, but I have a trip coming up in just 3 months.

 

[Zbugz]

My dd is paralyzed and uses a wc full time. Because she pushes herself everywhere, she has biceps that rival any male. The muscles used to push someone else around are different. You can use your entire body for that. Pushing yourself in the wheelchair is almost all arms. Unless they are able to pull and push your body weight plus the chair's weight for the better part of a day, I think you will end up frustrated.
I'd recommend renting an ECV instead.

 

[Geemo]

Going solo can be fun.
The rental scooters are easier than the ones at the grocery stores.
The speed is easy to control and the turning radius is nice.

I recommend you try the scooter first and if that doesn't work then trade it in for a wheelchair. I'm sure you see how easy it is to adjust to driving one.
You may find yourself going solo more often.

Geemo

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

I have to be in a chair at DL every time lately. I have a disc and hip that slip after about one day of walking. I can honestly say, since I don't use one every day there is NO WAY IN HECK I could push myself. Unfortunately for my family, they have to push me. I'd get an ecv if you need something and are alone. I'd probably get to the end of main street and just start crying and limp back to the front and turn it in and go home

 

[Indiana Scott]

BTW, it looks like you same delightful Barbaraann that frequented MC and regaled folks with all the wonderful pics of your solo trips?
If so then it's wonderful to catch up with you here!

I was ScottG over there but gave up on that site some time ago.

 

[barbaraann]

BTW, it looks like you same delightful Barbaraann that frequented MC and regaled folks with all the wonderful pics of your solo trips?
If so then it's wonderful to catch up with you here!

I was ScottG over there but gave up on that site some time ago.

I am indeed the same Barbaraann.

So many great people have given up on MC. However, I haven't and I still love Disneyland, and WDW as much as ever.

 

[Nevada Jen]

You won't be able to push yourself in a wheelchair around the park. If you are worried about renting a scooter, rent one at home for a week and practice. It will be a much better solution. I would say your next best solution is a cane. Hand propelling a wheelchair in crowds at Disney is going to be next to impossible. Again, rent one and try it at a mall. Go in the anchor stores with a fake list of things you have to pick up so you have manuever to specific racks and aisles and see if you can do it. For 4 hours straight. Then picture doing it with little hills for twice the time.

 

[smartlabelprint]

Have you thought about the walker that has a little seat? You could take rest breaks that way.

I'm from micechat too. I read but it's hard to log in & post over there.

 

[Comicbookmommy]

I've rented a wheelchair from Disney in my last month of pregnancy a year ago, and recently my husband rented a scooter from a different place for a foot injury.

The thing about renting wheelchairs from Disney, is that you can't take them off property, or keep them overnight. You can't even go into Downtown Disney without a special paper saying that you can. It would be fine if you're only going for a day, but if you're staying overnight anywhere I would call a different place. The one we chose dropped off and picked up the chair for free right from our hotel.

Also if you choose to rent from Disney, they require a deposit every day. If you use a credit or debit card, it can take days to release that deposit back to you (which can rack up to a lot of not yet returned funds if you're there for multiple days). But if you take cash for the deposit/payment, then when you return the chair at night, the deposit is given back immediately.

If you're going for a long trip, I would suggest a scooter. For us, a week's rental was only 150, with no deposit. Renting a scooter from Disney daily would equal 350 (plus deposit). A scooter is way less tiring as well on a long trip.

Have a wonderful time!

 

[gottalovepluto]

If you are dead set against an ECV try the wheelchair for 1 day and see how it goes for you. I would advise skipping straight to the ECV but there is absolutely nothing that says you can't try a wheelchair for one day so that you can find out whether or not it helps you. I'm not the gym type (I always mean to go...) so I know I'd get an hour into my day and be exhausted from wheeling myself around, but maybe you have strong arms? Have you considered a walker, the kind that includes a seat? As I said personally I'd do the ECV but I'm trying to think of alternatives.