Wheelchair rentals

[NancyinCt]

Hi,

I will be going to WDW in November. Which company would you use to rental a wheelchair while there? We will be there for 9 days and have never rented off site, but find that I need a wheelchair to get to the bus stops, restuarants etc. could someone let me know which is best to call, and maybe the number to contact. If anyone has had any experiences with one or another company I would surely appreciate it. I only require a push wheelchair, I can walk for a short time and stand for a short time, but some distances from the hotel to stops are to long, and from stops to park entrances are impossible. Disney cannot
guarantee a chair at the hotel, and I feel I can't take the chance of them not having one there when I get there.

Thanks in advance.

Nancy in CT

 

[Cheshire Figment]

You may be better off renting an ECV, as pushing a wheelchair can get very tiresome, especially if you are not used to it. Also it depends on the weight of the passenger and the condition of the pusher(s). Some information for off-site rentals (both wheelchairs and ECVs) are:

Walker Mobility:
1-888-726-6837
www.walkermobility.com

Care Medical:
http://www.caremedicalequipment.com/

RANDY'S Mobility is in Kissimmee 407-892-4777
http://randysmobility.com/

Colonial Medical
http://www.colonialmed.com/about_cms.html

I have used Walker a few times. They will ask for a credit card and charge it the day before arrival. They will deliver the ECV to your hotel bell services before your arrival and pick it up there after your departure. Their rates, especially for longer than a week, are much better than Disney's. Also, their scooters are much better.

If you have never used an ECV, you might want to go to a large grocery store or "big box" store such as a Wal-mart. They have ECVs available for use in the store. Note that the actual rentals are much smaller, and have three wheels which gives much better maneuverability.

Just remember, when you are in either a wheelchair or an ECV you become invisible.

If you are using a car for getting around, the ECVs break down into five pieces, the heaviest about 39 pounds. They take about a minute or so to take apart and about two minutes (once you are used to it) to put it together.

Another suggestion is find out your state's requirements for a temporary disabled hang tag and get the paper work and have your doctor sign off on it. The tag will allow you to use any of the handicap parking areas (which will be a necessity). Also, with the policy of charging for valet parking, with a handicap hang tag the fees will be waived. Also the valets will usually volunteer to assist in loading/unloading an ECV. In Virginia I printed the required form from the DMV website. When I took the completed form to the DMV Office it took less than 15 minutes from the time I walked in until I had my tag.

 

[SueM in MN]

All the companies that Cheshire Figment listed are ones that DIS posters have reported renting wheelchairs and ecvs from. There have been very occasional displeased posters with all of them, but, in general, I think you would be pleased with any of the companies.

 

[NancyinCt]

Hi,

Thanks for your help. I called Walker Mobility and found a very sweet girl that answered the phone was so nice, I ordered one for delivery when we get to the hotel. They were so nice and helpful.

Thanks again for your help.

 

[happylady]

Hi everyone.

I will be having my second foot surgery in a few weeks. BUT, I WILL NOT cancel our vacation to Disney set for the first week of November!!

My doctor says I will be in a hard cast for 6-8 weeks with a bone growth stimulator attached...not sure how all this works but my DS is calling me the bionic women already.

My DH and DS are not looking forward to pushing a wheelchair for three days so I've thought about renting a EVC. Would anyone be able to give me an extimate on the coast? Does WDW rent them at the part entrances or can you only get them offsite? Hopefully we will be staying at VWL.

Any help will be appreciated.

 

[JudithM]

Originally posted by happylady
My DH and DS are not looking forward to pushing a wheelchair for three days so I've thought about renting a EVC. Would anyone be able to give me an extimate on the coast? Does WDW rent them at the part entrances or can you only get them offsite? Hopefully we will be staying at VWL.

Any help will be appreciated.

HappyLady, I like your positive attitude!

Initially I rented an ECV from Disney at the park entrances. It was $40 a day, & when you return the ECV, you get ten dollars back. However, keep in mind that Disney does not guarnatee an ECV will be availalbe at theentrance when you arrive. I usually go to WDW during less crowded times of the year, & I have found no ECVs available. Also you are not guarateed an ECV if you change parks during the day.

After finding no ECVs at WDW parks on more than one trip, I started renting from Walker Mobility. They charge $30 a day. I have never rented for more than a few days, but they might have a rental charge for a full week rental. I have had very good service from Walker. I call ahead of time, the ECV has been delivered on time & it provides reliable service throughout my stay.

In May I used the WDW bus transportation with wonderful success. My compliments to the bus drivers - they were helpful & very safety oriented. I noticed you mentioned staying at VWL. I had no trouble getting the ECV on & off of the WDW boat transportation - again CMs were helpful in letting me know what works best for getting on & off the boats.

HAVE FUN!

 

[Nanajo1]

I just booked my ECV from Walkers for 14 days=$374.50. This is a regular size, the heavy duty models are more. They will drop it off on 11/23 and pick it up 12/08. Only charging me for 14 days. The charge will go on my CC the day before drop off. I have used them several times with great service.

 

[happylady]

Well, it looks like VWL are a no go. So, we will probably be staying off site. Does anyone know if Walker Mobility will deliver to off site hotels?

 

[Nanajo1]

Happylady,
Sorry you couldn't get VWL. Did you try any other onsite resorts? Walker will deliver to your hotel. They are not only for WDW but service the entire Orlando area. Here's some PD for your trip.

 

[happylady]

I've been posting on the DVC board. Everything is booked, so my only hope is if someone on DVC has a ressie and can't go. Sometimes they will rent/sell the ressie...usually for @ $10 a point. For the dates we want to go, it would only be @ $80 a night at VWL for a studio. A fantastic deal if you can get it!! When I called CRO a couple weeks ago, they only had openings at Coronado for @ $200 a night..to rich for my blood.