Wheeled rolling backpack as Medical Assistive Device?

[indigo]

This past week we visited Disneyland a couple of times to test our endurance for our upcoming honeymoon at WDW. The first thing we found out was that neither of us could handle a 5 pound backpack for more than a few minutes. (We both have back injuries resulting from a recent crash with a drunk driver.)

We had our eye on one of those wheeled backpacks that you can pull behind you like rolling luggage. In fact, it was for sale inside "Greetings from California", the 'emporium' of DCA. So we picked one up (saved the receipt for the insurance claim) and transfered all our stuff into it.

Wheeling our stuff around was no problem really. Occaisionally we'd have to lift it to go up stairs or over curbs, but as long as we kept the weight down it was no problem. No one said anything to us, in fact, a few cast members commented on the bag saying it was a great idea and where did we find it. (I guess CMs can't be expected to know every piece of merchandise for sale in the park.)

So, imagine our surprise as we left the park to visit DTD, when we were told that we couldn't use the rolling backpack in the park. I informed the CM working the exit gate, that we had purchased the backpack inside DCA to assist us with carrying our stuff since we had injuries. She looked a little shocked that the park would have them for sale.

For the next couple days we were about 50/50 with CMs at the gate telling us we couldn't use the rolling feature inside the park. We would politely say it was a 'medical assistive device' and enter anyways. A couple CMs continued to tell us we couldn't use the rolling backpack after hearing that it was for medical use, but let us in saying "well Security will stop you."

So IMHO, if they don't want people to use Rolling Backpacks in the parks, they shouldn't sell them in the parks. But regardless of that, I am under the impression that medical assistive devices are generally allowed. Should I get a Doc's note? Will I have a problem with the wheeled rolling backpack in WDW?

Anyone with any experience in this?

-indigo-

 

[plummer925]

this may sound terrible, but this is what I would do with the castmembers who give you attitude;

Once you explain what its for, and they continue to be rude, just say - oh, sorry, I'll carry it then - put the strap/handle down, and pick up the bag - as soon as you walk away, put it back on the ground, and pull it behind ya!

Okay, in reality, that probably isn't the best advice, but I just HAD to say it!! - sometimes people don't stop and THINK before they react to you - "well Security will stop you" - what kind of thing is that to say anyway!? Geesh!

I would get a doctors note, just so you can avoid any and all hassles with it - and you can shove it in their face if they question you!!


Good luck!!!

Crystal

(PS I think that the wheeled backpack is a GREAT idea!!!!)

 

[Cheshire Figment]

How about stopping in at City Hall and explain the situation there. They will then (probably) issue you a "Guest Assistance Card" (usually referred to as a "GAC") which you can show a CM if challanged. If they are then rude, get their name and report them to a supervisor.

 

[Nanajo1]

I would fill it with Mickey Beanies and call it a stroller

 

[SueM in MN]

I'm not sure they would give you a GAC for a wheeled bag, but it would be worth a try, especially as you were going to need a GAC anyway. I do think an MD letter that says you are not able to carry more than x number of pounds and require a wheeled backpack would be useful though. That could be shown (nicely) to anyone who questions you if you don't get it written on a GAC.

I have seen people with HUGE wheeled bags at WDW (one family looked like they had their entire set of luggage with them), so I don't think one small wheeled backpack for someone who can't carry much weight is unreasonable.