Hey, everyone. So my mother and I are taking an adult mom-son trip to WDW next month. While she is able to walk short distances without much problem, she‘s not steady on her feet and can’t stand for extended periods. So, I’m renting a wheelchair from Scooterbug and having it delivered to the CR. (We’re opting for a wheelchair over a
scooter for a few reasons.)
So, she’s used a wheelchair at WDW before, but it was only for a couple of days many years ago after a mild ankle sprain, and the rest of the time she was fine. This trip, she’ll be in the wheelchair for most of the time that we’re in the parks and probably around the resorts as well. I’ll be doing the pushing!
I’d like to know, from those of you who do use or have used wheelchairs at WDW, what‘s the one thing (or more than one thing!) you wish you’d known beforehand? I’ve reviewed the intel on attraction access categories on the WDW website, but I’d love to have your insight on how to make things as easy as possible on my mom and on me. Many thanks!
Hi, WinstonC.
I see Scooterbug rents three different adult wheelchairs base on weight capacity and seat width.
The comfortable, 18-inch wheelchair is equipped with a breathable mesh seat, seatbelt, and a durable steel frame. This is a great option for guests looking for smaller seat size for 250 lbs larger capacity needs.
ScooterBug’s lightweight aluminum 20-inch standard-sized transport chair is the ideal choice for comfort and portability for 350 lbs larger capacity needs.
The comfortable, extra-wide 24-inch breathable mesh seat and durable steel frame make this wheelchair the choice for 450 lbs larger capacity needs.
Choose a wheelchair based on weight capacity or greater, then seat width for comfort.
Add an additional identification to the wheelchair in addition to a renter's I.D. just in case some else with the same rental chair. Since most caregivers automatically reach for the wheelchair's handgrips, I would put a ribbon or a luggage tag with your info.
Besides a rain poncho for both of you, get a cheap poncho to put over the wheelchair if no one is sitting in it and you think it might rain. And rubber bands to keep it from blowing away.
Lock wheelchair when your mother steps in/out of a wheelchair. Or near an edge of a curb, or platform, or a hill even if sitting so the wheelchair doesn't tip over.
Ask cast members if you don't know something like is the bus or attraction queue is mainstream or separate handicap entrance.
Be careful when crossing MK Main Street trolley tracks because sometimes the wheelchair's front, free-turning wheels may get caught and tip the wheelchair.
Be careful when using any ramps. Especially steep ones If going down, maybe turn the wheelchair around and roll backwards to decrease the fear of falling out. Or it could be a small thrill ride.
When exiting ramps with raised, side guards, roll the wheelchair straight all the way down the ramp until rear wheels reach the ground before deciding to make a turn. Accidentally turning too early over the ramps protective lip could tip the wheelchair.
When using some bus queues like at MK, which is mainsteam, roll through to the front row and push the handicap gate open and roll next to metal gate and wait for bus driver to arrive and to wave you to enter the ramp. You can inform the bus driver she could sit next to you and you could hold the folded wheelchair Just ask the bus driver where the best place for you to sit and hold the folded wheelchair. Or she could stay in the wheelchair and be tied down
Other bus stops just hace a painted, rectangular, handicap space on the pavement like at AKL or CR. Just park there. Pop Century Resort has a separate chained entance that you drive too. Here the painted, rectangular, handicap space on the pavement was just used to show the length and width limits like all the others do. But at PCR roll past this symbol by the chain fence and wait.
Pick up handicap park guide maps for a reference.
Magic Kingdom
EPCOT
Disney Hollywood Studios
Animal Kingdom