Wheelchair rental - do I or don't I About This Page:

[CinderAbby]

Last year after we got home from Disney, however the subject came up, Lenny and I discussed renting a wheelchair this vacation in addition to his scooter. He was thinking of renting from Walker (where we get the scooter from) since we'd get a lower rate than the parks. I said no, I didn't want to do that as we'd only have room in the backseat with Abby for the wheelchair and I don't want it there with her. Now that it's official we decided to go, I have no idea what I should do about this. It seems for every pro I can come up with, a con is right behind it. So here it goes, and give me your opinions

My feet and legs get bad from standing on nothing but concrete at both jobs which means even at Disney, they're going to hurt so it would be nice when we stop for things like parades, I'd have someplace to sit that isn't the ground. Me getting up isn't a pretty sight .
Either I or Abby would have to push it around all day and some days it's hard enough just getting Lenny around on the scooter - we block people or yell "excuse us, scooter user coming"

If I don't need the wheelchair, we're pushing it around all day but I could put the backpack on it saving the scooter some battery life and my back. If it's empty though (or even just the backpack), I can see Abby saying "my feet hurt, can't I sit in the wheelchair?" She's Autistic and able bodied, she doesn't need to sit, she can walk.

For the rides where Lenny has to transfer, we'd already have the chair with us, I wouldn't have to go find one or wait for one to be returned. For the rides he doesn't have to transfer at, what do I do with an empty wheelchair? Still take it in the line and take up space for someone who does need to leave a chair or leave it outside and risk it walking off because someone thinks it's a ride chair instead of someone's rental?

I'm thinking we wouldn't need the chair every single day so if I only get it on our MK days (the ones I'm thinking we'd really need it) it's less expensive then getting it every single day. Since it would only be at the MK, we'll have at least one instance where Abby and I will be riding without Lenny because he's doing whatever (bathroom break, cigarette, just doesn't want to ride etc) - again, what do I do with the chair? Lenny can't do anything with it since he'll be on the scooter and again, I wouldn't want it to walk off because I've left it unattended.

If I do need it for something, we'll have it. If I do need it for something, Abby would have to push me. In August when it's hot. Which means she would end up needing the chair as she can get overheated easily if we're not mindful of it.

We could park the scooter more and save the battery. Doing that though I would have to push Lenny. In August when it's hot. No thanks.

If I do need it, I'd have it. If I use it though, I would get really stiff and sore from sitting (it happens at the restaurants too) and that itself is a double edged sword. Knowing it's going to hurt to get up, I won't want to do it but I will because the longer I sit, the worse it would get. I have to get up and moving to loosen up again (it happens here at home - I sit at work for 5 minutes due to paperwork and some days it's hard to stand up again)

We can go without the chair and see if it works and if it does great. If it doesn't, I'm not going to want to go back to the front of the park for a wheelchair that may not even be available later in the day.

I like to go when I want to go but having a wheelchair will slow me down and vice versa. Slowing down isn't a bad thing but I want to be where I want to be when I want to be there.

We could just rent a locker for the backpack saving both the scooter battery and my back. I wouldn't want to go back to the locker because we forget Abby's pins or autograph book or headphones or any of the other things that kind of are a necessity. (Just as a side note here, I am trying to cut down on what we take to lessen the weight but there's not a lot we can omit).


I keep going back and forth between "this is all logical" to "it seems like all excuses." What do you guys think? Am I at the stalemate I think I am or is there anything jumping out at you for or against it?

[Her Dotness]

Darlene, Drew suggested the website where he buys his canes, www.fashionablecanes.com.

They have some of those folding cane-chairs and similar things that might be workable although perhaps not if what you need are chair arms or a solid table to lean on when getting up.

What Drew likes about their canes is that the description specifies the maximum weight the cane or device will support safely so that it's easier to judge if it will do what you need. He must have an orthopedic cane so appreciates that they specify.

You can also get a cane cut to the exact length needed from Fashionable Canes. That's really important as tall as he is to be able to order exactly the right length.

Which leads me to ask if you've tried using a regular cane some. When my arthritic knees and back are bothering me, a simple cane helps me get up more easily. I sometimes use it around the house as I've found that a bit of support when walking seems to ease the stiffness in my back when getting up from a chair.

Something else that will seem a peculiar suggestion is to try a set of trekking poles. Target sells a cheap set by New Balance ($19.95) which amazed me when I tried them how much strain on both knees and back they absorbed. I could actually return from a walk feeling better than when I started out, sleeping more comfortably that night, too. It's astonishing how those two silly lightweight poles reduce the strain.

Trekking poles take some practice both adjusting them and using them, but you might find just a set of those helps. They're not sturdy enough to use as support for getting up from a chair, only an orthopedic cane or folding cane-chair or mini-walker would do that safely.

I can only tell you that the poles I bought made a difference I'd never have believed possible. So has the cane I have when the weather's cold or damp, and my back is feeling it.

Sounds like a difficult situation. I agree heartily with your concern that renting a wheelchair would be a huge hassle having to push it around when you may only need it occasionally.

Your doctor or a nurse may have suggestions for something less cumbersome, too.

Good luck finding something workable! It's tough when you need just a little aid but not much.

[revral]

Another possibility would be a walker. You can get them with a seat & they're not terribly expensive. My other idea would be to try renting from Disney this trip & see if it's worth it. Then you'll know for future trips. Plus, if you find you like having one I'm sure you could call Walker Mobility & arrange for them to bring you a rental for the rest of your trip .

[Huntermom]

I say no to the wheelchair. I had to use one for a few months when I was very ill and was thrilled when I was able to do away with it. For a few reasons.

One is that they are not comfortable. I would use them for doctor's visits and even those couple of hours left my bum sore.

Two is that they are not easy to push and "drive". Even in a hospital with nice floors, they could be tricky. It's not fun getting pushed into a wall.

Three is it wasn't easy for my DD to push my 110 lb body. She is strong and in good shape. I cannot imagine it would be easy for Abby to push you especially in the hot Florida sun.

Four, if you are arthritic, I think that walking, in a good pair of shoes, with breaks as needed and limiting your time in the parks, will be better for you.

Five, I didn't look at Dot's link but my first thought was to get a folding camp stool. My birdwatcher son has a three legged one that falls and can fit in a back pack.

And lastly, why spend the money on something that may end up being a push cart.

I have been to Disney twice since I got ill. My touring has changed a little but the walk has never really been an issue. And I feel I can eat a little more because of the exercise I get.

Several people I go to rehab with have the seated walkers and even they can be a little tricky to maneuver in smaller spaces.

ETA. I looked at Dot's link and they have some very similar things to what my son uses. The prices seem very reasonable but you might also find something in a sporting goods store.

[Her Dotness]

Huntermom raises some excellent points about wheelchairs that I'll add to based on our experience with the year DH used one.

Originally Posted by Huntermom

I say no to the wheelchair....One is that they are not comfortable. I would use them for doctor's visits and even those couple of hours left my bum sore.

True. Anyone who rents a wheelchair is well-advised to rent or buy a seat cushion, preferably a formfitting, super-padded one.

I don't know who thought those seats would be at all comfortable for any human rear. They feel like sitting in a plastic hammock and would be torture in no time for someone confined to one.

Another factor that people don't realize is that propelling oneself takes a LOT of upper body strength. DH said that he spent quite some time doing exercises to build his arm and shoulder muscles before beginning to use a wheelchair after his accident. He had a pretty active job as a phone repair tech and wasn't any weakling but said that his upper body muscles were really sore at first.

It takes much more strength and conditioning than you'd think to propel yourself in a wheelchair.

Two is that they are not easy to push and "drive".

Definitely the case! It took me a good long while to get a sense of the bulk and maneuverability of DH's wheelchair so that I could stop safely and not run into people.

Add to that that all the decorative pavement around WDW is sheer agony for someone in a wheelchair that may not be well suited to the person's weight and size and hasn't as much shock absorption as scooters do.

Furthermore, how well the chair is designed and maintained makes a big difference in how comfortably the chair handles uneven or rough paving.

Just not advisable any way you look at it, IMO, unless you had a very strong person with lots of stamina to push it.

[guerns17]

Would it be too much to have 2 scooters? That way no one would have to worry about pushing and if Lenny's scooter battery goes out you have the other as a back up.

[cattailmarsh]

Abby may be strong and you might not need it much and then uou would be using it just for storage but allow me to say this - the only time I (and mom) have ever lost any weight at Disney (13+ trips) was the year we pushed my Gram in a wheelchair. We were visiting for 10 days and while it was hot it wasn't super hot nor did she weigh much (125 lbs). Add a small bag for necessities, 2 water bottles and my camera bag and way have hit 140 lbs. Losing weight while have the DxDP for 10 days says how difficult & strenuous pushing even a rather light person in her personal molded wheelchair was. Definitely think twice about the wheelchair and explore other options.

[CinderAbby]

One is that they are not comfortable.

I don't expect it to be comfortable

Two is that they are not easy to push and "drive". Even in a hospital with nice floors, they could be tricky. It's not fun getting pushed into a wall.

Three is it wasn't easy for my DD to push my 110 lb body. She is strong and in good shape. I cannot imagine it would be easy for Abby to push you especially in the hot Florida sun.

I think you guys have forgotten a couple of things. 1) Lenny has needed wheels for quite a few years so we are quite use to pushing him in a wheelchair (at the mall, the aquarium, the hospital, at water parks, at Disney and other theme park) and 2) at quite a few attractions, scooters are not allowed so we need to push Lenny in those queues in the wheelchair so we are pretty proficient in doing it - and last year both of us were 30+ pounds heavier than we are now.

Four, if you are arthritic, I think that walking, in a good pair of shoes, with breaks as needed and limiting your time in the parks, will be better for you.

Unfortunately it's not arthritis - it is outright pain. I have plantar fasciitis in my left foot as well as a cyst on the top. I also have sprained my left ankle several times over the years so between the two, I'm sure arthritis would be less painful. And the sad part - I have orthotics and do exercises to help.

And lastly, why spend the money on something that may end up being a push cart.

I don't look at it as a push cart - I actually look at it more as an appropriate sized and comfortable walker that I know how to use already. As for the cost, we all have things we would and wouldn't spend money on. Lots of people wouldn't spend the money on a rental car either. On my "bad" (very painful days) days here at home I tend to think it would be money well spent. Plus too, if we get a chair and it doesn't work, then all we would be out would be $12. I wouldn't keep getting one if it didn't help.

ETA. I looked at Dot's link and they have some very similar things to what my son uses. The prices seem very reasonable but you might also find something in a sporting goods store.

For some reason, I want to say when Disney did their ban on large tripods and selfie sticks, the chairs were banned as well - or maybe they weren't allowed already but were just listed. I've never seen anyone in all my trips using one - only wheelchairs, scooters or walkers.

[rphstearns]

Kind of off topic but not. The other day in Denver airport there was an old man in a wheelchair being pushed by his wife in an electric scooter. I can just envision you and Lenny doing that. [emoji12]. I'm sure Disney would not approve though.


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[CinderAbby]

Originally Posted by rphstearns

Kind of off topic but not. The other day in Denver airport there was an old man in a wheelchair being pushed by his wife in an electric scooter. I can just envision you and Lenny doing that. [emoji12]. I'm sure Disney would not approve though.

I can't let Lenny read this - he'd want to try it.

[Huntermom]

For under $60. you can buy one of these. Not as bulky as a wheel chair but gives you a place to sit. Several people I see at cardiac rehab have these. To me, they still seem difficult to maneuver at times (the person watching another person get stuck)

http://www.walmart.com/ip/28647754?w...399992&veh=sem

[yalibrarian]

Something else that will seem a peculiar suggestion is to try a set of trekking poles. Target sells a cheap set by New Balance ($19.95) which amazed me when I tried them how much strain on both knees and back they absorbed. I could actually return from a walk feeling better than when I started out, sleeping more comfortably that night, too. It's astonishing how those two silly lightweight poles reduce the strain.

I have also found the NB trekking poles quite helpful. In fact, I use one like a cane going to and from my car on workdays. The fact that they are adjustable, have nice loops to hang over your arm, and little springs in them to give you a bit of a push off, all make them nicer than most canes in my view.

You can always rent in the park if you need it, or call Walker once you arrive if you decided against it but change your mind. I find pushing a chair with my bags in it much easier than using a walker and more useful too.

[CinderAbby]

I find pushing a chair with my bags in it much easier than using a walker and more useful too.

Thank you for "getting it." I feel the same way - wheelchairs are easier and have a couple of uses.

[Her Dotness]

I wore out my NB poles in about a year. They were great "will-I-won"t-I-like-them" starter poles.

They helped me so much that my self-gift for my birthday was an expensive set of Lekis for women. MUCH better all around. Still using them two years later.

Unfortunately, I suspect plantar whatzit might not be helped much, I'm guessing, without maybe very good shoes and custom orthotics. BIG buckolas, in short.

My problems are arthritic knees and ankles with extremely flat feet so the poles help me lots. Probably Darlene's problem, little or not at all.

A wheelchair would likely work better than I thought since her family are experienced in the use of those.

[CinderAbby]

Unfortunately, I suspect plantar whatzit might not be helped much, I'm guessing, without maybe very good shoes and custom orthotics. BIG buckolas, in short.

My problems are arthritic knees and ankles with extremely flat feet so the poles help me lots. Probably Darlene's problem, little or not at all.

A wheelchair would likely work better than I thought since her family are experienced in the use of those.

Plantar fasciitis - yeah, not fun. Throw in the cyst too, it's really not fun. It's bad when you walk and the top of your foot hurts too so I have to be careful how I do things. I've changed what I've typed 3 and 4 times but I'm not even sure what I ended up typing really explains good enough to have people understand what it's like.

I have a cyst on the top of my foot which to prevent problems, I need to keep my foot at a 90 degree angle from my leg. That's easy to do if I'm standing still or sitting. Standing however for the prolonged periods I do, causes the plantar fasciitis to act up. To help with that, I have exercises to do where I have to flex my foot therefore aggravating the cyst if I'm not careful. In Disney, I have both prolonged periods of standing on hard surfaces (which helps the cyst if I stand right but aggravates the PF) with periods of lots of walking on hard surfaces (aggravating both the PF and the cyst and pretty much undoes all the standing I do) so not only does the PF act up, so does the cyst causing both the top and the bottom of my foot to hurt. If I had just the PF, I could stop and do some of the exercises here and there even in the parks but with the cyst I can't as that gets aggravated by all the walking. My ankle is screwed up too which sometimes adds into the mix but that usually takes longer. So needless to say - the end result is a lot of pain. Last year, I had a medicine which helped somewhat with all the pain but it caused other problems so it's not a med I can take anymore. My legs themselves (which I mentioned in the first post) will probably hurt too. At the time I started this post they were bad but that was my own fault. I typically buy new sneakers every 6 months but I lost track of time. Once I got new ones, my legs stopped hurting but my feet are a constant problem just due to the problems I have.

Everyone understand? No? Oh well then, all you need to know is this one thing - pain, lots and lots of pain.