Experience with Wheel Chairs

[journ116]

Hi Good folks of WDWMagic forums! We have an upcoming family trip to the World in only 34 days…our travel party consists of 6 a., 3 c., and we're staying at the Villas at the Grand Floridian!! However, my DH and I are a bit hesitant in displaying our full-on- "WE'RE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD"-enthusiasm because of uncertainty surrounding his mom.

About 1-2 weeks before Thanksgiving, my MIL suffered a mini-stroke, but wasn't diagnosed properly until a week before Christmas. Needless to say, her medical evaluation is moving slow, as our concerns grow greater. My MIL is not one to ask for a helping hand, and in fact hid a lot of her symptoms…that's just the way she is. As of today, she is slowly regaining normal functions, but is still experiencing blurred vision, off-balance, and her hand-eye coordination is just now receiving physical therapy. In the event that my in-laws have to cancel, this question will be moot, but I'll ask anyways for knowledge in the bank: Renting a wheel chair off-site or use Disney's?

We will indeed take things slower, but in the event my MIL really cannot keep up, but would still love to see her grandchildren tour the parks, I'd like to have options readily available for her. A motorized wheel-chair is out of the question, that I know. However, what can I expect with a daily wheel chair rental and from where?

I am very much looking forward to any information any of you might have!! Thanks!

 

[The Mom]

When I stayed at AKL with my mother (deceased now) they provided me with a wheelchair after I asked about getting from the hotel room to the park rental. You might want to ask.

My mother was using a walker at home, so she really needed something to get to the bus stop - especially since we would have a problem storing her walker once we got to the park.

 

[incorrigible]

Just got back in October from taking my wife who was 25 wks pregnant with twins at the time. We rented a wheelchair from a medical supply company near home ($30 / week) and took it with us so we knew for sure we would have access to a wheelchair anywhere we went and not have to worry about any location "being out," which my wife had read was possible. Everyone was very helpful in transporting it. The biggest downside was transporting it on the buses between the parks and the resorts each day, especially when crowded, but it wasn't horrible and you'd have to do that anyway with a rental from an off-site place in Orlando I think.

 

[DisneyJoe]

I'd rent from an off site provider, this way you'll have it from check in until you check out.

 

[smk]

Talked to a guy from Jersey on our last trip in October. He rents from a place called apple scooters, and he swears by them. In fact had a battery malfunction one day, called them and they came right out to replace his scooter. He said after all his research he found their prices and service to be the best. The plus is you have it at the resort when you arrive so there is no turning it in when you leave a park for the day, just hop on a bus and have the scooter at your resort as well.