Wheelchair?

[EpcotGrl]

I leave for the World on Sunday, and I'm taking my best friend & her little sister. After spending some time with my friend yesterday, it became glaringly obvious that she'll need a wheelchair while we're there (she has fractures in both ankles & is living on pain pills until her surgery). Since I've never done the wheelchair thing:

a) Can I get one at the resort (Beach Club)? Or do I have to wait & get it at whatever park we visit that day?

b) Does she need anything special? She'll probably have trouble with moving loading platforms, and I've heard people mention "Guest Needs Assistance" card (or something similar).

c) Should I call reservations & see about a room closer to the elevator, or can I ask once we arrive?

Thanks for your help!! :wave:

 

[tink81]

Has she been given a wheelchair from her doctor? Could you take that with you? (cuts down on transfers and also $$)

 

[GatorDi]

I know you can rent a wheelchair in the parks, but you are not allowed to take them out of the parks. That being said, there are some limited complementary wheelchairs with big flags on them that you can take from the parks to the parking lots/bus terminals (I don't know about the Magic Kingdom), but I have never seen them in the parking lots to take to the park. I don't know how she would get around at the hotel (there might be wheelchairs at the hotels - ask reservations or the concierge). Good luck to you.

BTW - Wheelchairs are $10.00 per day. You can rent them for the length of your stay if you pay up front and keep your receipt for $8.00 per day. You are never guaranteed that a wheel chair will be available. The electric scooters are $35.00/day. (These prices were as of last November, but they have been this price for years)

My daughter uses the wheelchairs on occasion because she has bad ankles and carrying her around just isn't an option anymore.

I hope this helps.

 

[popsicletrees]

Call the hotel and tell them that you have a guest who will be needing a wheelchair and ask if they can provide you with one. We have done this the past two years for my grandmother. The hotel has been able to provide us with a wheelchair which is very convenient. Last year at the Wilderness Lodge we were even moved to a room that was directly beside the elevator.

 

[seabee1]

If you are worried about not being able to get one at the resort there are a couple of companies you can call and rent one for your entire trip. They can even deliver them to your resort. LifeAire(800)417-9496, ScootAround(888)441-7575, or Walker Medical(888)726-6837. Remember though, Disney is not affiliated with these companies, it is just an option if you want to use it. I don't know the cost but it may be worth it instead of having to hope for wheelchair availability. Also, stop at City Hall for info about getting around the "world" in a wheelchair. Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!:wave:

 

[barnum42]

Chairs rented from your resort can be taken from park to park, which is easier than having to change chairs when park hopping. Or if you can borrow one prior to arriving you can use that? I don't know if you are flying, but Airlines will carry wheelchairs in the hold for free - it won't come out of your baggage allowance.

You can pick up guide books from guest relations to let you know what to expect as regards accessing the various attractions. You can also have a look at the following thread I created that will tell you about how wheelchair users access the rides:
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=42507

Have a great trip :wave:

 

[bsandersjr]

Steal, I mean borrow one from the airport.:fork:

 

[EpcotGrl]

Thanks, everyone for your great help and advice! We're arriving late Sunday night, so hopefully it all works out :animwink: :sohappy: