Wheelchair Rental at the Parks About This Page:

[jenjen1127]

Although I usually rent a ECV for the parks, I'm considering renting a wheelchair one of the days because of restaurant reservations. You really can't take the ECV into a restaurant and at this point I am unable to walk into the restaurant on my own. My question is does anyone know the size of the wheelchairs they rent at the parks? Does it have an 18" seat (standard) or do they have wider heavy duty ones. Unfortunately, the regular 18" is a bit uncomfortable for me and if that is all they have, I'll have to use the ECV.

[PixieMichele]

I know there is a size requirement of 32" x 48" for the Disney transportation system. There are regular and "large" wheelchairs available for rental (the large size are limited). Another board estimates that the standard size is about 18" and the large about 22 or 24". Hope that helps!

[CinderAbby]

If it's something you're going to need your entire trip, go with an outside company for it. That way you'll be able to get what you specifically need (Lenny needs the "wide body" too as we call it.)

[Teresa]

Just a thought about renting a w/c:
It's hard to push one through the parks. The sidewalks are NOT flat. They are all on a plane, either with a slight incline or decline. I pushed DD through the parks a few years ago because she had a broken leg. It was hard! I ended up with blisters on my hands from the handles and on the balls of my feet from "digging in".
If you need to take the ECV into a restaurant, we've been able to do that. Just let them know you need to take the ECV to the table and then have someone in your party take it out.

[jenjen1127]

I wasn't sure if they would let you take it to the table. As long as I could do that, my daughter could take it back out and then get it again for me when we are done. Thanks for the info.

[jimmymac]

You can take your ECV into the restaurants to get to the table, but someone will have to take it and park it outside

[mechurchlady]

Stick with your ECV!!!!!
They will let you drive your scooter to your table then someone in your party or a CM will move the scooter to a parking spot. Sometimes they will let you park your scooter next to or at your table. I was at Grand Floridian Cafe when a lady parked her scooter next to my table. EGADS that wrought iron table was so heavy to move so I could leave. At Kona Cafe you could drive up to an aisle table and transfer, for example. If you have questions about restaurants ask me or I can go research. I have never been in a WDW restaurant where they did not have some way for a guest to take a scooter to their table.

I believe there are a few wide wheelchairs at WDW but would not bet on it. I have one that is wide seat in my room right now but it is getting rickety. I still think you are best off using your scooter/ECV.

[OneLittleSpark]

I was at Tusker House last week and someone had their scooter right next to the table too.

[Her Dotness]

Originally Posted by OneLittleSpark

I was at Tusker House last week and someone had their scooter right next to the table too.

We found that whether or not you can do that varies from restaurant to restaurant as well as depending on what time you eat.

When we breakfasted at GF Cafe, DH was able to park his ECV right next to our table because we ate so early that there was only one other couple there.

At lunch there, he could run it to our table, and then I had to take it outside while we ate. We guessed that was due to the restaurant being busier at the time we had lunch.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by Teresa

Just a thought about renting a w/c:
It's hard to push one through the parks. The sidewalks are NOT flat. They are all on a plane, either with a slight incline or decline..

That's a good point! Thanks for highlighting that!

[dutchdisneyfamily]

From someone who had her husband have to push her around in a wheelchair, I'm another vote for sticking with your ECV. This is completely hijacking this thread, but I have a question. What do people with ECVs do at a buffet if they can't keep their ECV with them? Just wondered about that.

[mechurchlady]

At buffets explain to the CM that you need the ECV to get to the buffet and back. They will let you use your scooter if you can safely get around. I know that Cape May and Tusker House have enough room for an ECV. They will also help guests carry their trays around the buffet and back to the table. All counter and table service restaurants will have someone help you carry your tray if you are disabled or otherwise unable to carry the tray like overwhelmed parents. It is a case by case matter and depends on lots of factors. I love buffets because they help me when needed.

[Eeyore Tattoo]

I park it and walk, you can also have who ever you are with fill your plate for you

[yalibrarian]

When we ate at Tony's, my husband parked his scooter in the designated area, which was a short shuffle from our table (about 20 feet). I think most of the TS places will try to accomodate you if you need your scooter to get to the table.