Do You Intend To Use A Rollator Or Walker At Walt Disney World?

Do you intend to use a rollator or walker at Walt Disney World? Classified as medical devices, they are allowed at Walt Disney World. That means acceptance in all the parks, restaurants, stores, Disney transportation options, and other Disney venues.

Now imagine using one of these mobility aids to cover an average of ten to twelve miles per day at each Disney park. Could you do it within the scope of your physical capabilities?

I don’t plan on covering how to use a rollator or walker in this post. Instead, my objective is to make the reader aware of the utility and limitations of these aids in theme parks. But, of course, what’s best for you or me is not necessarily the most appropriate option for another person. So you’ve got to do what is most suitable for your needs.

Using A Rollator At Walt Disney World

My previous post on Using A Rollator At Walt Disney World has received many views. It’s gotten the most hits of any of my recent postings. Because of this, I decided to elaborate on using a rollator at Walt Disney World. So let’s consider this post, part two, or a continuation of my advice with a rollator.

I talked about mounting my Drive Nitro Rollator onto a walker holder in the previous rollator blog post. The walker holder was on the Pride Victory 10 mobility scooter that I rented from Gold Mobility Scooters. Unfortunately, the rollator proved to be too big and cumbersome to do so. If you read the post, I explained why.

Is A Rollator Or Walker A Viable Alternative To A Wheelchair Or Mobility Scooter By Itself?

Do you believe a rollator or walker is a viable alternative to a wheelchair or mobility scooter by itself? Considering the amount of walking that you’d be doing, I don’t think so. In my opinion, I doubt if you’d make it through the whole day. I know that I couldn’t possibly do so! However, have you ever considered using one of these aids in conjunction with a mobility scooter (ECV) or wheelchair?

While checking out some of the videos of various Disney YouTubers, I took a screenshot of this image. I envisioned this poor guy exhausted from walking around Hollywood Studios and just taking a few minutes to sit down on his rollator seat to take a break. However, after viewing the video clip several times, I can’t imagine him sitting there in the middle of Sunset Boulevard for any reason other than to rest.

I didn’t get to use the rollator on my trip and relied solely on my cane and the mobility scooter. Everything was fine, but occasionally, I got fatigued. There were times that I could have used the rollator as assistance when walking instead of the cane.

For instance, in some queues, I could not bring the mobility scooter fully into the area needed. Having the rollator seat to rest on would have been perfect. However, I didn’t have that ability. At that point, I was determined to find a way to utilize a rollator in conjunction with a mobility scooter on my next Disney trip.

I Bought My Rented Pride Victory 10 Mobility Scooter

Before leaving Florida to head home, I bought the Pride Mobility Victory 10 scooter that I had rented from Gold Mobility Scooters. Periodically they sell their used rental equipment at great prices. Sure my scooter has its assorted scrapes and scratches. However, it was well maintained and both mechanically and electrically sound. Additionally, it came with all the accessories they add to the base units, so it was a no-brainer for me.

I’ll Abide By The Phrase, “Talk The Talk, Walk The Walk”

When I got home, I bought a walker holder and a Lumex Rollator (both pictured below) with which to experiment. I feel I should support what I say, not just with words but also through action. So I’m going to abide by the phrase, “talk the talk, walk the walk.”

Owning a scooter plus rollators and a walker holder has allowed me to have immediate access to them all the time. In addition, it’s provided me opportunities to tinker with some ideas to present them to you through my posts. Now, I feel that I can speak with more credibility, validity, and conviction. Plus, the next time I go to Disney, I’ll just put the Victory 10 in the back of my Honda CRV and take it with me. I no longer have to rent a scooter since I now have my own.

Can’t decide to take your scooter plus either your walker or rollator? Take both and have your cane readily available to use, too, if you want. My solution will be in my next blog yet to be titled. Accordingly, it will illustrate how to be prepared at the parks outfitted with a walker or rollator.

Using A Walker At Disney World

Let’s briefly touch on using a walker at Disney World. Its overall purpose is to help maintain balance and allow safe movement from one location to another. I have one that I used while recovering from hip replacement surgery. That walker was a helpful assistive device that I relied on at that time.

Walkers are suitable for short distances with minimal walking. For example, they would be great for helping you get around in your hotel room or a restaurant. However, it’s not a great long-term choice for getting around Disney World. It’s just not practical. There’s too much expanse at the parks relying solely on a walker or, as discussed earlier, a rollator.

Use A Walker In Conjunction With A Mobility Scooter Or Wheelchair

One option to consider is to use a walker combined with a mobility scooter or wheelchair, both powered and manual. Most mobile devices can have a walker holder affixed, designed to hold a standard folding walker. For instance, the Universal Walker Holder bag pictured below can attach to both power or manual wheelchairs. As you can see, they can also be attached to the seatback of a mobility scooter. Therefore, those who occasionally require the assistance of a walker can rely on the benefits of both devices and have them readily available.

It May Not Always Be Practical To Bring The Mobility Scooter Into Some Areas So Bring In A Rollator Or Walker

It may not always be practical to bring the mobility scooter into some areas. Most of the public areas are spacious, with wide aisles for maneuvering with a mobility scooter. Meanwhile, some are not. As a result, getting around solely with a scooter could be a bit more awkward and challenging. However, it would be best to use a mobility scooter most of the time and then utilize the walker when needed.

A wheelchair is an entirely different story. I’m basing my opinion upon my limited knowledge of wheelchair use. Whether it’s an electric or manual wheelchair, I believe there is more maneuverability because of its smaller size and design.

For instance, it may be easier to use the walker when entering a restroom, gift shop, or restaurant. I use a combination of both the scooter and a cane. Parking close to entrances then walking into confined areas works for me. But, of course, I always use my cane in these circumstances. You could do the same thing, even using a rollator if that’s what you have.

Using A Rollator Or Walker Instead Of A Mobility Scooter In Gift Shops Will Not Make You Feel “Like A Bull In A China Shop”

Here is a link to a great article, “6 Benefits of a Rollator vs. a Standard Walker.”  Initially posted on January 2, 2020, on the Xlent Care Products, Inc. website, it’s worth reading. There is quite a bit of helpful information in the post and the website regarding rollators and walkers.

In conclusion, I hope I’ve given you additional “food for thought” with this blog post. My goal was to present some options for you to consider for your next trip to Disney or any theme park.

You’ll want to enjoy yourself and make navigating everything and anything throughout your visit easy and convenient. If you’re anything like me, you want to remain independent and not feel burdensome to anyone. Your careful and informed choices of mobility devices will allow you to do so.

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