Using A Rollator At Walt Disney World
7 min read
This post is going to be all about using a rollator at Walt Disney World. I’m sure that some people haven’t heard of a rollator before. It’s sometimes referred to as a wheeled walker consisting of a frame with three or four large wheels, handlebars, and handle brakes. A four-wheel rollator also has a seat plus a crossbar or strap for back support. There are rollators made of aluminum, steel, and even carbon fiber. Folded up, they are easily transportable. They also can be used on any of the Disney transportation system options.
Rollators Are Considered Medical Devices And Are Allowed At Walt Disney World
Rollators are allowed into Disney parks because they are considered medical devices like canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters. Disney is very understanding concerning accommodating guests with mobility issues. During previous Disney visits, I’ve seen other people using rollators in the parks. I’m not sure that I’d want to use one all day, considering the amount of walking you’d do, but to each his own. It’s akin to pushing around a stroller all day. It’s doable but still tiring.
I usually use my cane when not riding a mobility scooter. Using this assistive device allows me to navigate the queues when I cannot bring the mobility scooter into the line. It provides me with the walking assistance that I need in the short term. After thinking things over, I thought that a rollator, coupled with a mobility scooter, might better suit my needs during my next visit to Walt Disney World.
Maneuvering In The Attraction Queues With A Rollator Or Cane
The rollator would allow me to maneuver in the queues, just like when using my cane. The most significant advantage being is it will allow me to sit and rest when needed. Yes, I know that Disney provides manual wheelchairs that are useful in some lines, but then I’d have to self propel myself or have someone push me along. Well, I’m very independent, and as long as I can walk or shuffle along, I’ll forgo the wheelchair for now. Plus, sometimes there are not enough courtesy wheelchairs to satisfy the demand without waiting for one.
Since I didn’t have a rollator, I had to go out and buy one. That was the easy part. Now I had to figure out if I could attach it to an ECV and make use of it when needed. I planned to switch between my trusty old cane and the rollator when the situation warranted it. I’ll get to that part later, but for now, let me get to the back story of my rollator research.
Research Into Rollators Which Would Meet My Needs
Buying a rollator requires a significant bit of research, which you could do yourself. There is a wealth of information on the internet, so you should educate yourself before purchasing a rollator. Additionally, I would suggest visiting your local medical supply store for a hands-on approach before making your purchase. Learn from those individuals who are knowledgeable in their field.
As suggested previously, I wanted to make an informed buying decision and turned to the internet for more information. Gurley’s Medical Supply near where I live became my next informational source. I found a great rollator with features that met my requirements. However, be aware that my specifications wouldn’t necessarily equate to your needs. There are so many rollator styles, sizes, weight capacities, and manufacturers to choose from that it will blow your mind.
On my first visit to Gurley’s, owner Danny Gurley assisted me. I didn’t purchase a rollator on my initial visit but visited several more times before buying one. With Danny’s very competent advice, I left the store with a Drive Nitro Walker pictured below. It met every criterion that I was expecting. In addition to Danny, Alma, one of his employees, helped me during my research stage when he wasn’t available. Both of them provided great insight into the proper use of a rollator and made helpful suggestions about what I was attempting to accomplish.
How Can I Attach A Rollator To A Mobility Scooter?
Since I always rent a Pride Victory 10 3-wheel mobility scooter during my Disney visits, I had to find a rollator holder that could attach to the scooter. I soon discovered that there wasn’t anything touted as a rollator holder. However, I did find a walker holder and thought it might work.
My scooter rental company of choice, Gold Mobility Scooters, offers one free accessory included with their scooter rentals. After speaking with them, I discovered one of those accessories available was a walker holder. Other available items include a cane holder, twin cane/crutch holder, canopy sunshade, oxygen bottle holder, or even a rear basket. Just let them know what you want when you book your scooter reservation. Every scooter can accommodate one accessory. Again, the accessory is complimentary.
Trying To Use A Walker Holder To Hold & Transport My Rollator Around Walt Disney World
I asked to have a walker holder affixed to my rental unit. Upon request, they sent me a few pictures showing what it would look like well before my trip. I’ve written other blog posts giving Gold Mobility excellent marks as a scooter rental company. Check them out if you want the best prices, clean and reliable equipment, and unsurpassed customer service!
Images: Courtesy of Nick at Gold Mobility Scooters
After scrutinizing the pictures, checking the specs, and considering my options, I knew the walker holder would hold my 17.5 lb Drive Nitro Rollator. However, I thought the rollator wheels would hang down too far while mounted on the mobility scooter and hit the rear wheels. I imagined other configurations, but nothing seemed feasible to me, including turning it upside down.
Discovering That The Rollator Was Too Big And Cumbersome To Carry Around On The Mobility Scooter
The Nitro’s design is a side-by-side fold, which positions the wheels pointing outwards. I thought it could work. However, after gaining access to the rental scooter, it proved to be too big and cumbersome to have hanging off the back of the ECV. After abandoning that idea, I vowed to make it work for future trips. I’m determined when it comes to “jerry-rigging” something. I’ll address that in a future blog post because I have some ideas on accomplishing it.
I didn’t think that it would fit into the securement area on a Disney bus either. As it turned out, I didn’t need the rollator and left it in the car. Subsequently, I no longer needed the walker holder, and Gold Mobility exchanged it for a scooter-mounted cane holder pictured below.
The steel cane holder is 13 inches long with an outside diameter of 3 inches. The walls are about 1/16 inch thick and very sturdy. As you can see, the holder is attached to the accessories mount and sits at a backward angle of 30 degrees. If the adjustable seatback is in the full reclining position, this is necessary. In these photos, the seatback is almost straight. All accessories mount at the same backward angle to compensate for the reclining seat.
Ever Changing Disney World Protocols And Procedures
Many things have changed since I visited Disney last year. COVID protocols have necessitated Disney to make many changes to previous procedures. The most significant was how ECV riders could drive further into the queues before walking into an attraction. I no longer had to walk substantial distances after leaving the ECV. I’ll detail more about this convenience when I write individual blog postings regarding rides and attractions.
The Mobility Scooter And Cane Was All I Would Currently Need
I just recently returned from my Disney trip. When traveling to the parks, renting a mobility scooter and utilizing my cane for assistance was all I would currently need. As I age, I find it more challenging to walk for extended periods. I want to continue to be independent and not impose upon others to assist me unless necessary. However, these two mobility aids have allowed me the freedom and independence I seek while still enjoying the Disney Magic!
Update 11/16/21. Since I published this post last April, I have had additional perspectives regarding using a rollator and a walker at Walt Disney World. So for more information, click this link, “Do You Intend To Use A Rollator Or Walker At Walt Disney World?”
About Author
