The text that follows was written by Irene W., who also took these photos. Sadly, Irene had trouble walking at precisely the time of her trip to Las Vegas. She and her husband were there about a week before I was. However, it is amazing how well it played out for her. I asked her how she did it, and she offers an abundance of tips that should help anyone with mobility challenges.
Picking it up from the last time, and in her own words:
“To set the stage, we had tickets to see U2 at the Sphere, reservations at the Bellagio and our United Airlines tickets in hand. Woohoo, a bucket list trip that we had been looking forward to for months – then sciatica strikes!
Not just sciatica, but leg-numbing sciatica forcing me into a leg brace and walking cane. It was so bad, we were toying with the idea of abandoning the trip and giving our tickets to my brother who lives in Arizona. However, stubbornness set in, and I’m glad we took on the challenge.
To make it work, I sought advice from my nephew who has suffered from cerebral palsy since birth and travels frequently. I knew he would have advice and traveling tips, and he helped navigate this new territory most effectively.
He recommended that I call the airlines to explain the situation. United Airlines was fantastic – a simple call to them explaining our dilemma and concerns, and they took care of it. There were wheelchairs and helpers at each gate to assist in the transfer to the next gate. One was extremely far, and they had a motorized cart to make the move.
They were helpful, kind and considerate (always offering a stop at a bathroom along the way). They were a lifesaver navigating us through crowded airports. I was able to get through security quickly with their assistance, and no one seemed rushed or made us feel bad about my needing the extra help.
He also recommended ScooterBug to rent a scooter while in Vegas. What a game changer!
We got in a day early due to a snowstorm and some rerouting that had to be done so the scooter wasn’t at the Bellagio yet. Not to worry, staff at the Bellagio went out of their way to find a wheelchair that I could use until the next morning.
Nighttime view of the Bellagio fountains and Paris hotel
The front desk was happy to help and truly went above and beyond to dig up a wheelchair until the scooter could be delivered. They did so with a smile, and again did not seem annoyed or put out by the situation. Instead, they seemed happy to help. The next morning, the scooter was waiting at the desk for us and what a treat. Well-maintained, easy to use and maneuver, and get in and out of.
Given my mobility, we did not even attempt to use public transportation. Instead, we used a car service to tour the town and another one to transport us to and from the Sphere.
Both were good, but Corey with Bell transportation gets the gold star. He was our driver for the U2 show (at the Sphere) and incredibly managed to get us as close to the entrance as humanly possible. We didn’t ask questions, but he was somehow able to secure a “special pass,” so I only had to walk a short distance to get to the entrance. We were so close to the door, the security guards had to remove the orange cones to let him drive in.
Once at the entrance, staff escorted us from the line and put us through a different door for security screening and what a surprise. On the other side of the door a wheelchair escort was waiting to take us to our seats! It was phenomenal and more than we could have hoped for or expected. At the end of the show, the same escort was there to greet us and bring us back to the parking lot where lo and behold Corey was there waiting with a smile.
The entire experience restored our faith in humankind. We met so many nice people along the way who helped us and displayed countless acts of kindness. It was really touching and an experience we won’t ever forget.”
The Fremont Street Experience by day
My deepest thanks to you, Irene, for sharing all this info with my readers! It is most informative, and I hope it helps anyone in the same situation who might be reading this.
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Next and final installment will wrap up the weekend with a visit to the Fremont Street Experience, the Neiman Marcus Café, the Town Square mall and the Arts District.
Thanks for reading, please subscribe, and see you then!
Exceptional LV intel Debra.