@Top Sgt
First of all, many people here in the DISabilities community fully understand chronic pain from living with it on a daily basis. I have not known a day, a moment without pain since I was 14 years old, and injured in an accident. That is, for those of you playing along at home,
43 years of chronic, unrelenting pain. I have had days and times when my pain was "maxed out" and I was nearly wild searching for some kind - any kind - of relief.
Secondly, I have been going to WDW since July of 1972. So, yeah - I've seen it change over the years, just a little bit. The Disney World that you and I knew back in the 70's is long gone. So is, for that matter, the Disney World of even 5 years ago. Things are different now. Things have changed. Just like "Disney Springs" is now easily twice the size it once was... Disney World never stops growing and changing.
One of the biggest changes that impacts this community is that there are no longer benches... anywhere. None in the Parks, none at the bus stops, they just aren't there. Disney wants folks up and moving, not sitting around. The problem is, if you require a place to sit, there are no longer any benches to sit on. You might find a low wall, or a high curb... but there are fewer and fewer benches every year.
One of the biggest changes that Disney has made for folks like us is what I think of as the "mobility rule". Disney's rule is basically this:
If you require a place to sit, then bring one along. Rent a wheelchair, or an ECV (scooter) or bring a Rollator. But don't expect Disney to magically create a place for you to sit just because you suddenly require one. As others here have explained to you, if your situation can be "improved" or "mitigated" by using a mobility device (like a wheelchair, walker, Rollator, or scooter) then
Disney World is going to tell you that is the solution to use while you are on their property. It doesn't mean that you have to use it anywhere else out in the real world; but it does mean that you will most likely be best served by following their suggestion, and using a mobility device when you are at WDW.
I understand your financial situation; however, you have options available when it comes to mobility devices. First of all, reach out to the VA; if you have one nearby, many VFW posts now have liaisons that regularly meet with Vets at local VFWs to help facilitate needs. Ask the VA to provide you with a mobility device that best suits you. I would suggest either a travel-friendly scooter (as others have said, you don't have to use it all the time, you can park it, take the key, and walk around, then come back and move it to another area) or a Rollator, which is a walker with a built in seat, so that you will always have a place to sit if needed.
If for some reason the VA cannot or will not provide mobility equipment (they will, but it may take some time and effort on your part) you can also reach out to local Churches, The Elks, The Moose, The Masons and Shriners; any local service organization, and ask for their help with either borrowing or locating a mobility device. Some VFW posts keep a closet with medical and mobility aids that have been donated by Vets and/or their families, so that's another place to ask as well.
You have options, and it is up to you to explore them, and find what works best for you. Reach out to your community, and when you return to Disney World, bring along a mobility device so that you can have the best possible vacation with your family.