ehagerty
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 16, 2001
- Messages
- 2,099
My brother has MS (uses two canes - has no use of the muscles in his legs). I have also traveled with multiple people with bad knees and other milder mobility issues. I am quite in the habit of accompanying people in wheelchairs - I actually enjoy the chance to push something for extra exercise, ever since my kids left the strollers behind (awhile ago).
Anyway, there are always some circumstances that are particular to the person in need. Some of that experience has gone back into Disney's park process - for example, we learned the hard way (in the 90's) that not every ride could stop. We recommended to Disney that they add these two pieces of information to every ride sign and include it on the park map so that people with mobility issues could make an informed decision about whether to attempt a ride without having to cross the park and / or fall down. I mention it here because,when we return 6 months after the suggestion, Disney had fully implemented it - so you can USE it - it is VERY useful information when you are planning your itinerary in a park.
On every ride sign and for that ride, on the park map, there are two pieces of information you can use to plan:
1) Indicates whether the ride can be stopped for loading (my brother CAN drag his legs, but not FAST ENOUGH for something like Wedway People Mover - now TTA)
2) Indicates whether rider must transfer from wheelchair / scooter. For example, something like Mickey's Philharmagic or Small World does not require transfer; Haunted Mansion requires transfer, but can be stopped for loading; Wedway People Mover requires transfer and canNOT be stopped for loading, etc.)
My main suggestion is that you understand what these mean and apply it ahead of time to align expectations. It is a lot easier to accept that a given ride is "out" in the planning stages than when the enticing ride is standing right in front of you.
The handicap resort rooms I have been in are very well laid out, but typically, have consumed the closet and storage space to accommodate the handicap adaptations. It is not as though you have extra space - it is just re-allocated. I found it challenging to put all the luggage "away" for the duration. Again, maybe no big deal if you expectations are aligned - the first time I wasn't expecting it and was at a loss where to store the suitcases (underneath the bed wasn't an option in that case, either).
I was in a wheelchair myself in 2003 - decided to recuperate from abdominal hysterectomy 2 weeks after surgery. I was OK to walk, and wasn't expecting to ride the coasters. Didn't need handicap room. But I DID notice that some of the walkways are very bumpy - especially in AK (where walkways are sculpted for authenticity). Doesn't sound like you friend's primary issue is pain, but if jarring is a concern, you may want to be aware. It isn't the kind of thing you notice if you just walk on it.
Other than that, Disney is a dream vacation for the handicapped. Extremely accommodating - although you may need to advocate here and there if a particular CM isn't attentive.
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Glad everything worked out today. Here is hoping you are able to finish before the cruise. 
I am sure it is very hard work and a long day for her.
