10 yr old in wheelchair

[momof2intx]

This will be my husband's sister's first time at Disney. His sister is only 10 (yes, they are almost 23 years apart!) and she has an ailment called Dystonia -- which is very similar to MS. Long story short, she cannot walk very far so she will be in a wheelchair the whole time. She is visibly disabled so I'm sure that nobody would think twice about it -- but how do the lines work exactly? In our neighborhood Six Flags (Texas) they allow us to take her through the exits of the rides and get her on quickly while we accompany her.
Although they say that being in a wheel chair should not be a "pass" to cut wait times in line.....don't you think that the disabled should be allowed that luxury -- especially if you realize that they are not able to do other things that healthy people are able to do? This should at least be something special for them.
What should we expect? I have read many of the threads but I am still confused!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

At WDW almost all of the lines are "mainstreamed". They are designed that a person in a wheelchair or ECV can get through the entire queue. MGM and AK were built after ADA, so there is no problem. Epcot is almost completely mainstreamed.

Due to the age of MK, several of the attractions have "alternate entrances". If this is the situation there will be a handicap icon with an arrow at the entrance, and usually a Cast Member also, to aim you in the right direction.

Some of the attractions she would not even have to get out of the wheelchair. On others a transfer may be necessary, in which case they will assist with the chair.

Note that CMs are prohibited from touching a Guest to provide assistance in boarding or exiting a ride vehicle. They are allowed to hold a wheelchair to steady it, but any transfer must be on her own or with a member of her party asssiting.

Normally if you are using the alternate entrance the party size tends to be limited to a total of six people, but this can vary by attraction, how crowded the park is, and the ages within the party.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Although they say that being in a wheel chair should not be a "pass" to cut wait times in line.....don't you think that the disabled should be allowed that luxury -- especially if you realize that they are not able to do other things that healthy people are able to do?

Oh lord, no!!! I am disabled, but I don't want to be given any "special favors." And with all do respect, I am a paraplegic and am quite healthy. It's really insulting to hear someone call non-disabled folks "healthy people."

Thanks.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I agree with Lindsay. Disabled people are (and should be) treated equal to everybody else, not differently or better than.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

As Cheshire said, a number of rides can accommodate a wheelchair (depending on size) in the ride car. Those rides or attractions that can be enjoyed without a transfer are marked on the park maps with a wheelchair symbol. Those that require a transfer, have a picture of a stick figure getting out of a wheelchair. For details on the boarding of specific rides, this site has a lot of information:
http://www.themouseonwheels.com/index.htm
Also, the FAQ ( a 'sticky' post near the top of the board) has loads of information on everything from ride boarding to using the buses.

Good luck and have a wonderful trip!

 

[momof2intx]

Ok, I am so sorry to offend, I didn't intend to do that. I was just speaking mostly about my husband's little sister. She is not healthy and that is all I meant....

Thank you for the advice!