A Newbie with 6 days to go!!!!!!

[katelynsmommy2001]

Hi there! We are 6 days & counting! We are taking my 5 year old daughter to Disney World for her 5th birthday. She has Spina Bifida and will be using her wheels for most of our visit to the parks. Any tips and/or helpful hints that I have to know? I have been before, but not with anyone in a wheelchair, so this is a new experience for me. Any info you can pass along will be greatly appreciated!!

ONLY 6 days!!!!

carrie

 

[Sue & Co.]

Hi, I don;t know what her wheelchair is like but if it looks like a regular stroller I would recommend getting a GAC to use a stroller as a wheelchair. This will allow you to take the stroller through the lines when usually they would be banned (can you imagine the chaos if everyone took their strollers in and expected them to be transferred from boarding to exit )

You might also want to consider checking out the thread about rides with moving walkways at boarding as even if she can walk a bit she may have trouble with this.

have a great trip.

Sue

 

[tw1nsmom]

No real advice, but I do hope you have a wonderful time! Oh, and make sure you slow down and enjoy all the little things that make a trip to Disney such a special experience.

 

[SueM in MN]

A 5 year old is pretty "portable" even if she needs to be lifted for transfers, so she would be able to ride most everything that she is tall enough for.
If you haven't yet, check out the disABILITIES FAQs thread. There is a link there to the official Disney site's disability pages. They have a short (very short) description of each ride, with the warnings/precautions that go along with that attraction that should help you decide which are maybe not appropriate for her.
The park maps have an icon for each ride that lets you know whether a person can stay in the whelchair for the entire experience or if they need to transfer. And they aslo have an icon for attractions with warnings.
Do you have any specific questions?

 

[michelle9343]

I just wanted to say have a wonderful trip filled with lots of

 

[tarkus]

Have a wonderful trip.

As a rule Disney does a great job for those with a mobility issue.

Enjoy,
Alan

 

[katelynsmommy2001]

Well, we are almost 4 days out!!! WOOHOO!! It's finally getting warm here, so we're getting a taste of Florida weather!! When we go to guest relations, all I have to do is ask for a GAC card? My Grandma has a bakers cyst on her knee so chances are she's going to have to have wheelschair as well!! (I'll have to tell the 2 of them no racing!! )

Has any gone lately & celebrated a birthday? At one time I know they used to geta badge & a phone call from a character singing happy birthday. Do they still do the same? Can't wait!! I can already feel the MAGIC!!!

Thanks!!

 

[SueM in MN]

Well, we are almost 4 days out!!! WOOHOO!! It's finally getting warm here, so we're getting a taste of Florida weather!! When we go to guest relations, all I have to do is ask for a GAC card? My Grandma has a bakers cyst on her knee so chances are she's going to have to have wheelschair as well!! (I'll have to tell the 2 of them no racing!! )

Has any gone lately & celebrated a birthday? At one time I know they used to geta badge & a phone call from a character singing happy birthday. Do they still do the same? Can't wait!! I can already feel the MAGIC!!!

Thanks!!

If all they need is an accessible line, and they have wheelchairs, they won't need a GAC. Just having a wheelchair lets the CM know that they need accessibility. The GAC is for additional needs or invisible needs which don't involve a wheelchair.
You should find low crowds at this time of the year, so even if they have additional needs, you may not need a GAC.

I don't know if they still do birthday phone calls, but they do still have the birthday badges.
Hope you have lots of fun.

 

[tarkus]

I'm so happy and excited for all of you !

You will be well taken care of.

All the best,
Alan

 

[eternaldisneyfan]

There are specially marked areas on the map for viewing areas for parades/fireworks for those who use wheelchairs (or ask a CM). Also all shows have wheelchair seats.

Have a great trip!

Christamae