Advice For 1st Trip to WDW and Disabilities?

[mirlow]

Last year we met my parents at WDW. My dad had know idea what to expect. Needless to say he was blown away. I'm not sure how it came about, but he told my nephew (who just turned 8) who was learning how to walk that he would take him to WDW when he learned how to walk. Well he did it and now we are all going to WDW I don't really know how well he can walk? I don't think he will ever walk with the ease that the rest of us can. Do you have any suggestions or tips? We are only doing the MK and we will be there all day next Friday

 

[roadtripper]

Not knowing your nephew at all, or the extent of his issues, makes it hard to answer, but I do know that my typical 8 year old get really tired walking all day at WDW. On another board, I read that people average 7-10 miles per day walking at WDW. Last year, our daughter asked if we would carry our son (who uses a w/c) so that she could sit in the w/c for a while! Maybe you would want to bring or rent a w/c just in case?

 

[Piper]

I think he will need a wheel chair, too. I have mobility issues and although I can walk short distances, I really can't go long distances--malls, zoos, WDW, etc. Since I am an adult, I rent an ecv for the freedom it gives me, but I have taken my chair before.

As previous posters have said, most children get tired and one who has some physical challenges may tire much easier.

 

[SueM in MN]

Congratulations to your nephew. What a good reward!

He definately won't have the stamina to walk a whole day at MK, so he will need something to help him.
If he just learned to walk at 8 years, he probably already has some type of mobility device (either a special needs, large size stroller or a wheelchair). You just may not be aware of it since they may not bring it along to family gatherings.Anyway, that's the first thing I would check into. The next would be to see if he could borrow one from the day from the school district, an equipment lending library (United Cerebral Palsy often has these). I assume he's been working with a Physical Therapist; he/she could help out with arranging this.
If nothing else, you could rent a stroller for him at the park; Safari Steve (a MK CM) has posted that they have different sizes of strollers and the largest will fir up to a small 12 year old. If he uses a stroller or a special needs stroller, make a stop at Guest Services to get a Guest Assistance Card that will allow him to take the stroller into lines. You would have the option of him walking in line, but if the wait is too long for him to walk or the line has stairs or other things that he will have trouble with, you can bring the stroller in. Depending on his other positioning needs, a regular stroller may not be comfortable for him. You could also rent a wheelchair at MK, but they are adult wheelchairs and would not be that comfy for a small 8 year old.
Just in case you wonder, you can't rent an ecv (motorized scooter) for an 8 year old. You have to be at least 18.
Good luck and here's some Getting Everything Organized Pixie Dust to help you.

 

[mirlow]

Thanks for the advice I do believe that my sister was going to rent a double stroller for him to share with his younger sister. I know I am for my older two (4 & 7). I am just worried about those lines that have a lot of walking before you actually get on the ride. We will utilize fast pass and I know I won't wait for anything more than 20 minutes. I'm a little worried about everyone's energy level. We have been to the MK many times, but we have never gone all day until close. I guess we will just play it by ear. It looks like it won't be hot when we are there and that should help a bit. I'm trying to figure out what to do in the afternoon when the kids get tired? Maybe we will have to ride the train around a couple of times

 

[SueM in MN]

Because your nephew has a disability that affects his ability to walk, he would be able to get a Guest Assistnace Card to let them take the stroller in line. Someone had posted that they were able to get one for a double stroller. Most lines are "mainstreamed" , which means people with wheelchairs or ecvs wait in the same line with everyone else. That also means that the line is at least 36 inches wide.
If he is going to walk in the lines, you should ask the CM at the line just how long the wait actually is and about the distance. For example, the Pirates of the Caribbean may be a short wait because no one is in line, but the winding, maze type walkway may be too much for him. That ride does have folding wheelchairs available (anything that goes in has to be able to foldto be put on the boat) , so you could get a wheelchair for him at the beginning of the wait.

A couple ideas for tired kids (and adults) who need to sit: The Train (you would have to leave the stroller and make a round trip), go out of the park and ride the monorail, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority (elevated tram ride in Tomorrowland), the Cosmic Ray's restaurant in Tomorrowland that has a continous audioanimatronic show, get a snack in the Pinnochio Village Haus in Fantasyland and eat it at a table that overlooks Small World (kids those ages usually like to wave at the passengers as th e boats go by), ride the Riverboat, go in the Exibition Hall on Main street (the building that Tony's Restaurant is in) and look at the Stories Behind the Magic displays.

 

[mirlow]

I just wanted to report that we had a great trip. My nephew did a great job. We were there on Friday when it was freezing. We got a couple of double strollers. We did get a GAP, but we didn't want to use the stroller for the lines so he walked. It was only long for the Pirates and Space Mountain. We used the wheelchair entrance for BTM and the Indy Cars. Other than that we never had a long wait. We would use FP or go where there wasn't a line. The longest line was about 30 minutes for Cinerella in Toontown. Then of course she was down on her thrown after dinner

 

[cathie]

We have been taking our friend Steve who uses a power wheelchair with vent attached to WDW for the past 3 years. Most of the Cast Members have been very helpful in regards to his special needs, some more than others. He isn't able to go on a lot of the attractions because he cannot transfer out of his wheelchair, but has thoroughly enjoyed the ones that are accessible. Let me know if you have any questions, we'd be happy to share our experiences.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks for the report, mirlow. Glad to hear your nephew had a great time.
And, cathie, welcome to disABILITIES. Glad you found us.