Advice/opinion Stroller or Wheelchair

[Brenzav]

Hello,

I am debating whether to bring my 6 y/o DD (motor impaired) in a dble Baby Jogger City Mini or have her in her wheelchair and have other sibling in separate stroller.

I called Disney and they told me it can be difficult to manuver thru the que in a wheelchair but going mainstream is much better as the alternative access may be backstage and the group can miss out on alot of pre show.

Would that double stroller work better in the mainstream que?

Also, I was advise to get a GAC for her even if she is in a wheelchair as some que's are just too difficult and CM would rather the wheels not be bumping people in the que's.

Also, buses from AKL. With a stroller I can go on any bus, but with WC? would I be waiting more (hard for 4 and 6 y/o to wait!)

Thanks

Brenna

 

[SueM in MN]

I don't have time for a long reply, but I would respectfully suggest that the person you talked to has no idea about wheelchairs in lines. We have a 23 year old daughter who has been to WDW 2 and 3 times per year with a wheelchair since she was not quite 3 yes old. She has been on almost everything and we have never run into the problems the person told you on the phone.
Most lines are Mainstreamed, which means that the regular line is wheelchair accessible. Animal Kingdom and the Studio were built with Mainstream Lines. Mk and Epcot had them added as they could when attractions were renovated or added. The few places that are not wheelchair accessible have stairs or something else that would be a problem with a wheelchair or a stroller. For those attractions, there is a bypass for people with wheelchairs, ECVs and strollers being used as wheelchairs. The bypass may be a back hallway to the exit for boarding, but the passageways are wide (at least 3 feet) and would not be a problem for a wheelchair. You would need a Guest Assistance Card to use a stroller in line as a wheelchair. You do NOT need a Guest Assistance Card to use whatever is the designated wheelchair access for any attractions with a wheelchair or ECV.

For the bus, your stroller would be handled like all other strollers- you would need to fold it for the bus. A wheelchair can be brought into the bus using the lift or ramp and then tied down to the bus with special straps. If the wheelchair folds, you also have the option of bringing it on and holding it like a stroller.

If you would like more information about Guest Assistance Cards or bus transportation, you can follow the link in my signature to get to the disABILITIES FAQs thread. There is a directory in the first post of that thread.

 

[SueM in MN]

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Would that double stroller work better in the mainstream que?


Brenna

A double stroller is much wider than a wheelchair.
A wheelchair accessible queue or door will be at least 32 inches wide. That is more than adequate for a wheelchair, but may be rather narrow for a double stroller.

 

[Brenzav]

Thanks Sue! You have alot of experience under you! I have never been to DW with my kids. And my DD is new to her wheelchair (a new sporty lil dipper by colours). She walks well but tires very quickly and is much slower than an abled bodied 6 y/o.

We have used our big jogging stroller up until now. She is getting to be such a young lady! We wanted to obtain a chair for school field trips and such so she can enjoy the experiences with her peers and not 100 feet behind them with the parent volunteer.

So, we are neophytes! I just want her to be comfortable and have a magical trip. SHe fits into the jogger I have reserved but I'm thinking that may be too big for the ques to be fun and managible. I think we could handle her chair and single umbrella for her little brother on the bus. We do plan to return to the hotel for down time and swim.

Nice thing about Orlando Stroller Rental is that I can cancell the double before the trip.

Still looking for a nice single for my 4 y/o. Got time and I will still be able to use it as we are expecting #3 next year!

Where in MN? We are SW Metro.

Brenna

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks Sue! You have alot of experience under you! I have never been to DW with my kids. And my DD is new to her wheelchair (a new sporty lil dipper by colours).

I love the Colours wheelchairs. Their catalogs look more like fashion/decorating magazines than equipment catalogs.

Where in MN? We are SW Metro.

Brenna

We are in the North Metro, but I work in St. Paul

 

[peemagg]

Maybe instead of the double jogger just rent a single for your daughter and bring another one for your son. She might be more comfortable since she would have some shade and if she gets tired and falls asleep, I'm sure she would be better in the stroller. I can't see all day, in the sun, in a wheelchair when you're tired being comfortable.