Any suggestions? Need some help!

[lilprincessandprince]

Hi Everyone,
I am taking my 80 year old Grandmother with just me (and my 2 and 4 year old) to Disney next month. She is able to move around really well for short distances but can't handle the long distances, stairs, etc or her hip/back act up. She also can't stand in one place for too long. I have convinced her to rent a scooter for the bulk of the walking- to and from buses, hotel room, across the parks, etc. but she is planning on parking it and walking some of the things that are closer together. She is a little nervous about using a scooter but she realizes that she will need it there!
My question is if she is riding the scooter does she park it outside of rides/shows and walk in or bring it in as far as she can? With the long lines I like her having it to sit when needed. Also, are there any rides that I need to be concerned about stairs, etc. that might be too tricky for her? She will NOT be doing roller coasters but I hope she will do Peter Pan, IASW, Pooh, Ariel, Jungle Cruise, etc. If I know how those rides will work for her (bring scooter, leave it outside, manage stairs, etc.) I think I can make her more comfortable.
I have been to DW many times but never had to think about the accessibility factor. I want her to feel as comfortable as possible. I feel so lucky to bring her back to Disney after 22 years....the time she brought me!
Also, If we stay for fireworks will the scooter fit in a taxi if we decide not to wait for buses?
I would appreciate any other tips or advice on how to make this trip as easy on her as possible!
Thanks so much!

 

[anonymousegirl]

I can't answer all the questions, but I do know there is a separate park map at each park showing accessible bathrooms, and alternative entrances for various attractions. Definitely pick that up.
But the best thing to do is to ask the Cast member at each ride what you should do. Depending on a lot of circumstances your entrance could be different every time, even if you already rode that very attraction earlier.
It seems like you will be renting from off site, so as to whether the scooter will fit in taxis or private cars is best asked of the rental company. Some rentals have weight requirements that may come into play as well.

Good luck!

 

[lanejudy]

She is welcome to take the ECV into the lines for rides/shows. Most lines are mainstreamed, meaning you will enter the regular queue. If there are stairs or other obstacles, the CM's will direct you accordingly through an accessible entrance. As a PP mentioned, there are guidemaps that show this as well, stop by Guest Relations each morning to pick one up. You and the kids will be allowed to remain with Grandma in the lines. If able to transfer to the ride vehicle, the CMs will show her where to park the ECV to ride; she should take the key with her, sometimes they will need to move it if the exit and entrance are not at the same spot. Check out the disAbilities FAQ sticky at the top of this forum to see which rides have trickier transfers - stepping down into the ride car, etc.

At shows, there are "cut-out" spaces in the rows for ECVs or wheelchairs to park. These are not always the best seating. She can decide whether she wants to park outside and walk the line or use the ECV seating. Likely with the ages of your children you will all be able to remain together, but if it's really crowded there isn't always that much extra space in the accessible seating areas so you might need to sit in a different row. Probably if Grandma can hold 1 child and you hold the other during the show you'll be fine.

Whether or not the ECV will fit in a taxi might depend on the brand/model. I would think it's tight, especially with 4 passengers + driver. You'll also want to consider the need for carseats if thinking about a taxi, I'm not sure all drivers carry them, if any. Just something to keep in mind.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[SueM in MN]

As another poster mentioned, there is a lot of useful information in the disABILITIES FAQs thread.
Look near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature to get there. Post 1 of that thread is an index that tells you which post has which information.

I would especially suggest looking at these posts:
5 - about buses
11- about the accessibility maps other posters mentioned. You may be able to pick them up at your resort.
Post 18-21 - about transfers
Post 22 - about attractions wher guests need to stand if they don't bring thir mobility device with them.
Post 28 - attractions with moving walkways and stairs.

 

[lilprincessandprince]

Thanks for all the great answers. This will help make the trip easier on her. Since she will want to walk sometimes should I look into the GAC for things like sitting on the ground level at Lion King? I don't think she could many of the stairs- especially at the end of the day! Do you think I could just ask the CM at that one so she doesn't have to climb?

Thanks again!

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks for all the great answers. This will help make the trip easier on her. Since she will want to walk sometimes should I look into the GAC for things like sitting on the ground level at Lion King? I don't think she could many of the stairs- especially at the end of the day! Do you think I could just ask the CM at that one so she doesn't have to climb?

Thanks again!

GACs (Guest Assistance Cards) will rarely shorten the distance walked and will usually not provide a place to sit. So, my suggestion would be for her to park the ECV and walk in places where it is difficult or tight to drive - like stores and restaurants.

I would specifically suggest taking the ECV in for Lion King. For that show (most shows, in fact) guests who choose to park their wheelchair or ECV will have to stand pretty much in one place while waiting for the next show. For Lion King, that wait could be as long as 30 minutes.
So, the choice for shows is stand and wait or take the wheelchair or ECV in, with a place to sit while you wait and a place to park the ECV to watch the show.