Balance issue - need recommendation for Disneyland

[squirrelgirl]

Hi!

I am planning a day trip to Disneyland next month, and I need some help. We are taking my Mother, who I already anticipate will be very reluctant to go on rides due to a balance issue. She can walk and will be able to move about pretty well through the park on rides which allow boarding when the vehicle stops. However, I think she is going to have a hard time with rides that have a moving walkway (HM, Buzz) or things that you have to climb into (Pirates). She will just need a minute to board and get her balance both getting on and off these types of rides.

Is there an option outside of going to Guest Services. Can the assist if we go through the regular line? My Mom would probably be so upset at the thought of her needing a GAC...she might not go if I suggest that. On the other hand, her grandkids will be equally upset if their Grandmother sits out every ride.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[SueM in MN]

My experience is in WDW, not at Disneyland, but in general, similar rides should work pretty similarly.
At WDW, the moving walkways can be slowed or even stopped for boarding if you board at the exit, with a couple of exceptions like Peter Pan. You would need a GAC for boarding at that spot. THe GAC would not let the CMs know you need the moving walkway stopped, you do need to let them know at the time you are boarding.
At WDW, most of the lines are Mainstreamed, which means the line is wheelchair accessible. If there is a different boarding area for guests with disabilities, the guest usually waits in the regular line until close to the regular boarding area. At that point, they are routed to the exit for boarding.
Since Disneyland is older, some of the attractions don't have Mainstream Lines and do have a different boarding process entirely for people with disabilities.

At WDW, boarding at the 'regular boarding area', the CM can usually only stop moving walkways for emergencies.

For attractions without moving walkways, like Pirates, the CM who is sending boats out watch as people board and get off. They don't move the boat until the guests are all safely seated or safely off.
For those, you would be able to help her. It usually works well to have one person get in/on first so they are ready to help her from on the boat while another person is standing beside her outside to help. When she steps in, step first to the seat of the boat and then down all the way to get in. When getting out, one member of your party would get out first to help her from outside, while another is helping her from inside the boat/ride car.