Bring scooter to the MK...how does it work w/ no "handicap" tag?

[Applemomma]

Taking my mom to Disney in November and because she has some walking issues we're renting a scooter and using a rental car. How will it work when we go to the Magic Kingdom for parking? She doesn't have a handicap tag for her vehicles here at home so by rights we won't be able to use any accessible parking at the TTC and of course you can't use a tram with a scooter. Is there an easy dropoff point that I can leave her at with the scooter and then I go park and use the tram? Is it going to be a hassle?

We don't want to use the buses because she's concerned enough about getting used to the scooter in the first place that she doesn't want to worry about getting it on and off a bus the very first day!

Anyone had any experience with this? Thanks!

 

[kaytieeldr]

Can she walk at all? If she can, can somebody else get the scooter on and off the bus for her (and IGNORE comments and stares - it's nobody else's business; if anybody makes comments, tell them it takes the ecv user twenty minutes to board the bus, but it takes 'Jill' only three minutes to do it for her).

But back to your question: at the entrance booth, tell the CM you need to drop off a wheelchair Guest then park. They'll direct you. After you drop her off and circle around, look for a way to circle back into the parking lot without exiting completely - I know there's one on the left at the MK, not sure about the other parks. Otherwise, circle back around as conveniently as possible; you'll have your parking pass or resort pass on your dashboard so won't have to pay. Park, tram, meet your mom.

Or, follow the other cars. When CMs are directing cars down lanes, explain you have a handicapped person in the car and ask to park at the beginning of the aisle. You take the tram, she rides the scooter up to the park entrance (or TTC) and meets up with you.

 

[LindaR]

Depending on what her issues are, its actually a very simple procedure to get a H/C tag. Simple form from DMV, her doctor signs it (either a temporary tag or a permanent tag) and she gets the tag!

Several months after my first spinal surgery, I planned a trip to WDW. Since I did not know how well I would be able to "handle" the walking and standing in lines, my doctor signed for me to get a temp tag.

After my second surgery (fusion w/permanent nerve damage) I now have a permanent tag.

Perhaps she should look into it!

 

[Applemomma]

Can she walk at all? If she can, can somebody else get the scooter on and off the bus for her (and IGNORE comments and stares - it's nobody else's business; if anybody makes comments, tell them it takes the ecv user twenty minutes to board the bus, but it takes 'Jill' only three minutes to do it for her).

But back to your question: at the entrance booth, tell the CM you need to drop off a wheelchair Guest then park. They'll direct you. After you drop her off and circle around, look for a way to circle back into the parking lot without exiting completely - I know there's one on the left at the MK, not sure about the other parks. Otherwise, circle back around as conveniently as possible; you'll have your parking pass or resort pass on your dashboard so won't have to pay. Park, tram, meet your mom.

Or, follow the other cars. When CMs are directing cars down lanes, explain you have a handicapped person in the car and ask to park at the beginning of the aisle. You take the tram, she rides the scooter up to the park entrance (or TTC) and meets up with you.

Thanks for the advice....I have heard the tip about telling the CM's at the gate what you need and I'm hoping that stands true. This is the only part of our trip i don't have a decent handle on!

Depending on what her issues are, its actually a very simple procedure to get a H/C tag. Simple form from DMV, her doctor signs it (either a temporary tag or a permanent tag) and she gets the tag!

Several months after my first spinal surgery, I planned a trip to WDW. Since I did not know how well I would be able to "handle" the walking and standing in lines, my doctor signed for me to get a temp tag.

After my second surgery (fusion w/permanent nerve damage) I now have a permanent tag.

Perhaps she should look into it!

I'm positive her doctor would sign the form for the tag but is it transferable legally between countries? Is the US one the same as ours in Canada (blue background with white wheelchair)?

Standing in line or short walks aren't an issue....but the walk over 200 feet or more would be difficult and ultimatley painful which is why I've talked her into the scooter...I want her to get as much out of the trip as she can without having to feel left behind or holding us up. Last time she was there with my dad he pushed her in a wheelchair....but only to where HE wanted to go so you can imagine how well that went over

Thank you both!

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks for the advice....I have heard the tip about telling the CM's at the gate what you need and I'm hoping that stands true. This is the only part of our trip i don't have a decent handle on!



I'm positive her doctor would sign the form for the tag but is it transferable legally between countries? Is the US one the same as ours in Canada (blue background with white wheelchair)?

Standing in line or short walks aren't an issue....but the walk over 200 feet or more would be difficult and ultimatley painful which is why I've talked her into the scooter...I want her to get as much out of the trip as she can without having to feel left behind or holding us up. Last time she was there with my dad he pushed her in a wheelchair....but only to where HE wanted to go so you can imagine how well that went over

Thank you both!

Guests from Canada can use their handicapped parking tag in the US - the US and Canada have an agreement that allows them to be used interchangeably.

If the CMs direct you to the handicapped parking, there will be some spots marked either with handicapped signs or with blue paint. Don’t park in those spots unless you have a handicapped parking permit because you could get a ticket.
There are other spots marked with white paint - you can park in those without fear of getting a ticket.

 

[videogal1]

Taking my mom to Disney in November and because she has some walking issues we're renting a scooter and using a rental car. How will it work when we go to the Magic Kingdom for parking? She doesn't have a handicap tag for her vehicles here at home so by rights we won't be able to use any accessible parking at the TTC and of course you can't use a tram with a scooter. Is there an easy dropoff point that I can leave her at with the scooter and then I go park and use the tram? Is it going to be a hassle?

We don't want to use the buses because she's concerned enough about getting used to the scooter in the first place that she doesn't want to worry about getting it on and off a bus the very first day!

Anyone had any experience with this? Thanks!

What you are doing is a little unclear, but if you are renting a scooter from off-site, rather than one of the Disney ones, and packing it around in the rental car, why do you need handicapped parking or to drop her off? Simply park the car and accompany her to the park...you on foot, her on the scooter. If I take a taxi there from an off-site resort I just ride my scooter from wherever the taxi lets me off, or from wherever the resort transport unloads everyone... It may be just me, but I hate, if I'm going with friends, to get "dropped off" and have to wait around like some little kid for everyone to get back to me... Or is it that the tram is easier for you than hiking all over the lot? See? I might catch on yet...

 

[Debbie-TN]

We have parked in the Medical parking before without a handicap card-my cousin left her's at home. There are spaces marked in blue for handicapped cards and then there are spaces where others can park that have wheelchairs or scooters and no card. Just follow the blue line on the road and tell the CM that you have a scooter. They will show you where to park.

 

[SueM in MN]

We have parked in the Medical parking before without a handicap card-my cousin left her's at home. There are spaces marked in blue for handicapped cards and then there are spaces where others can park that have wheelchairs or scooters and no card. Just follow the blue line on the road and tell the CM that you have a scooter. They will show you where to park.

one caution - I would advise you don't just follow the blue line.
The blue lines are permanently painted and sometimes the area they leads to are temporarily not in use or are full. In those cases, the medical parking is somewhere else and if you follow the blue line, you could end up in a dead end.
So, just tell the CM in the booth and each one you come to that you have an ECV and need to park where you can get it out. They will direct you to an appropriate area to park ( which may be follwing the blue line, but at least you will know it will lead you somewhere that is open. )

 

[lovetoscrap]

What you are doing is a little unclear, but if you are renting a scooter from off-site, rather than one of the Disney ones, and packing it around in the rental car, why do you need handicapped parking or to drop her off? Simply park the car and accompany her to the park...you on foot, her on the scooter. If I take a taxi there from an off-site resort I just ride my scooter from wherever the taxi lets me off, or from wherever the resort transport unloads everyone... It may be just me, but I hate, if I'm going with friends, to get "dropped off" and have to wait around like some little kid for everyone to get back to me... Or is it that the tram is easier for you than hiking all over the lot? See? I might catch on yet...

You can't take an ECV on the Tram (at any park) and depending on where you end up parking it can be a looooooooooong walk to get to the TTC or park entrance. And I am guessing that Disney prefers you aren't wandering around the lot for safety reasons.

 

[scojos]

can you not park by the pet drop off? im sure dh parked there when i needed to go to lost and found...
that would allow her to jump out and you catch up after parking the car
tx

 

[mickey&minniealways]

The bus drivers will help her on and off if that is what she is worried about. The buses however are all set up for ECV's and wheelchairs. The bus actualy lowers down to the level of the evc and you ride it right on. My FIL had never used one before we rented one for him while there. Learning how to do it literaley took 5 minutes. Disney really does make the entire processs efortlessless. Take it from someone who has two SN children you are borrowing trouble that isn't there. Go, relax, and enjoy. Don't forget the pixie dust.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Most of the buses have ramps and kneel. But the oldest ones have lifts and not ramps and there are still many with ramps which do not kneel as much as the newest ones.

 

[Applemomma]

Hi all, thanks for all you replies. It's been really helpful. Part of my problem is I like to have all my bases covered and know what the situation is going into something. I have been in every Disney parking lot but for the life of me I couldn't remember the layout. I'll just make a point of letting the CM's know what's going on and remember to go with the flow. I'll leave the being dropped off or walking with us up to my mom. I don't think she'd mind being dropped off as my 13 year old would be with her and she's as much a Disney nut as I am at times and would spend the few minute wait filling Mom in on what happens next.

Two reasons for not using the bus. One, this is our first day and Mom will still be getting used to the scooter and suggesting the bus will just add anxiety. I want this trip to be special for her (really rough year) and any anxiety on this trip is to be mine and mine alone. I've used the bus system before too and I really prefer the rental car. Second, and this may sound silly, but one of the things my Mom never got to do in her last , didn't go so well, one day trip to the World was ride the monorail so I'd really like for her to start off with that.

I'm going to encourage her to get the handicap tag. She and my dad both really need it ....there'd be no issue with the doctor signing the form, more an issue with them realizing it's a tool not a crutch.

Thanks again and if anyone else has any experience with traveling with a parent and scooter I'd love to hear it....anyone got a good trip report?!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I'm going to encourage her to get the handicap tag. She and my dad both really need it ....there'd be no issue with the doctor signing the form, more an issue with them realizing it's a tool not a crutch.

You might want to get a copy of your state's application for the tag and fill it in for her, so she only has to take it to the doctor's office. I know the first time I asked my doctor about the possibility of getting a disabled tag not only did he have no problem, but he seemed to imply the question of "what took you so long to request one". She may find her doctor has the same question.

Thanks again and if anyone else has any experience with traveling with a parent and scooter I'd love to hear it....anyone got a good trip report?!

My mother was only 91 when she came for a visit and I told her she must use an ECV. It was a hard time convincing her, but she later agreed I was right. But I owned two ECVs, my regular one and a transportable that my late wife used. I was able to fit both in the car, but they did fill up both the trunk and the back seat.

 

[Applemomma]

You might want to get a copy of your state's application for the tag and fill it in for her, so she only has to take it to the doctor's office. I know the first time I asked my doctor about the possibility of getting a disabled tag not only did he have no problem, but he seemed to imply the question of "what took you so long to request one". She may find her doctor has the same question.


My mother was only 91 when she came for a visit and I told her she must use an ECV. It was a hard time convincing her, but she later agreed I was right. But I owned two ECVs, my regular one and a transportable that my late wife used. I was able to fit both in the car, but they did fill up both the trunk and the back seat.

Thanks Cheshire,
I know I can download our provinces application form and according to it it's as simple as the doctor's signature and I'm sure he'd be of the same mind as your ,"what took you so long". My dad wants one since he has a hard time walking distance since his stroke and my mom needs one since her legs give out on her and she literally can't take a step until her brain starts firing right again. The trip to Disney is as good an excuse as any to get the tag and I'm hoping she'll realize it's okay to use it even after the trip.

The rental car we're getting should hold the scooter we're getting from Walker's Mobility no problem and worse come to worse I'll make use of the floor underneath the kids feet. We don't carry a whole lot of extra stuff with us and probably won't take it when we go see friends in Ocala for the day so we should be laughing.

Thanks again!

 

[ForAandA]

Just wanted to jump in here. It has been a long time since I posted! My husband's ECV has very large wheels, and is custom made for his weight. With that being said, he really had no problems on the busses. The older busses are a tight squeeze. His wheels are LARGE, his ECV is similiar to the DREAM version that scoot Orlando rents.

Anyhoo, we had one instance where the wheelchair ramp would not work on a bus. The driver called another bus for us (we were at Animal Kingdom) and a second bus came in 5 minutes. The driver actually have us transportations phone number, and told us to call if we waited more than 15 minutes for bus. Only had to do that once, and they were very nice about it.

We had no problems on the trams at all. The attendents put a metal ramp right up to the door, and he wheeled right on .

As for people making comments, let them. They are just jealous that my hubby has some cool wheels

 

[mullertwin]

AFAIK - if you tell the parking CM that you have a scooter they should let you park in the AAA lot which is, in most cases, right next to the accessible lot. Of course, if you can get a tag that is even better as then you can park in the accessible lot.

I also HIGHLY recommend that you let Walker know that you need an ECV that breaks down completely as they usually don't have the two last parts able to separate. I had issues with this in January and was glad I had no back seat passengers as I had to put the seats down to get the ECV in the midsized car. It also makes it less heavy if you have those 2 parts separate (the back wheels from the main frame).

Unfortunately, in NYC, it is nearly impossible to get a tag so I have yet to get one.

 

[Applemomma]

Just wanted to jump in here. It has been a long time since I posted! My husband's ECV has very large wheels, and is custom made for his weight. With that being said, he really had no problems on the busses. The older busses are a tight squeeze. His wheels are LARGE, his ECV is similiar to the DREAM version that scoot Orlando rents.

Anyhoo, we had one instance where the wheelchair ramp would not work on a bus. The driver called another bus for us (we were at Animal Kingdom) and a second bus came in 5 minutes. The driver actually have us transportations phone number, and told us to call if we waited more than 15 minutes for bus. Only had to do that once, and they were very nice about it.

We had no problems on the trams at all. The attendents put a metal ramp right up to the door, and he wheeled right on .

As for people making comments, let them. They are just jealous that my hubby has some cool wheels

Thanks for the bus perspective but like I said there would be anxiety issues about it so we'll stick to the car and I'll hike if I have to

You mentioned putting the ecv on trams....which trams are those? I thought they didn't allow them on the parkinglot trams?

AFAIK - if you tell the parking CM that you have a scooter they should let you park in the AAA lot which is, in most cases, right next to the accessible lot. Of course, if you can get a tag that is even better as then you can park in the accessible lot.

I also HIGHLY recommend that you let Walker know that you need an ECV that breaks down completely as they usually don't have the two last parts able to separate. I had issues with this in January and was glad I had no back seat passengers as I had to put the seats down to get the ECV in the midsized car. It also makes it less heavy if you have those 2 parts separate (the back wheels from the main frame).

Unfortunately, in NYC, it is nearly impossible to get a tag so I have yet to get one.

Okay....dummy this down for me....is it the CM immediatly at the gate, taking parking payments/ checking resort id for free parking I should mention this to or the one waving his arms at me to direct the line of cars parking in the aisle?

Good point about Walkers....they did tell me in the email when I booked that it would break down but I'll make sure I confirm the reservation and mention it again. I don't think it would be a good idea to lay the seats down with two kids in the back

Just out of curiousity, why's it so hard to get the tag? Is it not as simple as your doctor's discretion?

 

[mullertwin]

Okay....dummy this down for me....is it the CM immediatly at the gate, taking parking payments/ checking resort id for free parking I should mention this to or the one waving his arms at me to direct the line of cars parking in the aisle?

Good point about Walkers....they did tell me in the email when I booked that it would break down but I'll make sure I confirm the reservation and mention it again. I don't think it would be a good idea to lay the seats down with two kids in the back

Just out of curiousity, why's it so hard to get the tag? Is it not as simple as your doctor's discretion?

First off - you tell the CM at the gate that takes payments so they can direct you in the right direction as you don't want to head to the tram parking and then be told to go a totally different direction. Of course, you'll probably have to tell at least one other CM if not 2 more but it should be fine.

Walker's scooters do break down but you need to tell them that you want one that breaks down the entire way - with the back wheels separate from the main frame. Yah - I don't think your kids will appreciate being squashed by the ECV.

As for NYC - I have had temporary disabilities (like a broken foot) and the temporary tags take 6 weeks to process. Obviously my temporary disability was over by then. Now, though, I have some serious back issues and might ask my doc for a permanent tag.

 

[ForAandA]

If I am not mistaken, aren't all of the monorails (trams) accessable? I believe we went on every single one whil we visited.

As for anxiety on the buses, I understand. DH's aunt was a newbie to the wonderful world of ECV's on our last trip. I wound up loading it onto the buses, and she gingerly walked on .

Hope that helps!