Bypassing lines with disability

[ariel5884]

First off let me say my dad has a hard time walking in the sun or even sitting in the sun for any period of time due to medication. He will have a scooter. My question is what kind of dr. note would be needed for him to bypass the line and wait in the handicap line.

 

[deegack]

A gac will not allow him to skip the lines. It is written on the pass and told tingly when you speak to cm at guest services. I recommend looking at sues FAQ post there is information there about gacs. You should look into a good touring plan and taking a break during the middle of re day to avoid sun. Even if you are permitted to use an alternate waiting area, it may still be in the sun and it does nothing to help when you are walking around or doing other outside activities.

Cm will not even look at a doctors note. Your father will have to articulate what his need are so they may see what if any assistance they can provide. There have been some recent threads about sun exposure including special clothing with SPF in it that may help. You should be able to search for them.

 

[livndisney]

First off let me say my dad has a hard time walking in the sun or even sitting in the sun for any period of time due to medication. He will have a scooter. My question is what kind of dr. note would be needed for him to bypass the line and wait in the handicap line.

There is not a note you can get to bypass lines. The best way to avoid lines is to use Fastpass and a good touring plan. Fastpass can also help keep him out of the sun and most lines are shaded. One thing to consider is the time in the sun not in line. Some rides are in direct sun, some load/unload in the sun. The best advice for those rides is to ride at night.

Also there are not "handicap" lines. Most lines are large enough for an ecv.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Some rides, especially in MK were built before the ADA, and the mainstream queues aren't wheelchair/ECV accessible so those rides do have a different line. You'll find those rides listed on a handicapped-info map. Your father won't need a special card for those lines; when the CM sees him on an ECV, that's all the info needed.

 

[KPeveler]

As others have stated - there is no way to bypass any lines. Most queues are covered anyway, so you would not need to worry about that anyway. Use of Fastpass and a good touring plan will actually serve you best.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

The majority of attraction lines in WDW are "mainstreamed". This means that a wheelchair or ECV will use the regular entrance and line all the way to either a show seating or ride load area. If a line is not mainstreamed there will be signs and/or Cast Members to direct you where to go.

If a show, normally there will be spaces to park a chair or ECV and there will be seats next to the space for other members of the group.

If a ride, usually you will have to transfer to a ride vehicle, although some rides will allow a person in a wheelchair to remain in their chair. If you have to transfer to a ride, and unload is not at the same location as load, your chair or ECV will magically appear at the unload area.

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Note that Post #2 discusses mobility and equipment. Post #3 had a wide variety of information and links; it might be a good idea to look at the various park "Guidebook For Persons With Disabilities" for more detailed information.

Or, if you want an easier route to the FAQs, click on the link in my signature.

 

[janabananas]

I am in a similar situation with meds that I take for my medical issues. I was just at WDW earlier this month and found that almost every queue is covered or inside the a/c. I am trying to think of some that were not and I am having a hard time?? There will be a seperate WC/ECV line for most rides and attractions/shows. I didn't use them because I was stubborn and didn't get an ECV (but should have). I actually found relief from the sun/heat in most of the queues, especially at DHS and EPCOT.

My worst day health wise, due to heat and sun, was at AK. Although the queues for the Safari and the River Rapids are covered, they are not inside and have no a/c. And to me the park just seemed hotter than the other ones?? MK is another one that has less queues inside, but they are all covered.

I found the worst heat/sun issues to be while walking from ride to ride/attraction. I saw a few people with scooters that had a shade/awning type thing over the seat. You may want to look into that??

I hope you and your family have a great time.

 

[SueM in MN]

Just to add a bit.
Many shows do have limited amounts of wheelchair spaces, so they separate out the guests with wheelchairs and ECVs just to make sure they don't have more in line than will fit in the show.

As was already posted, most lines for rides are wheelchair and ECV accessible and there is no 'handicapped entrance'.
In post 11 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, there is information about which attractions are ECV accessible - all are wheelchair accessible up to the boarding area except Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse and Tomorrowland Transit Authority. For those that are not ECV accessible, they will have wheelchairs available to transfer to if he needs.
Post 11 also lists the 'Mobility Entrances' for attractions and you will see that in most cases, it says to enter thru the regular line.

There are also some posts on page 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread that might be helpful with more details about boarding different attractions.

 

[Bete]

Use suntan lotion and buy good UV protection. You can buy UV protected clothing. Consider long sleeve shirts if it's not too hot while you're there. Wear socks and skip sandals for the trip. Skip shorts and wear slacks. You get the idea. Wear sunglasses. You can wear a larger hat to shield the sun like a straw hat. I'm going to try an umbrella hat for my mom this time; it folds up nicely when not in use. The shade/canopy is an option if you rent a scooter from some outside sources; it costs extra. It can be a nuisance to other people; because, you are blocking their view for a parade, show, and so forth. You may get comments.

The problem times for the sun may be during parades or live street entertainment. There are shaded areas; so, just allow yourself time to get those spots; they will be popular areas. There may be a few show attractions where you wait in the sun before getting in. It gets crowded in the line for the Lion King at Animal Kingdom and there's very little cover there before you get into the show. Animal Kingdom has a few animal attractions to see the tiger and gorillas. You may have to be extra careful with those attractions or possibly skip them depending on the time of the day you'd be doing them. There's a Flight of Wonders bird attraction that could be problem, too at Animal Kingdom. I'm sure you can find shaded areas, but you may have to be early to get them; so, plan accordingly. Lights, Motor, Action Stunt Show may be another bad show and you may want to consider skipping that one in Hollywood Studios.

Anyone can use a scooter while everyone waits and rests somewheres. Get fastpasses that way. The scooter can go ahead and then come back with the fastpasses for everyone very fast. Give the scooter driver all the park tickets for the fastpass ride passes.

Alternate activities like rides that are inside and out. The same is true of the shows and parades. Don't do two things in a row that are not shielded from the sun. Skip some rides and shows if you think that will cause a problem. There's plenty to see and you won't miss it. Eat meals where you are inside for a while; pick places wisely.

Be smart like with the Backlot Tour in Hollywood Studios. There's an outside tram ride for part of the attraction. Make sure dad is sitting in the middle of the tram and not at an end. Another good stradegy is to go mornings and nights and avoid the heat of the day. Your dad may enjoy an afternoon nap. Others can enjoy the pool or the arcade or whatever at the resort. You can also meet back with the group and only one person may have to go back to the room. There are first aid stations in each park; be aware of their location. You can rest at the first aid stations.

The scooter will automatically get you some handicap access; although, be aware this is not always quicker with the rides.

Keep an eye on dad to see any tell tale signs of problems with the sun. I'm not sure what the reaction is but if he breaks out in a rash on his face from too much sun then be aware it's time to stop and get treatment or whatever.

We have followed all of this and my mom has been safe on her four trips there.

 

[Piper]

I am in a similar situation with meds that I take for my medical issues. I was just at WDW earlier this month and found that almost every queue is covered or inside the a/c. I am trying to think of some that were not and I am having a hard time?? There will be a seperate WC/ECV line for most rides and attractions/shows. I didn't use them because I was stubborn and didn't get an ECV (but should have). I actually found relief from the sun/heat in most of the queues, especially at DHS and EPCOT.

My worst day health wise, due to heat and sun, was at AK. Although the queues for the Safari and the River Rapids are covered, they are not inside and have no a/c. And to me the park just seemed hotter than the other ones?? MK is another one that has less queues inside, but they are all covered.

I found the worst heat/sun issues to be while walking from ride to ride/attraction. I saw a few people with scooters that had a shade/awning type thing over the seat. You may want to look into that??

I hope you and your family have a great time.

This isn't accurate. There isn't a separate line for most attractions. You go in the same line as everyone else. Some lines have you go in the regular line to a point where it isn't practical to continue because of stairs, etc. You are then sent through a different line. You will usually wait as long or even longer than others. I know this for a fact because when I traveled with extended family, the ones who went with me were finished after the others in my party, even though we were always the first ones in line. At a couple of the rides, my nieces and nephews went through the line twice while I was waiting for my first turn!

A good touring plan and use of fast passes is the best way to go!