Calling All Experts!!

[Mr._The_King]

My best friend is going to Disney for the first time with her family. Earlier this year she was diagnosed with ALS and effects her mobility and stamina (among other things) Right after she was diagnosed she told me she wanted to get fer kids to Disney World ASAP. My mother works for Disney and she and I have been planning the trip for my friend. She is 33 with a DS9, DD6, and DD1. Also at Disney with her is her current husband (Dad of DD1), former husband (dad of DS9 and DD), her parents and current in laws. My mom and my aunt will be serving as guides (both work for Disney) for some of her visit. Thanks to the wonderful information and links found in the FAQ's here, I was able to rent an ECV from Randy's mobility and arrange for a hanicapped accessible room for her. I have visited http://www.disneyclubs.com/magic_kingdom/mk_disabilites.htm and copy pasted the rides she is interested in. My goal is to make a portable, laminated, personalized guide for her for each park. On the Disney site you can custom print maps with just the rides/things you are interested, I would like to include these as well.

I am going to arrange "Tinkerbell surprises" for the kids on the way down and hand paint an outfit for each one.

My biggest concern is the fact that she will be in an ECV for the first time, in Disney during Thanksgiving week. I want it to go as smooth as possible and arm her with information that will save her any hassels I (or you!) can forsee.

She will be on property. I suggested bringing the comfy stroller for the baby and renting a double from the parks fro the six year old and bags and stuff.

Please let me know if you see anything else I should add, or tell her as a first time ECV user. Sue in MD gave me a bunch of awesome tips, Should I post them Sue?

My copy/paste guide from the above link is below. Thanks everyone!

 

[Mr._The_King]

Magic Kingdom

Parking:
Guests with the ability to walk short distances and step up onto the courtesy trams should park in the main parking lot of Epcot. The courtesy tram will transport Guests to the Entrance Complex. Parking for Guests with mobility disabilities, or who are traveling with personal wheelchairs, is available adjacent to the Entrance Complex. Guests should inquire at the Auto Plaza for directions on parking options.
WALT DISNEY'S CAROUSEL OF PROGRESS
Description: This attraction has been around since 1974 and it was at the World's Fair in New York. If you go to Disney World you have to see this ride. It's a Walt's original and a great break from the hustle and bustle.
Location: Tomorrowland
Guests with mobility concerns should proceed to the entrance of this attraction where a cast member will direct your party to the appropriate viewing area. Ramps are located at both the entrance and exit. (May have to leave ECV)
The Enchanted Tiki Room
Description: This show has really improved since the new management took over. Now Zazu, from the Lion King, and Iago, from Aladdin host this show. It has comedy and the best thing is, it's a lot shorter of a show. Sorry no flash photography allowed.
Location: Adventureland
Guests with any mobility concerns should wait by the designated gate on the right side of the turnstiles to enter the pre-show area. A cast member will then direct your party. (Can remain in ECV)
Show Time: 9 minutes
Country Bear Jamboree

Description: Audio-animated show featuring 20 life size bears all playing some type of instrument. This is good for a break for the crowds.
Location: Frontierland
Guests with mobility concerns should enter the attraction through the door located to the left side of the building. Notify a cast member for assistance. (Can remain in ECV)
Show Time: 18 minutes
"It's a Small World"
Description: This ride is great for the small children. It's a wonderful little boat ride through fascinating huge rooms filled with singers, dancers, and even animal dolls. The themes of the dolls are based on many of the nations throughout the world. There is only one doll who frowns on this ride. Try to find him.
Location: Fantasyland
Guest with Mobility Concerns: Guests using wheelchairs should contact the attraction cast member for information on boarding options. Boats that specifically accommodate guests utilizing wheelchairs are available at this attraction. (Transfer from ECV to Folded Wheelchair)
Trip Time: 11 minutes
Jungle Cruise
Description: Experience landscapes such as a Southeast Asian jungle, the Nile valley, the African veldt and an Amazon rain forest. This is a great boat ride especially if you need a little relaxation and less noise.
Location: Adventureland
Guests with any mobility concerns should proceed down the ramped pathway to the right of the Swiss Family Treehouse exit. Guests with any mobility or queue related assistance needs are recommended to use the FASTPASS option. Guests choosing not to use FASTPASS should see a cast member at the entrance to the attraction for additional boarding options. Guests who remain in their wheelchair may wait for an accessible boat. A member of the party will be needed to assist the guest to embark and disembark the boat. (Can remain in ECV)
Trip Time: 10 minutes
Pirates of The Caribbean
Description: Take a voyage through the secret caverns and watch as the pirates engage in battle. Listen as the pirates sing the song "Yo ho yo ho a pirate’s life's for me”.
Location: Adventureland
Guests with any mobility concerns should proceed through the standard queue area. A cast member will assist your party at the turnstiles. You will then proceed through winding caves to a loading area with log like boats. If you should have a non folding wheelchair or ECV you may exchange them for folding wheelchairs at the entrance. A wait may be necessary as there is a limited amount for folding wheelchairs. A member of your party will need to assist the guest as there are 2 stairs that need to be negotiated as you board. An elevator is available at the unload area for guests using wheelchairs to exit the ride.
Note: Guests should be aware that there is a short rapid drop.
Trip Time: 10 minutes
Walt Disney World Railway
Description: These steam trains take you on a nostalgic one and a half mile ride. You can board in the Main Street Station and get off in Frontierland or Mickey’s Toontown Fair. You can also do the reverse or just take the entire ride and end up where you started. This is a narrated journey with some neat sights. Need a break, take the train. It really is enjoyable.
Location: Main Street U.S.A.
Guests with mobility concerns should proceed up the exit ramp on the right side to the platform. Notify a cast member and stay close to the gate. (Transfer from ECV to Folded Wheelchair)
Trip Time: 21 minutes round trip
Liberty Belle Riverboat
Description: Cruise down the Rivers of America in a three-tiered sternwheeler. Seasonal; closes at dusk.
Location: Liberty Square
Guests with mobility concerns should locate the exit ramp on the far right or left side of the riverboat landing. Proceed to the dock area and notify a cast member for directions on boarding the boat. (Remain in ECV)
Trip Time: 20 minutes.

Baby Care Centers
You can change and feed your baby at the Baby Care Center next to The Crystal Palace restaurant on Main Street, U.S.A.
Wheelchair Rentals
Limited rentals are available for Guests with disabilities at the Stroller Shop inside the Park entrance. Also, ask for the Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities at City Hall.
First Aid in Magic Kingdom
Next to The Crystal Palace restaurant on Main Street, U.S.A.
Package Pick Up
There is a post office on Main Street, U.S.A., between the Car Barn and the Emporium. Purchases delivered here may be picked up as you exit the Park or delivered to your Walt Disney World Resort hotel.

GAC for seated area to wait if needed.

Land has one poor elevator, must use to get to Soarin’-Have someone else get your fastpass. If the elevator breaks, find a CM to take you to alternate elevator.

If ECV is uncomfortable, get a regular wheel chair,

My need to bring walker, get rain cover.


At guest services, try and get the baby stoller marked as a wheelchair (Thanks Sue!)

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Wow! That's some detailed information!

OK then, I'll start off with two links to other threads:

This one has information on dealing with fatigue:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1624149

This one is for information on wheeling at Disney (it's in the FAQ, but I've put it in just in case you didn't spot it there):
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1543998

Also, things like the WDW disabilities guide and the Mouse on Wheels may be useful, both of which are linked from the FAQ.

Make sure you put information on how to use all the different types of transport in the book. The CMs will be more than happy to help her and explain the procedures, but she might want to know in advance. Which hotel is she staying at? If she's at one of the MK hotels, be aware that not all of the boats across the lake are accessible.

Get her to practice in an ECV before she goes. A number of larger supermarkets and shops have free ECVs that you can borrow to do your shopping. If she gets her confidence up in one of these, at a quiet time, she'll be fine at Disney. She may also want to practice in her ECV around the resort, before she goes to the park, so she can adjust her body space to the vehicle.

Highlight the wheelchair parade viewing areas on the maps. With such a large group, especially at such a busy time, I doubt her whole family will be able to go in with her. However, it will mean that she'll be able to see the parade without some idiot coming up 5 minutes before it starts and standing directly in front of the ECV (yes, it does happen).

Also highlight the first aid stations in case she needs a lie down in the air-con for a while, whilst at the parks.

With such a large group, they may have to split up at rides with designated wheelchair entrances. A number of rides have wheelchair users board at the exit, or through a separate route. They officially limit the number of people who can go with the chair, though some CMs may let a group stay together. This may also happen on the buses (some of the group can board through the back door with her, the others will need to go through the regular queue and get on the front door). Oh, and make sure she knows that a wheelchair / ECV rarely shortens a wait for lines, and can often mean it takes longer to board.

If she has any other medical needs, that will not be catered for by the ECV alone (such as sun intolerance for instance), you may want to look into the GAC. For more information, see the FAQ.

If she uses crutches or a cane, you can get a crutch holder attached to the ECV, to keep them out of here way. It costs a little more (around $10 for the whole rental period, I heard), but is apparently well worth it.

Make sure she takes it easy - they probably won't do everything in Disney, even if they go round commando-style, so it'd be better to take the time and enjoy what they do manage to do. A priorities list is often a good idea (especially for such a large group), so each person can say what they do and do not want to do, before the trip begins.

That's all I can think of for now. Hope some of that helps!

 

[Mr._The_King]

In Epcot: She would like to go on Soarin', Crush Turtle Talk, World Showcase, Nemo ride, Illuminations and character greeting.

In MGM: Lights, Motor Action, High School Musical, Ariel's show, Playhouse Disney, Animator's ride, Beauty and the Beast

In Animal Kingdom: (I will put a few suggestions, but I am suggesting she skip this one for the bumpy pathways) Nemo, The Lion King, Animal path

They just decided to go the Sea World, I was able to give them the free tickets I won for having my picture picked to go on the website, but I have to research this one.

Also In Magic Kingdom: Parades and Wishes

 

[OneLittleSpark]

I don't think she'll need to skip AK (unless there's nothing there that she wants to do, in which case, skip away!). Yes, the paths are bumpy, and sometimes quite narrow (especially on the animal trails, but those [theoretically] only have one way traffic), but it is doable, if it's something she wants to do.

 

[SueM in MN]

Sue in MD gave me a bunch of awesome tips, Should I post them Sue?

I'll just add them:
I bolded your information and underlined the parts where I wanted to add something.

"It's a Small World".........(Transfer from EVC to Folded Wheelchair)
There are manual wheelchairs available at the boarding area for you to transfer to from your ECV. WDW park ECVs are not allowed on the boats, but some small ECVs may be allowed.
If you don't want to stay in a wheelchair, but don't think you can do the step into the boat, you can ask to use the wheelchair boat, which has a ramp.
Jungle Cruise......... (Can remain in EVC)
You can remain in the ECV for the line, but I'm not sure if the wheelchair accessible boat will accomodate an ECV. I know there have been park wheelchairs parked at the exit every time we have gone. Some of them are undoubtably just there because the person using it is on the ride, but some may be there for ECV users to transfer to.
There is a separate wheelchair waiting area because they need a place to 'store' the ECVs and wheelchair while you are on the ride. The wait may be as long as in the Standby line and they may give you a slip of paper (kind of a handwritten Fastpass) with a return time.
Pirates of The Caribbean...............A member of your party will need to assist the guest as there are 2 stairs that need to be negotiated as you board. An elevator is available at the unload area for guests using wheelchairs to exit the ride.[/u]
I would describe it as 2 steps - one step down from the floor of the boarding area to the seat of the boat and another step down from the seat to the floor of the boat.
If you go on Small World first, the steps down are almost identical to the steps down on Pirates.
When you get off, you will see a steep moving ramp straight ahead. The elevator is the the left of the ramp, down a small hallway.
Walt Disney World Railway........Guests with mobility concerns should proceed up the exit ramp on the right side to the platform. Notify a cast member and stay close to the gate. (Transfer from EVC to Folded Wheelchair)
It is a ramp toward the right, but may not be an exit ramp.
There are manual wheelchairs available at the boarding area for you to transfer to from your ECV. WDW park ECVs are not allowed on the trains, but some small ECVs may be allowed.
Notes
GAC for seated area to wait if needed.
Not all attractions have a seating area where you can wait.

Soarin'.

The entrance to the building is a very steep, long hill. There is a marked ECV lane to enter the building. There are rails to divide this area from the rest of the hill, but many people don't notice and just walk in that.
There are automatic doors; when you get into the building, stay to the left. There is a long, fairly steep ramp to get from the entrance level to the second floor level. The elevator is to the far left, around the corner at the end of the ramp.
The queue for Soarin' is wheelchair and ECV accessible and the ECV can be brought in as close as she needs to have it for boarding. A CM will take it away to the side after she transfers to the ride car and will bring it back when the ride ends.
There is a height requirement on Soarin' so the one yr old for sure won't be able to ride and will need to do a baby swap.

Another thing to inquire about at Guest Services is to be able to have the baby's stroller treated as a wheelchair. Strollers are not usually allowed into lines or into buildings like The Land. With 2 parents/adults who can carry a 1 yr old, that's not usually a big problem. In their case, it may make things much easier if they don't have to worry about the baby in line, even with the extra adults (the baby might not be that comfortable with all the adults).

 

[Mr._The_King]

Wow! That's some detailed information!

OK then, I'll start off with two links to other threads:

This one has information on dealing with fatigue:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1624149

This one is for information on wheeling at Disney (it's in the FAQ, but I've put it in just in case you didn't spot it there):
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1543998

Also, things like the WDW disabilities guide and the Mouse on Wheels may be useful, both of which are linked from the FAQ.

Make sure you put information on how to use all the different types of transport in the book. The CMs will be more than happy to help her and explain the procedures, but she might want to know in advance. Which hotel is she staying at? If she's at one of the MK hotels, be aware that not all of the boats across the lake are accessible.

Get her to practice in an ECV before she goes. A number of larger supermarkets and shops have free ECVs that you can borrow to do your shopping. If she gets her confidence up in one of these, at a quiet time, she'll be fine at Disney. She may also want to practice in her ECV around the resort, before she goes to the park, so she can adjust her body space to the vehicle.

Highlight the wheelchair parade viewing areas on the maps. With such a large group, especially at such a busy time, I doubt her whole family will be able to go in with her. However, it will mean that she'll be able to see the parade without some idiot coming up 5 minutes before it starts and standing directly in front of the ECV (yes, it does happen).

Also highlight the first aid stations in case she needs a lie down in the air-con for a while, whilst at the parks.

With such a large group, they may have to split up at rides with designated wheelchair entrances. A number of rides have wheelchair users board at the exit, or through a separate route. They officially limit the number of people who can go with the chair, though some CMs may let a group stay together. This may also happen on the buses (some of the group can board through the back door with her, the others will need to go through the regular queue and get on the front door). Oh, and make sure she knows that a wheelchair / ECV rarely shortens a wait for lines, and can often mean it takes longer to board.

If she has any other medical needs, that will not be catered for by the ECV alone (such as sun intolerance for instance), you may want to look into the GAC. For more information, see the FAQ.

If she uses crutches or a cane, you can get a crutch holder attached to the ECV, to keep them out of here way. It costs a little more (around $10 for the whole rental period, I heard), but is apparently well worth it.

Make sure she takes it easy - they probably won't do everything in Disney, even if they go round commando-style, so it'd be better to take the time and enjoy what they do manage to do. A priorities list is often a good idea (especially for such a large group), so each person can say what they do and do not want to do, before the trip begins.

That's all I can think of for now. Hope some of that helps!

Ok, she and I will go to the brand new Wal Mart this week and practice. She really can only use a walker, will that fit on the holder? Gosh, that is a great point, she can walk a little way, it takes her a while and a lot of patience and concentration on her part.

I think she will be laid back and enjoy. Her attitude is amazing, she is very patient with herself and has loads of common sense. I worry when it is such a large group, I have seen that get really frustrating. Another reason I am doing this is she can tell others whatever she wants to do is "her schedule" (even if it is not) So she can focus on her and her kids (the whole point for the visit).

She will be staying in All Star Movies. We tried for a monorail resort, but it was out of the budget.

I love all your information!! Thank you so much!

 

[SueM in MN]

If they are able to do a stroller as a wheelchair, they would need to fold the stroller and bring it along on the Railroad and Pirates.
They could bring it in on the Riverboat, Country Bears, Carousel of Progress and Tiki Birds, but the baby would see more on someone's lap. Tiki Birds has some parts that might be scary (dark and thunder). Many one yr olds are not scared of things like that (too young) as long as they are around familiar people. The stroller would be parked where they are.
For Soarin' and Small World, the stroller would be left at the boarding area and be at the same place when they get off.
Parking For driving to MK, the trams take you to the Ticket and Transportation Center. From there, you need to go to the Monorail *up a steep ramp* or to the boat (a longer walk).
If she's bringing an ECV rented from off-site, be sure to tell the parking lot CMs because they can direct her to park closer since the ECV can't go on the tram.
First Aid in MK has some very tight turns once you get inside the actual First Aid area. If she can't park the ECV in the waiting room and walk in, they will have wheelchairs she can use.
First Aid and Baby Care in Epcot are in the Oddysey Building, on the walkway that goes between Test Track and Mexico.
Companion Restrooms in Epcot are mostly large enough to bring an ECV in. Most of them also have a changing table. There is a very nice one in The Land (as you face the entrance to Soarin', it's to the left past the regular restrooms. The locations are listed in the Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities for Epcot, in case you want to list some of the other Epcot ones for her. They are not marked in the park maps.
Companion Restrooms in MK are smaller and most don't have a changing table. There is one by Pirates beyond the gift shop (toward Splash Mountain). That one is very small and hardly big enough to get a wheelchair in. There is also one by Splash Mountain near the shop where you see the ride photos (not the easiest to get into).
The ones by Mickey's Toontown Fair entrance and by Tomorrowland (in front of Space Mountain) are larger. There is also one listed in the lower level of Cinderella's Royal Table - avoid that one since there are many people trying to change into Princess costumes and they do not deal nicely with people with disabilities who take more than a few minutes.
The best one at MK is by the restrooms behind Pinocchio's Village Haus. It is listed in the printed guidelines, but WDW didn't update their website guide to include it.

 

[Mr._The_King]

Thanks Sue! I will update my word Doc now. The transfer to the folded wheelchair is really important info. Letting my Mom and Aunt know this info will help them deal with their fellow cast members.

I was thinking of telling her to go for a GAC. I am not sure if she will be willing to get one. She really is patient and laid back. Just recently, she has to make sure she gets to a bathroom in time with little warning. Standing with the walker can't happen for longer than 20 minutes at home. It takes a lot of concentration to remain standing and loud noises or a phone ringing can cause her to fall. When scared or panicked she can not move or make a sound.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

The entrance to the building is a very steep, long hill. There is a marked ECV lane to enter the building. There are rails to divide this area from the rest of the hill, but many people don't notice and just walk in that.

<---- nods emphatically!!

She really can only use a walker, will that fit on the holder?

I think the holders are normally just velcro straps, so it may well fit. If you ring up the rental company, with the walker measurements, they'll be able to tell you. If it won't fit, you should be able to make some kind of strapping device to hold the walker onto the back of the ECV. Just make sure it is securely fastened, and that she is very careful about not hitting anyone with it when she turns around.

Not sure if this has been mentioned yet or not, but all restrooms have an accessible cubical. However, a lot of them are fairly cramped for me with a fairly normal sized manual chair, so she may not fit the ECV in all of them. As Sue mentioned, the Companion Restrooms are normally larger. Oh yes, and make sure she is prepared to queue for the accessible stall (I have ranted about this before, I will control myself and not do so again here ). EDIT: Just read the post above, about her needing the restroom quickly. Make sure she knows that there may be a wait for the accessible stall and she should either go more regularly than she strictly needs to, or see if she can park the ECV outside the stall and use the walker to get in (not sure if this would fit or not).

 

[Mr._The_King]

<---- nods emphatically!!



I think the holders are normally just velcro straps, so it may well fit. If you ring up the rental company, with the walker measurements, they'll be able to tell you. If it won't fit, you should be able to make some kind of strapping device to hold the walker onto the back of the ECV. Just make sure it is securely fastened, and that she is very careful about not hitting anyone with it when she turns around.

Not sure if this has been mentioned yet or not, but all restrooms have an accessible cubical. However, a lot of them are fairly cramped for me with a fairly normal sized manual chair, so she may not fit the ECV in all of them. As Sue mentioned, the Companion Restrooms are normally larger. Oh yes, and make sure she is prepared to queue for the accessible stall (I have ranted about this before, I will control myself and not do so again here ). EDIT: Just read the post above, about her needing the restroom quickly. Make sure she knows that there may be a wait for the accessible stall and she should either go more regularly than she strictly needs to, or see if she can park the ECV outside the stall and use the walker to get in (not sure if this would fit or not).

I think this will be a very informative visit for my mom and aunt (being cm's). They will get to see what a visit in the park with wheels and with special health concerns will be like. With her immeidate bathroom needs, I am a little worried about the long lines.
Another thing I had not thought of. You guys are amazing.

 

[SueM in MN]

In Epcot: She would like to go on Soarin', Crush Turtle Talk, World Showcase, Nemo ride, Illuminations and character greeting.

Also In Magic Kingdom: Parades and Wishes

Turtle Talk is very accessible; they have spots reserved for wheelchairs/ECVs to park. The last time we went, they pulled us out of the line and sent us to a room to wait; we were led into the room before they let the other guests in. The reason they pull wheelchair users out is that there are limited numbers of seats and they need to only let in as many wheelchairs as there are spots for them to park.
The Nemo ride has a long, winding queue with sharp turns. The boarding and exit have a moving walkway, so she might be better with a wheelchair. There is a wheelchair accessible car; I believe there is only one - we had to wait for more than one ride cycle to get on. It is listed as ECV riders need to switch to a wheelchair (which they would have at the boarding area). The wheelchair accessible car holds one person plus the person using the wheelchair.

World Showcase is quite accessible, in terms of the general walkways being wide and flat. Some of the individual shops are a bit tight. The kids (even the oldest) would probably enjoy the Kidcot stops. There are CMs there who lead the kids in sit down activities like coloring masks.
She and some of the adults might enjoy the 360 movies in China and Canada and the movie in France (although the kids might be bored). Those movies might be something for some of the adults to do while the kids are doing Kidcot activities.
Mexico has a newly renovated boat ride. It has a somewhat similar 'feel' to Small World. There is a wheelchair accessible boat, very similar to the boat on Small World.
I think you can still get a list of character greeting schedules from Guest Relations. You will find a lot in WS.

For Illuminations and the parades at MK, there are wheelchair viewing spots marked on the park maps. Whether they will allow such a large group depends on how busy it is (a wheelchair 'group' is usually defined as 5 plus the person with a disability). There is no special spot for viewing Wishes.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

With the restroom situation, it's not so much long queues as long waits. As I've promised not to rant about that again here, I'll link you to the place where I ranted before (ha ha! A cunning rouse!):

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1589765

Having never used the Companion Restroom, I don't know whether they have the same problems, but at least if she uses these, she won't have to queue twice (once to get to the front of the line in the restrooms, once for the stall itself). If she makes sure she doesn't 'miss an opportunity' whenever she's near a restroom, this could help.

 

[SueM in MN]

In MGM: Lights, Motor Action, High School Musical, Ariel's show, Playhouse Disney, Animator's ride, Beauty and the Beast

Lights, Motor, Action is a huge crowd to get in. When we went, they had not counted the wheelchairs and ended up with more people inside the theater area than they had wheelchair spaces for. We and about 5 people behind us got spaces, but there was a long line of people waiting behind us.
One thing that made me think of - in shows, the wheelchair seating is mostly in the back of the theater/show area. in order to make more room for wheelchairs, they have a lot of open space with one seat for a companion to sit in. The rest of the party will be seated nearby, usually in the row or 2 rows ahead. They often limit the 'party' to 5 people plus the person with a disability; so the rest of the party would be sitting in the general seating area.
High School Musical is a pep rally that starts with a parade that ends in front of the Sorceror's hat. You kind of have to decide whether to watch the parade or the show. What we have done is gotten a table at the snack shop in to the left side of the Sorceror's hat (can't think of the name, but they sell ice cream and stuff and the shop backs up to water). Some of the adults might want to do that with the baby while some of the other adults and kids go closer.
Voyage of the Little Mermaid has a limited number of wheelchair/ECV spots. Get Fastpasses and when the time comes, report to the area just beyond the line (down Mickey Avenue). Wheelchair plus one person in the back row of the theater, everyone else in rows ahead.
Animation is all quite accessible. The first part is a movie about how they come up with characters (wheelchair/ECV and one person in back). Then you go into a self guided tour part where there are computer stations with things like coloring characters, adding sounds, etc. There is also a character greeting opportunity (it was the Incredibles the last time we were there). The last part is an opportunity to sit at a desk like animators use and a CM demostrates how to draw a specific character.
Beauty and the Beast has many wheelchair/ECV spots. Some are at the front, but the path down there is a fairly steep ramp with a lot of turns, so it is not the easiest with an ECV.

 

[Mr._The_King]

Your rant is such an important one. Think of all the educating you are doing.

 

[SueM in MN]

In Animal Kingdom: (I will put a few suggestions, but I am suggesting she skip this one for the bumpy pathways) Nemo, The Lion King, Animal path

They just decide to go the Sea World, I was ablre to give them the free tickets I won for having my picture picked to go on the website, but I hav eto research this one.

I just put a new post in the disABILITIES FAQs thread yesterday with a link to the disabilities guide for Sea World. It looks pretty complete. It's a pdf file and you could probably cut and paste from it to include the things you think she needs from it.

For AK, the pathways are bumpy, but it's quite variable whether it bothers people or not. Someone who gets muscle spasms or pain if they get bumped might have problem with the bumps, while other people might not. With an ECV, she would have more 'padding' than someone in one of the sling seat rental wheelchairs.
The Nemo Show is wonderful and I think everyone (including the baby) would like it. The park map says to get there 45 minutes before showtime, that's what we did and we had not problem. A good part of the wait will probably be in the sun, so be prepared. Once the line reaches the roped off area, a CM will take you in. The theater is huge and air conditoned.
We were in the back of the theater and still had a good view. People have posted that there are also some wheelchair/ECV seats farther to the front. I didn't see them, so can't tell you anything about it. Again, this is one where the person with wheelchair/ECV and a few members of their party sit together. We had one wheelchair and 4 people.

Lion King is also a wonderful show. The theater is inside and air conditioned. Wheelchair/ECV users are in the front row with one companion; the rest of their party sit behind them. The show is 28 minutes long.

The animal paths are accessible, sometimes there is a problem with too many people blocking your sight. They tend to come in groups, so if you wait, they will usually move on. There are often CMs in the paths showing animals and there are things on some of the paths for the older kids to look at and touch. Strollers can be brought in the paths

Another place that is not on your list that you might want to add is a trip to Rafiki's Planet watch. You get there by taking a train from Africa. The train is accessible (although you have to back the ECV on). Strollers can also go on the train. After getting off the train, there is a walk through some scenic paths to the building where you can see displays (cool things like giant spiders, an animal exam hospital room, etc). There are often CMs showing small animals and character greetings - we sw Rafiki and Pocohontas.

Another place at MK you might want to add is Laugh Floor. If the kids are familiar with Monster's Inc, they will probably love this. It's a comedy show put on by monsters and is funny and very cute. Wheelchairs/ECvs are directed by CMs to park at the end of a row and the rest of your party sits on the bech next to and/or behind you. The show is 15 minutes long.

Also, if your friend want something a little more adventurous (but still very safe), there are wheelchair cars for Aladdin's Magic Carpets in MK and for Triceraptop Spin in AK. Both should have wheelchairs that she could transfer to. The wheelchair car holds one wheelchair and one person sitting.

 

[SueM in MN]

<---- nods emphatically!!
I think the holders are normally just velcro straps, so it may well fit. If you ring up the rental company, with the walker measurements, they'll be able to tell you. If it won't fit, you should be able to make some kind of strapping device to hold the walker onto the back of the ECV. Just make sure it is securely fastened, and that she is very careful about not hitting anyone with it when she turns around.

If you go to Home Depot, Lowes or a store like that, you should be able to find some velcro straps in the area where they sell computer and tv cables. THey might be called 'cable ties" or something like that. They usually come in different sizes from small (for a few small cables) or large (for holding big cables together). We've got them in a variety of sizes and use them to fasten things to DD's wheelchair.

With the restroom situation, it's not so much long queues as long waits. As I've promised not to rant about that again here, I'll link you to the place where I ranted before (ha ha! A cunning rouse!):

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1589765

Having never used the Companion Restroom, I don't know whether they have the same problems, but at least if she uses these, she won't have to queue twice (once to get to the front of the line in the restrooms, once for the stall itself). If she makes sure she doesn't 'miss an opportunity' whenever she's near a restroom, this could help.

We really have to use the Companion Restrooms because DD can't get out of her wheelchair by herself, so we have to bring the wheelchair in the stall (and I have to fit too, to get her in and out). Plus, the regular restrooms are WAY too noisy for her.
It is the same in the Companion Restrooms too. Usually not people with disabilities, but families using them for taking small kids to the bathroom.
The worst is MK and we usually go to First Aid there.
Epcot is not usually too bad. The Studio and AL don't have a lot of Companion Restrooms, but the wait there is usually not that bad.
Knowing she needs to get to the bathroom quickly and might not always be able to, it might give her some peace of mind to wear some protection. My DD uses the Ultimate Poise pads. She also uses the largest girls (not adult) size version of these briefs. It's kind of like insurance - if you don't need it, you are still protected. If an accident occurs, it's much easier to change my DD's pad than have to change all her clothing.
your friend may not have time before the trip to discuss this with the doctor before the trip, but there should be some things that might help her.

 

[Mr._The_King]

Ultimate Poise pads look like a great addition to the trip. What a great idea. I will add the laugh floor, and Rafiki's Planet watch and take the animal paths off, for sure.

I will get the cable ties as well. I know she likes the walker with the basket and the seat the best.

Maybe I could pack a few air horns for anyone that does not act like responsible Disney guests.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Your rant is such an important one. Think of all the educating you are doing.

Unfortunately, posting that thread on this board is a bit like 'preaching to the choir' - most of the people who come here do so because they, a friend or a loved one have a disability, so know what these kind of problems are like. However, I like to think I may have opened one or two pairs of eyes

Maybe I could pack a few air horns for anyone that does not act like responsible Disney guests.

Unfortunately, that won't make them more considerate, it'll just make them whinge more (take a look at the Theme Park Strategies board here, and you'll often find a thread moaning about all these evil wheelchair drivers, who's sole purpose in life is to ruin other people's holidays ). Unfortunately a few people in Disney and the wider world (though they are thankfully in the minority) seem to think that wheelchair users are a) an inconvenience that they shouldn't be forced to deal with, and / or b) getting some wonderful benefit that they're missing out on. It's up to you whether you warn your friend of this or not. I've encountered only a few people like this and hundreds and hundreds of lovely, kind, helpful people, so it's not all that bad .

Sue's insurance idea is a good one. I think there was a thread a while back about bladder trouble in Disney, but I don't think there was much advice that came up, that isn't already covered in this thread.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Maybe I could pack a few air horns for anyone that does not act like responsible Disney guests.

I have often thought about that. However, most of the portable air horns made are designed for use on boats and should be very audible a couple of hundred yards away. Use of them would be a mixed blessing, It would definitely have an intended effect on the people aimed at, but unfortunately would scare several hundred innocent bystanders.

My late wife would never allow me to buy/use one for that reason, although she agreed with my sentiments.