Can someone help me?

[laliwalden]

Ok, I had posted a while back about my husband needing hip replacment surgery.

We are going in December and he is not scheduled for surgery until after out trip. So, I am researching our options.

I did read the FAQs thread, which is amazing!! Tons of information I did not know.

But, the one thing I am looking for is more pics of the rides. Like the actual loading/unloading areas. My DH thinks he will be okay to transfer on rides, but if there is a bar for him to grab onto, this will make it much easier for him. Anyone know of where I might find some of these pics?

Also, read on the FAQs list about handicapped parking. It states that if you do not have a wheelchair already, its almost easier to park in regular parking and use the tram. Anyone know if this holds true?

Thanks so much for your help!!

 

[Belle4mygrl]

Oh sorry to hear about the impending surgery but if it makes him better .

The handicapped entrances are a way of getting easier access to the ride and not really "easier" to get on the ride, imo. It is the same for everyone. On the continous moving rides (Spaceship Earth, Peter Pan, Buzz, etc) I noticed they would stop the rides for the handicap. Can he grip the ride itself or use the wheelchair in locked position as a way to get in and out?

 

[laliwalden]

Oh sorry to hear about the impending surgery but if it makes him better .

The handicapped entrances are a way of getting easier access to the ride and not really "easier" to get on the ride, imo. It is the same for everyone. On the continous moving rides (Spaceship Earth, Peter Pan, Buzz, etc) I noticed they would stop the rides for the handicap. Can he grip the ride itself or use the wheelchair in locked position as a way to get in and out?

The rides I am most concerned about are the ones that you have to like step into. It's a small world, Pirates, etc. And, I think getting in will be okay, it will be getting out. LOL, it doesnt help that he is a bigger guy!!

I vaguely remember some of these rides having bars to hold on to when you get out of them. But, it has been almost 3 years since I have been there.

I hate that he is not 100% when we go but it's already booked and we both really need the break! LOL

We have already decided we are going to go back next year after both his surgeries and recovery so he can really enjoy it!!

 

[Chuck S]

Pirates has hold post in the load/unload areas, as does Small World. If he is in a W/C or ECV. Small world has a roll-on boat option where he can remain in the W/C. Pirates will require a transfer because the boat goes down shoots.

 

[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 ECV will magically appear at the unload area.

Even before my hip replacment I found that I could get in and out of any of the ride vehicles. Some of them, such as Space Mountain, were not easy, but I would not allow myself to be rushed. All of the rides have either bars or seatbacks that can be grabbed. Also, realize that a CM is not allowed to touch the Guest in any way, even if requested, unless it is a safety-related emergency. But there is nothing to stop a relative or friend from assisting. A CM can hold a wheelchair to steady, and move a wheelchair or ECV after the person has boarded (and bring it back for unload),

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.

 

[dmk909]

my experiences:
I had been pushed in a wheelchair for1 day. It was not enjoyable because people tend to walk right in front of you & my pusher was rather impatient & in a hurry so I rented an ECV the rest of the vacation. It was much more enjoyable for all of us. I didn't feel guilty for tiring out someone else, he didn't feel "stuck" and I was able to cruise over to check things out as I felt so inclined Another year, I pushed my 80 year old Gramma in a manual wheelchair. She was unsteady on her feet and moving transfers were a bit precarious but our arm was usually all she needed to steady herself. Another visit was with my sister who used a wheelchair to & from transportation & ECV inside the parks (prior to amputation). It was possible for her to stand on her feet for only a minute or so to transfer but very very painful & unsteady to do so.

my thoughts:
If he can not walk more than 500 feet, it may be a good idea to use a wheelchair from the hotel to the park. For someone who has real difficulty walking, it is still pretty far between the handicapped transportation areas & the gates/entrances. Downside-a wheelchair was inconvenient to load/unload but I still think the 500 feet is pretty good indicator to help you decide which is the best/worst of the 2 evils (lugging chair vs difficulty walking). We needed a ton of patience and when we found ourselves in a difficult situation, Disney people were always willing to help. We also had an equal number of park visitors willing to help as those who seemed inconvenienced.

Each attraction has it's own method of loading/unloading people needing assistance. All of the attendants were extremely helpful & obviously very well trained. Most attractions that moved while loading/unloading temporarily stopped for us. The moving platforms were the most difficult -not necessarily getting into the "car" but rather stepping from the solid surface to the moving one where they meet & vice versa. We had to be vocal about expressing our needs to the attendants -especially when getting off because they could not see the wheelchair or ECV to know of our need- but all were very helpful. We had a few unsteady incidents at various locations, as I expect you may also. After the initial reaction, we always tried to stay humorous about our situation. There is no way to be 100% trouble-free but I wish you the best.

I think the hardest to navigate was the People Mover in MK. You have to go up an escalator which seems simple enough if you can stand up, but the entire platform at the top moves with nothing to hold onto - it was a bit scary & wouldn't attempt it again. (Not sure if they can stop that one.)


I hope this all this helps you in some way. Best of luck & I hope you have a fantastic visit.

Diana

 

[mickey grandmom]

Just got back from DW last week. It was my first experience in a wheelchair.
DH was great pushing me around,but it was uncomfortable for me mentally knowing it was not an easy job for him. I had a hip replacement 1 yr ago. My other hip and knees are bad,but not ready for surgery. I did pretty well getting in and out of most rides. The ones I had a problem with were the ones where the seat was lower and my knees were slightly up. Other than that everyone was great and very helpful. I used my cane to aid getting in and out of rides and with DH's help all went smoothly. I found having a folding cane was a great help. After getting on the ride,I could fold it up and it was not in the way for anyone. Before my surgery I had to use my hands to lift my leg into my car.So I know getting on a moving ride at DW would have been a real trick. Using a wheelchair made this trip less painful and therefore more enjoyable. Hope you all have a great Disney experience.Enjoy the magic.

 

[Jeanieblue114]

The main rides that I feel like I'm in a whole on and are difficult to get out of
splash mountain...really feel like i'm in a hole..but there is room to move around once the other person is out of the car.

The boat ride in mexico is nice...but it was a little bit of a lift to step out of it (i am very short).

Photos of many rides are on allears.net

http://allears.net/tp/gal_ride.htm

 

[Jeanieblue114]

i meant hole...geesh

 

[carouselgirl]

I injured my knee a month before one of our trips. I was on crutches and in a brace. The only rides I had any difficulty with were Space Mountain, Splash Mountain and Rockin Roller Coaster, only because of how the cars are set up. Do not be afraid to ask the cast members for help. I was embarrassed at first, but they were all so friendly and helpful. I think I still have pictures from that trip. (My husband thought it would be funny to take pictures of me getting in and out of the rides.)

On the other hand, my husband has psoriatic arthritis and is constantly in pain. He doesn't experience any extra problems with any of the rides except for getting out of Space Mountain. It takes him a liitle extra time to get off the ride. Again, the cast members are very helpful.