Dad will be using a WC. Have some questions.

[Sleepy]

This will be my dad's first time using a WC at WDW. Diabetes have played havoc on his legs on top of bad hips. He can still walk, but only short distances. The WC will be needed throughout the parks and while waiting in line for rides.

Since my concern is waiting in line for rides, how exactly does this work? I think the lines for every ride can accommodate a WC, but I am not sure. If the line can accomodate a WC, where do we put the WC once it is my dad's turn to get on the ride?

I never realized how much thought and planning it takes when you are with a person with special needs. We won't be going until Aug 08, but figured I don't want us all to go there unknowing and waste half of our vacation wandering around cluelessly. If someone can walk me through the process of getting on a ride, it would be great.

My father is also not able to handle the direct sun for very long. I know most rides have the lines pretty shaded, but if this is not possible, is there a place where my dad can wait (and one of us with him), then when the rest of the group gets to the front of the line, my dad can join us? Again, I have no idea how this works. Thanks.

 

[LovePug]

No worries about the w/c in lines or where to park it. Some of the lines will branch you off to a different route, but we've never had a problem at all. When you get to the front of the line, the CM will direct you where to park your w/c.

Are you taking an actual w/c, or a scooter/ECV? I'm only asking because we used an actual w/c that had to be pushed on our first trip and it was exhausting (but not impossible). If you can swing it, I recommend renting a ECV from an offsite company.

I can't help with the shade question...we never had to use that.

 

[Mickiethepooh]

I also recommend renting a scooter from an off site company I use Walker mobility myself. Also Disney has guide books for disabled for every park and you have plenty of time now to call guest services and have them sent to you. then you can tell exactly what to do at each attraction and where the restrooms are etc. they are very useful.
If you are renting the scooter, have your dad use them in the grocery store first, to get the hang of it.

 

[SueM in MN]

Since my concern is waiting in line for rides, how exactly does this work? I think the lines for every ride can accommodate a WC, but I am not sure. If the line can accomodate a WC, where do we put the WC once it is my dad's turn to get on the ride?

You will find some helpful links if you check out the disABILITIES FAQs thread located near the top of the thread list on this board.
The 3rd post on that thread has links to the official Disney website, where they have the text from the Guidebooks for Guests with Disabilities that Mickiethepooh mentioned. The Mobility Page link has a list of all the attractions with "Mainstream Lines", which are the lines that are totally wheelchair accessible.
There are a few attractions where the regular line is not wheelchair accessible; for those attractions, the CM at the entrance to the line will tell you what to do. Often, you will wait in the regular line until just before the regular boarding area.
There is also a sign outside of the attractions (and on the park maps) with an icon that tells how the line is accessible - a wheelchair symbol shows it is a Mainstream Line where the wheelchair can be used thru the whole experience. For those attractions where you have to get out and go on a ride car, the wheelchair will go into line with you. You will either board at the exit and the wheelchair will wait for you there (usually after waiting in line until just before the regular boarding area) or you will board at the 'regular' entrance and a CM will bring the wheelchair to the exit.

My father is also not able to handle the direct sun for very long. I know most rides have the lines pretty shaded, but if this is not possible, is there a place where my dad can wait (and one of us with him), then when the rest of the group gets to the front of the line, my dad can join us? Again, I have no idea how this works. Thanks.

Most of the lines are pretty well shaded, so the lines are not that much of a problem. He can get a Guest Assistance Card (GAC) that will allow him to wait in the shade, but there are very few attractions where that GAC would be used. There is more information about GACs in the disABILITIES FAQs thread.
A bigger problem for sun exposure than the lines is just being out in the parks, moving from place to place. There are places that rent ECVs with sun shades, so if he decides to go for an ECV, that would be something to consider.

 

[Sleepy]

thanks for all the help