Disabled Husband, Wife & Toddler

[allie_to_you]

Got a question...my DH (who is disabled and must stay in a wheelchair) and I are planning a trip to Disney World in January. We have debated off & on about taking our toddler with us (she'll be 2 yrs, 4 mths) by the time we go. Our only hesitation is the rides. She is only about 31 inches tall so of course, she can't even ride some of the bigger, funner rides, but my question is about some such as Toy Story Mania, Buzz, etc. where they have a ride vehicle that my DH can just roll up into. On those, there is typically a small jump seat where I can ride next to him, but with our toddler with us, would they let her sit on my lap or would she & I have to be in a completely separate ride vehicle.

Also, since we've never gone with a child before, I'm not really sure how rider swap works. One of my husband's favorite rides is Soarin, which our daugher wouldn't be tall enough for. I have to assist my husband onto the ride vehicle, so would they let me go in with him and my daughter, get him onto the ride vehicle while we wait somewhere and then he can watch her while I ride?

 

[darthtatty]

Hi,
im not sure theyd let your toddler ride on your lap during the Toy story ride-due to the spins. Im not sure of your sizes but perhaps someone could measure the seat next to the wheelchair space and see if you could both fit on. I know the seat is a bit small though but when we went a couple of weeks ago, my husband rode in it. so I didn't take too much notice. we had fun testing all the wheelchair vehicles. usually we lift our son on and off but he's getting too big for that. The wheelchair boat on the Jungle cruise is fab- I didn't even know it existed. When they stop the wheelchair car for toy story, they also stop another vehicle behind. so perhaps someone can ride alone and the other 2 can ride together. I know its a pain as theres 3 of us, so someone usually has to ride alone. Usually its me

For a lot of rides we used fastpasses. When we got to the person at the end, we explained that just 1 of us would ride and then the other would ride after. They were generally fine with that.

 

[bidnow5]

I'm sure they would have your husband ride alone and you and your daughter would ride together on the other end of the vehicle you would be back to back with your husband

 

[darthtatty]

I'm sure they would have your husband ride alone and you and your daughter would ride together on the other end of the vehicle you would be back to back with your husband

For the wheelchair accessible vehicle, there is no back to back riders.
I did take some pictures but they didn't turn out good.
Although you can google and get some images.

 

[lanejudy]

... Also, since we've never gone with a child before, I'm not really sure how rider swap works. One of my husband's favorite rides is Soarin, which our daugher wouldn't be tall enough for. I have to assist my husband onto the ride vehicle, so would they let me go in with him and my daughter, get him onto the ride vehicle while we wait somewhere and then he can watch her while I ride?

Regarding Soarin' -- unfortunately if your daughter is not tall enough to ride she will not be allowed into the queue at all for any reason. Is there anyone else who can go with you, so they can sit with DD while you assist your DH with his transfer? If not, and he can't transfer on his own, he may need to skip Soarin' this trip until she is old enough to ride.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[MSSANDRA]

The will not let your child into line for any ride she is not tall enough to ride. One parent would go while the other stayed with the child and then you trade. If your DH required assistance, this will not work for you. You child can also not ride in a vehicle alone. I do not know if there is room or if she would be allowed to ride on your lap.

Does your DH push himself in his chair? Will you also have a stroller? Does your DH need assistance that will take your focus away from your child? Will you have a way to keep your child by your side while you care for DH needs in the park? Just things to think about. I would personally never have a WDW trip without my toddler, but you need to think through the entire trip to be sure you can manage safely.

You can certainly have a great trip without doing any thrill rides but you just have to prepare with that mindset.