Disneyland - What do I need to know?

[MG3G]

I'm newly disabled and planning a trip to DL with our kids.
We have 5 children and this may be the only time I can take our three youngest who have never been.

Most of the threads here are about DWorld. I need to know about the Land.

I know a lot of the ride lines in Disneyland are not accessible, especially fantasy land or at least they used to be - has that changed? We took one of our older boys on a GAC when he was young with a stroller as a wheelchair. How are they handling lines now that aren't accessible?

If I can walk a little bit are they going to take my scooter away? I can walk just fine, sometimes, but fatigue is a MAJOR issue. If I blow it on day one that is it for the trip.

Should I fly my own scooter from home or rent? If we fly into the smaller airports I can likely walk it ... I do use a scooter at home for anything longer then about 100 meters though - although yesterday I was able to play at the beach! It's day by day right now.

What about DAS - I guess I don't need one being stamina right? BUT if I go to the rides that aren't accessible are they going to let me bring our whole family? I know the limits are something like 6 people right? Well since it's all our own children is there some discretion?

One more - has anyone traveled with both someone in a chair AND someone with a DAS? Is it an issue? One of our older boys has autism. He is super high functioning but it might be too much for him after a day or two. Are we supposed to be in different places for lining up? There will be times I can think of where all of us might be riding together and I could see him need the DAS at the same time as I will need the scooter - whose line should be go to?

Last one for now - does first aid let you crash for a bit? We've been there for meds before for the kiddo who used to have the GAC. If I'm fatigued but not sick can I lie down in first aid?

Is there anything else I should know about touring for our family? I know it probably sounds like a disaster waiting to happen but I NEED to see my girls in Disneyland at least once!

 

[Random Ninja]

I'm newly disabled and planning a trip to DL with our kids.
We have 5 children and this may be the only time I can take our three youngest who have never been.

Most of the threads here are about DWorld. I need to know about the Land.

I know a lot of the ride lines in Disneyland are not accessible, especially fantasy land or at least they used to be - has that changed? We took one of our older boys on a GAC when he was young with a stroller as a wheelchair. How are they handling lines now that aren't accessible?

Most of the rides at Disneyland are accessible through the exit and you transfer to the ride vehicle. California Adventure is newer and more accessible through the regular line so you can just wheel through.

If I can walk a little bit are they going to take my scooter away? I can walk just fine, sometimes, but fatigue is a MAJOR issue. If I blow it on day one that is it for the trip.

Should I fly my own scooter from home or rent? If we fly into the smaller airports I can likely walk it ... I do use a scooter at home for anything longer then about 100 meters though - although yesterday I was able to play at the beach! It's day by day right now.

You might be asked if you can transfer to a wheelchair or walk but do not feel like you have to walk if the cast members ask. Bring your own scooter from home if you use one on a regular basis. It's always better to have familiar equipment. You are likely to do more walking then 100m at the airport; no matter how small it is, airports are big places. It's better to have your scooter, then not have it and wish you did.

What about DAS - I guess I don't need one being stamina right? BUT if I go to the rides that aren't accessible are they going to let me bring our whole family? I know the limits are something like 6 people right? Well since it's all our own children is there some discretion?

For rides that aren't accessible for the regular line, you might be given a wheelchair return card which is basically like a fast pass with a 1hr window to return to the accessible line. The maps for guests with disabilities has locations marked where you might need to ask for the return pass. Just ask a cast member at the ride and they will direct you where to go.

The DAS is for individuals who have issues other than mobility/stamina. If the scooter is the only accommodation you need then you likely won't be eligible for a DAS. You might want to check out the Disneyland DAS sticky thread. http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3179460

One more - has anyone traveled with both someone in a chair AND someone with a DAS? Is it an issue? One of our older boys has autism. He is super high functioning but it might be too much for him after a day or two. Are we supposed to be in different places for lining up? There will be times I can think of where all of us might be riding together and I could see him need the DAS at the same time as I will need the scooter - whose line should be go to?

The wheelchair return line and the DAS return line are often the same line. To get your DS a DAS you will need to have him with you to request the card from guest services and it's probably better to have all the kids with you since you are party with more than six people. You will need to explain his needs, not diagnosis, as relating to why he can't wait in the regular line. The DAS times are received from kiosks around the parks and the wheelchair return cards are gotten at the rides themselves so you can have both at the same time.

Last one for now - does first aid let you crash for a bit? We've been there for meds before for the kiddo who used to have the GAC. If I'm fatigued but not sick can I lie down in first aid?

First aide has several areas for people to rest, take meds, calm down, and whatnot.

Is there anything else I should know about touring for our family? I know it probably sounds like a disaster waiting to happen but I NEED to see my girls in Disneyland at least once!

Don't over plan, go with the flow, don't forget to smell the roses, and most importantly have fun!

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

For rides that aren't accessible for the regular line, you might be given a wheelchair return card which is basically like a fast pass with a 1hr window to return to the accessible line. The maps for guests with disabilities has locations marked where you might need to ask for the return pass. Just ask a cast member at the ride and they will direct you where to go.

The DAS is for individuals who have issues other than mobility/stamina. If the scooter is the only accommodation you need then you likely won't be eligible for a DAS. You might want to check out the Disneyland DAS sticky thread. http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3179460



The wheelchair return line and the DAS return line are often the same line. To get your DS a DAS you will need to have him with you to request the card from guest services and it's probably better to have all the kids with you since you are party with more than six people. You will need to explain his needs, not diagnosis, as relating to why he can't wait in the regular line. The DAS times are received from kiosks around the parks and the wheelchair return cards are gotten at the rides themselves so you can have both at the same time.

Correct. Since you have more than 6 people, everyone will need to be there. You will need to have your son there too.