Disneyland with disabled child

[morningdew]

We're planning DS's first trip to Disneyland - he's 4 and he's going to love it! He's in a wheelchair so we'll be utilizing some sort of GAC (although we'll be picking him up and bringing him on rides rather than trying to take his WC on accessible rides). Anyone with experiences to share?

I'm also wondering about the baby care centers - do they have changing stations with tables large enough to fit a 4 year old? He's diapered and usually we change him in the car when we go out because changing station tables are baby-sized and too small. I'd love to know what to expect before we get there, and I'm hoping we don't have to trek back to the hotel every time he needs a diaper change!

The disABILITIES forum here has tons of useful info, but it's more geared towards WDW rather than DL. I'd love to hear from anyone with DL experience. Please share anything you think would be helpful!! Thanks!

 

[hlbtimes2]

Most of the changing stations, in the regular restrooms, will be large enough for him. They are not the fold down, plastic type- they are more like a counter top, bolted to the wall, with a small "lip" around the edge. There is also a very nice family bathroom that you might want to check out. It would give you privacy and a lot of room. It is NOT on any of the maps, you have to know where to look for it.

It is located to the left of the castle. Go past the sunshine gardens ( I think that is what its called), like you are going to in through the back of the mexican restaurant. Before you get to the restaurant, look to the right. There is an unmarked bathroom near the cm exit. I believe their is a handicap sign on the door. It is the "secret" bathroom you read about. Its one large room, it has a changing table, toilet, urinal, etc. Its very nice.

 

[SueM in MN]

The GAC (Guest Assistance Card) at Disneyland is requested and given out pretty much the same as at WDW. When DL re-organized their Guest Assistance program a few years ago, they based it on what WDW was doing. So, the WDW GAC information in the disABILITIES FAQs thread is pretty much also applicable to DL.
DL is a little different because it is less accessible than WDW. The newer rides and California Adventures are much more accessible and have many Mainstream Lines (where wheelchairs fit into the same lines and wait with everyone else).

First Aid in the both parks would also be places where you could go to change diapers. They have cots and also exam tables.

This is a link to the official Disneyland customer service page for people with mobility disabilities. You can click on each attraction for information, but what is more helpful, there is a link on the right side of the page to download a copy of their booklet for Guests with Disabilites, which puts everything in one place. The Guidebook has a list of Companion Restroom locations for the parks. That's the type of restroom that hlbtimes2 described. I'm not sure if all of them include a changing table - not all at WDW do. Also, the changing tables are counter height which may be a bit high to lift your child up to. If that's the case, First Aid would be better because their cots are lower.

 

[Welivefordisney]

We were there last October. My son is 6 and in a wheelchair.

Some of the bathrooms (New Orleans square in particular) has the changing tables right by the entrance which does not allow for much privacy. When that was the case my daughters and Grandma would create a privacy wall with there bodies

We didn't discover the "secret" family bathroom until our last day there, it is very nice. It can also be found if you go into the pavillion area (the area with the red and white striped cover and a stage) just to the left of the castle, go through the seating area toward the tunnel to the back of Frontier land (Mexican restaurant is through the tunnel) the family restroom is off to the right before you go into the tunnel. If that makes any sense at all.

Since it is close to the castle it should be pretty accessible from any land you are in. Or at least better than taking care of needs right at the entrance to the bathrooms (which I have never understood the reason the changing tables are put there). I just wish we had found that restroom earlier in our trip.

Because our son was in a chair and "obviously not abusing the wheelchair rental" (I am not saying that others do - this is a quote from a CM) we didn't need to get the pass from the city hall. The CMs directed us to the wheelchair entrance - most of the time it is the exit of the ride- and we were usually put right on the ride. The CMs told us that they usually limit the family members with the wheelchair individual to 6, but we had 7 in our group with Grandparents and didn't have any problems. The CMs were wonderful!!!
Have fun!!!

 

[morningdew]

Thanks so much for the info - especially directions to the Secret Bathroom! That will be very helpful on the trip.

WeliveforDisney, thanks for including the info about the number of guests the CMs would allow in with you - we also have 6 people and I was worried we'd have to split up. Good to know they were a little flexible with you on this issue.