Disneyland with Grandma in a wheelchair

[KaiAloha]

Hi Everyone,
My kids and I are thinking of bringing Grandma with us on the next trip. She'll be in a wheelchair most of the time and can get up and shuffle for a short distance, i.e...into a bathroom stall. I'm anticipating that she will tire easily and need to rest a lot.

I'd LOVE some tips and pointers on your experiences.

We've usually been full-blown Disneyers (Disneyians? DisneyDorks?) zooming from point to point, so it'll be interesting to take it low and slow.

Thanks in advance with much love and appreciation.

 

[starshine514]

My biggest advice would be to stay close - either onsite or at one of the motels in close walking distance. That way, you can take her back to rest whenever she needs to. If she's independent enough (confident, competent, still drives, etc.), you might want to see about renting her an ECV so she can be independent. My mom isn't confident in her abilities, so she uses a wheelchair, but DH (he has MS) uses one - and he loves it.

We haven't been since the new DAS cards were put into effect. We never got a GAC card before (and still aren't required to with just a mobility device), but they have changed a few things in the past month. Some rides will give a card with a return time, rather than letting you get in the disabled line right then. At others, you'll go to the ride exit to board. CA is the easiest to tour, because nearly all the lines at integrated (so there's no need to do anything special with a wheelchair until right before you board).

 

[SMD]

Here is a list of attractions with the transfer/ambulatory requirements: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/guest-services/mobility-disabilities/

She will need to go to each attraction with the wheelchair. Ask a CM if the queue is accessible and if not where to go. If there is an alternate entrance, they will direct you there. If they can accommodate you at that time, they will, otherwise you'll be given a card with a return time. You can return any time after the time on the card. Either way, the CM will ask the guest in the wheelchair a series of questions about the ride's requirements as far as mobility and transferring before allowing you on through the accessible entrance or giving you a return time.

I can't think of a single ride where you can shuffle onto the ride. They all require either a step up into a vehicle, or climbing down into a vehicle that loads below ground level. There are a few that have a single vehicle can accommodate a guest in a wheelchair, but it may be a long wait for that option.

 

[KaiAloha]

Thank you so much! Both your posts were informative, kind and made me realize this is do-able.

 

[GrandBob]

Another common recommendation - whether you choose wheelchair or ECV, rent it from an off-site company. That way, you can use it to transport her to and from the parks. If you rent on-site, it has to remain in the parks. Many here recommend Deckert's. Apparently they will deliver to close-by hotels.

Bob

 

[Escape2Disney]

We use Deckerts for scooter rental, and have always had a good experience. It's also much cheaper than renting onsite.

 

[Nonsuch]

...She'll be in a wheelchair most of the time and can get up and shuffle for a short distance, i.e...into a bathroom stall. I'm anticipating that she will tire easily and need to rest a lot.

You should book a Handicap Accessible room
The ability to take the wheelchair into the bathroom and the extra grab rails will make things easier (and safer).