DL disABILITIES question here or WDW board?

[tmfranlk]

Hi all,

Should I post questions about mobility issues at DL here or on the WDW board? I wasn't sure if the same board worked for both parks.

In case it's here, I'm looking for thoughts on my best way to approach our DL days. We're planning DL on Dec 24 and DCA on Dec 26. It will be just me, DD11 and DD4 at the parks. Since our DL trips are usually limited to two days every two years we like do as much as we can in each day and ideally would like to open and close the parks, though we certainly know how to take it easy and relax along the way as well (we were locals for a couple of years in the past).

Now the issue, come the trip I will only be a month out from significant abdominal surgery. My biggest concern is my stamina. With the new DAS procedures what is my best option on ways to help, should I need it come time. I'm thinking an ECV may be my best option, but will the park run out on these busy days? Will I be able to rent late in the day or will I need to rent early on to avoid a sell out? Any other ways I could approach it (without the obvious of cutting our time short which we will do if it becomes necessary)?

Thanks!!

 

[lalasmama]

I'd rent an ECV, as that will help your stamina the most, I'd imagine. I'd rent off-site, from Deckert or Apple Scooters (both get good reviews on here), so you would have it to and from the hotel, and wouldn't need to worry about them running out before you arrive.

 

[Escape2Disney]

I'd second getting the scooter at Deckerts. I do every trip. My only concern will be your 4 year old. Driving and holding a little one's hand can be tricky unless you've done it before. I'd suggest practicing with the carts at the grocery store. It'll be less crowded, and the grocery scooters are less user friendly than what you'd get at Deckerts. If you can manage in the store, you should be fine in the parks. I would suggest you talk to your older child about holding the little one's other hand as a back-up.

 

[krispin41]

I would rent a scooter myself at one of the places Escape2Disney recommended. I had major abdominal surgery myself last year, and there is NO WAY I could have done a full day at DL a month out.

 

[JRacine690]

Hi all,

Should I post questions about mobility issues at DL here or on the WDW board? I wasn't sure if the same board worked for both parks.

In case it's here, I'm looking for thoughts on my best way to approach our DL days. We're planning DL on Dec 24 and DCA on Dec 26. It will be just me, DD11 and DD4 at the parks. Since our DL trips are usually limited to two days every two years we like do as much as we can in each day and ideally would like to open and close the parks, though we certainly know how to take it easy and relax along the way as well (we were locals for a couple of years in the past).

Now the issue, come the trip I will only be a month out from significant abdominal surgery. My biggest concern is my stamina. With the new DAS procedures what is my best option on ways to help, should I need it come time. I'm thinking an ECV may be my best option, but will the park run out on these busy days? Will I be able to rent late in the day or will I need to rent early on to avoid a sell out? Any other ways I could approach it (without the obvious of cutting our time short which we will do if it becomes necessary)?

Thanks!!

Be sure to check in with Town Hall/City Hall at the 2 parks. They have changed the way assistance passes work but it is pretty easy. You reserve 1 attraction at a time and get a return time, then go to a close by Guest Service desk to reserve the next.

My mom uses it and we went on Thanksgiving and it worked out really well.

John

 

[tmfranlk]

Thanks for the replies so far. I looked at offsite rentals, but I'm not sure I can make that work. We're staying at the Sheraton Anaheim (the one that looks kind of like a castle). We'll have a car, but I wouldn't be able to load the ECV and it's a little too far to walk that late. Would I be able to use the ECV easily enough on ART? I've used them on WDW busses and am familiar with the process, but didn't know how well ART would work.

We will most likely bring a stroller for DD4 even if it's parks parts of the day. In more crowded times she could be confined while the older one pushes just to be safe.

ETA: I gave the hotel a call since it offers a free shuttle and found that they do have an accessible shuttle that we can use. I'll go check out the off site rental places now. Is there a site I can go to for details on how the accessibility works for each ride at DL? Something that tells me the entrance with ECV so that I can start better planning our trip?

 

[Hofmanns4]

If I recall correctly, with an ECV or wheelchair, you don't need the special accommodations, the ECV will fit in all the lines, except a few.

 

[Escape2Disney]

If I recall correctly, with an ECV or wheelchair, you don't need the special accommodations, the ECV will fit in all the lines, except a few.

In DCA this is true. In DL, only a few lines are accessible. You won't need to go to city hall to get a special pass though. Simply go to the attraction and they will either give you a return time or direct you where to go if the wait is short enough.

The pass is intended for non-stamina/mobility related disabilities.

 

[Malcon10t]

Like Escape said, DCA is accessible, so just enter the line.

In DL, many lines are not accessible. You can approach the CM at the front of the rides to find out how their ride works. For example, at Matterhorn, you enter the regular line, and at the chalet, they will send you a different direction to approach the ride. Many rides, when you approach they will need all your tickets and will scan for a return time. When you return, they will again scan your tickets to enter the ride. Most return times are limited to a bout a 20 min window. You can only hold 1 return time. You can also hold a FP.

You've picked the right day to do DCA. DL is extremely busy on the 26th.

 

[tmfranlk]

Glad to hear my day strategy will help a tad on crowds. I wanted to do DL on the 24th because I wasn't sure if the reindeer still came to Big Thunder Ranch and I wanted the girls to get to visit Santa there.

 

[tmfranlk]

In DCA this is true. In DL, only a few lines are accessible. You won't need to go to city hall to get a special pass though. Simply go to the attraction and they will either give you a return time or direct you where to go if the wait is short enough.

The pass is intended for non-stamina/mobility related disabilities.

I'm I correct though that what I'm talking about would be a situation in which Disney is going to suggest a mobility aid (ECV, etc) to remedy the situation?

 

[Escape2Disney]

I'm I correct though that what I'm talking about would be a situation in which Disney is going to suggest a mobility aid (ECV, etc) to remedy the situation?

Yep