Father newly disabled- visiting WDW in early November

[Mrs. Happycamper]

My father is newly disabled and will be going to Disney in November. This will be his first trip requiring an electronic scooter as he is now unable to walk unassisted for anything more than 10 steps or so. If anyone has any information I can pass onto him I would greatly appreciate it.

Are there special passes? Or places for him to get in lines? Special parking areas for scooters along parade routes? Special places for firework observation?

He has always been extremely active so this transition is difficult so I'd like to arm him with as much info as possible so he can at least feel knowledgable and in control for the visit. (plus it will help my mom in getting him around). They are both in their mid/late 60's.

Thanks for any info!

 

[ToddyLu]

We rented a scooter in 2004 for my FIL and he loved the independence it gave him. So you can start by just letting him wonder ahead of you a little and kinda do his own thing. If it is his scooter, not a rental, then he may need just a little practice loading it on the bus. I do not think the drivers can do that for you. We stayed at CSR and his scotter was fine plugged in by the window and lasted a good 3-4 hours in the parks. There are rides where you have to exit the scooter or WC to ride. Obviously HM is one. However they will stop the Doom Buggies and give him the time he needs to board it then also give him time to get out of the car. They will keep his scotter just a few feet away for easy access. My FIL had both hips replaced at the same time so you can imagine how difficult it was for him. So with minimal assistance he did just fine. Of course his basket was our catch all and he did get us a few good seats when were with him. We loved the trip....it is truly a cherished memory and the scooter really helped us all.

There is a nice viewing area for Illuminations to the left between the Gift shop and Mexico. I think they will allow one or two family members int he area as well. DH says there was another viewing area beside the Liberty Tree Tavern as well for parades. You can probobly get more info at Allears.com and of these Dissers are the best.

 

[Donut23]

I remember how I felt when I lost my ability to walk well following an accident. I had lost my freedom.

DH insisted I consider a scooter rental for our Disney trip. I relented and we rented a little Pride Revo (breaks down to carry in a car trunk easily).

.....a couple of tips.

* First thing.....take him to the corner of an empty parking lot and let him practice.....going in reverse, driving in tight places and make sure he understands when his driving space is limited.....turn down the speed.

Once he has the driving down, he will discover....HE IS FREE once again. The scooter will give him the freedom he has recently lost.


* I actually made a special pouch for the back of the seat - to carry everything no one wants to carry. You may want to just attach a backpack. It's amazing what people stuff into that pouch! I also went to Walmart and got a few decorations, bike bell and bike horn. You will find more than a few rental scooters are decorated. Maybe just the little "arouga" horn in the bike section of Walmart---anything for a smile!


* When it's crowded, someone may want to "plow the road" for him. My DH will walk ahead of me - opening a little hole and I drive behind him. We generally leave when it becomes too crowded.


You will probably not be able to accomplish everything you would have without the scooter.....but hopefully you will discover what my DH and I have. We found a whole new world of Pixie Dust. For example, after Illuminations I ..... scoot to the music. DH said it looks like I'm figure skating. The Pixie Dust I found.....was my smile.


The disABILITY folks here will take very good care of you and will answer all the questions you will come up with.

Hopefully, you will all find your smile too.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[Disneygranny1973]

I remember when I had to give up my independence at the parks and go to a scooter because of arthritis in my knees and ankles. It is very hard to adjust to, but well worth it after you get the hang of it and accept that this is the way it has to be or no Disney!..some well learned hints...
1. You have to be a defensive driver...you will have to be aware of your surroundings...mostly young children.

2. Realize that most scooters do not stop on a dime..allow for the extra time to stop.

3. It's best to give right of way to walkers..it will reduce the number of angry glares and rude comments you will get if you don't. Some walkers, NOT ALL, have issues with ECV's and scooters...they can be unkind. Especially if there doesn't appear to be anything wrong with you...But, I might add, some of the angry stares and comments are well deserved..there are some equally rude scooter drivers out there..I try my hardest not to be one of them.

4. There are designated spots for wheelchairs during the parades at all of the Disney parks. Be aware tho, that your family will probably be asked to sit in another section, especially if there are several ECV's and scooters to accomodate, which is 99% if the time.

5. Some of the rides will send you thru the regular line and pull you out of it at some point close to the ride. It is posted outside of the attraction if you HAVE to transfer. If you don't have to transfer, they will ask you when you reach the ride, if you can transfer and if not, they will load you and your scooter. The CM standing at the entrance of the attraction will let you know if you will be required to transfer or not.

These are just a few of the things I have learned in the 4yrs i've been "scooting"...there are a lot more good hints out there..hope you get some that will be a help to you when you visit!

 

[bedogged]

These are just a few of the things I have learned in the 4yrs i've been "scooting"...there are a lot more good hints out there..hope you get some that will be a help to you when you visit!

I just have one thing to add. SMILE! People respond to you by smiling back. I never had a nasty look or unkind word from anyone.

 

[Ashtyn]

Definately practice on the scooter. Also pick up the park guides for persons with disabilities in the guest service office at any park. While there, if he needs it, ask for a special pass so he doesn't have to walk far.

There are areas roped off for parades for wheelchairs but you do need to still get there early as they can fill up at popular times.

When you go to restaurants let them know you have a wheelchair in your party and how far he can walk so they can get a table with access for him.

We stayed at the coronado and had a roll in shower, a must for a mobility challenged person. Helped out a lot.

Remember that there is usually a release switch in the back to put the scooter in manual mode just in case there is a problem with parking or moving backwards. I usually do this since the area to get off the monorails is tight.

 

[Mrs. Happycamper]

Thank you everyone for your helpful suggestions! I know they will help make this trips wonderful!