First time to park with someone with disabilities

[hms1016]

Hi all! I make several trips a year to WDW. My mom and I are making our annual Mother's Day trip and for the first time my dad is joining us. This is his first trip to WDW in 20 years. Problem is he has many more health issuesthan he had 20 years ago. I will be renting an ECV offsite and have been trying to read as much as I can ahead of time. I am concerned about rides like POTC where he will need to step down to get in and then up to get off. I have also read that the ECV should not be used as a "front of the line pass", but he has so many additional problems than just mobility (chronic pain and diabetes just to name a few). I think that I should still get him a pass at guest services. He is a very proud man and doesn't expect special treatment, but as I have told him he can't push himself and then have the whole vacation ruined. How do you know which rides that you are expected to use fast passes on? Any pointers will be appreciated,

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to DisBoards and disABILITIES!

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information, Page 6 has to deal with the Guest Assistance Card. Or, if you want an easier route, click on the link in my signature.

Note that the purpose of the GAC is not to provide expedited (front of the line) access and it so states on the card itself.

You can discuss the attractions with him. Be aware that for almost all attractions either the ride is completely stopped for load/unload or if there is a moving belt it can be slowed down if needed, and for all except Peter Pan and Tomorrowland Transit Authority the moving belt can actually be stopped.

You might also look into getting a copy of Open Mouse which is available from Amazon.com or www.passporter.com (the publisher) which discusses WDW with disabilities.

 

[Matt'sMom]

Just wanted to second the recommendation of the "Open Mouse" book. The authors provide information and advice relative to touring WDW with no less than 29 different categories of special needs or 'challenges'.

We are traveling to WDW in December with my father, who is a stroke survivor who uses a wheelchair and has additional special needs. I found the information in "Open Mouse" to be extremely helpful in planning our vacation. It covers everything, from the individual attractions to the resorts, restaurants, and even DTD.

 

[hms1016]

Thanks everyone. I actually bought the Open Mouse book last week. I have started looking at it. I am sure that everything will work out since it's Disney. I am just a little nervous since it is the first trip we will be trying this. Is the general rule if there is a fast pass then you should use it?

 

[mechurchlady]

Any ride that offers fastpass use it unless the guidebook specifically states a seperate entrance is to be used. At DLR a fastpass would not work on Space Mountain because a person with an ECV would have to use the seperate entrance. (Yes, I know they are going to WDW but that is the only example I could think of)

One person can run over and get more fastpass instead of the whole group. The runner takes the family's tickets and walks fast to the next fast pass machine to get more tickets. Some people will get a fastpass when the standby line is short like early in the morning but then you might as well do standby or GAC and get a fastpass for a popular attraction.

GAC is not necessary if a person is an ECV user but I would get one just in case I ran into a CM who demanded one for a person in an ECV despite the rules. I am lazy and limited in patience so I would not want to go back to the front of a park for one.