First trip in years

[Fairytale2]

Mom and I are going to be doing to Disneyland for the first time in years. She has M.S. something we didnt know about the last time we were there. I believe last time we went(I had just undergone surgery and was in a wheelchair), we had to go through the exit in some of the more low key rides that I could do and it's where they would accomodate for anyone with special needs. It's been 12+ yrs since I have been at the parks, is this still the case?

I don't know what condition mom will be in when we go (in the fall), and I am trying to plan out for the worst case scenario if she ends up not being super mobile and I need to rent a wheelchair.

Can someone also let me know what "DAS" means?

 

[Drewsdad]

Disability Access services. See link below


https://disneyland.disney.go.com/guest-services/disability-access-service/

 

[Fairytale2]

Disability Access services. See link below


https://disneyland.disney.go.com/guest-services/disability-access-service/

Thank you so much! I appreciate this!

 

[ThistleMae]

I rent a ECV. I have knee problems and can't walk very far at all. It has saved every Disney vacation for the last two years. I'm so grateful to have options.

 

[Fairytale2]

I rent a ECV. I have knee problems and can't walk very far at all. It has saved every Disney vacation for the last two years. I'm so grateful to have options.

ECV? I'm so sorry I am new to this and trying to learn all the abbreviations.

 

[KPeterso]

When you go to Disneyland, there is a guide map for those with disabilities telling where to go for each ride. Some of the ride lines have been streamlined, but many (especially in Fantasyland) have not. For those not streamlined, you will need to go to the ride and ask for a return time. If the wait is low, they will board you via the exit or other handicap entrance. Otherwise, you will wait the return time outside of the line and then return via the exit or handicap entrance. If you are ever in doubt at the ride entrance, just ask a cast member, and they will direct you where to go.

For DCA, I believe all the rides have been streamlined, so you will just go through the regular lines with the wheelchair. I go all the time with my Mom in a wheelchair so happy to answer questions. We also get a DAS for separate issues.

I know you did not ask... But I would consider getting your mother a wheelchair (or maybe a rollator) for the trip. Get it up front so you have it. If she is feeling good, she can push it around. But when she gets tired (and I am sure she will since DL is so much walking), she will have a built in seat always available to her. A lot of benches and places to sit have been removed from the park. And the parks often run out of wheelchairs and scooters (ECV) so you may not be able to get one right away when you need it.

 

[lanejudy]

... we had to go through the exit in some of the more low key rides that I could do and it's where they would accomodate for anyone with special needs. It's been 12+ yrs since I have been at the parks, is this still the case?

At the Disneyland park, yes, they do use many more "alternate entrances" than the other parks due to when it was built. DCA should be mainstreamed, meaning a wheelchair or scooter will use the regular queue.

DAS = Disability Access Service. Someone above shared a link. Think about your/mom's needs. If mobility-related, the recommendation is to use a wheelchair or ECV (scooter). If there are other concerns not related to mobility, that is what the DAS addresses.

Feel free to ask questions as you plan!

 

[SueM in MN]

This link to the Disneyland Mobilities Disability webpage should be useful.

It lists the attractions that guests can remain in a wheelchair or ECV for, those where guests need to transfer from a wheelchair to an ECV and the attractions that require a transfer and have a transfer assist vehicle (TAV). The TAV may have a door that opens wider or some other feature that makes transferring easier.

At the parks, you can get a printed copy of their Guidemaps for Guests with Disabilities, but you can also download a copy of the Disneyland version here and a copy of the Disney California Adventure map here.
The maps list where to go to access each attraction, but don’t worry, the CMs will see her mobility device and direct you where to go

 

[mamabunny]

ECV? I'm so sorry I am new to this and trying to learn all the abbreviations.

In Disney-speak, ECV means "Electric Conveyance Vehicle" which I guess is because it "conveys" you from one place to another (which means it was probably named by a lawyer! )

It's a fancy name for a scooter, or "personal mobility device". Those are electrically-powered, and don't require a doctor's prescription to use, purchase or rent.

Often, people with MS and who have some of the similar symptoms, find that using a scooter in the Disney Parks is helpful enough that they don't need any other form of accommodation, like the DAS.

Often, they will do great just parking the ECV outside of a ride or attraction or food service location, and then coming back to it after they have finished.

Sometimes, if they are having more severe symptoms, they may need to drive the ECV through the queues for the attraction or ride, or they may need to have assistance getting to the table to eat, for example.

Some rides will have more accessible ride vehicles that may be easier for your Mom to get in and out of. If you have a question about this, typically the Cast Member (often called "CM" here) at the entrance of the ride, or at the loading point can help your family.

I hope you and your Mom have a lovely time together!