Friends need help!!!!

[crusin'minnie]

Some friends of ours are planning a trip to WDW. DH is in a wheelchair. He is strapped in his chair and has limited use of his hands, but does operate his chair with his right hand.

His DW moves him in and out of his chair.

They have asked me for help in planning their trip.

I need your help on where to begin!!!!
Any advice would be appreciated!!!

 

[dclfun]

Cindy- What kind of questions do your friends have? Are they looking for advice on a resort choice, transportation issues, disabled access at the parks, etc? Have they travelled anywhere before with DH travelling in a chair or is this their first vacation venture? --Kathy

 

[crusin'minnie]

#1 Resort recommendation. (Probably All-stars or Moderate)

#2 Advice on attractions. What will he be able to do and not do?

#3 Transportation recommendations. They are driving to WDW in their van. Would they be better off driving to the parks each day or using Disney transportation?

Does WDW have a planning video for vacationers with disabilities? Where can they get information? (aside from the boards?)

We're just getting started so I'm sure there will be more questions as we go.

Thanks,

 

[SueM in MN]

#1 Resort recommendation. (Probably All-stars or Moderate)

We have not stayed at All-Stars, but I know the regular rooms are the smallest on WDW property. You will get some recs here, since I know there are DISers who have stayed there.

#2 Advice on attractions. What will he be able to do and not do?

This link to the DIS page about touring with mobility disabilities has a list of rides where you can stay in the wheelchair for the entire attraction. In general, MK is most in-accessibel since it is older and many rides require a transfer. Epcot is sort of in-between and the Studio and AK are mostly accessible since they are newer parks.

#3 Transportation recommendations. They are driving to WDW in their van. Would they be better off driving to the parks each day or using Disney transportation?

If they have a van, they are probably better off doing a combination of driving and Disney transportation. Almost all the buses are wheelchair accessible. All the parks have handicapped parking, but the van accessible spots may not be available when they arrive. I suggest people always take the bus to MK because the buses there let you off right at the turnstiles. If you drive, you need to take either the monorail (with a long steep ramp to the station on second floor level) or the boat. So driving to MK requires a few extra steps.

Does WDW have a planning video for vacationers with disabilities? Where can they get information? (aside from the boards?)

No. The only thing they have is written Guidebooks for Guest with Disabilities for each park. This link to the official Disney website should have a link to a place you can download copies of the Guidebooks. They are not very complete, but at least they are something.

 

[crusin'minnie]

Thanks so much Sue!! This will definately get us started.