Handicap parking for MK and Epcot

[seidelhd]

We are headed to WDW in 2 weeks! We are staying offsite and will have our own minivan to drive to the parks.

My 6yo daughter is in a wheelchair and we do have a handicap permit. When we went last year, we had an oversized stroller that folded up. We did not have a handicap permit, so we parked in the regular spaces and took the parking lot tram to the TTC for MK. At AK, we also took the tram from the lot to the front entrance.

I've read that the handicap spaces are still a hike to the Monorail station. Is it possible or feasible to park at one of the resorts on the Monorail line instead of the TTC and catch the train from there to MK? We are not staying at the resorts, so I don't even know if that's allowed. Her wheelchair can fold up but not very quickly or easily, so I'd prefer to leave it as-is (and not use the parking lot trams).

Also, for Epcot, we are going to be there during the Wine and Food Expo. Do they have handicap parking places blocked off for this? And, would it be better to park in the regular Epcot lot or the TTC and take the Monorail over?

Thanks,
David

 

[Mickiethepooh]

You cannot park at any of the resorts. you can however drop off your daughter and someone to stay with her at the drop off point at the gates to the T&T center. then go park the vehicle in the HC parking section though this does take some driving around and takes a few minutes.
I personally would take the monorail to EPCOT parking at the T&T center but you could also drive to and park in the HC section of EPCOT parking no special parking for the food festival though. Trouble comes when the HC lots are full and even though some people leave, they will not let you go into the section to look for a spot. This can be a HUGE problem for some. I once had them refuse us entry and made us park in the main section. I have an ECV and so NO TRAM, well I was lost. I spent a 1/2 hour riding round parking lots trying to find my way. Once I finally made it to the main gate I demanded to see a supervisor, and told them there way no way in "you know what" that I was going to try to find my car at night on my scooter. the Supervisor went with my husband back to the car and they moved it into the HC section which had at least a couple dozen spaces where people had left.

 

[seidelhd]

Thanks for the advice. When I was referring to the Food and Wine Festival, what I meant was that I've read that they often block off part of the handicap spaces at Epcot when they have special events and tents set up in the parking lot (i.e. putting the tents where the handicap spaces are). That decreases the number of handicap spaces available for everyone.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks for the advice. When I was referring to the Food and Wine Festival, what I meant was that I've read that they often block off part of the handicap spaces at Epcot when they have special events and tents set up in the parking lot (i.e. putting the tents where the handicap spaces are). That decreases the number of handicap spaces available for everyone.

We have been to the Food and Wine Festival twice and they did not have a tent set up in the parking lot then, but that is no guarantee that they won't. We have been to Epcot other times when they did have a tent set up. They do set up more Handicapped parking in other spaces sometimes, but if it's all full, it's all full.
If that happens, you can drop her and someone off near the park entrance at Epcot. As the CMs in the parking lot about it and they will direct you. We've had to do that at the Studio several times - we actually had gone to the handicapped parking area and there were no spots, so DH dropped off DD and me and then he went and parked.

For MK, you are not allowed to park in any of the hotel lots, so the handicapped parking area is your only choice. Either just parking and all walking to the entrance to the TTC or dropping off like Mickeythepooh posted.

 

[disneymarie]

I thought I read that a handicap stroller, oversize, would be treated as a wheelchair on the bus and strapped down?

Also a GAC in the aprks so the stroller is recognised as a wheelchair access is helpful to get through the lines and que's
dianne

 

[BroganMc]

I've read that the handicap spaces are still a hike to the Monorail station.

Distances from the HC lot at TTC to monorail platform range from .1 to .3 miles. So that's around 5-10 minutes of walking max. Later in the day, that lot may be full and they'll direct you to the nearest satellite parking (where they tell AB guests not to bother with the tram since it is so close). That can add an extra .1 -.2 miles depending how far out you park.

I've had a few times when I arrived later in the afternoon and had to park in the Diamond or character lot (Minnie, I think?). It's only a pain in that you need to cross the tram-only road and they drive fast.

EPCOT parking yields the same range. So is Animal Kingdom. Only MGM is closer (.05 - .12) unless the HC lot is full. Then you're directed to the nearest Diamond lot (.25 miles away from the entrance) and you'll need to cross a busy bus and tram road. I found the busses a bit intimidating due to their size but in fairness the drivers are usually very courteous to crossing pedestrians.

 

[seidelhd]

I thought I read that a handicap stroller, oversize, would be treated as a wheelchair on the bus and strapped down?

Also a GAC in the aprks so the stroller is recognised as a wheelchair access is helpful to get through the lines and que's
dianne

Thanks for all the info. Last year was our first trip to WDW as a family (wife and I had been before but not together). We did get a GAC that allowed us to use an oversized stroller as a wheelchair. It was a godsend, particularly in the mid-July heat. The castmembers overall were great (we had to point out the GAC to some but then they were understanding and super-nice esp. to my daughter). While we did have to wait in some ques, they allowed my daughter to wait in shaded areas.

We didn't use the WDW buses, but I've read the same thing about strapping the oversized strollers down.

My wife was skeptical about going last year (my idea and I pushed her to agree to go), she loved it. When I suggested a beach vacation for next month, she countered with going back to WDW.

David