Handicap parking with a placard at

[GailT]

I was wonder both the parks and hotels how is the parking for someone like me with a placard that has issues with walking distance, I would appreciate any help in releiving my fears of me not be able to walk to much without taking stops and I mean stops inbetween. I have MS and I know DW can be a cha;;ange in itself for people without disabilities
TIA

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

At the deluxe resorts valet parking is free if you have a handicap plate or hang tag. Just remember the valets are tip positions.

At all the parks other than MK handicap parking is as close as or even closer to the gates than bus parking. MK handicap parking is quite a hike to the park access.

However all the parks have "loaner" wheelchairs at disabled parking that are good basically until you get to the gate, when you will then need to rent a wheelchair or ECV.

The normal Guest Relations answer for mobility and/or stamina problems is suggesting that the person rent a wheelchair or ECV.

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, including where people rent ECVs.

Or, if you want an easier route, click on the link in my signature.

 

[GailT]

Thanks Cheshire Figment for the info, I think I was even more concerened about the self parking at the hotels, that can be a real hike and I know my legs would not make it.

 

[cmesq61]

I just returned from a week. I have MS and cannot walk long distances, either. After evaluating the options: WC vs. ECV; renting a car with parking, etc., vs. WDW transportation & its issues, we went with an ECV for me and no rental car. We were at the Poly. It was hugely convenient with both monorails right there at the TTC. To be honest, I am afraid of the WDW bus systems. I have read so many horror stories here (yes I am a wimp) as well as terrible things from "able bodied" people slamming the handicapped (again, I may be a wimp but that kind of stuff really bothers me) that I just wanted to avoid the whole thing. It was so easy driving my ECV to the monorail, up the ramp, down the ramp and off you go. Be aware: Handicapped parking is still quite a walk from the park in Epcot and much further in MK. You can ride the tram but not in a WC or ECV. Whether you go with a car or not, do consider renting an ECV offsite. The one I had from Randy's was SO MUCH better than the ones you can rent inside the parks. Have a great time.

 

[jerseygirl81]

Even though the handicap parking would be in the front row of the hotel parking lots it can be a long walk to your room. My sister has MS and uses a walker all the time but when she goes out somewhere she has a wheelchair she takes with her and someone pushes her. It may be a good idea to have a chair for the hotel as well as the parks whether or not some one can push you or rent a ECV. Linda

 

[mom_2a_sept_princess]

We didn't have a problem parking in the handicap section. My Emma is 5 and uses a power wheelchair full time.

Amy

 

[SueM in MN]

You may be better off parking in the regular parking lot if you don't have a wheelchair or ECV
- AND -
you can step up and get onto the parking lot tram.

The handicapped parking is the closest to the park entrance, but as was already mentioned, there is no tram service from the handicapped lot and the parking lot can be a pretty far walk. There are courtesy shuttle wheelchairs that can be used to get from the parking lot to the park entrance, but there is no guarantee that there will be any available when you arrive.

For MK, you will need to walk from the handicapped parking area to either the monorail (up a long steep ramp) or the boat (a longer walk, but it is fairly level).