Handicapped lines at Disney

[jemmouse]

I have a question regarding the handicap lines. I am not in a wheelchair,scooter, or even in a cast. However I have been struggling with Plantar Fascitis and Heel Spurs for the past month and a half. I am currently in therapy, awaiting my orthotics, and on heavy medication. I am curious do you have to be in a wheelchair or other capacity to use handicap lines. It's definately not that I want preferred treatment but my feet can't handle standing still in one place and that defiantely would not be good for the duration of my trip. Could I have my son and husband stand in line and then when they get to the front can I enter through the handicap line and meet them on the line. I just can't stand still so I would sit and wait for them and then proceed to meet them when they are up. Has anyone ever used that circumstance....?????

 

[karliebug]

there really aren't handicapped lines. Most lines are mainstreamed and all people wait together. In the few rides that have stairs or moving walkways, wheelchairs may use an alternate entrance but in your case I would either get a wheelchair or an ECV for your trip.

 

[bouncy54]

My DIL had the exact same problems with her feet when we went to WDW in 2005. The first couple of days of our vacation, she toughed it out, but the day we went to Epcot, she decided to rent an ECV. What a world of difference it made for her. So much so, that I rented one the next day. I have a problem with my back that causes me to be in excruciating pain when walking short distances. I have to stop every city block or so. After seeing my DIL being able to enjoy herself using the ECV, I rented one for myself. The rest of our vacation was wonderful.

I used one during our vacation at Disneyland last summer too. We're going back to WDW this November, and I just reserved an ECV from Scootaround for the entire time we're in Florida. 10 days for $235.00.

If you can afford it, maybe you could rent one for your entire trip. My motto these days... why be in pain when you don't have to be?

 

[freepixie]

Go check out the DisABILITIES area - there is all the info you would need and if you can't find it, just ask, there are people over there that have so much experience touring the parks with differing abilities!

 

[goofy4tink]

As already mentioned, there truly aren't many 'handicapped' lines/ques anymore. The vast majority of lines are wheelchair/ECV capable. Which means that everyone waits in the same line. If there are different lines, it usually means that those in the wheelchair/ECV have to wait until a vehicle equipped for their equipment comes along to take them...which in turn means longer waits.
You may want to check over on the disabilities board. They may have some better ideas for you.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Note, too, that WDW's recommendation for Guests with mobility issues of any type is to rent a wheelchair or ECV.

There's a LOT of walking BETWEEN attractions. The distance around World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot - without wandering into any of the countries - is 1.3 miles. You really NEED wheels if walking is that bad for you; if your only problem is standing, well, unless an attraction breaks down, for the most part the line moves - and you could always walk a little in various directions while you wait if a line stops moving.

No, there is NO way for part of a party to wait in line and one or more members meet up with them via a different entrance as they're about to board. It's logistically impossible. You can try maneuvering yourself in a wheelchair - for some reason, people who don't use them think the ONLY way someone can use one is to be pushed, i.e. be dependent on others. Not true. I will admit, I have trouble on slopes - but then, I don't use wheels most of the time.

If navigating yourself, or with varying degrees of assistance from your husband (and son, if possible), is impossible, you can rent an ECV. They're (much) more expensive, but freeing in that you're not dependent on anyone.

 

[balletmom97]

Is walking a problem, or just standing?

If it is just standing, perhaps you could bring one of those folding seats? They are very lightweight, and it seems like it would be easier to maneuver one of those than a wheelchair or ECV.

This is what I'm talking about...
http://www.foldingsticks.com/Seat-Canes.html?gclid=CLDv7aaXgqACFQENDQodoyQ7bw

 

[charming23]

We were there this past September and my mom sometimes has trouble with her balance so she always had her cane with her. It was a nice one she found at a local drug store that folded up so that when she felt she did not need it she could put it in her back pack. That being said the CM's were great with letting her go in through the handicapped entrances where they were available so that A. she would not get pushed around in line (it happend more than I though it would) and B. being in the handicapped line she did not have to walk as far and could walk at her own pace.

 

[Minniemama350]

I've been several times with this same problem. I have found that the biggest problem is standing, but walking can be a challenge also. I do not feel that in MY case having the ability to do what you mentioned would've helped.

I have a pair of shoes I must wear(mine are fitflop brand shoes) plus I take Aleve. I also have to stretch before I stand even when getting up after only a few minutes, like after an attraction. I am aslo very mindful about only going to epcot for a day and then doing an easier park the next day, like HS. That makes a huge difference.

I am a teacher and am on my feet constantly at home, which is what brought on the problem. These things have worked for me. I hope you find what works for you!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The lines for almost all attractions at WDW are "mainstreamed". This means that the queue is set up to allow wheelchairs and/or ECVs to go through the line just as a person without a mobility problem. As it was built prior to the ADA, the Magic Kingdom is most likely to have non-mainstreamed lines. Some attractions, such as Splash Mountain and Haunted Mansion you will go part way through the regular queue and then be diverted. Other attractions, such as Big Thunder Mountain or SpaceShip Earth you will initially be directed to an accessible entrance.

All the theaters are set up with seats (usually in the back row) removed so a wheelchair or ECV can pull into a space and there will be regular seating on either side of the space for the others in the party.

Where there are quantity limits on space, or other limitation involving accessibility, you may have to wait longer to see a show or ride an attraction than people without disabilities.

The normal (and official) response of Guest Relations to people with mobility and/or stamina issues is to recommend rental of a wheelchair or ECV. The Guest Assistance Card (GAC) is intended for "invisible" disabilities not related to mobility or stamina. A wheelchair or ECV is sufficient to notify Cast Members of special assistance normally needed. However, if a person has other issues, such as auditory or visual, they would probably also need a GAC.

Note that a GAC is not intended to allow bypassing of lines, and it so states on the card itself. The only people who will get the special Front Of The Line GAC are where a terminal or medically fragile child is traveling on a trip from Make A Wish or similar foundation.

 

[jemmouse]

I have read all the posts and thank you for your suggestions. I just would like to note that in writing my thread I NEVER asked to be placed in a line ahead of people, and that I do realize their are many people out there with severe conditions. All I wanted was to know if there was a slighly easier way for me to have fun without being in pain. I said my family would wait in the lines just like everyone else. And I could just meet them at the time of entrance for the ride. I personally would never want to rent a scooter and then find a person who needed it much for than I couldn't get one because they were all rented. I can take pain just like the next guy, but I was just hoping there might be a way to sidestep some additional pain. Standing still is the true issue at this point in my recovery. The few steps one can move around in a line is very limited when you are awaitning an attraction. Again thank you to those who wrote with genuine support. Having this condition is quite frustrating because when someone looks at you, you look fine, and people don't usually have sympathy until they can see a phyiscal condition. From what I have learned about Plantar Fascitis there are many levels to this condition. I have 2 friends with it, one was given steroids and after a month it was gone, and she did no stretches, therapy, noting just took meds. My other friend endured pain for 3 years going through several cortizone injections, months of physical therapy, tapings of his foot, orthotic devices, to finally having surgery. And even after surgery he definately has his days. SO what might be minor to some and stretching can help, well that might not be the case for the next person! I have one month to go so hopefully by then I will be in the luckier group and the pain will have decreased and I can enjoy Disney with my family with no pain flare ups. I am just a mom who wants to make sure my son has the most magical time at the most special place on earth and doesn't have to be slowed down by his moms stinkin feet. Enjoy your day and happy trails )))

 

[KPeveler]

Before my condition progressed to requiring full time wheelchair use, I was in the same boat - I did not think a wc was needed, but I could not stand for more than a few minutes without pain.

What I did was get a wheelchair, and pushed it in front of me whenever I could walk, and then sat in lines. That way no one had to push me for long, and I did not become stiff from sitting all day.

Almost all lines are mainstreamed, so you will wait in normal lines with the rest of the family. If the line is "walk on" then you can park a wheelchair or ECV and go through the line on foot.

Unfortunately, there is no way to shorten distances, and there is rarely a place to sit.

A wc or ECV may be a good idea. This lets you sit in pre-shows, etc.

If you use a wc in line, that does not mean you need to use a wc in the attraction. You can have a CM take the wc to the side, and sit in regular theatre seats, etc...

You can be pushed through lines in a wc, and not have to worry about standing and being in pain.

There is no "advantage" to a wc, so you will not be "skipping lines" with it, and you can park it whenever you want, outside stores and restaurants... I think this may be the best suggestion for you.

 

[SueM in MN]

I second (or third or fourth) the recommendation to get a wheelchair or ECV.

Many attractions have no place to sit while you are in line. Any of the shows will require standing in a preshow area. If you click on the link in my signature to get to the disABILITIES FAQs thread, post #3 has a link to some past threads with information about attractions where you will need to stand unless you have a wheelchair or ECV.

 

[budmonster]

Is walking a problem, or just standing?

If it is just standing, perhaps you could bring one of those folding seats? They are very lightweight, and it seems like it would be easier to maneuver one of those than a wheelchair or ECV.

This is what I'm talking about...
http://www.foldingsticks.com/Seat-Canes.html?gclid=CLDv7aaXgqACFQENDQodoyQ7bw

Last April I took my mom to Disney, she was about 8 months out from double knee replacement and she has osteoarthritis, she is way to self conscious to get a wheelchair so I got her one of these cain/seats and she just loved it. It worked great for her she was able to use it for help walking and when we were in line waiting she could sit to rest for a few. Good luck and have a wonderful trip.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I used one during our vacation at Disneyland last summer too. We're going back to WDW this November, and I just reserved an ECV from Scootaround for the entire time we're in Florida. 10 days for $235.00.

Tip about Scootaround: If you ask in advance, they will remove the arms from your ECV before delivering it.

Why do I like that? Well, I don't need the arms for support in any way - and in fact, frequently forget to lower them after getting situated in the seat and before proceeding. This risks the arms getting snagged on something, and damaged.

No arms, no risk, no damage, voila!

 

[kaytieeldr]

All I wanted was to know if there was a slighly easier way for me to have fun without being in pain. I said my family would wait in the lines just like everyone else. And I could just meet them at the time of entrance for the

But you can't do that. It wouldn't work logistically. There's generally no 'side' entrance where you can meet up with people already in line; plus, much of waiting in lines involves walking, not standing.

personally would never want to rent a scooter and then find a person who needed it much for than I couldn't get one because they were all rented.

PLENTY of offsite companies rent mobility assistance vehicles - wheelchairs as well as ECVs (remember, the wheelchair came first). It'd be highly unusual for all the medical equipment rental companies to run.

Just plan ahead. See the FAQ on the disABILITIES board. Post # 2 has contact information for several recommended (by independent DISers) companies.

 

[qman]

My daughter is a very active 13 year old girl (soccer, basketball and softball) but on the second day of our recent trip she got some sort of but and spent the day in the hotel room throwing up. By the time she was ready to head back to the parks she was pretty weak.

For the next two days we rented a wheel chair so she could save her energy and not get sick again.

As was noted earlier you are mostly in the same line as everyone else, when you get to the attraction you are asked if you can "transfer" (i.e. walk onto the ride). We really didn't have much of an advantage in line and in some cases (African Safari) where you wait for a handicap accessable vehicle.

 

[carmiedog]

If you don't want to use a wheelchair or ecv, go with a good plan to minimize waiting in lines - use fastpass to the max and hit non-fastpass lines during less busy times of the day.

 

[LSUfan4444]

Guest relations can issue you a Guest Assistance Card. This will generally enable you to different means of entry to Haunted Mansion and fast pass access to attractions that have fastpass lines.

You don't need a doctors note or anything. Just go to Guest Relations at any park, explain to them your problem and EXACTLY what assistance you need. If your foot problem doesn't allow you to stand for extended periods of time, explain that to them.

If the pain is that much of an issue, I'd just rent a scooter

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Note a few important things about the Guest Assistance Card.

1. The normal and official response for a person requesting one due to a mobility and/or stamina problem is the recommendation that they rent a wheelchair or ECV. That is the accommodation that Disney makes.

2. A GAC is not intended to allow for bypassing of lines or reducing your wait. It specifically states on the GAC that it is not intended to reduce waiting times.

2A. Certain GACs do allow bypass of the lines. However, they are only given to children who are on a Wish Trip; these are children who either are terminally ill or medically fragile.

3. Some of the lines are very long. For example, for Soarin' it is over 1/4 mile from the pavilion entrance to boarding and there is no way to bypass the line.

4. Almost all lines are mainstreamed, so people in wheelchairs and/or ECVs will go through the regular line. A few attractions, such as Haunted Mansion, Spalsh Mountain, Safari, and Toy Story Midway Mania a person in a chair/ECV will go through the regular line to a certain point and then pulled to a separate entrance.

5. A GAC will not change the distance between attractions.