Handicapped parking at MK?

[PatMcDuck]

I have a trip coming up soon to WDW, and I am a little worried.

My son is now 22, and this trip is just me and him. He has autism and down syndrome. I use a large convaid chair for him at the parks, he has some balance and vision problems, and wanders off. This works well, he gets out to go on the rides, and to eat meals.

I drive to all the parks, except MK. I can park in the handicapped parking area, and push him in the chair to the park. MK is another issue. I used to travel with Sean's Dad too, so we could use the bus for the MK. Last time was my first time going alone with Sean, and it was tough. He will not stay in the chair to go up on the bus lift, it scares him, and he can walk onto the bus. This leaves me trying to carry that large heavy chair onto the bus, while controlling Sean, and forget it if we don't get a seat, there is no way Sean could stand on the bus while it is in motion without falling. The last time, I literally had to rely on strangers to help me at times either with Sean or the chair. (I can get it in and out of a small SUV that I rent to get to the other parks, or to DD). So, the buses are just very difficult for us, and I do rent a car every trip.

What are the options for going to and from the MK? If I park the car way out, we really cannot ride the tram, the chair does not fold up small at all. I guess the only handicapped parking is at the TTC? It is still a hike from there to the main gate, up and down a hill I think?, but we could avoid the tram at least? But then would have to deal with going up that monorail ramp, which would be very hard to push him up that hill. I know the Epcot station has an elevator, but I don't think the MK or TTC have one. I guess the big steamboat from the TTC is the only option? That seems like it will take forever.

I try and stay at BLT now with him, so we can walk to MK and drive to the other 3 parks. Works so well. But this upcoming trip is staying at OKW. I can't just skip the MK! I feel like I am missing something, there must be an easier way. I am sure others have figured it out, please help?

 

[disney david]

They got brand new buses with ramps that you drive up but still have some old buses so not sure if that helps. The only Parking is at ttc and the. Monorail or ferry.

 

[disney david]

Here a nice video of how the new buses load this is the gillig and their also the nova bu not in this video.


http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5zxDFPPnIFE

 

[PatMcDuck]

We will just avoid MK, only going the one day for a few hours that we have breakfast at the Wave. It is just too difficult to get in and out of there.

Just back from a recent trip to DL, so much easier out there to get around, and no busses.

Just watched the video, that would work, I guess then he could stay in the chair. We would take up quite a bit of space though, and if the bus was full, that would not work, and I would not want to wait around for this type of bus while other ones went by. We will manage.

 

[disney david]

We will just avoid MK, only going the one day for a few hours that we have breakfast at the Wave. It is just too difficult to get in and out of there.

Just back from a recent trip to DL, so much easier out there to get around, and no busses.

If you have a handicap placard you can valet at cr for free and stay all day or it 12 and you can stay all day. That five you walking acces to mk.

 

[ZehnJahren]

I guess the big steamboat from the TTC is the only option? That seems like it will take forever.

I just wanted to say that the boat is my favorite way to get to MK, and it doesn't take forever at ALL. It's just as fast as the monorail (because there are no stops!); it's very relaxing, there are great views, and I wouldn't think he'd need to get out of his chair at all to get on or off. Further, you're let off right in front of the bag check! I'd absolutely take the boat and not think twice about it!

 

[peemagg]

I would take the Ferry boat too! Just wheel on and wheel off. No problem!

 

[PatMcDuck]

great feedback on the boat option, thanks!

 

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

Have you thought about driving over to CR and explaining your special situation?

 

[disney david]

Have you thought about driving over to CR and explaining your special situation?

They won't let you park in self park for more ten three hours. The only option is to pay 12 to valet park then you can park all day. If you have a handicap placard then it be free valet parking.

 

[PatMcDuck]

They won't let you park in self park for more ten three hours. The only option is to pay 12 to valet park then you can park all day. If you have a handicap placard then it be free valet parking.

We do have a handicapped placard for Sean. We will only be there for 4 days, so only one day at MK, and we usually do not last more than 4 hours.

 

[disney david]

We do have a handicapped placard for Sean. We will only be there for 4 days, so only one day at MK, and we usually do not last more than 4 hours.

Okay just giving you your options you can go to cr have the valet it for free have breakfast then go to mk and enjoy.

 

[Tissa]

We park in the handicapped parking at the TTC and go on the ferry. It seems faster than the monorail and no ramp. Really the distance from parking at the TTC and walking to the Ferry does not seem any further than walking from the Contemporary. Unless you eat at the Contemporary they are not going to let you park.

 

[I Love Pluto]

Agree - you cannot park at the Contemporary unless you are having a meal there. The lot is not for MK guests, it is for Contemporary guests.

I have a special circumstance which has fallen on minds that do not understand, or on minds which cannot help due to pre-set rules.

We used the ferry. I seizured due to epilepsy. Each time we use the monorail, I am again placing myself in a position where I can seizure due to heights. We begged to use the Contemporary lot - offered to pay even though we are Passholders & were staying on property - but were refused.

We usually take the bus from our resort for MK. It is so much easier.

 

[PatMcDuck]

Well, I switched my first night at WDW to the Contemporary Tower. So on arrival afternoon, and the next day, we will go to MK, while it is ok to park at the Contemporary. Then we will move over to OKW and tour the other parks.

It will work out!

 

[lovethattink]

I have a trip coming up soon to WDW, and I am a little worried.

My son is now 22, and this trip is just me and him. He has autism and down syndrome. I use a large convaid chair for him at the parks, he has some balance and vision problems, and wanders off. This works well, he gets out to go on the rides, and to eat meals.

I drive to all the parks, except MK. I can park in the handicapped parking area, and push him in the chair to the park. MK is another issue. I used to travel with Sean's Dad too, so we could use the bus for the MK. Last time was my first time going alone with Sean, and it was tough. He will not stay in the chair to go up on the bus lift, it scares him, and he can walk onto the bus. This leaves me trying to carry that large heavy chair onto the bus, while controlling Sean, and forget it if we don't get a seat, there is no way Sean could stand on the bus while it is in motion without falling. The last time, I literally had to rely on strangers to help me at times either with Sean or the chair. (I can get it in and out of a small SUV that I rent to get to the other parks, or to DD). So, the buses are just very difficult for us, and I do rent a car every trip.

What are the options for going to and from the MK? If I park the car way out, we really cannot ride the tram, the chair does not fold up small at all. I guess the only handicapped parking is at the TTC? It is still a hike from there to the main gate, up and down a hill I think?, but we could avoid the tram at least? But then would have to deal with going up that monorail ramp, which would be very hard to push him up that hill. I know the Epcot station has an elevator, but I don't think the MK or TTC have one. I guess the big steamboat from the TTC is the only option? That seems like it will take forever.

I try and stay at BLT now with him, so we can walk to MK and drive to the other 3 parks. Works so well. But this upcoming trip is staying at OKW. I can't just skip the MK! I feel like I am missing something, there must be an easier way. I am sure others have figured it out, please help?

We do have a handicapped placard for Sean. We will only be there for 4 days, so only one day at MK, and we usually do not last more than 4 hours.

Well, I switched my first night at WDW to the Contemporary Tower. So on arrival afternoon, and the next day, we will go to MK, while it is ok to park at the Contemporary. Then we will move over to OKW and tour the other parks.

It will work out!

Glad you got it all worked out! I just wanted to say I completely understand your situation because we have a similar one with my 9 year old. His convaid cruiser folds but it's too heavy for me to carry and help him onto a bus or tram.

We don't have a handicap placard but usually they will let us park at the end of the row or in medical overflow parking. It can be a long trek to the monorail or ferry if we are parked back by the race track!!

 

[PatMcDuck]

Glad you got it all worked out! I just wanted to say I completely understand your situation because we have a similar one with my 9 year old. His convaid cruiser folds but it's too heavy for me to carry and help him onto a bus or tram.

We don't have a handicap placard but usually they will let us park at the end of the row or in medical overflow parking. It can be a long trek to the monorail or ferry if we are parked back by the race track!!

Those Convaid chairs are very heavy, Sean is in the biggest size. When his Dad is with us, no problem at ALL. I feel bad, literally asking strangers for help (strong looking Dads). But that chair is wonderful at the same time.

PS you should consider getting a parking placard. I do not use it often, but WDW is one place that I DO, as sometimes we leave that chair in the car. I also use it when we go to shows at large venues, like Disney on Ice shows, where of course we make him walk in.

 

[lovethattink]

Those Convaid chairs are very heavy, Sean is in the biggest size. When his Dad is with us, no problem at ALL. I feel bad, literally asking strangers for help (strong looking Dads). But that chair is wonderful at the same time.

PS you should consider getting a parking placard. I do not use it often, but WDW is one place that I DO, as sometimes we leave that chair in the car. I also use it when we go to shows at large venues, like Disney on Ice shows, where of course we make him walk in.

His pediatrician said she would sign off for a placard. We have had the paper work since summer. I've been reluctant to have it completed. Dh and I are fully capable of walking the distance while pushing him.