Handicapped parking permit, rollators?

[leebee]

I am starting the process of having my knee replaced and my foot reconstructed. Currently I am on crutches full time for support, but I can do some limited hobbling around the house without them. We have a trip planned in May (which may have to be canceled depending on Wednesday's surgical consult). I currently have a temporary handicapped parking placard from the State of Maine (valid through 9/1/23). This permit hangs from the front mirror of the car and is portable; it travels with me, is not assigned to the vehicle. Will this parking permit be valid for handicapped parking at the parks and our resort (Coronado Springs)?

Also, are rollators with seats (or knee scooters) allowed in the parks? Have you used a rollator? I am 5'5" tall and would consider one BUT am worried about my back. Assuming the hand-grips can be adjusted for height, can you walk completely upright? Does the seat get in the way so you are constantly banging your knee on it?

I have been to WDW for 30+ trips so I know the challenges and am preparing. I am not sure we will do many/any park days, or stay for full days if we DO go to the parks. Right now I am trying to get all my ducks in a row, in case this vacation actually happens! TIA!!

 

[dcassetta]

Will this parking permit be valid for handicapped parking at the parks and our resort (Coronado Springs)?

Yes

 

[bobbiwoz]

I am 5’10” have used a rollator in MK. I do not stand upright with the rollator.

Best wishes to you! Have had bilateral knee replacement and a foot reconstruction. Most times I use an ECV.

 

[MinnieMSue]

The handicap sign will work for you at Disney.
I frequently use a rollator in the parks. I am taller than you and have to bend a bit with the handles adjusted as high as they go. With some new curvature of the spine that I have I prob won’t have to bend as much now. I think at 5’5” you should be a great height for one. The worst part about using one is the bumpy or textured pavement. I hate going over that as it shakes the rollator like crazy. The seat isn’t an issue as they flip up usually and are completely out of the way. Mine has a wire basket which I don’t bring since it makes it hard to fold. Usually on the bus I sit with it folded in front of me and hold it as close to my knees as possible. Usually I board after the wheelchairs up the ramp. I got mine fairly cheap from Amazon. The frame got a little bent on a flight unfortunately. I am not sure how they managed to do that. I have never used a knee scooter but imagine it would be more uncomfortable than a rollator. You might consider an ecv or wheelchair if you decide to go. Seems like a lot of surgery so close to pre trip but I know you are just exploring options.

 

[leebee]

I am 5’10” have used a rollator in MK. I do not stand upright with the rollator.

Best wishes to you! Have had bilateral knee replacement and a foot reconstruction. Most times I use an ECV.

How long were you laid up with the foot reconstruction? I've been told 2-3 months totally non-weight bearing, most likely. However, I have no idea of pain levels, how long after the surgery to recuperate enough to go to work (sedentary job), etc. If you are willing to share any info in this regard, I'd appreciate you input!

The handicap sign will work for you at Disney.
I frequently use a rollator in the parks. I am taller than you and have to bend a bit with the handles adjusted as high as they go. With some new curvature of the spine that I have I prob won’t have to bend as much now. I think at 5’5” you should be a great height for one. The worst part about using one is the bumpy or textured pavement. I hate going over that as it shakes the rollator like crazy. The seat isn’t an issue as they flip up usually and are completely out of the way. Mine has a wire basket which I don’t bring since it makes it hard to fold. Usually on the bus I sit with it folded in front of me and hold it as close to my knees as possible. Usually I board after the wheelchairs up the ramp. I got mine fairly cheap from Amazon. The frame got a little bent on a flight unfortunately. I am not sure how they managed to do that. I have never used a knee scooter but imagine it would be more uncomfortable than a rollator. You might consider an ecv or wheelchair if you decide to go. Seems like a lot of surgery so close to pre trip but I know you are just exploring options.

Yeah, it's a lot of surgery. Surgery isn't scheduled yet, they still aren't sure what order to do things in, etc. Our trip is planned for May 17-23, and I am sure I won't be able to go if it turns out to be post-surgery. I am hoping for a nice vaca and then a brutal summer of surgery and healing. I think the whole process might take up to a year- but as I said, they aren't even sure yet of what order to do things.

 

[maxiesmom]

Have you considered a scooter instead?

 

[leebee]

Have you considered a scooter instead?

Yes, I am familiar with scooters but have never used a rollator before. They look much simpler to transport and use. As this is a pre-surgery trip, I was hoping to use a rollator as an option to crutches.

 

[MinnieMSue]

Yes, I am familiar with scooters but have never used a rollator before. They look much simpler to transport and use. As this is a pre-surgery trip, I was hoping to use a rollator as an option to crutches.

I’m sure you are aware that you will have to put much more weight on your leg using a rollator than crutches. You must be weight bearing to use a rollator. It is more a balance tool and to allow you to transfer a small amount of weight to your arms but because it has 4 wheels you can’t keep one foot up using it. It would be too unsteady.

 

[Her Dotness]

Something we find useful if you plan on driving to any parks, especially Epcot or the MK lot, is for the driver to wave the placard when approaching the CM directing cars into the rows. Waving it gets their attention easily and will get you directed to the handicap parking area without needing to stop and ask.

Our car has handicap plates, but DH still gets a placard, largely for this reason. No mystery where we vacation most, huh?

<<< ETA to correct that free valet parking with a valid placard has been dropped.>>>

 

[elvispursley]

I would avoid a knee scooter if at all possible. I took one to DLR when I had a broken foot and due to the uneven pavement, I was miserable and knee took a major beating. Ended up getting a rental wheelchair. Given the size of WDW, Iwould maybe give serious thought to a scooter. I may end up renting a scooter due to having a torn meniscus and my knee not being fully healed (may require surgery if it doesn’t heal)—was planning to take a rollator as well, so can understand not necessarily wanting to use a scooter. I really would like to avoid since my mom is already needing to have a scooter and 2 scooters in our room might be a bit much

 

[ttintagel]

They do make rollators that allow you to stand completely erect. I don't know if any rental places carry them, and they tend to be expensive to buy.

 

[jo-jo]

It really sounds like you need a EVC for this trip.

And let me say, my DH was very concern the first time he used one. When he first got it , he was practicing in the resort hallway and any time anyone came with 50 ft, he stopped completely. I thought this isn't going to work in the park. But he quickly got the hang of it.

edited to add. ... if you do use a scooter and wear shorts, remember to put some sunscreen on your knees. First time my DH used a chair, he got sunburn in the knee area. That part of skin usually isn't facing the sun for hours each day.

 

[jason0326]

Have been to Disney a few times with the non- permanent handicap tag. Never had any issues with it. As for the knee scooter I am thinking you will have a rough time. All the transitions and pavement I think will lead to a miserable day. The electronic scooters work great, my mother used one. The biggest challenge is navigating the packs with one!

Hope your healing goes quickly, just had back surgery in December myself and have been talking about a trip but a bit further out...

 

[lanejudy]

Regarding the rollator... what are your needs currently with the crutches? Is it non-weight-bearing? If so, the rollator won't help. If you are using crutches to help with balance but you can walk, the rollator may help.

A knee-walker -- a lot of weight is put on the knee. This might work if you have (for example) a boot and need to keep off the foot. I'm not sure how helpful it might be since you have both knee and foot problems.

 

[HappyDisneyWife]

Something we find useful if you plan on driving to any parks, especially Epcot or the MK lot, is for the driver to wave the placard when approaching the CM directing cars into the rows. Waving it gets their attention easily and will get you directed to the handicap parking area without needing to stop and ask.

Our car has handicap plates, but DH still gets a placard, largely for this reason. No mystery where we vacation most, huh?

And, btw, in case you make an ADR at a Deluxe resort, valet parking is free for those with a valid placard or plates. It's hugely helpful to get out of your car right at the resort's entrance. Just pull up near the valet desk at the resort's entrance, and they'll get you all set.

You present your claim check at the desk when ready to leave. A tip is customary upon getting your car. We usually give at least $2-$3.

All. Of. This!!!

 

[mom2mickeyfan]

Something we find useful if you plan on driving to any parks, especially Epcot or the MK lot, is for the driver to wave the placard when approaching the CM directing cars into the rows. Waving it gets their attention easily and will get you directed to the handicap parking area without needing to stop and ask.

Our car has handicap plates, but DH still gets a placard, largely for this reason. No mystery where we vacation most, huh?

And, btw, in case you make an ADR at a Deluxe resort, valet parking is free for those with a valid placard or plates. It's hugely helpful to get out of your car right at the resort's entrance. Just pull up near the valet desk at the resort's entrance, and they'll get you all set.

You present your claim check at the desk when ready to leave. A tip is customary upon getting your car. We usually give at least $2-$3.

With the changes in resort parking fees this year, is resort valet parking still free with those having a disability parking permit? I haven’t been able to find that info on Disney’s website and was thinking it may have been changed since we were there last summer. Have you had any experience with this in 2023? It might affect weather we’ll make many resort ADR this summer.

 

[SueM in MN]

With the changes in resort parking fees this year, is resort valet parking still free with those having a disability parking permit? I haven’t been able to find that info on Disney’s website and was thinking it may have been changed since we were there last summer. Have you had any experience with this in 2023? It might affect weather we’ll make many resort ADR this summer.

I don’t think it was ever on the Disney website anywhere.
A lot of hotels besides WDW do it - it prevents guests with disabilities from having to cross the busy area where people checking in are driving thru

 

[Orange Fanatic]

My mother in law uses a rollator with a seat at home. She used an ECV for the first time when she went with us to WDW a few years ago. She was nervous at first about driving the ECV, but quickly got used to driving it, although she would always ask the bus driver to help manouver the ECV onto the bus. I would recommend the ECV because of the incline in various parts of the parks. Also, she does sometimes bang her knees with the seat and, when she is very active, she complains that her back hurts from hunching over to reach the handles of the rollator. She loved the ECV and did not tire, even when at the park all day with us.

 

[Her Dotness]

I don’t think it was ever on the Disney website anywhere.

No, you're mistaken, because the official site was where we learned about it. We've done free valet parking every trip for about the past ten years, given our last stay was in '21.

But, yeah, it's correct that that no longer appears on the site.

ETA: The above is true. However, we were assured by the valet desk CM at the CR this morning, May 9, 2023, that free valet parking IS still offered at the Deluxes for those with a valid placard or plates.

We were VERY happy, because the security system at the GF was inoperable, so no monorail to the CR for breakfast. Hopped into our car, drove over to CR late for our Stk71 breakfast with DH grumbling it would cost us 33 DOLLARS since there were no disabled spaces open.

A most pleasant surprise to learn that free valet is still offered.

 

[mom2mickeyfan]

The above is true. However, we were assured by the valet desk CM at the CR this morning, May 9, 2023, that free valet parking IS still offered at the Deluxes for those with a valid placard or plates.

Thank you for this information. We also plan to have breakfast at Steakhouse 71.