Height Restrictions: Measuring Wheelchair Users

[twinmum]

Hello! Our first family trip to WDW - we leave in 19 days!!! Our twins sons are 8 - one has CP and uses a wheelchair/walker, depending on distances. You've all been helpful with other questions, so here goes:

How does WDW measure the height of children in w/c's?

We've had this problem at a local amusement park - they did not understand that it is difficult to get a correct measurement for a child who does not stand independently. They suggested that he could lie on the cement and they'd find a tape measure!!! (Good way to keep his dignity!!!) They also didn't understand that I would NEVER try to have my DS ride anything that would not be safe for him. Our DS is over the 48" mark when "properly" measured, but it's a little close. Of course, we'll also be checking rides for movement also(e.g. not sure about Space Mountain, we'll have DH and twin DS try it first).

I've been known to take documentation from one of his doctors, but I'm hopinh for a better solution.

Can anyone fill me in?

Thank you!
Twinmum

 

[SueM in MN]

In our experience, they will not measure your son at all. They will ask you if he is over the height requirement. If he's close, having some documentation from the doctor would not hurt. But when our DD was smaller, they just asked us how tall she was. Other people have reported the same experience.

At this point, she's just 5 feet tall, so it has been a while since she has been close to the height measurement. The last time we were asked her height was for Primeval Whirl (a 48 inch requirement). Even if he is over 48 inches, I would NOT suggest having him ride that unless he has very good sitting balance and will be able to hold on and brace himself with his feet. Between the roller coaster and the spinning, my DD was almost out of the restraint by the time the ride ended (she was almost lying down and the restraint we under her arms).
My older DD (who is about 5' 6" and slender) said she found it hard to stay in place on that ride and was slammed around quite a bit.