Hello all- First time disabilities poster...

[shortypots]

Hello all. My DH and I are planning what I hope to be a wonderful family trip to DW in April 2010 (Grand Villa in Jambo house at AKV) and my father is handicapped. He had a stroke 15 yrs ago, and doesn't have really good balance or mobility, so we planned on bringing a wheelchair and push him around. We were thinking of getting him an ECV, but his reaction time isn't very good, so we are certain he would run someone over. It isn't really a big deal to push him around as my DH and I (and we are hoping my brothers) will push him around. My biggest concern is the rides in which he will be able to take advantage of. He can walk, but not very well, and steps are very difficult for him. I am even concerned if he can get in and out of the boat rides, like Pirates. And really concerned about moving ones like Buzz lightyear. How is the staff when it comes to handicapped folks? Are they usually really good about helping?

I would hate for my father to miss some of the experiences because he can't get in, so any suggestions or information are greatly appreciated.

 

[merryweather20]

I think the wheel-chair sounds like a good idea. You can get very tired out trying to drive an ECV around. Are you renting from home? There are also some good places in Florida to rent from (The mod's keep a list in the FAQ's)

Some of the rides are easier to transfer than others. I skip Pirates myself, but rides like the Jungle Cruise, Small World and Toy Story its very easy to roll right on.

This might be helpful to read through it has the parks at the top and if you click on them it will tell you whether you have to traansfer or not in the blurb for each ride:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/plain-text/

The staff is pretty good, but they aren't allowed to help very much. They can push a wheel-chair a short distance or provide a steadying hand, but they can't help transfer your father in and out of a boat for example.

Lots of for your trip!

 

[Bete]

First, Buzz Lighyear has a special queue towards the end of the line for wheelchair. You will actually have a stopped vehicle to board with the wheelchair. The whole wheelchair can get on the ride. It's somewhat the same for Toy Story Mania which is a blast and better than Buzz.

I would be leary of Pirates; unless, you can board him with someone in front of him and someone behind him to help on and off. We didn't try it with my mom and she weighs less than 100 pounds.

There are posts here that will take you through the entire process of what rides are doable in a wheelchair.

Do your homework; so, you don't get frustrated with what rides are accessible. Don't ever show remorse if your dad can't do the ride. You can take turns to do rides and you may be able to do a swap; so, you don't have to wait in line each time if you need to do it this way.

I would stay away from most thrill rides.

 

[ireland_nicole]

You've gotten good info here; the guidebook for guests with disabilities which you can get at guest services will also be helpful. I don't have much to add, except to say, "Hi!"

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Hey there! Everyone else has already given you a lot, but I thought I'd throw a couple more things in.

Almost all of the rides with moving walkways can be stoped by CMs, the only exceptions that I can think of are Peter Pan and TTA. When you get to a ride line, the CM at the entrance will tell you where to go. For almost all of the rides, you will go through the regular line all or most of the way, before being pulled aside near the end, to board at the exit. They do this so you have more time and space to transfer, and so the wheelchair will be there when you finish the ride. For a few of the older rides, you may be directed straight through the exit, where you will usually wait for the length of time it would take to get through the queue. The Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities, which you can get from Guest Relations, will give you information on where to go for each attraction. If you're in any doubt, you can ask any CM what to do.

Just to warn you, transfering in and out of ride cars can be tiring for those of us with limited stamina, especially if you throw limited mobility into the mix as well. Some of the rides and shows will let you remain in a wheelchair for them. If things aren't too busy, you might want to consider doing this for some rides, to save his strength. I've found that I can have more time in the parks (like 6 or 7 hours, instead of 3 or 4) if I stay in my chair when possible, but I try not to take the space from someone who needs it more. This often means you have a longer wait, as you have to go through the line then wait for the accessible car / boat, but it might be worth it for some things.

The Mouse on Wheels is a really good website, with details of all of the rides, and how easy their transfers are. The site is written mainly for those with little or no lower-limb movement, but should be a useful reference for you too.

All Ears has an attraction vehicle photo gallery, that will help you prepare and plan better.

Hope you guys have a wonderful trip!

 

[shortypots]

Wow everyone! Thanks a lot. This is very helpful information!!!!

In answer to the question on renting, we actually own a wheelchair for my father, so if one of the family drives, they will prolly just bring it along, otherwise we will look into renting one. DH says he has to make sure the tires are well inflated as they weren't when we went to Jersey in July, made it very rough to push!

 

[SueM in MN]

If you go to the disABILITIES FAQs thread, there are several links in post #3 that will be very helpful to you.
Look for the ones in the wheelchair section.
There is also a link in that thread to my DIS site photo album. I have many pictures of the wheelchair accessible cars at WDW on that album.

Also, if you look at the EPCOT FAQs thread near the top of this board, there are lists specifically for Epcot of attractions you can stay in a wheelchair for/ There are also picture montages of some Epcot attractions so you can figure out the access.

If you have questions about specific attractions - just ask. THere are lots of people with experience at getting a non-mobile person on attractions.