Help in Planning for a Friend - Young boy, wheelchair, non verbal

[Eeyore's the Best]

Hi, I'm hoping I can get some suggestions from this very supportive board. I have planned many Disney trips but I never have travelled with children, let alone a special needs child.

My friend is planning a trip around Christmas, her youngest is 6 years old, special needs, undiagnosed, he is such a sweet boy, very alert, knows what is happening around him, full of smiles, he is permanently in a wheelchair.

They are planning on limiting their time in the parks to most likely a few hours each day, could someone explain to me what this special pass is that they could get for him and what it would do? They are a family of 5 all together but are travelling with other family as well.

Also, he is still small enough that if necessary she can take him out and sit with him on her lap, is there some rides she could do that with him and other rides he can stay in his chair?

I am just a little clueless about what I should suggest to her that she could try to ride with him, I know he would really enjoy the rides, especially the slower ones, like Winnie the Pooh for example??

I really appreciate any help at all. Thank you.

 

[DisneyOma]

Hi, I'm hoping I can get some suggestions from this very supportive board. I have planned many Disney trips but I never have travelled with children, let alone a special needs child.

My friend is planning a trip around Christmas, her youngest is 6 years old, special needs, undiagnosed, he is such a sweet boy, very alert, knows what is happening around him, full of smiles, he is permanently in a wheelchair.

They are planning on limiting their time in the parks to most likely a few hours each day, could someone explain to me what this special pass is that they could get for him and what it would do? They are a family of 5 all together but are travelling with other family as well.

Also, he is still small enough that if necessary she can take him out and sit with him on her lap, is there some rides she could do that with him and other rides he can stay in his chair?

I am just a little clueless about what I should suggest to her that she could try to ride with him, I know he would really enjoy the rides, especially the slower ones, like Winnie the Pooh for example??

I really appreciate any help at all. Thank you.

I'm assuming by "special pass" you mean the DAS. There's a lot of great information in the first post of the DAS sticky on this forum:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/w...15-digital-das-on-tickets-magicbands.3178976/

 

[Eeyore's the Best]

Thank you for the link, I wasn't certain if that information was up to date since the thread seemed quite old. So if I'm understanding this correctly, if he doesn't have any issues waiting in the queue, than this card isn't required. I was thinking that they required it because of the wheelchair and would need to access the attractions differently.

 

[lanejudy]

It's so kind of you to help your friends!

Here is a link to information about the Disability Access Service (DAS): https://www.disboards.com/threads/w...15-digital-das-on-tickets-magicbands.3178976/
The info in the first post is kept up-to-date; you can ignore the rest of that very long thread as it was discussion a couple of years ago at the time of the DAS program roll-out.

It will depend on the boys needs whether he is issued a DAS or not. Just having a disability does not qualify; and the vast majority of queues at WDW are mainstreamed, meaning his wheelchair goes through the regular standby or FP+ queues without need for alternate entrances. The DAS will not be granted just to allow someone fewer hours in the parks.

Can the boy sit on his own? I don't know if he'll be allowed to lap-sit for most (if any) rides, as the safety bars/belts aren't designed for that. Even most toddlers and preschoolers don't ride on laps. If he can sit beside a parent, possibly with a little support, he may be allowed to ride on a regular ride seat; they are welcome to help him transfer -- lift and carry him as needed. Otherwise, there are quite a few rides he can do staying in his wheelchair. There's a very recent post on the forum right now about rides that do not require transfer.

The disABILITIES FAQs thread has a lot of details about accessible rides. https://www.disboards.com/threads/d...disabled-1st-trip-next-trip-wish-trip.595713/

I hope the family enjoys their vacation!

 

[gap2368]

Thank you for the link, I wasn't certain if that information was up to date since the thread seemed quite old. So if I'm understanding this correctly, if he doesn't have any issues waiting in the queue, than this card isn't required. I was thinking that they required it because of the wheelchair and would need to access the attractions differently.

if his only need is a wheel chair then you are right he will not need anything else he will just go to the ride and they will tell the mom or him what to do. Most line at Disney are wheel chair accessible and the few that are not the CM at the ride will direct the the group on where to go.

here is Disney website on what rides you can stay in a wheel chair and what rides. you can not. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/mobility-disabilities/

 

[BethCPTSD]

Here is one other link that tells about visiting Disney World in a wheelchair. She has some very good articles.

http://www.rollingwiththemagicblog.com/wheelchair-accessibility-at-disney/

 

[Eeyore's the Best]

Thank you so much.

 

[Mrsjvb]

They are planning on limiting their time in the parks to most likely a few hours each day, could someone explain to me what this special pass is that they could get for him and what it would do? the DAS is only for people who cannot wait in line for rides. it does not apply to attractions or any show that does not have a fast pass line. if all his needs are strictly mobility related, the wheelchair is sufficient and he will not qualify for the DAS. They are a family of 5 all together but are travelling with other family as well. officially the DAS holder and up to 5 other people may enter the FP line with the DAS. at Christmas, I would not expect any leeway on that at all.

Also, he is still small enough that if necessary she can take him out and sit with him on her lap, is there some rides she could do that with him and other rides he can stay in his chair? only the very slow rides such as the carousel or Pooh. anything that requires you strapping in would be a no go unless he can sit on his own. many rides have a dedicated car that allows you to stay in the wheelchair, to include Its a Small World and Jungle Cruise.

I am just a little clueless about what I should suggest to her that she could try to ride with him, I know he would really enjoy the rides, especially the slower ones, like Winnie the Pooh for example??

I really appreciate any help at all. Thank you.

the best strategy would be to stay ON SITE and pre book the fast passes for the extremely popular rides and then make a good touring plan, especially if he will not qualify for a DAS. MK often goes to capacity on the 25th by early afternoon. but by staying on site you also have the advantage of extra magic hours as well as an easier time going back to relax.

unless he can sit unaided under his own support I think Dumbo would be out cuz IIRC those are single seater cars. maybe barnstormer too. if he can handles sudden turns and semi jerky movement, Toy Story Mania would be okay(* dedicated WC car) not sure oil any of the rides with the safety bar( as opposed to strapping in) would allow him in a lap. I'd say keep away from Soarin, again, unless he can sit unaided. same with Mission to Mars. ( green side would be best if thats an option. )

 

[srwarden1928]

Dumbo is NOT a single seater car. DW and I rode in one together both >250 lbs. However, he would have to transfer to the car--don't know if that is a problem. I hope you all, especially this child with so many challenges, have a magical trip.