How do we handle things with one person on an electric scooter?

[mgmgbook]

What is the protocol if one member of our party is riding an electric scooter? My 82-year-old mother is going to use one on this trip. She has trouble walking long distances but what really bothers her is standing extended periods of time. How should she access rides? I was thinking that she could park the scooter in Tomorrowland, for example, ride some rides and then pick it up again. I'm worried though, that standing in line will be too difficult. What is the best way to handle this? We are going to be a large group of 11 (at times). What about restaurants like Carnation Cafe? Is there a place to park it outside? This is new territory for me and her.

 

[bluecruiser]

A good place to start is the following page on the Disneyland website - lots of good information, including links to a list of accessibility requirements for each attraction as well as park guide maps with accessibility info:

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/guest-services/guests-with-disabilities/

In general:
Most queues in Disneyland offer alternative entrances for guests with ECVs, for example at the exit. The walk from where she can park is usually much shorter than the queue line. Depending on the size of your party, all of you may be able to wait with her and board together (I'm not sure what the limits are). DCA's queues are ECV-accessible so she should be able to go through them in the ECV with everyone else and stay in the ECV until boarding the ride.

It's been awhile since I've been to the Carnation Cafe, but I'd assume there will be somewhere nearby that she can park the ECV while dining.

If you're going to be there for more than just one day, or plan to visit both parks on the same day, I'd recommend renting an ECV from an offsite vendor so you can have it for your entire visit, including in Downtown Disney. You won't have to worry about them running out of ECVs and it's cheaper than what Disney charges. There are a number of companies that rent ECVs; I've always had good results with Deckert's in Santa Ana 714-542-5607.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Basically the same as you would deal with a kid's stroller. Just remember to take the keys with you when it's parked She can utilize the wheelchair return time system in DL if a line is too long for her to stand and is not wheelchair accessible. Just talk to the CMs outside the attraction for the time, I'm not sure if there is a limit on how many people can be in the party. (You don't need a special pass to use the wheelchair return times, the CMs just look for the scooter.)

 

[hanna-nana]

I'll add that on some rides, she can drive right up to the ride vehicle, and they will move the scooter to the side when she gets up. Tea cups, Luigi, come to mind. They are very accommodating. Just ask the CM at the beginning of the line where to go. On rides like Ariel, haunted mansion, and buzz, they can even stop or slow the pathway/vehicles to allow her time to transfer.

 

[mgmgbook]

Thank you for all your replies. I'm trying to imagine what would happen on Star Tours. Would she ride the ECV up the ramp to the loading area? I can't remember seeing ECVs in the queue in places like Big Thunder (doesn't that have stairs?) or Space Mountain. How does that work? Thanks! Oh - and I do have an ECV from Deckerts reserved - thanks to this forum!

 

[Malcon10t]

The ECV should be parked in the same area as strollers. You can use the return time access, we've done 8 people. In Disneyland, some rides are accessible in the regular lines (ie Buzz, Matterhorn, Roger Rabbit) while others you will get a return time. To get a return time, go to the exit of the area and ask where to get it. For Space, it is just before the exit. They will take everyone's tickets and scan them into the system. They will give you a time to return. This is usually 10 mins less than the standby time. For example if the standby line is 30 mins, they will have you come back in 20. When you return, they will scan your tickets out of the system. Then you will be placed in the queue to group. It may take 5-10 mins from there. You can only hold 1 return time at a time.

DCA is fully accessible. She can take the ECV in the line, so no return times needed.

 

[Malcon10t]

Thank you for all your replies. I'm trying to imagine what would happen on Star Tours. Would she ride the ECV up the ramp to the loading area? I can't remember seeing ECVs in the queue in places like Big Thunder (doesn't that have stairs?) or Space Mountain. How does that work? Thanks! Oh - and I do have an ECV from Deckerts reserved - thanks to this forum!

At the above listed rides, you get a return time at the exit, except Star Tours, you will get it at the entrance and then return at the exit when it is your turn and go up the exit.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

I know when my DD was in a wheelchair last Nov, they would only let 6 on (we were a party of 8). That was the only ride we had any issues with our party size, although we later only did the FL rides with my own family of 6, so I don't know if the rule is for the entire section. And if you use the return time method, make sure to have all tickets in your group out so they can be scanned.