How does this work?

[bensmommy]

My mom was just diagnosed with advanced breast cancer which has spread to her bones, spec. the spine. She is doing great now but she should not and likely will not be able to walk long distances or stand on lines. We plan to get her a wheelchair but what do we do about rides? Can she wait in the chair while we stand on line? I know I have seen groups that include wheelchairs get right onto a ride but I was not sure if we would be able to do so. Not that I like waiting on lines but we are happy to wait our turn, I just hate for her to be by herself while we are in line. Anyone btdt? Of course I am not sure what she will even feel up to going on but I assume most of the rides my 3yo will want to do will be ok for her. Thanks.

 

[mechurchlady]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=595713
It is the stickied thread that will answer most of your answers.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/plain-text/
That is the official online guidebook for disabled guests. It will tell which rides she can take a wheelchair onto a ride and I know that Jungle Cruise and Small World are two that come to mind.

For the toddler you can get a child swapping pass which would allow one person to babysit the little kids then the babysitter rides the ride with one person. If she was going to ride something that the toddler could not then that is an option.

FAQs have links to WDW sites that deal with special room services like roll in showers and bedrails; special diets; and various info on the parks.

If she gets tired she can rest in the nurse's station. If she needs help in the bathroom there is a companion bathroom in the nurse's station and around the parks that are larger and easier for two people. Law allows a person of the opposite gender take a disabled person to the bathroom and it does not matter which rest room you use.

At the airports you can take her wheelchair right up to the gate and sometimes even have it stored on the plane. There is lots of info on that in the FAQs.

Others will hve better and more info soon so watch for a herd of posters coming by soon.

 

[merryweather20]

Alot of the lines will be mainstreamed, so you'll be waiting with everyone else and altogether. Its a common misconception that someone in a wheel-chair "gets right on". If you see someone being pulled from a line they're just going to wait somewhere else. If you see someone joining the line they probably just came from waiting somewhere else. Only certain Make A Wish kids are offered no waits. So you can always wait with your Mom (you and about 4 other people from your party should be able to wait with her) and not feel guilty for "cutting".

In some of the lines we'd have my Dad take my young cousin, since neither were the most patient in line. My Aunt and Uncle stayed to help me board the ride, My Dad and cousin always got out before I did.

That said, the extra waits are not horribly bad, except for Kilimanjaro Safari's and since your Mom likely doesn't need to wait for a specific wheel-chair accessible car (I'm assuming she could walk short distances) so your waits won't be too long even then.

Lots of the rides are very gentle she'll be able to do lots. I'm sure you planned on skipping the tea cups anyway.

Kpeveler posted some great links sending you lots of for your trip.

 

[Schmeck]

If she has cancer spread to her spine, she should not ride the safari ride. It is very jarring, extra jarring at some points, and is made to be that way. Also avoid Dinosaur, and probably any other rides with a height requirement, except Soarin'.