How long will they wait?

[ready4mouse]

My parents will be joining us for WDW this year...the first time since my father's motorcycle accident which broke his neck 3 years ago. We are celebrating that he is still with us, which is a miracle given the severity of the accident!

He is able, very very slowly, to transition from his chair to a ride. My question is, how long will they hold a ride for a person to do this? And, how long is ok without seeming "rude" to the other guests?

I am also wondering if we need to get a guest assistance card for him? He does not have any sensory issues, and can wait as long as needed...so just wondering!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

As long as a person is at least partially in or out of a ride they will not attempt to start the ride. If there are lap bars they will not start the ride until all bars are down and locked.

Even for a slow ride such as Soarin' the computer will not allow the ride to start until all seat belts are latched.

 

[cmwade77]

It does depend on the attraction, some have time limits for operational concerns, some do not, due to how the attraction loads. For example, some attractions are able to pull a car off to the side to load. These attractions allow you to load separately from everyone else and have longer to load and unload. You also will not be holding up the attraction at all.

BTW, if he ever really wants to ride Space Mountain and is unable to at WDW, try a trip to DL. SM out here loads separately from everyone else, giving an unlimited amount of time to get in and out of the vehicle.

They will never start the attraction if someone is partially out of the vehicle.

As far as how long before it becomes rude, my thought is that the answer would be never. Take the time that you need to, but ask the CMs if there is a limit as to how long it can take.

 

[ready4mouse]

Thanks everyone! Trying to find out what I can now to make him less self conscious when we get there...last time we went he was running around with the kids, so I'm sure this will be emotionally a bit tough (and a lesson for me on how to slow down at the parks!)

When I say "a long time", I'm guessing a minute tops from chair to ride...doesn't sound like it will be a problem!

What about the GAC card...any advantages for mobility-only issues?

 

[WheeledTraveler]

The GAC no longer exists and the replacement doesn't deal with mobility issues at all.

Peter Pan and Tomorrowland Transit Authority cannot be stopped or slowed for someone to board so I would suggest not even mentioning those as a possibility if you can avoid it. Otherwise rides and/or moving walkways can be slowed or stopped if needed. They won't let it go if he isn't fully on or off. There will also be some that he should be able to stay in his wheelchair for.

One thing I would really suggest is trying to alternate rides where he has to transfer with rides or other attractions where he can remain in his wheelchair. Even with no other medical concerns, transferring all day can get tiring so if you can break it up, it will be easier on him (and probably the rest of you).

 

[DopeyDame]

Thanks everyone! Trying to find out what I can now to make him less self conscious when we get there...last time we went he was running around with the kids, so I'm sure this will be emotionally a bit tough (and a lesson for me on how to slow down at the parks!)

I just wanted to comment on this part. Growing up, my dad was the one who was a park-comando. Getting us all up at the crack of dawn to make sure we were there before rope drop and shutting down the parks at night. A few years ago he had a stroke and now moves much more slowly.
The first trip after his stroke was rough on all of us. He got tired more easily and was sad to miss out on things, and he felt guilty to be slowing us down. We felt guilty he felt guilty, and didn't know how best to make him have a good trip. So really try to think through your days' plans carefully and adjust everyone's expectations in advance. It won't be like the last time. If everyone accepts that, it can be just as awesome! Plan your days a little more carefully so that there's less criss-crossing across the park. Alternate easy activities and more challenging ones. Try shows you haven't in the past, with the attitude that you WANT to try something new, rather than HAVE to try something new.
Also, something I didn't think about, but quick service restaurants were a real challenge for him - go at less crowded times, have him sit at a table first, and have someone else in your group order and bring the food to him. If he's like my dad, he may not like that, but after one or two difficult meals, he'll probably acquiese.

Good luck and have fun!

ETA: We've been twice with him after the initial trip and they have been fantastic! It was just a matter of everyone learning how to "do Disney" in a different way.

 

[zumbergc]

Your dad might also benefit from taking a break in the middle of the day.
There is a lot of action at disney, and if he isn't very mobile, getting in and out of the chair could wear him out.

You might want to talk about expectations for the trip and possibly, work in everyone is taking a break in the afternoon. Kids are swimming and getting a nap, or just quiet time in the room so everyone is recharged for the evening activities (fireworks, shows, etc).
You might want to not plan as many things as you normally would, or plan less the first day, see how he does, then adjust accordingly.

If he has really bad neck and back problems still.
From experience after a car accident. The animal kingdom walkways, etc have theming of bumps, and plant life etched in. It makes for an extremely bumpy ride in a scooter.
If possible I would schedule that toward the end of the trip. Cause I tend to ache during and after going to AK, because they don't have smooth places to walk/ride the scooter.
At least for me that was always a rough park because of the themed walkways.