Issues standing for long periods of time? What to do?

[IceSkatingPrincess]

Hello!

This is my first post on this thread, so I'm sorry if I'm not supposed to ask about this. I read the sticky but I am still a little confused.

I will be traveling to WDW with my elderly grandmother in January. Standing for any more than about 20 minutes is an issue. She will be using an ECV for all maneuvering around the park, but I am sort of confused as to what to have her do for ride lines. I know an ECV can not be driven in, and I am under the impression that wheelchairs can't be used through the duration of most lines (unless I'm wrong)? Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has suggestions as to how I can best handle the situation to ensure the trip is magical and pain free for her. I don't know if she would qualify for the guest assistance card (would she?) if not, can I push her in a wheelchair through lines? Do all lines have wheelchairs available, how do I get one for her if so? How does all this work?

Any tips or advice would be much appreciated!

*I know peter pan is a big issue due to not stopping, but I have a FP for that so we won't need the wheelchair there.

 

[emldrl]

Hi! Actually, your grandma CAN take her ECV right thru almost all the lines. There are a few where she will have to switch to a wheelchair, which will be available at those attractions (not sure which ones). I believe there are still a couple that have alternate entrances for ECVs, and she'll receive a return time for those, if there is a wait. If her issues are strictly mobility based, she won't need the DAS, and wouldn't be given one. But like I said, she won't need it, because she can take her ECV right into the lines. (and for a couple will get a time to come back and go in a different entrance)

Good luck, and have a wonderful time!!

And of course you can ask about this, and anything else disability related, that you need to! Folks here are super helpful. This is a great place to seek help and answers.

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

Hi! Actually, your grandma CAN take her ECV right thru almost all the lines. There are a few where she will have to switch to a wheelchair, which will be available at those attractions (not sure which ones). I believe there are still a couple that have alternate entrances for ECVs, and she'll receive a return time for those, if there is a wait. If her issues are strictly mobility based, she won't need the DAS, and wouldn't be given one. But like I said, she won't need it, because she can take her ECV right into the lines. (and for a couple will get a time to come back and go in a different entrance)

Good luck, and have a wonderful time!!

That's great news! Thanks so much. I wasn't aware she could drive on through. That will be perfect and all we need. I am relieved to hear this!

 

[emldrl]

Sorry, I thought of more!! As far as the ECV, are you renting one from a vendor? She will probably need it for more than just the parks, and renting one for the week would be much cheaper than getting one each day at the parks. Plus, they tend to go really quickly, so she might not get one. Again, good luck!

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

Sorry, I thought of more!! As far as the ECV, are you renting one from a vendor? She will probably need it for more than just the parks, and renting one for the week would be much cheaper than getting one each day at the parks. Plus, they tend to go really quickly, so she might not get one. Again, good luck!

Yep, already rented. We got the pink princess scooter from walker mobility We'll be staying at WL too so short commute to MK.

 

[emldrl]

Yep, already rented. We got the pink princess scooter from walker mobility We'll be staying at WL too so short commute to MK.

So awesome! I was thinking about getting that one myself! Have a great time, and hug your grandma for me!

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

So awesome! I was thinking about getting that one myself! Have a great time, and hug your grandma for me!

Will do! Thanks for everything!

 

[lanejudy]

emldrl has answered your questions, but I just wanted to say to the disABILITIES forum and may you have a magical vacation! Feel free to come back and ask any questions that may arise.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

to OP just make sure before rest of you head on in line that it is not one of few rides that you have to switch to wheelchair. Pirates is one of them and as you can guess from what I have said I was left because rest did not think about me having to change

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The lines for almost all attractions at WDW are "mainstreamed". This means that the queue is set up to allow wheelchairs and/or ECVs to go through the line just as a person without a mobility problem. As it was built prior to the ADA, the Magic Kingdom is most likely to have non-mainstreamed lines. Some attractions, such as Splash Mountain and Haunted Mansion you will go part way through the regular queue and then be diverted. Other attractions, such as Big Thunder Mountain or SpaceShip Earth you will initially be directed to an accessible entrance.

All the theaters are set up with seats (usually in the back row) removed so a wheelchair or ECV can pull into a space and there will be regular seating on either side of the space for the others in the party.

Where there are quantity limits on space, or other limitation involving accessibility, you may have to wait longer to see a show or ride an attraction than people without disabilities.

The normal (and official) response of Guest Relations to people with mobility and/or stamina issues is to recommend rental of a wheelchair or ECV. The Guest Assistance Card (GAS) is intended for "invisible" disabilities not related to mobility or stamina. A wheelchair or ECV is sufficient to notify Cast Members of special assistance normally needed. However, if a person has other issues, such as auditory or visual, they would probably also need a GAS.

Note that a GAS is not intended to allow bypassing of lines, and it so states on the card itself. The only people who will get the special Front Of The Line GAS are where a terminal or medically fragile child is traveling on a trip from Make A Wish or similar foundation.

 

[Bete]

A few more comments: When you use the scooter through the ride lines there can be some tight turns. She will need to concentrate a little more doing those maneuvers. Also, when you get up to the ride you are to park a bit away from the ride sometimes. She may need some assistance, here to get to the ride like a helping hand for balance. Sometimes, we let the scooter person ride as close as can be to the ride and one of us goes to park the scooter.

There are a few rides were the CMs will drive the scooter to where the ride exits. If you decide to try Soarin' in the Living Land at Epcot you will need to use an elevator with the scooter to get on that level for that ride. Sometimes, we will do the scooter in the elevator for the scooter person and your grandma then stands and rides the elevator with you until you get off the elevator. And then, she can get back on the scooter. There are a few rides were there are moving walkways like Spaceship Earth to get on the ride. I wouldn't attempt these rides.

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

-sorry for my delayed response, I was at WDW with DH!

Thank you guys all so much. I will keep all of this in mind. She is extremely excited so I'm trying to make sure everything runs seamlessly. We will only be doing MK and AK. I'll keep what you have said in mind for Pirates and HM. I like the idea of me going and parking the scooter and her waiting so I do the walking instead of her on rides that require that like HM.

I'm actually relieved she will not need/qualify for the GAC, as I think she would be reluctant to use it or be embarrassed since she likes to do things herself. I'm in no way trying to jump lines don't worry! Thanks for all of your help everyone!

 

[TelynnRose]

I had a foot injury during my trip in November where I used and ECV to get around EPCOT. There is an alternate entrance for Spaceship Earth that the CM will direct you to. Since she can stand for short instances and, if need be the can slowdown the moving walkway to enter ride vehicle, she will have no issues with being on the ride!