Location of "HC" parking at parks?

[April76]

I've never noticed before whether there are designated areas for HC parking - but I'm assuming that there are.

This trip we will have several seniors with us - one is in a wheelchair and would have difficulty being transferred into the tram... is it possible to park close enough to the parks entrances that we can just walk and push her wheelchair or is it always necessary to use the trams?

Thanks in advance!

 

[CdnDisneyNut]

Will you have a handicap parking hang tag in the vehicle?
Mention to the CM at the toll plaza and they will direct your car to the handicap parking.

 

[April76]

Yes, we will have a hang tag.

Will it be necessary to use the tram from the HC parking area?


Thanks for your help!

 

[BCV23]

No you will not have to transfer to a tram. However at the TTC you will have to transfer to the monorail or ferry to get to the MK. Both are fun, though !

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Here are the various medical parking areas, as well as other useful information.

Epcot is first few rows closest to entrance. It is not much further than where the trams let people off. Normally the remainder of the sections where the medical parking is do not have tram stops as they are so close.

Studio they are the first few rows. They are closer to the entrance than anything except the trams themselves and the Disney buses. Note that non-Disney buses park further than medical parking.

Animal Kingdom always stay to the right (follow the blue line) after you pass through the toll plaza. The medical parking is the closest parking to the entrance; it is about the same distance as the tram loading area.

Magic Kingdom is the most difficult. If you can use the Disney buses, they let you off very close to the actual park entrance. If you are looking for medical parking, it is at the very front of the TTC lot. However, you then have to go on the sidewalk through an underpass where the trams also go and pass the kennels. Once you have gone through the TTC gate, you are much better off using the fery boats rather than the monorail, as the ramp to the monorail is very steep and pushing or self-wheeling can be very difficult.

Note also that if you go to any of the deluxe hotels ( Animal Kingdom, Boardwalk, Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness or Y&B) there is no charge for valet parking with a disability hang tag. HOWEVER the valets are "tip positions" and they do not get any of the fee which is normally charged. I will normally tip $2.00 both when dropping off the car as well as when picking it up if I do not need assistance with the ECV. Since I use an ECV (but not always) if the valet will handle loading/unloading and assembly/disassembly of the ECV I will tip $5.00 instead of $2.00. (Note if I have the ECV and do not get assistance, not only will there be no tip, but also a discussion with a supervisor.) In your case, if the valet also loads or unloads the wheelchair I would suggest a tip largef than $2.00 but not as high as the $5.00 as an ECV is both heavier and more complex than a wheelchair.

 

[SueM in MN]

You didn't mention if you are staying on site at one of the WDW resorts or off-site. If you are on site, I second the recommendation to take the bus to MK. Almost all of the buses are equipped either with a lift or ramp and have tiedowns for up to 3 wheelchairs or ecvs. The bus lets you off right at the park turnstiles. If you drive, the handicapped parking is near (but not real close) to the TTC. Then you have to take the monnorail or boat to MK. The monorail stations are actually off the ground at about a second floor level. There is a steep ramp you need to drive up to get to the station. Once at the station, the monorail is easy to get on and off of, but that ramp is very steep.
We have sometimes had problems parking at Epcot. The usual handicapped parking area is close to the entrance, but at the times we've gone lately (March/April), they have tents set up in that area for a student robotic challenge. That takes up most of the handicapped parking are, so we've been parked on the end of a regular row close to the entrance instead.

 

[April76]

Thanks to everyone for the terrific information!!




I'm sure that I'm probably over-planning for this trip, but I want everything to go very smoothly.

I'm sure that the 3 ladies I'm taking (ages 75 - 83 yrs) will really enjoy themselves, but will also remind me OVER and OVER again of any inconveniences they experience!!! (It's my mom, my MIL and a family friend).

So - once again, I am very thankful for the DIS and everyone's help!