My son is in a wheelchair

[Frannie4217]

He is able to walk but not very long periods of time. Is recovering from 2 broken hips and is 15. I am wondering what is the best rides for him to go on that won't cause a ton of jarring. He will be having a total hip replacement in July. This is his big outing/birthday present along with his older brother and sister who r turning 16. I just don't want to drag them down since he is a bit incapacitated. Any ideas or suggestions? Also how hard is the park to get around in for someone in a wheelchair? Thanks in advance.

Frannie

 

[ugadog99]

Please check the disABILITIES board. The people over there are just wonderful and can answer all kinds of questions for you.

 

[Janet2k]

Frannie4217, here is the link to the disABILITIES board (click here) The folks on that board are wonderful and should be able to help you out.

I spent my last WDW vacation in a wheelchair. I almost cancelled that vacation because of my disability, but from what I learned from the folks here on the Dis, I decided to keep that vacation intact. And, boy, am I ever glad that I did. I had the trip of a lifetime (click here for my trip report).

 

[Puffy2]

I will say that renting an ECV would be a lot more convienent for your son than a regular wheelchair. Not sure about age requirements though for the ECV (may be 18, but you could check with one of the companies that rents them - Walkermobility.com is one company but there are others).

He should avoid any thrill ride I would think. Don't worry though, there are a lot of shows and slow rides for him to enjoy. I would say that anything that suggests that pregnant women avoid your son should avoid as well.

 

[McCall]

An ECV would be easier but also you do have to be 18 to use one.
there are some rides that he won't even need to leave the wheel chair to ride. you can call ahead to guest services or wait till you get there and get the special park guide books for the disabled it will tell you the requirements of each ride.

 

[SueM in MN]

I know that the parks will not rent an ecv (also called electric scooter or cart) to be driven by anyone under 18. I believe that is also the case with the outside rental companies, at least a number of posters have reported they were told that or it was in the rental papers.
Here is a link to a page from the official Disney website that should be helpful. For some reason, the link takes you to the middle of the page, to a list of rides/attractions where he will be able to stay in a wheelchair for the entire attraction. If you scroll all the way to top, there are links to a Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities for each park. They list each ride with a little description and the restrictions for that ride (although I see they don't have anything except height listed for Dinosauer and it is a very turbulent ride). You can get a printed copy at Guest Services in any of the parks.
On the Guidemaps for each park, they do have a small red triangle beside the rides that have health warnings (basically the rough ones). There are also signs as you enter the line and again before boarding. So, you won't get onto a ride and then find it's too bumpy.

 

[Frannie4217]

Thanks so much! Going to the disability board, didn't even no there was one lol thanks again!


Frannie