Need help with scooter or wheel chair.

[maxmouse]

My father in law has a very bad back and will need some type of transportation. We want to get him a scooter but the say that the Handicap rides entrances can only accommodate a wheel chair. Is this true and what do you suggest.

 

[minnie mum]

I don't know who "they" are, but you were given incorrect information. Most attractions can accommodate ECVs through their lines. If you go to the FAQ sticky at the top of the DisAbilities page, you will find oodles of handy info about ECVs both in the parks and at the resorts.

 

[Bete]

there are some rides that a wheelchair can physically be brought onto a ride in a special car and you go through the handicap ride queue to do it. Such rides are Buzz Lightyear and Toy Story Mania for example. Those same rides will not accept a scooter into the special car.

With that said most rides are scooter friendly for riding into the ride queues, but not onto the ride itself. You park the scooter just before the ride and then you go onto the ride on your own accord. If the ride doesn't do a complete loop the CM will bring the scooter to the exit area of the ride. Also, if that's too hard you can transfer from a scooter on some rides to a wheelchair and then go on the ride that way.

 

[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 (GAC) 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 GAC.

Note that a GAC 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 GAC are where a terminal or medically fragile child is traveling on a trip from Make A Wish or similar foundation.