New to board. Got a few questions.

[ppony]

I am bring my mom with us on this trip since my dad NEVER takes her anywhere he can't drive in 6 hours or less (an in MN that's pretty much NOWHERE). Anyway....she's having knee replacement surgery in a few months and it is very possible that or at least part of the time in WDW she'll need a wheelchair or motorized transportation.

I'd welcome ANYTHING people could tell me about wheelchair accessability. How about that she will have a handicap marker for her car here but what do you need for Florida?

TIPS???

I know nothing.

 

[teri]

Welcome to our board! There is plenty of information here for you on the Board and on our FAQ. Stick around a little bit and you will have plenty of good informaiton to help you make your trip more pleasant and relaxing for all of you. Be sure to click on the link in my signature and look at the information about pacing, travelling with the elderly, the GAC, wheelchair and ECV tips, etc..

You can rent ECVs and wheelchairs to use in the parks, but you might want to consider doing a long-term rental through one of these companies:
Walker Mobility
Care Medical
Randy's Mobility

As for parking, there are handicapped parking lots available, and the attendants will let you use them if you have a placard or if you just tell them she needs to use the ECV or wheelchair to get to the park and loading onto the tram is not possible. If you just use a wheelchair but are able to fold it and walk onto the trams, then the tram might be a better option than the handicapped parking because the tram gets you closer to the front gate. They will let you park right next to the tram stop in one of the reserved spots there - all you have to do is ask.

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome from another MN person! Once you've been to the Mall of America, it seems like there is not much to see around my neck of the north woods.
If you follow teri's links, you will probably find everything you need to know. Come back and ask more questions.

If she has a Minnesota handicapped paking permit, just bring it along and use it. It is good for parking in handicapped spots all over.
In general, everything in WDW is pretty accessible. MK is least accessible because it is the oldest park. When you get to the parks, you can request a Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities from Guest Relations. There is one for each park and it gives information on where to find companion restrooms and a little about each ride. The Guide (and also the park maps) indicate which rides/shows she will be able to experience without getting out of the ecv or wheelchair.
Since she'll be still recovering from her kneee replacement, it will be really important for her not not do too much walking or too much sitting still. Too much of either one will make her stiff and uncomfortable.

 

[Wheelsie]

Everyone here has posted some great stuff b4 I could get home from work....so I'll just say....WELCOME!!!