New Wrinkle

[HouTXMommy]

We typically get a GAC for my 11 year old because of her limited vision. We use it for parades and shows only, not rides because it doesn't matter.

However, she recently had foot surgery on both feet. She was in a wheelchair for six weeks but is now out. However, if she does too much walking her feet hurt. We find ourselves getting an ECV or wheelchair at places like Sam's Club where you do tons of walking. I'm concerned about the walking at Disney World and am considering getting a wheelchair to just cut down on the amount of walking she does between attractions.

My thought is to get a GAC like we usually do and park the wheelchair and do what we normally do for two reasons. #1 - we don't want to abuse a GAC where we don't need it (rides), and #2 - in shows, sometimes the wheelchairs are not where we need to sit for vision (first row).

Does this sound like the right plan? Also, when I mentioned I was going to get a wheelchair at Disney World to some people they said, great, now you can go to the front of the line.............Grrrrr.

Tammy

 

[eternaldisneyfan]

I think that sounds like a great plan! And I commend you for your honesty. My only suggestion is that you walk in to get the GAC for sight so they don't give you the shpeel on the wheelchair being the modification for mobility concerns. Oh, and since she isn't 18, she can't use the ECV.

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree with eternaldisneyfan and think you are wise to get a wheelchair. If your child is a tall 11 yr old, she will probably be able to use an adult wheelchair. If she's smaller, you might want to check if you can get a child sized one, either by bringing one from home or checking with one of the off-site companies that rent wheelchairs (see the disABILITIES FAQs thread for more information).
You should also get the GAC that you normally get that talks about her vision and need to sit up front.
For some shows, there is some wheelchair seating in the front. Here's a list of the ones I can think of that have some 'upfront wheelchair seating'.
MK
Enchanted Tiki Room
Country Bear Jamboree
Carousel of Progress
Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor

The wheelchair seating at Mickey's Philharmagic is at the rear, but the theater is not very deep, so that might not be a problem for your DD. If it is, I know people have parked the wheelchair in the back of the theater and then walked to a seat in the front.
There are not any other shows at MK.

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Lights, Motors, Action (also has seating up above)
Beauty and the Beast (also has seating at the rear, so get there early to get a close seat.)
Indiana Jones Stunt Show (also has seating at the rear. Request a front seat and get there early)
Fantasmic (has a few wheelchair seats up in the front. You need to get there early to get one of those; it may also be possible to use the wheelchair to get to the front and then park it at the rear - there is a ramp on the far right side, as you face the stage).

These shows have wheelchair seating only in the rear:
Muppet Vision 3D
Voyage of the Little Mermaid

Epcot
Turtle Talk with Crush - the kids seated on the floor are in the very front. If the wheelchair seating is not close enough for her, she could sit on the floor, if she would be able to sit there comfortably and get back up again.

These shows have wheelchair seating only in the rear:
Ellen's Energy Adventure
honey I Shrunk the Audience
Circle of Life (movie about the environment at the Land)
Reflections of China (360 movie)
American Adventure
impressions de France
Canada Movie

Animal Kingdom
Pocohontas and her Forest Friends (wheelchair seating is mostly in the rear, but we have seen people with ECVs in the front just behind the children who are at the very front).
Festival of the Lion King
Flights of Wonder

It's Tough to Be a Bug (I would recommend bringing the wheelchair in the line here, as the queue is a VERY long walk. You might be able to park the wheelchair in the back and move to a seat further up - ask the CM)

 

[mykidsintow]

They do make exceptions at some shows also. If its possible for them to do so, they will try to help. My daughter has stayed in her chair, but at the front side of many shows that wheelchairs are typically in the back. Definately ask!

 

[HouTXMommy]

Thanks for all your help! Sometimes you just need someone to say hey, you are on the right track.

Here's to a great trip!

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Sounds like a good plan to me! Just one point though, if her feet are playing up when you're there, don't feel bad about taking her wheelchair through the lines with you. If it will make her holiday better, by keeping her pain down, it's well worth it.

Most of the rides now have mainstream queuing (meaning wheelchair users go through the same line as everyone else), so you wouldn't be 'jumping the queue'. Even those that don't have mainstream queuing often require you to wait about as long as you would in the regular line, if not longer. When you get to an attraction, just ask the CM at the entrance to the line where you should go, and they'll point you the right way.

I second the idea of getting a child's wheelchair, if she would be a bit small for an adult one.

Hope you have a great trip!