Newbie with mobility questions, please?

[emldrl]

Hi! I am planning a trip for next year with my DH, DS, and DD. I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that I will have to use some type of mobility aide, due to various problems. I would like to start out with a rollator, and move on to an ECV if necessary. My first question is, how do I get the rollator on and off the bus, and what happens with it on attractions that are not totally mainstreamed? I can transfer and walk a fair amount at times, but will need it to sit in line.
Next, I have a question that is DAS related. I have read everything I can find on it, and I understand how it's used. If we get it, it would be for my son's severe social anxiety, which can make him physically ill. So here's the question; if we go just after labor day, will we need it a lot? I think we can manage fairly well if the queue's aren't super packed. Should we get it just in case?
Sorry for writing a book, and any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much!

 

[disney david]

Hi! I am planning a trip for next year with my DH, DS, and DD. I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that I will have to use some type of mobility aide, due to various problems. I would like to start out with a rollator, and move on to an ECV if necessary. My first question is, how do I get the rollator on and off the bus, and what happens with it on attractions that are not totally mainstreamed? I can transfer and walk a fair amount at times, but will need it to sit in line. Next, I have a question that is DAS related. I have read everything I can find on it, and I understand how it's used. If we get it, it would be for my son's severe social anxiety, which can make him physically ill. So here's the question; if we go just after labor day, will we need it a lot? I think we can manage fairly well if the queue's aren't super packed. Should we get it just in case? Sorry for writing a book, and any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!

For the buses you can use the back door a ramp comes out they use it to load the ecv but it give you a level surface to board. That be the safest you could go through the front with the bus kneeled but then it might be a step off the curb then onto bus so it be up to you what you think is best just let the driver know what you want to do. Once your on the bus and seated you will have to fold it and put it in front of you so it not blocking the isle. To exit the bus the driver will lower the ramp and you will safely exit and enjoy the rest of your day.

 

[emldrl]

Thank you! We haven't been since 2004, and I didn't do the planning then. I didn't even know the buses could do that!

 

[disney david]

Thank you! We haven't been since 2004, and I didn't do the planning then. I didn't even know the buses could do that!

Their new low floor buses the old buses had a lift Because they had stairs. So these new buses are much easier to and quicker to load since it a ramp that comes out instead of a lift.

 

[emldrl]

Thanks again!

 

[disneyholic family]

Hi Erin!
i had to look up 'rollator". I didn't know that's what walkers are called.

after labor day, you might well be ok without a DAS, though it still might make your visit easier.

i've been there a few times recently after labor day and the crowd level was really very low.
And now with FP+, you'll be able to reserve the most important attractions.

but if it were me, i would probably try for the DAS as a safety net sort of thing for your son
you know, just in case.

 

[emldrl]

Thank you, Beth! I specifically picked that week due to low crowds and cost, but I've been reading how it's been getting more crowded every year, so I'm starting to worry a bit. I probably will try for the DAS, just in case we need it. What we'll probably do is try a ride without it, and see how he does. He has problems being closed into tight spaces with strangers, even extended family that he doesn't know well, and it makes him physically ill, to the point of having to leave immediately. I don't want his first experience at wdw (that he can remember) to be filled with anxiety and illness, if it can be avoided.
Thanks again for the help!

 

[disney david]

Sorry I know you will think I am crazy but one last bus thing here a video not of a guest using a walker. Figured it show you how they lower the ramp and also it show you the front door and he bus kneeling. So it give you an idea of which way you might want to board. This is the gillig they also have the nova no difference both use ramp both look like bread boxes . So hope it helps you make you decision and your travel on the magical buses not only the safest they can be but the funniest they can be.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5zxDFPPnIFE

 

[catra121]

I use a rollator and was there this past year after Labor Day.

I've made 4 trips now with the rollator and for the most part it has been pretty smooth. The buses are very easy...but you do need to get the driver's attention if you need the ramp because many of them just assume you don't need the ramp if you have a walker (I don't understand why). When I travel with other people I usually ask one to go to the driver right away and let them know I need the ramp while I wait in the designated area for scooters, wheelchairs, etc. I do need the ramp...I tried my first time on the first trip to just step up with the walker and it was too painful for me...you may have a different experience. Once on the bus I take a seat and fold up the walker...so it was really nice to have a walker with a canvas bag underneath vs a metal basket like many have...very easy to fold up.

As far as crowds and the DAS...I would get one if I was you. The crowds are MUCH lower in September after Labor Day than most other times of the year...but that doesn't mean there won't be any. Especially in MK it can definitely get crowded. Plus there are some rides that just always have long queues no matter what time of year. So I would say get the DAS. If you don't end up using it or only use it a couple times...then that's great...but I would think it will be better to have it and work that time into your plan than to not have one when you need it.

 

[emldrl]

Thanks for the video, I get it now! With the kneeling and ramp, I could just walk on with it. Very helpful!

 

[emldrl]

Thanks, I have never used one before, and didn't even know they could fold up. Good tip about the bag vs basket! And yes, the more I think and read about it, I believe we will get the DAS first thing, and only use it when we truly need it. I was just afraid of judgement and stares and rude comments, but I'm not going to let that stop us! Thanks again!

 

[themouseforme]

hmm...sounds like a real dilemma about your son. I don't know how old he is and all but maybe he needs more time. also, it seems as though there would be a med that would help him. but surely you've been all thru all of that. but being in close proximity to strangers, rides shows parades and restaurants, is the very definition of an amusement park day. so if that is going to make him physically ill, maybe it's better not to force him to go.

 

[emldrl]

Yeah, I've thought about all the crowd issues, and if he has lots of problems with it, we can always go back to the resort. We'll have to take breaks and do some half days anyways because of my health, and because we liked doing that last time, when he was 2. He will be 13 when we go, and I want him and his sister to have childhood Disney memories like I do. I would never force him to go, though. The DAS would really just be a backup, in case he freaks out in line. Not so much the crowds, as it is having nowhere to go, and having people press in on you from all sides. I have the same problem, but have been able to handle it in the past. I'm hopeful he'll be ok too.

 

[Bete]

Some strategies should include going early to the parks and getting your FASTPASS plus rides lined up early, too. The crowds will be at a minimum. Do magical extra hours in the morning, too. Move in the direction of the back of the park at the same time. This will allow a little extra time before the general public reaches the back of the park at opening.

I'm not sure how much help the DAS will be for your son. I wouldn't count on that being a good solution.

You can always exit a ride if you have to do it. It won't be easy, but it can be done.

I agree with the previous poster and your son may not be ready. You can't impart your desires on him if he's not ready. I think I would have some long conversations about how crowded the parks are ahead of time with him. Maybe, you can try some other activities like going to a zoo or museum to see his reactions.

I hope for the best for your trip and maybe it will all work and you will have a great time with him.

 

[emldrl]

First, I would like to thank everyone for their advice. I appreciate you taking the time to try and help me.

Second, I feel the need to further explain our situation, because I apparently gave the WAY wrong impression. Also, I'm super sensitive, and was kinda distressed by a couple comments. Initially, I tried to be as brief as possible with my posts, and when describing my son's issues, I used a phrase that made it sound worse than it is.
My son is a healthy 12 yo boy, who goes to school, theme parks, zoo's, etc. He has ADHD, but is not even on meds, because it is not severe. He was fine on his Washington DC trip this spring, and had no problems. What he does have is what I would call people claustrophobia. For myself, I'm usually fine, I can deal with crowds, theme park lines, etc. with no problems, but there have been times when I have panicked, lost control, and had to get away RIGHT NOW! This is what I am worried my son might do. Probably won't, but I just want some backup in case it does.
In the event this occurs, we could be in a line, essentially trapped by a lot of people, and with me using a walker or ECV, it could be very difficult to exit. Maybe I should just get a DAS for myself instead. I have several medical conditions that would qualify. I was just thinking of my son first, because what if I'm not with him in line and it happens?
I am planning to go at one of the historically lowest crowd level times of the year, we will utilize FP+ as much as possible, we will use touring plans, will take breaks at the resort, will not watch parades and fireworks in crowded areas if possible, will wait til crowds clear out at closing, will do rope drop, and anything else that I can find that will help us. We will also obtain the DAS unless we are denied, to use as it is intended, to wait outside the line when we need to. (and yes, I know we will still go through the FP line)
My children are happy, healthy kids, who just happen to have a disabled mother. (just explaining our situation, not speaking to anyone else's) I had CA when they were 5 and 5 months old, quickly followed by fibromyalgia, lupus, and now a heart problem, just to give some examples. There is not a lot I can do with them, and we are not in a financial position to travel, well, ever. We have never been on a family vacation, just the four of us. I'm just trying to give them the vacation they truly deserve, and have never gotten to go on. If they were not super excited and did not want to go, we would not be going.
Finally, thank you for trying to help, because I do believe that's what everyone has been doing, and I probably was just too sensitive about things. If anyone has any other suggestions for us, I would appreciate any further help anyone could provide.

Erin

 

[olwyngdh]

First, I would like to thank everyone for their advice. I appreciate you taking the time to try and help me.

Second, I feel the need to further explain our situation, because I apparently gave the WAY wrong impression. Also, I'm super sensitive, and was kinda distressed by a couple comments. Initially, I tried to be as brief as possible with my posts, and when describing my son's issues, I used a phrase that made it sound worse than it is.
My son is a healthy 12 yo boy, who goes to school, theme parks, zoo's, etc. He has ADHD, but is not even on meds, because it is not severe. He was fine on his Washington DC trip this spring, and had no problems. What he does have is what I would call people claustrophobia. For myself, I'm usually fine, I can deal with crowds, theme park lines, etc. with no problems, but there have been times when I have panicked, lost control, and had to get away RIGHT NOW! This is what I am worried my son might do. Probably won't, but I just want some backup in case it does.
In the event this occurs, we could be in a line, essentially trapped by a lot of people, and with me using a walker or ECV, it could be very difficult to exit. Maybe I should just get a DAS for myself instead. I have several medical conditions that would qualify. I was just thinking of my son first, because what if I'm not with him in line and it happens?
I am planning to go at one of the historically lowest crowd level times of the year, we will utilize FP+ as much as possible, we will use touring plans, will take breaks at the resort, will not watch parades and fireworks in crowded areas if possible, will wait til crowds clear out at closing, will do rope drop, and anything else that I can find that will help us. We will also obtain the DAS unless we are denied, to use as it is intended, to wait outside the line when we need to. (and yes, I know we will still go through the FP line)
My children are happy, healthy kids, who just happen to have a disabled mother. (just explaining our situation, not speaking to anyone else's) I had CA when they were 5 and 5 months old, quickly followed by fibromyalgia, lupus, and now a heart problem, just to give some examples. There is not a lot I can do with them, and we are not in a financial position to travel, well, ever. We have never been on a family vacation, just the four of us. I'm just trying to give them the vacation they truly deserve, and have never gotten to go on. If they were not super excited and did not want to go, we would not be going.
Finally, thank you for trying to help, because I do believe that's what everyone has been doing, and I probably was just too sensitive about things. If anyone has any other suggestions for us, I would appreciate any further help anyone could provide.

Erin

DSiL has some issues like your son--sometimes worse than others. We have found that if we let him be in the front of the group in line, he can control the people press from that direction, and then we put me in the ecv and one other person side by side behind him so we can keep strangers from crowding up on him. If it is just him and DD29, then she stands behind him and spreads her arms out to hold on to the rail or rope on either side so that it is difficult for people to push past her and crowd him. She has had people get cranky with her, but she doesn't care and the crappier they behave, the slower she moves.

 

[ttintagel]

what happens with it on attractions that are not totally mainstreamed? I can transfer and walk a fair amount at times, but will need it to sit in line.

I can't think of any queues that won't accommodate a walker. If it's treated the same way as crutches, the CM at the load area will take it from you, and it will be waiting for you at the unload area.

 

[catra121]

I can't think of any queues that won't accommodate a walker. If it's treated the same way as crutches, the CM at the load area will take it from you, and it will be waiting for you at the unload area.

Peter Pan, Small World, SSE, Peoplemover, Haunted Mansion, Buzz Lightyear, Jungle Cruise, TSM (stairs), Splash Mountain (stairs), and Space Mountain (stairs) won't accommodate a walker in the mainstream queue all the way until the end (some will accommodate it to a point and some require alternate entrance). It's handled the same as a wheelchair if you refer to the sticky thread...the walker is too wide to go through some of the older queues and stairs are obviously an issue as well.

There may be some others...but those are the ones that I can think of off the top of my head with issues. Peoplemover is the worst...you cannot take the walker into the queue at all. I love that ride so on my MK days that is the place I use up all my extra energy for walking and I usually end up in quite a bit of pain afterwards...but I love it so unless I am having a bad day I make sure to ride it earlier in the day when I have the energy to do so. Before a sit down meal is usually good too because it gives me some time to recover.

 

[emldrl]

Thank you again, everyone. I would keep responding individually, but I haven't quite figured out how to quote yet. Good idea with the line blocking. My husband is a big guy, and between him, myself, and my daughter, we should be able to manage it. He'll probably be fine, and it'll be me who freaks out!
The whole walker thing gets a little confusing sometimes when I'm reading about it and not actually there. Last time we were there was in 2004, and I don't remember a lot of details (chemo brain). When I started researching, I was amazed at how much different everything is. We were with BIL, who has multiple disabilities and was in a w/c, and all I can remember was we went in line when we could, and we went where we were told otherwise.
I can usually walk unaided, but not at wdw, not even at our local theme park or AF museum, and who knows how I'll be when the time comes? Anyway, I like to be prepared just in case, so I really appreciate all the info! Thank you!

 

[catra121]

Thank you again, everyone. I would keep responding individually, but I haven't quite figured out how to quote yet. Good idea with the line blocking. My husband is a big guy, and between him, myself, and my daughter, we should be able to manage it. He'll probably be fine, and it'll be me who freaks out!
The whole walker thing gets a little confusing sometimes when I'm reading about it and not actually there. Last time we were there was in 2004, and I don't remember a lot of details (chemo brain). When I started researching, I was amazed at how much different everything is. We were with BIL, who has multiple disabilities and was in a w/c, and all I can remember was we went in line when we could, and we went where we were told otherwise.
I can usually walk unaided, but not at wdw, not even at our local theme park or AF museum, and who knows how I'll be when the time comes? Anyway, I like to be prepared just in case, so I really appreciate all the info! Thank you!

The CM are usually very helpful directing you where to go and there are disabilities maps at each park that can help you figure things out too. Don't worry about knowing how to handle each and every attraction. I do recommend reading the sticky thread written by Sue...just to give you an idea of what to expect...but even if you go in with no information you will be fine. Just don't be afraid to ask when you have questions and don't feel bad for telling them you need the walker in line. If you need any moving walkways stopped or slowed down...let them know that too. There are a few that can't be stopped like on Peter Pan...but most can be stopped or slowed.