Parents of child w/diability...any hints?

[twinmum]

Hello! We will be taking our first trip to DL w/our twin boys, who will just have turned 9. One of our sons has cerebral palsy and will be in his wheelchair. We went to WDW last year and as well as having the use of w/c accessible lines, we also got a Guest Assistance Card because of stamina issues. The CM's were wonderful and all helped us have a fantastic trip. In general, we were able to use fastpass lines which helped us to pack in a lot of fun before our son packed it in!

Does anyone have any tips or hints for us? (I do also read the "DISABILITIES" thread, but it is generally about WDW). We are staying at the Grand Californian for its proximity.

I do realize that more of the rides do not have an accessible entrance, and w/c users use the exits or alternate entrance. What impact does this have on wait times, or is it sometimes longer, sometimes not?

Any advice you have will be appreciated!

 

[arliepooh68]

make sure you go to city hall and get your GAC before you start you day, and read the paper that goes with it, as DL has different ways of getting into each ride with the GAC card.

 

[BearsBabe]

When we were last there using GAC we went through fastpass entrances or the exits. I can't think of anything where we went through any alternate entrances unless it is counting a fastpass as an alternate entrance. We don't have a wheelchair though, my son is autistic and can't wait in lines without freaking out completely after about 10 minutes, so I can't speak for what happens when entrances are not accessible. I can say there were moderate crowds every day that we were there and wait times for us were very manageable using the GAC. The boat rides will likely be the longest waits you will encounter, simply because the boats are a bit more difficult for those in w/c to get in and out of.

 

[fairycat]

I have done DL with friends with Disabilities (both physical) and in a wheelchair myself from an accident and found in DL you will more likely be taken to exits or FP lines. DCA was designed with wider lines so you can often times wait in the standard line or be directed otherwise with GAC. If you ever are unsure just ask the CM at the front of any ride or attraction they can help you. Most lines will be shorter for GAC but can be slow.

The only GAC line I didn't like was with my niece who had, just had foot surgery when we took her and had to be in a wheelchair for Autopia, they have a very tiny elevator to bypass the stairs it was hot and cramped. Most others worked out just fine and tend to be designed so you don't miss out on to much of the design and fun.

 

[twinmum]

Thanks everyone for your info! It sounds like this is not that different from WDW, although I realize that more of WDW was built post-ADA. We found all the CM's to be very helpful at WDW - I'm sure we'll find the same at DL. The GAC made a big difference in ensuring we were able to pack a lot of fun into the time we spent at the parks.

Now if only we could teach people not to stop dead in their tracks right in front of the wheelchair, we'll be great! I'm always so worried we're going to trample someone's toes!

Twinmum

 

[disneyfaninaz]

We got to DL with your disabled neighbor. Actually, I think you'll find it better at DL because for most of the rides you'll have to use the exit and you don't have to wait in the long lines. You are pretty much let in as soon as a car or vehicle is available to load. The only ride that you'll have to wait in at DL is Buzz Lightyear since it is ADA compliant. Pirates is the worst as far as waiting because you have to go in the exit and a lot of other disabled people love this ride and the line is usually longer.

You'll find that the CM's are very good with disabled kids.

 

[eeyore3847]

We have found that most rides are easy at DL with the GAC. In fact they are better IMO than WDW is. They CM's are so nice and really great with the kids. WDW just seemed so annoyed all the time when we used it or were very picky and choosy on weither you could use it or not, since a lot of WDW is more accesable by waiting in the same lines that at DL. I think too since Our child was only a toddler WDW was not more willing to help out for lines, since he could be carried. we were told quite a few times that we could carry him and wait in the "Normal Line like everyone else." Let's just say we love DL so much more than WDW and find them more helpful with disabilities! It was a long week in July at WDW carring a heavy toddler everywhere!
Have a great time!
Lori