Parking for Pregnant Women

[beattyfamily]

Last time I checked, being pregnant isn't a disability. Honestly, if your doctor is worried about you "taking it easy" I think Walt Disney World would be the last place you'd go! There is no special "passes" or special "treatment" for expectant mothers. It's your choice to go on vacation while you should be "taking it easy." The assistance that WDW provides is for those people that have some phyiscal disability, psychological issues, or terminal illnesses.

 

[tinkandpan]

To answer the question about handicapped parking- the original premise behind it is like someone said, to remove people in wheelchairs from the flow of traffic where they might not be seen. In addition, spaces are wider to allow for transfers in and out of wheelchairs and or lifts to come down for those with vans etc....
As for pg- you can just request an aisle spot for the tram but seriously- if you can't handle the walk to the tram, are you supposed to be walking through the parks?

 

[Disneyhappy]

To answer the question about handicapped parking- the original premise behind it is like someone said, to remove people in wheelchairs from the flow of traffic where they might not be seen. In addition, spaces are wider to allow for transfers in and out of wheelchairs and or lifts to come down for those with vans etc....
As for pg- you can just request an aisle spot for the tram but seriously- if you can't handle the walk to the tram, are you supposed to be walking through the parks?

I guess I did not take her original question to mean that she can't or should not be walking but that she was trying to "eliminate as much extraneous walking as possible." DH has had knee surgeries before a few of our trips (old college football injury-the gift that keeps on giving!) He was at the point with PT that he was able to walk but it would fatigue his legs quicker than normal. He made it clear he was not going to use a wheelchair so when he became too tired, we would rest and/or just leave and relax the rest of the way. There was no need to cancel our trip but, as the OP, I thought ahead to plan out what I could do to help limit DH walking. From previously stays at the YC/BC, I knew that some rooms were a long, long walk to the end of the hallways so I requested a room near elevators for those trips. To answer the OP, I think your best bet would be to ask to park at the end of an aisle to be closer to a tram for this trip. That will eliminate a little extraneous walking. Every bit helps. I would double check with my doctor, though, to make sure he is on board with the trip. I don't know your issue but WDW is still a lot of walking! Enjoy your trip and good luck with your baby!

 

[goofyernmost]

I have to ask.. then what is the point of the handicapped parking areas if it's a LONGER walk???

To answer the question about handicapped parking- the original premise behind it is like someone said, to remove people in wheelchairs from the flow of traffic where they might not be seen. In addition, spaces are wider to allow for transfers in and out of wheelchairs and or lifts to come down for those with vans etc....
As for pg- you can just request an aisle spot for the tram but seriously- if you can't handle the walk to the tram, are you supposed to be walking through the parks?

And now for the real reason for inconvenient handicap parking areas. The ADA law states that a public venue must provide a segregated area that would allow for easy access to the place. It doesn't say how close it HAS to be only that there be one.

If some one is confined to a wheelchair the tram will not work for them and it can be one horrific distance from the parking area to the entrance. So even though it seems like it is further away when taking the tram into consideration it really is much closer if a wheelchair of some sort must be used. I have escorted handicapped folks to the World and believe me it is a good thing I was in good condition because pushing a chair while walking pretty much doubles the effort needed. To the person in the chair, it didn't really matter because they were riding. Using a handicap parking area when you are not confined is sometimes very counter productive. You are far better off to ride the tram in, it can be way less walking.

 

[disnut8]

Thanks for the input guys My husband is not thrilled about the prospect of a wheelchair, but I definitely don't want to use anything motorized. We just plan to take it nice and easy (and eat lots of good food)

IF it gets to the point where a wheelchair is an option, this might help with your husband. I'm 5' nothing and weigh 100 pounds soaking wet. My husband is 5'6" and about 185 pounds. I pushed him all around Disney World for four days. The manual wheelchairs are fairly easy to push.

 

[pweyl36]

Last time I checked, being pregnant isn't a disability. Honestly, if your doctor is worried about you "taking it easy" I think Walt Disney World would be the last place you'd go! There is no special "passes" or special "treatment" for expectant mothers. It's your choice to go on vacation while you should be "taking it easy." The assistance that WDW provides is for those people that have some phyiscal disability, psychological issues, or terminal illnesses.

You just read my mind!

 

[disneygoof]

So much for the "The Internet's Largest and Friendliest Disney Community".

You didn't get specific responses on drop off locations, but I'd guess that they're near the taxi locations for each park, at MK to the left as you face the TTC. You could email WDW and I'm sure you'll get a quick response.

As for transportation, I understand why, even if you're staying on site, you'd want to have your own car. When it's time to go, it's time to go, no waiting.

You don't mention what your medical condition is, or why your husband's not psyched about the chair, nor should you have to. Just two more supportive cents...having "been there done that", do what is best for the health of you and your baby. When I did Disney in a wheelchair, I mostly pushed myself because my issues were cervical in nature, and I had no problem pushing myself around. It was extremely maneuverable, easy even, and I didn't need anyone to push me. Secondly, I was a bit apprehensive before I left about what people would think when they saw me get out of the chair and get on a (no pregnancy warning) ride. A family member gave me these words of wisdom...

"What do you care? You will NEVER see these people again. Take care of yourself and have fun."

So I say take care of yourself, and have fun.

 

[sunee]

If you can walk around the park, you can walk from your car to a tram.

Agreed. And walking to the tram is often less walking than parking close and walking to the entrance.

If the doctor has recommended that you take it easy, you might reconsider the whole Disney trip. I would ask the doctor about the whole thing.

 

[Snow_White]

Last time I checked, being pregnant isn't a disability. Honestly, if your doctor is worried about you "taking it easy" I think Walt Disney World would be the last place you'd go! There is no special "passes" or special "treatment" for expectant mothers. It's your choice to go on vacation while you should be "taking it easy." The assistance that WDW provides is for those people that have some phyiscal disability, psychological issues, or terminal illnesses.

WHEN on earth did I say being pregnant was a disability? Answer: I never did. I was simply asking if Disney offered special spots for moms-to-be, just like I've seen malls do. I'm not planning on infringing upon the rights of the disabled You are not my doctor, so I will not be taking medical advice from you. If my doctor thinks it's healthy for me to go to Disney, then I will go to Disney. There is nothing wrong with limiting extraneous walking as much as possible. You know NOTHING about me or my pregnancy so please stop acting like you do.

If you don't have anything helpful to add, why waste your time with replying?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! I miss the old days of the DIS. Nowadays people are so darn RUDE. Why on earth must a simple question become a debate? Why on earth are some of the responses here so hostile? Ridiculous.

Thank you to the people who provided helpful responses (disneyhappy, disneygoof, and everyone else)

 

[Snow_White]

Double post

 

[disnut8]

I miss the old days of the DIS. Nowadays people are so darn RUDE. Why on earth must a simple question become a debate? Why on earth are some of the responses here so hostile? Ridiculous.

Ah, 99.9% of us are harmless. But everyone knows that having a baby is so easy - don't women just go out to a field somewhere and drop the kid and then continue touring Disney World?

Of course, I meant this in a sarcastic way. I think any post these days where it is interpreted, rightly or wrongly, that someone is trying to get "special favors" gets debated and run into the ground.

Don't take the hostility too personally. Maybe some of us didn't have our Wheaties in the morning.

 

[Schmeck]

Or enough caffiene, LOL...

The OP didn't ask about hangtags for the disabled, but it was brought up as a suggestion in a subsequent post, wasn't it? Or maybe I haven't had enough caffiene yet? (Or caffiend as we call it!)

Anyways, hopefully the OP finds out more info from her doctor about what 'take it easy' entails in the doctor's eyes, and has a safe, wonderful trip!

 

[dvcnewgirl]

So much for the "The Internet's Largest and Friendliest Disney Community".

 

[MissyDVC]

WHEN on earth did I say being pregnant was a disability? Answer: I never did. I was simply asking if Disney offered special spots for moms-to-be, just like I've seen malls do. I'm not planning on infringing upon the rights of the disabled You are not my doctor, so I will not be taking medical advice from you. If my doctor thinks it's healthy for me to go to Disney, then I will go to Disney. There is nothing wrong with limiting extraneous walking as much as possible. You know NOTHING about me or my pregnancy so please stop acting like you do.

If you don't have anything helpful to add, why waste your time with replying?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! I miss the old days of the DIS. Nowadays people are so darn RUDE. Why on earth must a simple question become a debate? Why on earth are some of the responses here so hostile? Ridiculous.

Thank you to the people who provided helpful responses (disneyhappy, disneygoof, and everyone else)

Hugs for you I hope that your pregnancy goes well AND you enjoy your WDW vacation. Do what is best for you

 

[daisax]

I imagine there are no dedicated spaces for pregnant women at WDW because at any given time, thousands per day might qualify, and who's going to decide who's pregnant "enough" to qualify?

 

[Jubilee]

I imagine there are no dedicated spaces for pregnant women at WDW because at any given time, thousands per day might qualify, and who's going to decide who's pregnant "enough" to qualify?

This is what I was thinking.

I also think a lot of these posts are so harsh... opinions are like

 

[bamajill]

Aww, I'm sorry you are getting upset at some of the answers. I hope you have a great trip.

I am a little curious...if your doctor wants you to limit your walking, how will you manage in the parks? Disney vacations are notorious for their multi-mile walkathons....there is no way around that--unless you do opt for the ecv or wheelchair, of course.

I don't think a good parking place will do much in the way of saving your feet, to tell you the honest truth.

We just returned yesterday and my feet are still on fire, lol....and that's with me not pregnant and utilizing my crocs from day one .

Hope you find a way to make it work out!

 

[peggyjean123]

I was a high risk pregnacy, but we had alread y booked the package and did not want to spoil dd fun. I rented one of those scooters in t he park, I definelty reccommend it, even with this I still ended up sick in the ER a day later. Please drink plenty of water that is what they said my propblem was, my little girl was born 4 months, another gorgeous little girl; she enjoyed her firs ttrip to Disney last year and is excited about our next trip in 2008. Please take it easy!+

 

[Jrabbit910]

Does your dr mean take it easy because you will be at Disney World or take it easy because you are a high risk pregnancy?!?!?

I was in my second trimester and my dr advised the same thing but he meant w/ the weather being hot; drinking lots of fluids, taking breaks... no rides... the only thing that got to me was the humitidy..and not being able to ride certain rides.

Also, just a bit of advise (not that this was the question but I have to add this) check whatever rides you are going on to see if it is restricted for prego's... and take care of your feet while there.

 

[disnut8]

I am a little curious...if your doctor wants you to limit your walking, how will you manage in the parks?

I have multiple permanant physical conditions which are not in the slightest way outwardly noticeable. I live a very normal life with no restrictions at all except to "be careful". I just returned from a Memorial Day trip to Disney World where I did everything I could do safely.

My husband, who I live with every day, and I decided what I could do and what I could not do. Obviously, I know myself and my limitations. We had a great time with special friends.

My in-laws, who live 10 hours from us and my dad, who lives 5 hours from me, were horrifed I was going to Disney World. They have no idea of what I can and cannot do.

Give the OP a break. She will know when to take a rest and when not to overdo things. Her original post was about parking for expectant mothers. It's not available and it's been addressed. Enough said.