Question about a disability from a non-disabled person...any help is appreciated.

[angelat]

Hi All!
I have a question. I don't know if this is simple or complicated, but here goes.

My neices who are 14 and almost 16 have never been to WDW. My sister would like to take them this year possibly, but my BIL is paralyzed from the waist down and uses a wheelchair. He doesn't really want to go with them because he feels like he won't be able to go on any rides since he can't get up and walk to the actual ride once at the front of the line.

Without sounding too stupid, I'd like to know if this is generally true. I've only been to WDW once so far and I must admit, i didn't really notice anyone in wheelchairs while we were there. I think we were just so focused on the magic of being there ourselves.

Thanks for any help that you all can give. You all are the greatest!!!

 

[KPeveler]

Hi All!
I have a question. I don't know if this is simple or complicated, but here goes.

My neices who are 14 and almost 16 have never been to WDW. My sister would like to take them this year possibly, but my BIL is paralyzed from the waist down and uses a wheelchair. He doesn't really want to go with them because he feels like he won't be able to go on any rides since he can't get up and walk to the actual ride once at the front of the line.

Without sounding too stupid, I'd like to know if this is generally true. I've only been to WDW once so far and I must admit, i didn't really notice anyone in wheelchairs while we were there. I think we were just so focused on the magic of being there ourselves.

Thanks for any help that you all can give. You all are the greatest!!!

There are many attractions he will not have to transfer for, and several rides that have special cars to help with transfers (i think RnR and EE do). I have always been able to transfer before, but now I will have to avoid transferring as much as possible...

I think your BIL will have a great time no matter his ability to transfer. I know there are several people on here who cannot transfer, and they all love Disney! i am sure they will be answering you soon!

 

[Disney_Villain]

KPeveler is right. There are a lot of rides he can go on in his chair, and there are some he would have to transfer to:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/plain-text/mobility-disabilities/#ACCESS

- Ken

 

[BillSears]

I've been a T8 paraplegic who cannot feel or move anything from the bottom of my ribcage down for 32 years now and I'm 49(50 in 1 1/2 weeks). I still go to WDW and ride almost all of the rides. If he can transfer in and out of a car them almost all of the rides should be doable.

Here's a good website for information on most of the rides:

http://www.themouseonwheels.com/

WDW is probably the most accessible spot I've ever vacationed in. I'm not an athelete and I'm slowing down as I get older but WDW is still very accessible for me.

E.T.A.

I realized I might be coming across a bit too strong in my post. Everyone's abilities are different and it's possible that he really can't get on and off of the rides. But he should realize that WDW is not your normal amusement park, things are much easier here and he'll never know what he can do until he visits the parks.

 

[mechurchlady]

He does not even have to leave the chair for Pooh, the Safari ride, Small World, Rio del Tiemp, Jungle Cruise, Magic Carpets, Toy Story Mania, and the train. Some rides even have transfer seats that make it easier to get in and out of rides.

The only thing he would absolutely not be able to ride would be Peter Pan and the Peoplemover because of the moving walkways.

 

[angelat]

Thank you all for the information and links. I still have to check out both those links, but will do it today. I really do appreciate you sharing your experiences with me. I hope I can convince him to go. Everyone should go to WDW as an adult. IMO anyway.

 

[Andrew Bichard]

He does not even have to leave the chair for Pooh, the Safari ride, Small World, Rio del Tiemp, Jungle Cruise, Magic Carpets, Toy Story Mania, and the train..

To mechurchlady's list, I would add Universe of Energy, Imagination, Behind the Seeds, Riverboat ride at MK, Backlot tour and film tour at the Studios.

Also endless shows like Laugh Floor, Honey I shrunk the Kids, Indianna Jones, Beauty & the Beast, Philharmagic, Carrosel of Progress, Car stunt show, Tough to be a bug, Nemo, Hall of the Presidents when it reopens with Obama, Muppetvision 3D, Sounds Dangerous, American Idol, American Adventure, France, China, O Canada, Illuminations & Wishes.

Exhibitions like Living Seas, Rafiki's Planet Watch, Model trains, History of Walt, and Japanese tin toys.

Concerts including Voices of America, British Invasion, Off Kilter & Mariachi Band (sp?)

Then there are the parades, shops, restaurants, street performers, people watching and many other things I forget.

Also the 'exit shows' at Spaceship Earth, Test Track and Mission Earth.

I use a chair and can't transfer out of it for fear of falling. I can't go on rides that require a transfer, but I still have a great time.

Andrew

 

[debbiecarr98]

i will just add my son is now 20 and paraplegic and we found disney to be more accesible than most every place we have been. he absolutely loves disney and i cant think of anything he was unable to do.

 

[dclfun]

Even without being able to transfer there is MUCH to do and enjoy at Disney. Eternaldisneyfan wrote a great trip report about her family's trip to WDW from the perspective of someone who cannot transfer. If he can transfer, on most attractions they can stop the ride vehicle to allow him some extra time if needed ( there are a few that can't be stopped). ---Kathy

 

[mechurchlady]

Also some of the tours are wheelchair accessible like Keys to the Kingdom Tour.

 

[allie_to_you]

My DH is in a wheelchair and is paralyzed from the waist down because of Spina Bifida. This December will be our 4th trip together and we've both had a fabulous time. All but once, we've stayed on property and have never had any problems with room accessibility.

Yes in the parks, there are a few rides he can't go on just because he isn't able to transfer or I can't help him transfer myself, but that's rare. I'd say 90% of the attractions, he's gotten to enjoy right along with me, even stuff like Soarin.

Don't be afraid to go with a disability...you'll be surprised how accessible many things are!