Question about getting on rides with mobility issues

[sacall]

My Mom would like to visit Disney World in January (probably for the last time due to her health issues). We do plan on renting an ECV for her visit and she will have a cane with her. She can walk, but is a slow walker and cannot walk for long distances.

So, here is my question. I looked through the FAQ sheet, but I didn't see an answer to this or maybe there is an answer but I'm not looking in the right place. I know we do not need a GAC for her since she will be in an ECV, but when we get to rides where she has to get out of the ECV and get on the ride (I'm thinking Spaceship Earth or Haunted Mansion) can she use her cane to get on the ride? Will they stop the moving walkway for her to get on? I don't think she is stable enough on her feet to step from the ground to a moving walkway. Do we need to get a GAC for them to stop the walkway or can we just request they stop it? I'm just concerned that she could fall.

Thanks.

Stacy

 

[jdb in AZ]

Of course she can use her cane, and the CM's are very good about slowing or stopping the walkway as needed. She won't need a GAC for that. They will ask her when she gets to the head of the line if she can "transfer," meaning can she move from ECV to the ride. That would be the time to warn them she'll be moving slowly. But they're used to that. The last thing WDW needs is a lawsuit because a guest fell due to an inattentive CM.

 

[SueM in MN]

You should find the information for each park in post 18-22 on page 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. There is one post for each park and it does list those with moving walkways.
As was already posted, you don't need a GAC to use a wheelchair or ECV in lines. When CMs see someone with a mobility device, they do ask if you can transfer and will usually slow moving walkways down quite a bit without asking (as the other poster mentioned, CMs realize guests using mobility devices will often be slower). If she needs it slowed down even more, she will need to speak up. Canes can be used to get into the ride car and most often you can stow the cane right in the car with you.

There are 2 attractions at WDW where the moving walkway can't be slowed or stopped. One is Peter Pan and the other is the Tomorrowland Transit Authority ( also called Peoplemover).

If you check out those posts in the FAQs and find things missing, let me know. I will add the information.

 

[sacall]

Thanks Sue - that is exactly what I'm looking for to print off for my Mom.

Stacy

 

[WVMomof3]

I have a similar question and will try posting it here without starting a new thread. My DMIL is legally blind, but does not use a cane, wheelchair or other device. If she needs assistance, she will just hold someones arm to guide her. But she moves very slow and takes cautious steps. I am also concerned about her ability to navigate the moving walkways to get into a ride. Since it is not obvious that she needs assistance, do we just ask to have the walk slowed or stopped for her? I would really like her to get a wheelchair. It just seems like it would be safer for her in all the crowds, but not sure if she will.

 

[peemagg]

For your MIL I would go and get a GAC to explain her vision needs. This would probably be of most assistance to you.

 

[videogal1]

For your MIL I would go and get a GAC to explain her vision needs. This would probably be of most assistance to you.

For the OP an arm to hold might be more useful than a cane as canes can be a real nuisance to keep track of on rides as well as other times...such as when riding an ECV.

 

[GrammyJudy]

I bought a folding cane at Walmart that fits in the basket of the ECV and can be folded on the rides if need be. I have trouble with the boats ike POC and IASW because you have to step down and then up. That is when I need someone there to give me a hand.

 

[jmartinez1895]

I have a similar question and will try posting it here without starting a new thread. My DMIL is legally blind, but does not use a cane, wheelchair or other device. If she needs assistance, she will just hold someones arm to guide her. But she moves very slow and takes cautious steps. I am also concerned about her ability to navigate the moving walkways to get into a ride. Since it is not obvious that she needs assistance, do we just ask to have the walk slowed or stopped for her? I would really like her to get a wheelchair. It just seems like it would be safer for her in all the crowds, but not sure if she will.

I wo0uld be worried about people bumping into her and her not seeing something like a curb and falling. I would try my best to talk her into a chair, but if she will not have it then I'll second the idea of going to guest services and getting a GAC to explain her needs because a GAC may come in handy for rides that have stairs or other obstacles that may be hard for her to safely navigate with large crowds. If she does not want to do that then I think that they will slow or stop the walkways ( on the rides that they can) if you just ask them to.

 

[KPeveler]

For vision issues definitely stop by Guest Relations and ask for a GAC. Be sure to explain the difficulties with lines, and not just about seating for shows (if that is an issue for you). My friend who is legally blind got a GAC that let her sit in the front of theatres, but that did not really help much when she tried to navigate dark queues.

Also, she may want a wheelchair because a GAC will not help with crowds, buses, restaurants, character lines, stores, parades, fireworks, anything at the resorts, DTD, or water parks. A wheelchair can help in many ways.

 

[cmesq61]

I do exactly what you plan on...I get as close as I can in my ECV (or by changing to a WC at the ride if needed) and then use my cane to get on and off because i can no longer balance at all without it. I've never had a problem--the CMs are great. I've never used a GAC, and it's never seemed like one would do anything for me that I cannot do myself by communicating what my needs.

One thing, though...riding the ECV and keeping my cane secure requires some effort, because if it falls off while you are driving it's a hazard and you may lose it. You may want to think about a cane holder that fits on the seat of the ECV like a backpack. I used to use a D-ring to hold my cane to the ECV but my manual dexterity deterioration makes it challenging to use a D-ring now. There are lots of different ways to do it.

 

[WVMomof3]

Thanks for the advice for my MIL. Really would like her in the chair for her safety, but she can be stubborn about it sometimes. Thinking it may be easier to talk her into it after the first day when she realizes how difficult it will be for her. It has been about 20 years since she has been to Disney and she could see then.