Recommendations please -- 85yo dad with cane/wheelchair

[kay1864]

My father hasn't been to WDW since 1973 (when it was just MK), and is looking forward to seeing all 4 parks this fall. He walks pretty well (but slowly) with a cane, negotiates stairs OK, but we'll likely rent a wheelchair (which I will push) to avoid him getting too fatigued.

Should he:
1. Stay in the regular line (in the wheelchair) up to the point of getting on the ride
2. Use wheelchair access/elevators where possible

We'll likely get a DAS card but will probably use it minimally since it means pushing the wheelchair to FP attractions twice.

 

[BabyFu18]

If he just need the wheelchair for stamina issues I don't know if the DAS will be helpful. He can stay in the wheelchair in the lines at most rides, and that would probably be most helpful for him so he doesn't have to stand and shuffle along in the lines, then his wheelchair will be awaiting him at the end of the rides.

 

[powellrj]

Unless he has other issues, I doubt he will qualify for a das. He will be able to stay in his wheelchair for almost all ride because they are wide enough for a chair.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

plan on using chair in the lines and cane to help load and unload at the ride CMs will take care of chair and it will be where you unload at the end of ride

 

[gap2368]

My father hasn't been to WDW since 1973 (when it was just MK), and is looking forward to seeing all 4 parks this fall. He walks pretty well (but slowly) with a cane, negotiates stairs OK, but we'll likely rent a wheelchair (which I will push) to avoid him getting too fatigued.

Should he:
1. Stay in the regular line (in the wheelchair) up to the point of getting on the ride
2. Use wheelchair access/elevators where possible

We'll likely get a DAS card but will probably use it minimally since it means pushing the wheelchair to FP attractions twice.

if all he need is a wheel chair no need for a DAS card

most lines at WDW are wheel chair freadly

some like splash, Toy story have stars a CM will direct you to an alternative entrance at this point

a few space ship earth you go thought the exit these go to the front and ask the CM there what to do they will either give you a return time ( on a pice of paper) and let you know where you should go.

when you go to the parks you can stop at GR and ask for a map for disabilities this will let you know what rides are wheel chair friendly ( use your wheel chair on) and what ones you need to transfer for, things like this. or you can ask the CM ( the CM will most likely let you know if the line is not wheel chair friendly

 

[OurBigTrip]

Highly unlikely he'll be able to get a DAS.

 

[Bete]

Be careful of rides that have a deep drop to get in like boat rides. I think this could be hard for your dad. If you do it have someone in front of him and in back of him for support getting in and out. I find test track to be somewhat difficult for folks with mobility issues to get in and out of.

Also, you may want to get your father to a ride in the wheelchair and have him transfer to the ride and someone else get it parked.

Try to alternate shows and rides. This will afford your father a rest here and there. Parades and fireworks are a rest period, too. Meals provide a rest. Make sure he stays well hydrated. If there will be a long wait for a ride consider using a restroom before getting in the line.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Most likely he won't qualify for a DAS based on what you've described his needs are. I would recommend he stay in the wheelchair through the lines.

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree with the other posters who recommended using the wheelchair in line.
All attractions are wheelchair accessible to the point of boarding; DAS is not needed to use a wheelchair in line, so is not given for mobility related needs that are met by the wheelchair.

Some lines are a longer distance than they look and waits can sometimes be longer than expected because of some attraction issue.

Posts 18-21 in the dsABILITIES FAQs thread are about boarding - which might be harder to step into, etc. the disABILITIES FAQs thread is stuck near the top of this board or you can follow the link in my signature.

 

[Yzerbear19]

I would actually recommend renting an ECV rather than a wheelchair. There are a lot of hills in the parks. We had a regular wheelchair for my Mom in 2009 and it was exhausting pushing her all through the parks. After that we now rent her an ECV. It makes it a lot easier for everyone.