Rheumatoid arthritis and waiting in line

[CodeGoddess]

I have read through the Disney websites FAQ and through the pinned threads on this board. Thank you everyone who posted information, is has been invaluable.

My mother was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis this year and it effects her knees and legs so she wont be able to stand in long lines. I know years ago we saw where families could stand in the long lines and their family member who had mobility issues could sit at the front to wait for their family to make it through the line so they could all ride together. Is this something that is still done?

 

[gap2368]

no it is not you can rent a wheel chair for your mom she dose not have to use it all the time ( some just push it) but if they allowed you to wait at the front for your party there would be no room for people to get on the ride as there would be to many people. also most ride are wheel chair can go through to line a few they can not and the CM at those rides will tell you what to do

 

[SueM in MN]

Even though people used to post about the person with a disability waiting at the front while the rest of their party waited in the line, there were very few attractions that actually worked like that. In most cases, there isn't a place to sit and wait and not a place to wait outside of the line and then move into line when the rest of your party gets to the front.

I agree with the other posters that her best option is probably a mobility device. A wheelchair would give her the choice of standing or sitting. Another option would be a rollator, which is a walker with wheels and a fold down seat.

Disney suggests a mobility device because of all the walking involved in a day started the parks. People typically walk 5-6 or even more miles per day and most of it is not in lines.

 

[nikkislaght]

This past April while in Disneyland. I was able to wait in the disabled area of Toy Story Mania while my family waited in the regular line.. once they got to the front of the line they sent them down to where I was sitting.. and we loaded up... so at some rides its possible that one or two rides may give you that option, but as I don't go to Disney World , I cant tell you which ones . my guess would be to ask.. but also renting a wheelchair would be the way to go...

 

[minnie mum]

There are hardly any lines where you can see the front of the line from the end of the line, or entrance. There isn't likely to be a place to rest, even if she could see that far. And then what? She line cuts past everyone else waiting in line? No. That's not how its done. Disney's answer for all mobility and stamina issues is the use of a device like Sue mentioned. Most attractions are mainstreamed so she can use it right through the regular line. A few will have separate HC entrances. And some have you go through the regular line up to a certain point and then split off to a HC accessible route. The ride CMs will tell you what you need to know for each ride. Sue also has excellent descriptions of ride accessibility in the FAQ sticky.

 

[KPeveler]

Just agreeing with what everyone else said. I am not sure if your mother has been to the parks before, but as I am sure you know, there is a LOT more walking than people think. Also, she may be more affected by heat or sun because of medications she may be taking (this is something to double-check with her doctor, btw). I would definitely look into renting a wheelchair or scooter, or look into getting her a rollator. It is not uncommon for a person to push the chair themselves for part of the day and then just sit down when she needs it. She can also use it between attractions, but transfer to regular seats in theatres as well. The FAQs at the top of this page have links to the rental vendors that deliver to property.

 

[CodeGoddess]

She line cuts past everyone else waiting in line? No.

I'm not sure how you got to line cut but years ago your family would do the waiting in line for you and you would be brought through a special entrance to wait for them. I see that is no longer the case.

Also thank you everyone else for the suggestion on the wheelchair. We are planning to rent one but now you also have me thinking the rolllator might be an option. We have 6 other family members going with her so I think if was all take turns pushing her she will be able to make it through the parks without us being too exhausted.

 

[gap2368]

if you have 6 people with you a wheelchair might be better she can push it to walk some or she could sit and have someone push her. I am not sure ho much walking she can do or how comftable the roller is to sit for a long time

 

[CodeGoddess]

if you have 6 people with you a wheelchair might be better she can push it to walk some or she could sit and have someone push her. I am not sure ho much walking she can do or how comftable the roller is to sit for a long time

Were not exactly sure yet how much walking she can do. The last two months have been back and forth to the Dr working to get meds adjusted. They think they are getting close. He did tell her to start exercising again so she has been able to do .25 to .5 miles at a slower pace to start.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

mobility issues could sit at the front to wait for their family to make it through the line so they could all ride together. Is this something that is still done?

Mobility Issues are typically NOT a reason to gain a DAS.

 

[CodeGoddess]

Mobility Issues are typically NOT a reason to gain a DAS.

I'm sorry but we are not looking for a DAS. I appologize if you misunderstood what i was asking. I'm trying to find a way to keep my mother off her feet as much as possible to keep the inflammation in her knees to a minimum so she will be able to make it through the parks.

 

[shrinkydinky]

i have a condition similar to RA. My first time at DisneyWorld i used a rolling walker. Now my sister and i both rent electric scooters. It has made a world of difference. Trying to walk when you are in pain just drains everything out of you so you can't enjoy anything. We found all the rides very accommodating. We always ask the Cast Member at the front of ride what to do and they direct us to either a different entrance, tell us we can take our scooters in the line, or sometimes issue a return ticket to come back at a certain time. i think they did that last time at Pirates of the Caribbean when we were at Disneyland. Loved that entrance as there were other physically impaired folks like us and we were allowed plenty of time to get on and off the ride. Anyhow, highly recommend the electric scooters. They are truly a blessing for those with mobility issues.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

what i was asking. I'm trying to find a way to keep my mother off her feet as much as possible

1) My error.
2) Let's call the misinterpretation "A Senior Thing".
. . . that's my story and I am sticking with it.
3) As far as waiting elsewhere, check with the CM at the start of the line.
4) With SOME attractions, there is ample space for 1-3 people to wait for their group.
5) In most cases, there is not a space to wait.
6) Best idea, as you figured, is a wheelchair or ECV.
. . . this way, it is available anytime they need to rest or wait

NOTE: ECV's can be rented relatively cheaply form off-site vendors for your length of stay. In this manner, the ECV can be used at the resort and Downtown Disney.

 

[Lisaloo]

I'm sorry but we are not looking for a DAS. I appologize if you misunderstood what i was asking. I'm trying to find a way to keep my mother off her feet as much as possible to keep the inflammation in her knees to a minimum so she will be able to make it through the parks.

My DM went with DD5 and me in 2007. She was a long term RA patient and we had a much needed conversation before we went. She agreed to rent a wheelchair for the entire trip and it was absolutely the best decision. We were able to go to the access entrance for most rides and shows. My mom would have loved to be healthy enough to stand and walk and wait, but RA is tricky and the flare ups are unpredictable.

 

[CodeGoddess]

2) Let's call the misinterpretation "A Senior Thing".
. . . that's my story and I am sticking with it.

No worries. I appreciate all the help everyone is giving us. <3

My DM went with DD5 and me in 2007. She was a long term RA patient and we had a much needed conversation before we went. She agreed to rent a wheelchair for the entire trip and it was absolutely the best decision. We were able to go to the access entrance for most rides and shows. My mom would have loved to be healthy enough to stand and walk and wait, but RA is tricky and the flare ups are unpredictable.

Thank you!! It's the random flare ups that make this so hard to predict what to do. I think you have confirmed exactly what we had been thinking about needing the wheelchair.

 

[KPeveler]

Were not exactly sure yet how much walking she can do. The last two months have been back and forth to the Dr working to get meds adjusted. They think they are getting close. He did tell her to start exercising again so she has been able to do .25 to .5 miles at a slower pace to start.

Then you will definitely need an ECV. The line into and our of Soarin' is over half a mile. And that is just the queue, not even including getting to the entrance. I think a rollator may be a little too much walking.

 

[Lisaloo]

Then you will definitely need an ECV. The line into and our of Soarin' is over half a mile. And that is just the queue, not even including getting to the entrance. I think a rollator may be a little too much walking.

We used a regular wheelchair and I pushed my DM. She had as much trouble with her hands as her knees and an ECV would have been difficult for her.

 

[KPeveler]

Good point - I should have said "wheelchair or ECV"