Rides Wheelchair Can Go On and Restroom Questions

[kjscrafts]

I am getting ready to take my 14-year-old brother to Disneyland on my own for the first time. We have gone many times over the years and usually my dad goes with and he can transfer him to the rides. This time, though, my dad is at a conference in Anaheim and it will just be me taking my brother to the parks. I cannot really lift him anymore (he is almost 100 pounds and it is harder for me because he is also taller than me) and he cannot always transfer (he has cp and can stand with help and such, but he is too afraid to try new things on his own, especially in public). I know a few rides we have done in his wheelchair before (Buzz Lightyear and Toy Story Mania). I was wondering what other rides allow the wheelchair to go on the ride vehicle (boy do I wish they had a Dumbo vehicle like the Magic Carpets in Disney World, but I know that ride is a no).

Also, the restroom situation gets a little odd with me being a female and him being a teenage boy. Again usually Dad helps in this area and he can go like normal with Dad holding him up. I know I can bring his little urinal thing he uses for his school that has no bathrooms with hand rails, but I do not really like the idea of having to take him into the women's room, as it is annoying enough on my own since I have short hair and always get weird looks when I go in the women's restroom. Are there any locations in Disneyland and/or California Adventure that are just single non gender specific companion/family style restrooms? I know that I take him in those kind at our local mall and it is a much more comfortable social situation for him. Not to mention most handicap stalls are fine for a wheelchair user, but get quite crowded if a companion has to go into the stall with them.

 

[McCall]

I suggest you visit the Disablities forum on here, there are answers to in detail in the Faq sections and stickies. as well as if you do a search in that forum. There is a guest with disabilities brochure that tells you what rides are accessible and how and shows the locations of HC restrooms on the disney.com website as well as there being a link in the forum section mentioned.

 

[kjscrafts]

I did look through that forum some, but it seemed to be mostly about WDW and I did not notice anything that specifically helped me understand what rides wheelchairs could go on at Disneyland parks. If I missed those topics, then please point me to them.

As for the Disney disability guide. I am very familiar with it, as we have gone before and I re-looked through it before posting. Parts of it confused me because it says there are special ride vehicles on some rides, such as Pinocchio, however, Pinocchio is not listed as a transfer ride and I was hoping to find out for sure before we go which of those special ride vehicle ones (most in the Bug part of DCA say this, but say transfer) if any, actually mean you do not have to transfer. Also, if anyone could help me understand if these special ride vehicles do mean still mean a transfer how they are adapted to perhaps make it easier for a transfer. I am thinking perhaps the ones designed for an easier transfer may be something my brother can handle, but I am totally unsure what they mean by special vehicle if it does not mean it can accommodate the wheelchair.

As for locations of handicap restrooms I finally did find that part of the Disneyland disability guide. I had accidentally skipped that page because I just noticed the top section said Stamina or Endurance Concerns and that section did not interest me.

 

[LavenderPeach]

The Disabilities forum is mostly about WDW but I asked some questions over there and got lots of helpful tips. There are some DLR people there and also people who have been to DLR in the past so they might be helpful. Other people may be able to give some general suggestions even if they only have experience at WDW. You should try asking and see what responses you get.

Also, regarding the restrooms. You could also use the restrooms in the First Aid stations (there is one at each park). Just go in and ask to use their restroom. The people there are so nice. DS3 has a back brace for scoliosis and in order to change his diaper we need to be able to stand him up and lay him down to take the brace on and off and he's too big for the changing tables in the regular restrooms. So we've been using the restrooms in the first aid station which are big and have a big bed/cot in them which is perfect for our needs. The people over at the Disabilities forum were the ones who suggested using the First Aid station for DS's diaper changes and it's been a life-saver.

 

[got2travel]

Since I haven't had to deal with this issue, I haven't paid much attention, but off the top of my head, the only rides I can think of that you do not have to transfer are Buzz, Toy Story, the Railroad and Small World (could have changed with the new boats, but I doubt it). I'm sure there are more, but like I said these are just some I remember.

As for restrooms, this guide may help you, it's a guide to all the park restrooms. Really geared toward families with young kids, but does help. And, the "secret" restroom would be a good one for you. It's a family style restroom in the back of Carnation Plaza. It's often overlooked because it's sort of behind a fence right next to a Cast Member entrance. But it is a public restroom. I'm not talking about the restrooms in the tunnel leading from Carnation Plaze to Frontierland. But to the right of that tunnel there is a fence, at the far right of that fence is a family style restroom. PM me if you need more help figuring it out.

 

[pixiewings71]

Like LavenderPeach I was going to suggest using the restroom in First Aid, the staff there is wonderful!!!