So I got a spectator seat

[yasmina]

which is basically a 3 paralleled legged cane that folds out into a small seat - no more than 5-6 inches wide.

Since my issues are primarily standing in lines or in the same place for lengthy periods, can I request a GAC for using this?

I want be able to use this cane for standing in lines, rather than requesting an area to sit while waiting. Also handy while waiting for parades.

TIA!

 

[Talking Hands]

which is basically a 3 paralleled legged cane that folds out into a small seat - no more than 5-6 inches wide.

Since my issues are primarily standing in lines or in the same place for lengthy periods, can I request a GAC for using this?

I want be able to use this cane for standing in lines, rather than requesting an area to sit while waiting. Also handy while waiting for parades.

TIA!

With that I don't see that you will need a GAC. Enjoy your trip.

 

[tiggrbaby]

I bought this chair in case my parents are able to travel to Disney (my dad can't walk more than a few minutes without resting). Will I be able to bring it in the park? It folds to 6" x 30" and has a shoulder strap. I thought I could carry it for him to wait in lines.

TIA!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

If your father has such a stamina/mobility problem really the best thing for him and the whole family is to arrange for the rental of a wheelchair or ECV for the duration of the trip.

Most of the lines are really stop and go, often moving only about ten feet at a time. Or maybe actually moving continuously but very slow. Only when you are in line for a show is there a wait of a few minutes and then everyone goes in.

Most of the ride lines are "mainstreamed" so a person in a wheelchair or ECV can get all the way to the boarding area without getting out of the chair; only having to transfer to a ride vehicle. The shows, again the lines are mainstreamed, but there is a special seating area for people in wheelchairs or ECV and those with them.

Seriously, the first time I decided I needed an ECV my wife was very happy because I was no longer slowing her down. And if you are with a fair size group your father will not really be ahppy in slowing everyone else down.

 

[yasmina]

I bought this chair in case my parents are able to travel to Disney (my dad can't walk more than a few minutes without resting). Will I be able to bring it in the park? It folds to 6" x 30" and has a shoulder strap. I thought I could carry it for him to wait in lines.

TIA!

You shouldn't have a problem with this, but I would call Disney anyway just to double check. I did and spoke with a wonderful cm, who not only added to our ressie that we needed a room on the first floor, but he also took the time to call Special Services. If you don't get satisfaction the first time you call, call again and ask to speak to SS directly.

I agree with the other posters about the ECV. If your dad can't walk well, that might be a better solution. For me, the spectator seat was the answer to my prayers, as I was able to walk pretty well. Waiting in lines, though, was agony for me. The lines that kept moving were no problem, but you never know when those lines will come to a complete stop. For me, when they did stop, I was able to use my chair, and when it moved a minute later, it had a handle on it, I could pick it up w/o folding the seat, and move it with me. Also, the times when there was a "pre-show" before a ride, as short as they are, it was nice to be able to sit. Same thing while waiting for a show to let us into the auditorium, such as the Hall of Presidents and Philharmagic.

On another thread, someone made a comment about using ECVs and spectator seats - you get an eyeful of backsides. Trust me, I didn't care.

 

[tiggrbaby]

Thanks for the advice! Sounds like the chair will best be put to use on the balcony at the resort.

 

[Shorty82]

I bought this chair in case my parents are able to travel to Disney (my dad can't walk more than a few minutes without resting). Will I be able to bring it in the park? It folds to 6" x 30" and has a shoulder strap. I thought I could carry it for him to wait in lines.

TIA!

I doubt they'll let you through security with a chair like that. According to a CM on another site that got the information right out of their intranet information site:

Certain items are not permitted into the Theme Parks and Downtown Disney. This includes, but is not limited to:

Folding chairs, except certain portable seats that can be used as mobility aids

 

[shellybaxter]

My friend was stopped when carrying the folding stool/cane and told she could not carry it into the parks and that chairs were not allowed. She had to return the stool to the car before entering the park

 

[yasmina]

I doubt they'll let you through security with a chair like that. According to a CM on another site that got the information right out of their intranet information site:

That must be why I didn't have any trouble. The only time we were questioned was on our last day (!) entering the MK. The cm said to my husband, who was carrying the cane/seat, "use as cane, no seat". Yeah, right

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

I had a folding stool with me in Disney. I brought it in my backpack (without it being in its own storage bag) and had no problem getting it through security - was never asked about it. I don't use a WC or ECV (although my friend was in an ECV), but I do use a mobility dog.

It is this seat (but I took the bag off):

It takes about three seconds to set up and another three to take down. I was glad to have it, even though I didn't have to use it much (no long lines in May).

 

[SueM in MN]

TIA!

I agree with the others that type of seat would not be allowed. It is a folding chair. Even if you could bring it in, it would be too cumbersome to fold and unfold and would not easily be able to be brought into ride cars with you.

If you do a google search using the words "cane seat" you will find a lot of portable seats that would work well and would not be a problem with security. Here are a few I found:
Travelon Walking Cane Seat
Handy Seat Cane
Single leg cane seat

The one that Ms_Butterfly brought in is kind of 'iffy'. The CM may not mention/notice it or you could end up with CMs who won't allow it because it is a folding stool that can't be used as a cane.

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

The one that Ms_Butterfly brought in is kind of 'iffy'. The CM may not mention/notice it or you could end up with CMs who won't allow it because it is a folding stool that can't be used as a cane.

If the CM says something, explain the ADA to them!

 

[SueM in MN]

If the CM says something, explain the ADA to them!

You can try to explain your need and you might be able to get it in, but the ADA would cover a mobility device, (like the cane chairs that could be also used as a cane). The ADA would not necessarily require them to allow in something that is actually a chair because they do have benches available.

 

[thejackattack21]

Folding chairs that are not being used as canes are not allowed into any of the theme parks. Period. No exceptions. Would you be able to sneak it past? Maybe, especially in the parks other than the Magic Kingdom, which is rumored to have the strictest turnstile CMs. But if you get caught sitting in it anywhere in a park, you will be asked to put it away. Plus, there's really nowhere to sit in a line. If you have mobility problems, you really should rent (or bring) an ECV or wheelchair. You will be much more comfortable.

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

You can try to explain your need and you might be able to get it in, but the ADA would cover a mobility device, (like the cane chairs that could be also used as a cane). The ADA would not necessarily require them to allow in something that is actually a chair because they do have benches available.

The ADA requires them to make reasonable accommodations. It isn't wheelchair- or cane-specific. There aren't any benches in the lines to the rides, therefore, a folding portable stool would be a reasonable accommodation for somebody who needs it in order to access the rides.

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

Folding chairs that are not being used as canes are not allowed into any of the theme parks. Period. No exceptions.

No exceptions to their rule, yes, but exceptions under the ADA is also a yes. Just like they don't allow wheeled things, but have to allow wheelchairs and ECVs and they don't allow animals, but have to allow service animals.

Would you be able to sneak it past? Maybe, especially in the parks other than the Magic Kingdom, which is rumored to have the strictest turnstile CMs. But if you get caught sitting in it anywhere in a park, you will be asked to put it away. Plus, there's really nowhere to sit in a line. If you have mobility problems, you really should rent (or bring) an ECV or wheelchair. You will be much more comfortable.

I brought it into every park (except Animal Kingdom, as we didn't get there, boo) and had no problems. I certainly wasn't sneaking it in nor was I sneaking around to use it. Yes, it can be used in a line just as easily as ppl standing in a line (or using a cane seat). And if a CM asks you to put it away, you explain to them that you need it - no big deal. Not everybody needs, wants, or can use an ECV. Remember that different ppl need different accommodations because their needs are different from others'. Just like not everybody can use a cane chair, so they need a folding stool instead - it is the same thing and same accommodation.

 

[SueM in MN]

The ADA requires them to make reasonable accommodations. It isn't wheelchair- or cane-specific. There aren't any benches in the lines to the rides, therefore, a folding portable stool would be a reasonable accommodation for somebody who needs it in order to access the rides.

If it works, more power to you. I was thinking in terms of the ADA specifically allowing mobility devices. If you can argue that it is a reasonable accomodation and it does not interfere with the safety of other guests, it certainly sounds like it 'fit'. After all, you are the one carrying it around.

They could come back with the 'nature' of some of their lines is that they are slowly moving and as such, are not suitable to a folding chair, so it would not be considered 'reasonable accomodation in those lines (those might be the ones where a CM might question it).
For the ones that load in 'batches' and you are standing in one place for long time, the stool would be reasonable.

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

If it works, more power to you. I was thinking in terms of the ADA specifically allowing mobility devices. If you can argue that it is a reasonable accomodation and it does not interfere with the safety of other guests, it certainly sounds like it 'fit'. After all, you are the one carrying it around.

They could come back with the 'nature' of some of their lines is that they are slowly moving and as such, are not suitable to a folding chair, so it would not be considered 'reasonable accomodation in those lines (those might be the ones where a CM might question it).
For the ones that load in 'batches' and you are standing in one place for long time, the stool would be reasonable.

Yeah, in lines that you just walk through or keep moving slowly through, it wouldn't work 'cause you'd never get the chance to sit. But in places where you have to wait (i.e. shows, Friendship boats, you went at a way too busy time of the year with 60+ min. lines), it works well. It is best to plan to go at a slow time of the year so that most of the lines are walk-throughs. And staying on-site so you can do EMH is great, too.