So much information, such a small brain.

[NavyMomX2]

I need help please. I was just skimming through many posts and could use some concise information.

I've only been on a scooter (see, I don't even remember the acronym you all use) twice. Last Sunday was my second time as I practiced rolling through Wal-Mart. (Trust me, I have a new found respect for all who have mobility issues.) I just got off of the phone with Randy and have reserved a scooter for my stay at POP beginning this weekend. I have severe knee issues which, will not allow me to walk very far most days. Good days and bad, but mostly bad. Please tell me which attractions have long waiting areas, preshows, etc. I've been to the parks more times than I can recall, but that was before my disability and frankly, I never paid attention to the waiting issues. So.......most days, even my worst, I can stand for 1/2 hr or so. Worst days, nope - I'd need to either take the scooter or wheelchair into the waiting line. Getting on & off a ride is not a problem for me.
Thanks so much. You all are so helpful......you just don't know. Some of the wonderful suggestions you gave me a few weeks ago, and those I read when you help others, has given me a new (positive) attitude about needing mobility assistance. I'm packing my white feather boa and will be posing for pictures in that along with the dopiest hat I can find. Once I've sufficiently embarrassed everyone in my group, I'll go back to normal. (Word used loosely! )

 

[KPeveler]

take the scooter into every line with you... I have been in a line that was supposed to be 10 minutes and the ride broke down, and it ended up being an hour! the posted time is generally correct, but not always... in places like fantasyland when you can see the queue, then go ahead and walk if you need to get up and stretch, but some rides like GMR, all of a sudden you walk in and *poof* there is an hour line you didn't count on... also, for some rides you have to walk a lot longer than you think, because the queues change...

 

[NavyMomX2]

Ah.......excellent points. I thought I would "pop into" the post office about 20 mins. before it closed today.... I ended up, in pain, standing for 20 mins. I had already pushed past my limit today and boy oh boy I paid for it. So, yes, your point is well taken!! Thanks.

 

[KPeveler]

It is very hard to accept a mobility device sometimes, so i understand the desire to leave it behind whenever possible, but just remember, there is a difference between surviving the parks and acutally ENJOYING them!

The last thing you want is to miss a Disney memory with your grandkids (if you are going with them) because you are sitting on a bench somewhere in pain!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Alomost all of the lines are scooter (or ECV) accessible. Those that are not either have alternate entrances or will have "loaner" wheelchairs you can transfer to.

And who wants to be normal?

 

[gramto2boys]

wow, you mean I can drive my scooter right into a ride que? I thought I would have to get off and then stand in the que line! wow I am now really excited since I can not stand for more then 10 minutes with out falling over. so just go thru the que?
is there a CM to tell me if I can not do this before I start in the que? see thats what I worry most about, people getting mad because I am in the wrong erea.

 

[SueM in MN]

wow, you mean I can drive my scooter right into a ride que? I thought I would have to get off and then stand in the que line! wow I am now really excited since I can not stand for more then 10 minutes with out falling over. so just go thru the que?
is there a CM to tell me if I can not do this before I start in the que? see thats what I worry most about, people getting mad because I am in the wrong erea.

You don't need a CM even, you can look right on the park maps and tell. There is also a sign at the entrance to every queue that will tell you.
All the lines are wheelchair accessible - some are accessible thru the regular line. A few have a handicapped entrance because the regular one is not accessible.
If there is a stick picture of an ECV with a person getting out of the ECV and getting into a wheelchair, those are the ones that you will have a choice of walking in line or using a "loaner" wheelchair that the attraction has.
If there is a picture of a wheelchair, it means the line is wheelchair and ECV accessible and you don't need to transfer for the attraction.
If there is a picture that includes the stick figure getting out of the wheelchair, that means the line is accessible to wheelchairs and ECVs, but you need to transfer into a ride car.
For those attractions, the wheelchair/ECV will be stored at the place you boarded or moved to the exit by the CM.
You can find out more from the WDW Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities for each park.

Link to the WDW Guidebook for MK

Link to the WDW Guidebook for AK

Link to the WDW Guidebook for the Studio

Link to WDW Guidebook for Epcot
Link to thread about Epcot with some pictures that show queues

You can pick up a written copy of each Guidebook at Guest Relations in any of the parks.

 

[NavyMomX2]

I just truly, cannot thank you all enough for all of your kind help. I'm so new at this ECV thing and I, like the other sweet grandmother who posted here, am afraid of doing something wrong and making someone upset. I HATE to think that I could cause embarrasement to my Grandchildren or anyone else in my group. And yup, Why Be Normal!

One more question: If I use my ECV in lines, can I leave it just before entering the ride? I have no problems doing that and would prefer to sit with my husband, Grandkiddos and the rest of our group.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Basically almost every attraction (more so at AK and DHS due to construction dates) have the queue designed so you can take a wheelchair or ECV all the way to load/unload. Some of the attractions may, partway through the queue, direct you to a spoecial load/unload area.

Normally if load/unload are at the same location there will be a wheelchair/ECV parking area right there for people who can transfer. If they are not at the same area either you will be directed toward the exit or they will move the ECV for you to unload.

And all the theaters have special seating areas in the back, where there are seats removed from the last row so two wheelchairs or ECVs can park next to each other, and there are then seats to the side of the parking spaces for other members of the party.

 

[KPeveler]

this last trip to disney was my first with a wheelchair (i use a manual chair), and when i got to the front of hte attraction, i would ask the CM where I went if I was unsure. Generally you go in the normal queue, at least part-way... the CMs are very helpful, so no worries about them!

I would suggest getting a "guidebook for disabilities" at Guest Services when you get there and carrying ti with you, that may be helpful, especially if you chance upon the rare, confused, CM.

And pooh! on other people who look or make comments - if they are too busy minding everyone else's business rather than enjoying their own vacation, that is their problem!

 

[mamaloya]

Don't worry about other people. My experience was overwhelmingly positive from the guests. People were generally understanding and helpful. Unfortunately, the help sometimes came with looks of pity as if to say they are glad they are not in my shoes (or chair as the case may be). When I was pushing myself one evening and wound up on an incline more than I could handle with ease, a nice gentleman just grabbed my chair and pushed me until I could do it. He handled it as if he was just holding the door open for someone. No big deal to him. HUGE deal to me. I am hoping to have an electric for next trip as my upper body strength is getting worse.

Anyway, don't worry about others. Most are VERY nice. The few that may be like Donald Duck when he is angry would be like that even if you weren't in a scooter, so just ignore them.

Have a great trip!

 

[gramto2boys]

Now , now I am excited beyond measure!! I knew I would most likely have to use a scooter at some point, but this week was an eye opener and now I know I will not be able to go with out a scooter. I reserved mine today!! I talked with Buena vista personally this morning, they have mine reserved for November and its a celebrity. I feel so much better knowing I can go thru some of the ques, and that I will be ok!! I ordered the guide to disabilities and will read and study up on them before I go. thank you all, so much for helping me!!

one question... I rented the celebrity, but I read on the web its 50 inches long. I hear here it needs to be 48 inches to fit on bus, I hope I did not get the wrong one I would hate to not fit on a bus. OYE

 

[NavyMomX2]

Gramto2boys, good for you! I made a reservation for a scooter yesterday, too. Sorry, I can't help you with the length requirements regarding the bus. I'm renting mine with Randy's and it is an Amigo. (Not that I know squat about brands of ECVs.) I wasn't sure where to rent one, but after reading all the nice reviews, I called. I'm thrilled that his store delivers the scooter right to hotel door and picks it up the morning I fly home. I'm sure someone else here will be able to help you.

 

[gramto2boys]

Gramto2boys, good for you! I made a reservation for a scooter yesterday, too. Sorry, I can't help you with the length requirements regarding the bus. I'm renting mine with Randy's and it is an Amigo. (Not that I know squat about brands of ECVs.) I wasn't sure where to rent one, but after reading all the nice reviews, I called. I'm thrilled that his store delivers the scooter right to hotel door and picks it up the morning I fly home. I'm sure someone else here will be able to help you.

wow, never heard of an Amigo, what does it look like ? I wuld love to know what it looks like and so forth. I am glad you went with Randys, i did to today

 

[Cheshire Figment]

According to the specification in Pride's web site, the Celebrity-X is 46 inches long.

 

[gramto2boys]

According to the specification in Pride's web site, the Celebrity-X is 46 inches long.

Thank you! I saw it said 50 but maybe it was for a 4 wheel one. I am thrilled its going to work !!

 

[NavyMomX2]

I'm not exactly sure what an Amigo looks like but I do know that it has just 3 wheels, which for me, I found a bit easier to manuever than a 4 wheeler style. Well......at least that was my experience the 3 times I've used a scooter at Wally World. www.randysmobility.com has pictures, etc. Nice folks to deal with.

 

[SueM in MN]

To fit on the buses with lifts, it needs to be 48 inches or less. For the buses with ramps, a few inches more doesn't matter. The buses with lifts are the oldest ones.