Special needs stroller and the buses-disneyworld transportation

[berries]

Well I would measure it with the smaller wheels but I have misplaced the measuring tape! I was measuring the luggage and carryons last night and not sure where I laid it down now.

 

[berries]

38" from back wheel to front wheel (swivel)

43" from back of it to the furthest point at the front of it (cover for big wheel which stays on even with the small swivel wheels)

 

[SueM in MN]

Yes the swivel wheels are in place on it. I have been practicing going around corners and moving it in tight spaces. But I have been debating whether it would be better to just use this one at home and rent one while traveling...because I will be upset if we bring it and aren't allowed to use it. At least until we can get a smaller one for travel that folds up easily and isn't as long! One issue I had in deciding is no store stocks them where we live so I couldn't see the stroller before purchasing. There are many great aspects to this stroller but traveling with it being so big is a concern. Looking at the TSA website last night, I wondered about it going through security.

Security at the airport would not be a problem. Smaller strollers that can fit thru the xray machine are folded and sent thru that. Yours might not fit anyway and if you tell them it is your child's wheelchair, they should handle it differently. They would just screen it the same way they do wheelchairs.

People using wheelchairs need to go into a line that allows them to bypass the walk thru scanner (since the metal in the wheelchair or stroller would set off the scanner). If your DD can walk thru the scanner, it would be easier to have her do that because the TSA people can check an empty chair faster than one with someone sitting in it.
You would need to remove any bags or other things that could carry thing (make sure those little pockets are empty) before handing the stroller over to the TSA people. One of the agents would take the chair past the scanner. They will use a handheld scanner, mirrors to look underneath and their hands to pat down the chair (and the person in it, if she is still sitting in it).

I did call Disneyworld and really no one could tell me for sure what would happen. One said I might need a note from a doctor. (I have one about her having special needs but not one saying she needs a stroller) One said it shouldn't be a problem. But what if it is and we get stopped?

When you call WDW, you are getting a call center, not Guest Relations CMs who actually deal with needs in the parks.
I would suggest you measure the stroller with the smaller swivel wheels on it. The way mechurchlady suggested would be a good way (i.e. put it so either the front or the back is against a wall and measure how far it comes out from the wall). That will give you the total length. If it is smaller than 52 inches long, you are within the guidelines anyway and won't be questioned. If it is questioned, that stroller is your DD's mobility device and if she needs it for safety, it can't be prevented from being brought into the park any more than my DD's wheelchair can.
If it is too long, it may not fit in all the places a wheelchair would fit, but that is a size consideration that anyone with an oversize device would run into.

You don't need a note from your doctor either to request a GAC or to use a stroller as a wheelchair (many people have posted in the past that the CMs at Guest Relations actually suggested using a stroller as a wheelchair for their kids with autism or similar conditions).
Some people feel more comfortable having a letter from the doctor about their child's needs - especially for invisible needs. But, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) says that you cannot be required to provide proof in order to get accommodations for needs related to a disability. So, you can't be required to show a letter from the doctor. It is very likely that the CMs at Guest Relations will not want to even look at your doctor letter. You can (and will) be asked to explain/describe your DD's needs since not everyone with the same condition or diagnosis has the same needs.
The information in the post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs about GACs is up to date and was reviewed (unofficially, since they were not allowed to give an official answer) by CMs who work at the parks in Guest Relations.

 

[SueM in MN]

38" from back wheel to front wheel (swivel)

43" from back of it to the furthest point at the front of it (cover for big wheel which stays on even with the small swivel wheels)

You should be OK for size then.

 

[berries]

Will it be too long for lines into rides? Or for the shows?

 

[ireland_nicole]

No; with 43" you should be fine; it's about the same as most ECV's, although a little narrower. There will be some tight turns, etc. but nothing you can't handle. Just make sure to get the stroller as w/c GAC; if an ECV will fit, you will too.
Have a great trip!!!

 

[dclfun]

The photo Sue shared of the woman pushing a child in the stroller looks like it's so tall that she coudn't see over it. If it were me, I'd be concerned about inadvertently hitting someone in front of me with the front tire. As was mentioned, people stop suddenly or dart in front of you in the parks so it will be an effort to steer and drive safely. I would imagine if it becomes a challenge, you could always call and rent a SN stroller at that point.---Kathy

 

[berries]

That is why I suggested looking for a picture with someone pushing it! Those are my thoughts exactly. Especially children running in front. Of course I don't imagine running with it there but still. I would feel more comfortable in wide open spaces with it rather than a crowded amusement park. Taking walks will be fine especially where we normally will go.