Stroller as a wheelchair - option for us?

[kjmommie]

We just found out that my 4 year old son has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He has difficulty climbing in and out of cars, steps, rides, and gets fatigued over time. We also never know what each day will be as some times he has more energy and can do more than other days. Of course mornings are better as he has more energy.

At this point he is not on any medication or treatment though that will be coming very soon.

I have a double stroller that we use on a regular basis for him and my 5 year old daughter. It is a sit and stand and she stands and he sits.

My question is this: is it possible for us to get something to use the stroller as a wheelchair at times during the day? He is 40 pounds and I really can't carry him much down lines, steps, etc. By March I am sure that he will weigh a little more.

I do know about the GAC and may get one to use at times with rides that may require him to need more time to get in and out of or lines that cause us to go up and down stairs/ long ways. I have used a GAC with a friend of mine who has a bad back and can't walk/stand during our trips to WDW.

I don't want to take advantage of the system as he does not always need help. There are just those times that it is difficult for him (and us) to manuerver him to where that he needs to go either on his feet or having us carry him.

Thanks in advance!
Kristi

 

[peemagg]

Yes you can definitly get a stroller as wheelchair tag for your stroller. You would not be abusing the system. You have a real need for the system and that is what it is there for.

 

[seashoreCM]

With a stroller-as-wheelchair tag you can still follow the regular stroller line and procedures as long as you can or wish. Switch to the stroller-as-wheelchair procedures when you reach a mandatory stroller parking area.

Some rides still require getting out of a stroller-as-wheelchair or out of a regular wheelchair and sitting in a regular ride seat.

 

[SueM in MN]

There is more about GAC and strollers as wheelchairs in post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. The CMs in Guest Relations would add 'stroller as wheelchair' to the GAC and/or give you a sticker (sort of like an airline baggage tag) to put on the stroller.
Most attractions have Mainstreamed Lines, which means that the regular line is accessible (or mostly accessible).
One of the posts in the disABILITIES FAQs thread lists the 'Mobility Entrances' which are mostly listed as entering thru the usual queue.
There are only a few lines with stairs; for those, there will be a wheelchair pull off point which avoids the stairs. Using a stroller as a wheelchair, you would be able to bring the stroller in and use it in lines the same as a wheelchair. And, people have been able to use double strollers also. The double stroller just needs to be no larger than a standard wheelchair (less than 32 inches wide and less than 48 inches long).

You can also park the stroller with the other strollers if he feels like walking for a while.

For attractions with moving walkways, guests with wheelchairs or special needs usually wait in the regular line until it is almost at the boarding area, and then those guests are pulled out to board at the exit. The CMs at the exit can slow down or even stop the moving walkway at the exit for most attractions. You will need to tell them what you need because seeing your child in a stroller, they will not know what his needs are as far as the moving walkway is concerned.
There are 2 attractions where the moving walkway can't be slowed or stopped - Peter Pan and the Tomorrowland Transit Authority (the Peoplemover). There is a steep moving ramp to get up and down from the second floor Peoplemover station and there is a moving walkway to board the ride cars.
Pirates of the Caribbean also has a steep moving walkway to get back up to ground level after the unload area. There is a small elevator down a little hallway to the left of the moving ramp.

 

[ppony]

PPs have given you excellent advice already! And as one that has to use our stroller as a wheelchair for our son in Nov. it was a God-send. Just explain to the CM where you get them what you needs are and they will know what to do. When I did that and she came back w/ the pass and the sticker for the stroller, I honestly cried. It gave me hope, that we might, just might, be able to have some magic this trip. And it was. As much as it could have been for our situation. Good luck and have a magical trip!