Stroller as wheel chair

[Kayla12]

I apologize if this seems silly....this is our first trip ever to Disney. We have 6 kiddos, one being disabled. She has a trach, a feeding tube, a ventilator and oxygen. We do not have a wheelchair for her, she's 23 months old. We have a double stroller for her and all her equipment and supplies that come along with us. We are 9 days til our vacation, and I'm stressing over the stroller as a wheelchair. I guess my question is that because it's a double stroller will it be an issue with restaurants and lines for the rides. A single stroller will not work with everything we need for her. Please tell me I'm stressing for nothing! TIA

 

[SueM in MN]

It's not a problem for the parks.
Strollers that are not longer than 52 inches and not wider then 36 inches are allowed in the parks. Wheelchair accessible 'paths' and spots are able to accommodate a wheelchair that is 32 inches wide and 48 inches long.

You will need to empty and fold a stroller for the buses (special needs strollers which have a transport option with tiedown loops are safe for use in buses. There are no double transport ready strollers).

 

[k8Davies]

Not a problem, just talk to Guest services and they will give you a lovely red label that you can put on your Pushchair which will let CM know it is being used as a Wheelchair.

We did it on our last trip it was great, didn't have to leave it in any of the stroller parks when entering certain area Even got it in the FEA queue which was fantastic as I was on my own that day and that would have been a nightmare.

Also didn't have to collapse it for bus rides, but it was just a bog standard single stroller. not sure if they can accommodate double stroller - But I'm sure Guest Services can give you all the info

 

[lanejudy]

Also didn't have to collapse it for bus rides, but it was just a bog standard single stroller.

I'm glad everything worked for you, but this is so disappointing to read! The WDW bus drivers used to be good about insisting strollers be collapsed. There have been other reports in the past several months about being allowed to use a stroller on the buses. I suspect the bus drivers have received so much pushback from parents with a SaW tag, that they've given in and allow it. From a safety standpoint, that is not good.



To all parents using stroller-as-wheelchair and buses: know your equipment, be aware of whether your stroller has been designed for use during transport. If you don't know, if the thought never crossed your mind, if it wasn't prominently listed as a feature of your stroller, assume the stroller is not transport-ready. The vast majority of strollers in use at WDW are not, even most special needs strollers are not. Using tie-downs on just any stroller can damage the frame, putting the child at risk of injury if the stroller fails. The bus doesn't have to be involved in an accident for damage to occur, and the damage may or may not be immediately noticed. PLEASE - your child's safety is ultimately your responsibility, don't leave that decision to a bus driver who doesn't know your equipment. Fold your stroller and don't tie-down a stroller on a bus unless that stroller is designed for transport.

 

[Kayla12]

Not a problem, just talk to Guest services and they will give you a lovely red label that you can put on your Pushchair which will let CM know it is being used as a Wheelchair.

We did it on our last trip it was great, didn't have to leave it in any of the stroller parks when entering certain area Even got it in the FEA queue which was fantastic as I was on my own that day and that would have been a nightmare.

Also didn't have to collapse it for bus rides, but it was just a bog standard single stroller. not sure if they can accommodate double stroller - But I'm sure Guest Services can give you all the info

What is FEA? I'm sorry I'm ignorant!

 

[shannonstar]

What is FEA? I'm sorry I'm ignorant!

Frozen Ever After

 

[k8Davies]

I'm glad everything worked for you, but this is so disappointing to read! The WDW bus drivers used to be good about insisting strollers be collapsed. There have been other reports in the past several months about being allowed to use a stroller on the buses. I suspect the bus drivers have received so much pushback from parents with a SaW tag, that they've given in and allow it. From a safety standpoint, that is not good.



To all parents using stroller-as-wheelchair and buses: know your equipment, be aware of whether your stroller has been designed for use during transport. If you don't know, if the thought never crossed your mind, if it wasn't prominently listed as a feature of your stroller, assume the stroller is not transport-ready. The vast majority of strollers in use at WDW are not, even most special needs strollers are not. Using tie-downs on just any stroller can damage the frame, putting the child at risk of injury if the stroller fails. The bus doesn't have to be involved in an accident for damage to occur, and the damage may or may not be immediately noticed. PLEASE - your child's safety is ultimately your responsibility, don't leave that decision to a bus driver who doesn't know your equipment. Fold your stroller and don't tie-down a stroller on a bus unless that stroller is designed for transport.

This seem really strange to me as why would they ask you to fold it up if it has a sticker? they wouldn't ask someone to get out of their wheelchair and fold it down so why on earth would you ask someone using another device designated a wheelchair to to it.

Of course if it's just being used as a stroller then definitely with no sticker then definitely.

But I would have taken issue if they asked me to remove my DS when his need is just as much as a wheelchair person .

We did this on multiple occasion across different Buses so it wasn't just one bus driver. So I have to assume that Disney are okay with this and have assessed the risk of the situation.

Although as I put in my last messages the best advice would be to check with guest services when you get the sticker and see what they say about buses - as @lanejudy does bring up a good point some strollers, especially doubles might not be able to be tied down.

What is FEA? I'm sorry I'm ignorant!

Frozen Ever After as even in the FP queue the wait was still around 10min when I went so it was a godsend.

 

[anonymousegirl]

This seem really strange to me as why would they ask you to fold it up if it has a sticker? they wouldn't ask someone to get out of their wheelchair and fold it down so why on earth would you ask someone using another device designated a wheelchair to to it.

Of course if it's just being used as a stroller then definitely with no sticker then definitely.

But I would have taken issue if they asked me to remove my DS when his need is just as much as a wheelchair person .

We did this on multiple occasion across different Buses so it wasn't just one bus driver. So I have to assume that Disney are okay with this and have assessed the risk of the situation.

Although as I put in my last messages the best advice would be to check with guest services when you get the sticker and see what they say about buses - as @lanejudy does bring up a good point some strollers, especially doubles might not be able to be tied down.



Frozen Ever After as even in the FP queue the wait was still around 10min when I went so it was a godsend.

The reason the stroller should always be folded is that the basic stroller being used as a wheelchair does not have the correct safety features to allow a SAFE tie down and SAFE transportation of the little one in the stroller.

 

[k8Davies]

The reason the stroller should always be folded is that the basic stroller being used as a wheelchair does not have the correct safety features to allow a SAFE tie down and SAFE transportation of the little one in the stroller.

Then that brings me on to wider question is if it's not safe, FYI is SAFE in capital as it's an acronym ?, as I honestly didnt see it as a problem wasn't trying to be salty with anyone so apologies if I offended anyone.

But why do Disney do it, or why didn't any of the drivers mention it?

Seem bad if it is a major safety issue it would be on Disney's radar and they should enforce it or at least highlight it.

But To be fair they tied down my stroller fine and we didnt have a problem. (But that just me and my stroller)

Also being from the UK, you can get on and off of buses all the time with a stroller.

so for me i'd totally be fine even with it not being tied down. As if I can get through the crazy streets of London with no harm the road of Disney will be a cake walk lol

 

[lanejudy]

The simple answer is that a wheelchair is built and designed differently than most strollers. Wheelchairs are made with the expectation that it may be tied-down during transport. Most strollers are not. Strollers are designed to be foldable and many are relatively lighter weight than a standard wheelchair. They aren't built as sturdy at the points where tie-down occurs. When tying down any device for transport, you have to realize that the forces of momentum are going to put pressure -- potentially tremendous pressure -- on those tie junctures; braking, accelerating, turning will all put pressure on those spots holding the wheelchair or stroller in place. In an accident, a stroller may end up bent or, worst case, break away from the tie downs entirely becoming a projectile. Even without an accident there can be dents or damage to the frame, which may cause it to collapse hours/days/weeks later (depending on severity and amount of use).

As to WHY the drivers are allowing it? Good question. In the past they didn't. There have been increasing reports of it being allowed. I suspect the drivers get tired of guests arguing about it. Not that I believe that's a good reason, but I do think it is likely the main reason. To my knowledge, official WDW policy still states that strollers must be folded on buses. As with the DAS, a stroller-as-wheelchair tag is for use INSIDE the park, it technically has no bearing outside the park for transportation or anything else.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

This seem really strange to me as why would they ask you to fold it up if it has a sticker? they wouldn't ask someone to get out of their wheelchair and fold it down so why on earth would you ask someone using another device designated a wheelchair to to it.

Of course if it's just being used as a stroller then definitely with no sticker then definitely.

But I would have taken issue if they asked me to remove my DS when his need is just as much as a wheelchair person .

We did this on multiple occasion across different Buses so it wasn't just one bus driver. So I have to assume that Disney are okay with this and have assessed the risk of the situation.

Although as I put in my last messages the best advice would be to check with guest services when you get the sticker and see what they say about buses - as @lanejudy does bring up a good point some strollers, especially doubles might not be able to be tied down.



Frozen Ever After as even in the FP queue the wait was still around 10min when I went so it was a godsend.

when the stroller is tied down in the space the frame of your stroller can fail and child could fall to floor. wheelchairs are made so they can be tied down strollers are not. how much is your child's safety worth? I have seen the frame of stroller bent so much as it sent child to the floor. how would you get child to room if stroller failed as you were leaving bus?

 

[k8Davies]

The simple answer is that a wheelchair is built and designed differently than most strollers. Wheelchairs are made with the expectation that it may be tied-down during transport. Most strollers are not. Strollers are designed to be foldable and many are relatively lighter weight than a standard wheelchair. They aren't built as sturdy at the points where tie-down occurs. When tying down any device for transport, you have to realize that the forces of momentum are going to put pressure -- potentially tremendous pressure -- on those tie junctures; braking, accelerating, turning will all put pressure on those spots holding the wheelchair or stroller in place. In an accident, a stroller may end up bent or, worst case, break away from the tie downs entirely becoming a projectile. Even without an accident there can be dents or damage to the frame, which may cause it to collapse hours/days/weeks later (depending on severity and amount of use).

As to WHY the drivers are allowing it? Good question. In the past they didn't. There have been increasing reports of it being allowed. I suspect the drivers get tired of guests arguing about it. Not that I believe that's a good reason, but I do think it is likely the main reason. To my knowledge, official WDW policy still states that strollers must be folded on buses. As with the DAS, a stroller-as-wheelchair tag is for use INSIDE the park, it technically has no bearing outside the park for transportation or anything else.

Thanks for the answer, I honestly didn't realise that.

As I said in the UK strollers are on and off buses all the time so I didn't even think it would be a problem.

I just thought it was weird them tying it down lol.

Luckily we relying on ours less but I would have had a nightmare folding and unfolding and getting my son so I am grateful they relaxed it a bit.


Although safety should alway be the top priority if they can make it easier for Parent's who really need a bit of leeway I'm all for that too.

 

[tobikaye]

Is the sticker for the stroller as a wheelchair even valid for transportation? I know the DAS is only valid for in park use and I would have thought the stroller as a wheelchair tag would be as well.

I really am just curious as I get questions a lot about WDW trips from those that know I go frequently and take my special needs sister. We get questions from people going, especially if it is their first trip and they have someone with a medical issue going with them. I can see someone asking me this at some point.

 

[SueM in MN]

Besides what others posted......

City buses are different - they are generally traveling in very low speed traffic and making frequent stops. In some cities, wheelchairs are not even tied down because of the slow speeds.
Even with that, many city bus systems do have policies that require strollers to be folded.

The WDW buses are traveling on highways at highway speed. An accident in that kind of situation could be very dangerous. There is actually a sign on the outside front of every bus citing the Federal Law that says strollers must be folded.

And, it's not a case of 'my child needs to be in the stroller as much as someone needs to be in their wheelchair.' Strollers are designed to be light, easily folded and portable. Because there are many folding parts, there are no sturdy, safe parts to attach tiedown hooks to (except for the special needs strollers that are designed for transport and have been crash tested).

Wheelchairs are much more sturdily constructed - even the folding ones have many less folding spots than a stroller has. There are many safe spots that are parts of the frame where tie downs can be attached. Many wheelchairs have been crash tested - even my daughter's very complex power wheelchair which can put her in a standing position is crash tested.

I know from talking to management of Transportation, that strollers are all supposed to be folded, even with a stroller as wheelchair tag. The tag is only meant for the Theme Parks.
As others have posted, bus drivers used to be better about having strollers folded. I know many drivers have also been yelled at by people demanding to keep their stroller unfolded with their child in it, so I can see why drivers are often not even asking anymore. And, that doesn't make it safe or in compliance with the law.

 

[SueM in MN]

The first parts of this video show a crash test of a special needs stroller that was designed for someone to sit in it during transport. The tie down spots meet the standards for securement crash testing.

The last parts of the video show the same type of crash testing in a special needs stroller that was not designed for transport - there's a big difference.

I also had a link at one point that showed a regular stroller in a crash test. I can't find that link anymore, but it showed the stroller basically pulled apart and the child dumped onto the floor.
I also have seen posts where people's stroller frame was bent just by using the bus hooks to tie it down to the bus. They were really in a pickle then because they were not able to fold it anymore.

 

[mamabunny]

What is FEA? I'm sorry I'm ignorant!

You aren't ignorant - we use a TON of acronyms around here! Just ask any time you find one you don't know!

 

[SueM in MN]

You aren't ignorant - we use a TON of acronyms around here! Just ask any time you find one you don't know!

I've been on here since 2009 and I sometimes have to really think to come up with what certain acronyms mean!

 

[mamabunny]

I've been on here since 2009 and I sometimes have to really think to come up with what certain acronyms mean!

We need a sticky list, but there are so many that I fear people would grow old and disappear before they finished reading! LOL

 

[lanejudy]

We need a sticky list, but there are so many that I fear people would grow old and disappear before they finished reading! LOL

There is one on the Welcome board, though it doesn't appear to have been update for quite a while. But I've referenced it a few times.

 

[k8Davies]

City buses are different - they are generally traveling in very low speed traffic and making frequent stops. In some cities, wheelchairs are not even tied down because of the slow speeds.
Even with that, many city bus systems do have policies that require strollers to be folded.

The UK has definitely not caught on as bus , and I'm talking about the little buses that hoon around the countryside at 50/60MPH -and we have load of roundabout people, don't have anything like that in place, so you've just gotta hold on tight an enjoy the ride

The first parts of this video show a crash test of a special needs stroller that was designed for someone to sit in it during transport. The tie down spots meet the standards for securement crash testing.

The last parts of the video show the same type of crash testing in a special needs stroller that was not designed for transport - there's a big difference.

now this is just my opinion but if they're not designed to be strapped down, why can they just let you on without strapping it down - I 'd be quite happy, to put the break on and stand behind it - or is it a legal requirement in Florida that they have to be strapped?

I think that comes back to @lanejudy point about drivers allowing it because people case a fuss, as I said in my earlier post I would have been shocked if they asked and I would have question it. But that's because it seems so strange to me that a stroller just can't get on a bus.

I just thought they were asking regular guest to collapse stroller for the space..