Taking Equipment into Parks and on Rides

[PurpleKomodo]

Background - we have a little guy who has a rare neuromuscular disease and is wheelchair bound. He has a trach, is sometimes on a ventilator (and at least needs to have the travel vent with him), is tube fed, is always on a pulse-ox, needs frequent suctioning, and uses another machine to help keep lungs clear called a cough assist. He currently uses a medical stroller where all of his equipment fits on a large metal tray under him. However, we are getting him a small, lightweight manual wheelchair that we think he will really enjoy using to gain some independence. If he is proficient with this chair, it would certainly be easier to navigate around the parks than his big bulky stroller (it has a push handle for when he gets tired). However, his equipment will not fit on this wheelchair. Is there any chance we could get an exception to the wagon rule (gasp!) to carry is machines while we are in the parks. Having the suction and cough assist in first aid or the car would not be safe because when he needs them he needs them quickly. Or do we just need to plan on having his big stroller so we can house the equipment on it (it meets the size requirement and would not require an exception).

Also, what about rides. Because he is small, he is easy to transfer on rides that require transferring out of a wheelchair, but he does not currently have the ability to sit unassisted so he would only be riding rides where he could sit on a lap or sandwhiched between 2 adults to help support him. Knowing that we won't be riding much more than dark rides and maybe dumbo/carpet type rides, would they allow us to bring our portable suction machine onto the ride? It is about the size of a small cooler. Thanks!

 

[LittleFishy101]

I would think disney would allow a wagon because it is for a medical reason and would be necessary. We were in disney for 4th of july and I saw someone with one of the large carriage strollers walking down main street in MK. They could have been asked to remove the stroller later on but I’m not sure. I’m not sure about the rides and could be wrong about the exception but I would call disney customer service and ask them as they will probably have a more accurate answer. Hope you guys have a fun trip!

 

[gap2368]

Not to sure on the wagon or any thing you pull behind is not allowed due to safely. Maybe someone here could help you brain storm some alternative that would be more likely allowed in the park then a maybe ( and I would not call the phone CM for this). You could try contacting guest with disabilities and getting what they say in writing.

As fair as the rides you should be fine taking what is needed to keep your son safe on the rides as long as it fits and there is no danger of it falling out. Just remember Peter Pan and the people mover can not stop or slow down for loading all the other rides can but even those two should be doable for him as fair as getting him you two and his stuff on

 

[SteveMouse]

First, the CMs on the phone are not able to issue a DAS or waive park policies.

I would plan on taking the stroller. There’s nothing saying he can’t also take the wheelchair.

Remember that any ride can break down at any time, and it may be some time before an exit can be arranged. (Thinking Dumbo stuck in the air),

Unfortunately, there are people who don’t respect other’s property, and there is some risk of things being taken from an unattended stroller. You can leave things at First Aid, but you should consider how you will secure things in the stroller. It may mean that someone needs to stay with the stroller. Disney can’t guarantee that nothing will be taken.

Have a safe trip!

 

[Bjkandma]

plEase take a few moments and contact Disney Disability Services at 407-560-2547. They will answer all of your questions. For disability, as you described U am sure they will work with you (wagon). They will be able to offer you suggestions that you may not have thought of.

 

[bababear_50]

Hi
I would second calling Disability Services and getting some advice.
I have used the following to assist me in transporting medical equipment --it is a wagon but it is a forward pushing wagon. It provides some coverage from the elements,,(rain,,heat).
I completely understand why you have to have the equipment with you at all times.
https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Outdoor-Distributor-Wagon-Foldable/dp/B01N7EIUF9Best wishes and I hope you have a Wonderful Holiday!
Hugs
Mel

 

[kaytieeldr]

I have used the following to assist me in transporting medical equipment

Do you mind if I ask when was the last time you used this? The wagon enforcement policy just went into effect 5/1.

eta: I looked at the link after I posted. This appears to be exactly what's banned. Just because you can push it doesn't mean people do or will.

How much does the equipment weigh? Could it be distributed among several people and a bag on the back of the wheelchair?

 

[Bjkandma]

There are exceptions to using a wagon through Disability Servicrs, but you must speak to them about your need. They will offer suggestions, but if a wagon is appropriate for a disabled child, they will handle it.

I would suggest you call, if your child is disabled and must carry a lot of medical equipment.

 

[bababear_50]

Do you mind if I ask when was the last time you used this? The wagon enforcement policy just went into effect 5/1.

eta: I looked at the link after I posted. This appears to be exactly what's banned. Just because you can push it doesn't mean people do or will.

How much does the equipment weigh? Could it be distributed among several people and a bag on the back of the wheelchair?

Hi
This was before the date you posted however it was cleared via Disney Special Disability Services per a child with special medical needs,,this is why myself and others suggest the OP contact D>S for assistance.
Our equipment needed to be kept close ,accessible,secure,safe /sterile/ dry/etc.
Our child never rode in the wagon at anytime. He used a electric wheelchair and we would never put medical equipment on the back of his chair,,doing so would be a huge safety issue.

Regards
Mel

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Background - we have a little guy who has a rare neuromuscular disease and is wheelchair bound. He has a trach, is sometimes on a ventilator (and at least needs to have the travel vent with him), is tube fed, is always on a pulse-ox, needs frequent suctioning, and uses another machine to help keep lungs clear called a cough assist. He currently uses a medical stroller where all of his equipment fits on a large metal tray under him. However, we are getting him a small, lightweight manual wheelchair that we think he will really enjoy using to gain some independence. If he is proficient with this chair, it would certainly be easier to navigate around the parks than his big bulky stroller (it has a push handle for when he gets tired). However, his equipment will not fit on this wheelchair. Is there any chance we could get an exception to the wagon rule (gasp!) to carry is machines while we are in the parks. Having the suction and cough assist in first aid or the car would not be safe because when he needs them he needs them quickly. Or do we just need to plan on having his big stroller so we can house the equipment on it (it meets the size requirement and would not require an exception).

Also, what about rides. Because he is small, he is easy to transfer on rides that require transferring out of a wheelchair, but he does not currently have the ability to sit unassisted so he would only be riding rides where he could sit on a lap or sandwhiched between 2 adults to help support him. Knowing that we won't be riding much more than dark rides and maybe dumbo/carpet type rides, would they allow us to bring our portable suction machine onto the ride? It is about the size of a small cooler. Thanks!

I would take the stroller where you can store the equipment because you can for sure bring that in lines with you not sure about wagon and wheelchair because of storage at load area. I am thinking Small World. not sure how well the wheelchair boats would work for you guys as if I remember right no one can sit beside chair as there is no seat there

 

[OurBigTrip]

There are exceptions to using a wagon through Disability Servicrs, but you must speak to them about your need. They will offer suggestions, but if a wagon is appropriate for a disabled child, they will handle it.

I would suggest you call, if your child is disabled and must carry a lot of medical equipment.

Not sure that an exception is warranted in this case, since the OP says that they have something that works but prefer to use something else.

 

[lanejudy]

This was before the date you posted however it was cleared via Disney Special Disability Services per a child with special medical needs,,this is why myself and others suggest the OP contact D>S for assistance.

Yes, that specific style of stroller was originally marketed for use by kids with special needs. It used to be allowed at WDW, no special permission/exception required. WDW recently revamped their stroller and wagon rules, and specifically calls out that style (a popular brand is Keenz 7) as disallowed even though it fits the size requirements. I honestly don’t know that they would make an exception now, especially as the OP has an alternative device available.

OP, you can try calling Disability Services, but I would plan to bring the stroller. He can still use the wheelchair for some independence and someone (else) can push the stroller.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[DisneyOma]

I would think disney would allow a wagon because it is for a medical reason and would be necessary. We were in disney for 4th of july and I saw someone with one of the large carriage strollers walking down main street in MK. They could have been asked to remove the stroller later on but I’m not sure. I’m not sure about the rides and could be wrong about the exception but I would call disney customer service and ask them as they will probably have a more accurate answer. Hope you guys have a fun trip!

Anything pulled behind a person is a risk that WDW does not want to take - which is why they have banned wagons and other things people could pull.

Hi
This was before the date you posted however it was cleared via Disney Special Disability Services per a child with special medical needs,,this is why myself and others suggest the OP contact D>S for assistance.
Our equipment needed to be kept close ,accessible,secure,safe /sterile/ dry/etc.
Our child never rode in the wagon at anytime. He used a electric wheelchair and we would never put medical equipment on the back of his chair,,doing so would be a huge safety issue.

Regards
Mel

I wouldn't count on Disney allowing this again though - they have tightened up on their rules.

 

[bababear_50]

I wouldn't count on Disney allowing this again though - they have tightened up on their rules.
[/QUOTE]

Why?
While the information regarding what can and can't be used in the Parks has changed it is still possible for people to request assistance to meet their needs.
We have contacted Disney for a future trip and use of the wagon for medical transport of medical supplies has been given.
The OP is looking for transport of medical equipment NOT transport of a person.
All I have suggested is that the OP contact Disney to discuss their needs and concerns.
Regards
Mel

 

[OurBigTrip]

Why?
While the information regarding what can and can't be used in the Parks has changed it is still possible for people to request assistance to meet their needs.
We have contacted Disney for a future trip and use of the wagon for medical transport of medical supplies has been given.
The OP is looking for transport of medical equipment NOT transport of a person.
All I have suggested is that the OP contact Disney to discuss their needs and concerns.
Regards
Mel

Disney is required to accommodate needs, not wants. The OP has something that accommodates her child's needs, but she wants to use something different. Big difference.

 

[SteveMouse]

Disney is required to accommodate needs, not wants. The OP has something that accommodates her child's needs, but she wants to use something different. Big difference.

Not to mention that the “want” is expressly against Disney’s written policy. Disney is also not required to provide every possible accommodation.

I’d also be a little concerned about someone taking an item out of a wagon being dragged behind me. I had an issue in Las Vegas where someone tried to take something out of a bag on the back of my ECV. It was locked, but they tried.

 

[SueM in MN]

I’m going to give you several different pieces of advice, based on being a nurse and on multiple years of travel to WDW with our daughter. Our first trip to WDW was when she was 11 months and our first with a wheelchair was when she was not quite 3.

I’d suggest taking the medical stroller for the parks. You know the equipment fits on it and how it fits. You know it would not need any kind of exception. I would still stop in Guest Relations at one of the theme parks to get a ‘stroller as wheelchair tag. The CMs should recognize it as a medical stroller without the tag, but the tag helps with other visitors, who might say, ‘why do they get to use their stroller in line and we don’t ?’
If you use the buses and the stroller can be secured without taking the medical equipment off, that would be easier. A wagon would need to be unloaded and folded up for the buses.
With the wagon, if he needs to use any equipment that can’t be attached to the wheelchair, you would need to push both the wagon and wheelchair and keep them at the correct distance to use.
With the stroller, if he’s attached to any of the equipment, you could probably still use the wheelchair accessible ride cars. If he’s in the wheelchair and the equipment is in the wagon, you’d have to wait because both won’t fit in the accessible ride car.

Bring the wheelchair in addition to the stroller. Use it for independence around your resort and possibly at a park if you plan a short day.
My daughter is an adult now and is very proficient/functional with her manual wheelchair at home (she also is proficient with her power wheelchair that we have not brought to Florida - afraid of damage).
Even though she can easily use her wheelchairs at home, WDW is a different matter. People walk 5-8-10 miles per day going to the parks, which means a wheelchair user is also going to be pushing that distance. Our daughter doesn’t have the stamina to do that for more than part of a day. She prefers us to push her most of the time and she does get intimidated by the amount of traffic and the speed people are going. In the parks, she goes short distances only. Most of her independent use of her wheelchair is at our resort and in our room.

What equipment would you need urgently and need to have with all the time?
Do you need some with you in the park, but would be able to leave in First Aid until you need it? Would there be less equipment if you are going at certain times of day?
I’d figure that out and consider how to carry it without the wagon if you want to take the wheelchair to the parks. What could be carried in a backpack?
Consider ways to attach something under the wheelchair similar to the shelf on the stroller. If your child has an OT or PT, they should be able to help you.

For example, I made a bag/bin that is attached underneath my daughter’s manual wheelchair. Her supplies are in a backpack that hangs off the back of her wheelchair and also in the bag under her chair. It’s efficient for the security bag check and we don’t have a lot extra to carry.

 

[SueM in MN]

These are the hooks we use to hold our daughter’s backpack on her wheelchair. We also have a carabiner attached to a loop on the front of her backpack in case we need to hook anything else on.
I added loops to the backpack to go on the hooks - each time we come home, I think I should make the loops a bit shorter, so the bag hangs higher, but never get around to it.


Think King Mighty Buggy Hook for Stroller, Wheelchair, Rollator, Walker, 2 Pack
by Amazon.com
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002MXP3SM/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_RxnnDbVR2D6YK

 

[SueM in MN]

This is the bag/bin under her wheelchair. It can be opened for security to be able to see really well into it ( first picture is opened, 2nd picture is closed)

 

[DisneyOma]

I wouldn't count on Disney allowing this again though - they have tightened up on their rules.

Why?
While the information regarding what can and can't be used in the Parks has changed it is still possible for people to request assistance to meet their needs.
We have contacted Disney for a future trip and use of the wagon for medical transport of medical supplies has been given.
The OP is looking for transport of medical equipment NOT transport of a person.
All I have suggested is that the OP contact Disney to discuss their needs and concerns.
Regards
Mel
[/QUOTE]

1. The phone CMs often do not know what is going on in the parks
2. Disney has been very, very vocal about their new regulations
3. It is not any safer to pull a wagon loaded with stuff than it is with kids in it.