Tips for traveling with someone with a walker

[mickey+minnie91]

I am going to be traveling to Disneyland with my mother in the next few weeks. She is going to need to use her walker to get around and to sit when needed. I have a few questions....

Can we use her disabled plackard to get the pass to not wait in line?

If we do wait in line , can she take the walker with her and then we leave it in the queue while riding the ride?

Best way/place to veiw parade

Fantasmic veiwing?

World of color veiwing?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[chickapin parterre]

did you know that you can rent wheelchairs and scooters in and off disneyland

 

[Minnie Loves Mickey]

Bring or Rent a Wheelchair, you will not regret it.

 

[chickapin parterre]

another thread just surfaced on this issue, looks to be very informative.

 

[SMD]

If the ride loads and unloads on the same side of the vehicle and the queue has no stairs or turnstiles you can go through the queue. This will be most of DCA and several FL rides. If the ride loads and unloads on opposite sides, think Pirates, you'll be directed to the accessible entrance because the walker cannot be passed over from one side of the platform to the other (unlike a cane which you can take in the vehicle with you.) They don't issue passes to skip lines for mobility issues. The best thing to do is to go to the front of each ride entrance and ask the CM if the queue is accessible to walkers and if not where to go. In many cases where you need to use the alternate entrance you will be given a return time and there will likely be a line at the alternate entrance when you return. I agree with PP's advice to rent a wheelchair. It is much easier to let someone walk and push their own wheelchair like a walker than to end up pushing someone on a rollator like a wheelchair. Either way, but especially with a walker I would have someone walk ahead a little quicker and ask the CM where to go, then direct the rest of the party so not everyone has to potentially back track. Off the top of my head, we were able to take the walker in line at Pooh, Buzz, Casey Jr., Storybookland, Teacups, IASW (use the left side) I think Snow White. We bypassed the turnstile at HM, but it broke down before we rode, so I don't know if it's the standard line from then on, we used alternates at Alice, Jungle, Pirates and Peter Pan. We also did the grand circle tour on the train even thought Main St has stairs. We left the walker, used the stairs and returned to the station. I believe that NOS and TL have ramps.

 

[CassieF]

I used a walker after my knee surgery a couple of years ago but I'm local and would go for just an hour or two to practice walking. A wheelchair or ECV should not be overlooked, especially if you'll be there for multiple days. As for your walker specific questions (most will also apply to you if you have a WC/ECV)...

1. They will most likely not issue a DAS card for her, as a WC/ECV will meet her mobility needs.

2. If the line is accessible she can take her walker/WC right in. If there are stairs at some point they will detour your party there. For DL, where most queues are not accessible you enter through the exit or get a return time (different from das) for more popular rides.

3. Parades have WC viewing sections, I think there are 3 in DL (town square, the hub, small world plaza) but these areas can fill up on crowded days. You can also watch anywhere along to route, just try to get her at the front of a standing area and she'll be able to see.

4. Fan/WoC has WC viewing for each section in their colored zones, just return at the appropriate time on your fp (you WILL still need this) and they will direct you to where you need to go.

 

[Gisele]

Well what really helped my great grandpappy Joseph, he is from Texas, anyway, we fashioned an after burner on his deluxe king walker. See he is a retired Navy Fighter Pilot. Pretty exciting, to say the least. So, what with his having a degree in Astrophysics, jet propulsion and just plain old mechanical/electrical flight engineering he devised his afterburner and in such a way so it would not wrap him around a light pole. Or into a window, building, Goofy.....you get the picture. I helped a bit, mostly getting him coffee, because well honestly, what in hell do I know about any of those subjects. Anyway, our project turned out just awesome. Especially effective on straight and narrow paths, or interstates. Now
when it came to navigating around the parks, that definitely could be a bit tricky at times, but managed just fine. Thanks to his still most excellent dexterity, timing and keen eyesight, especially peripherally speaking. Anyway, when the afterburner kicked in, with me on the small running board that's on the right hand side of his walker, we were able to cover so much distance in such a short period time it would make your head spin literally. Lol oh how we loved those moments. Now in case you're wondering how he slowed down so he wouldn't kill anybody, it's really quite simple. he would deploy his mini parachute, like in drag racing, not the kind that involves crossdressers but just simple out and out drag racing.
Although I really do like the idea. So if you ever see a very lean Texan, wearing a 10 gallon hat that says retired Navy pilot, get out of his way. Please do say hi too though, for he's very friendly once you get to know him. Otherwise, you better have some nice milk chocolate fudge or candy preferably from the candy palace or Marceline's confectionery.
Send me a p.m. if your interested in learning more about our afterburner equipped deluxe King walker.
Can't wait for our next visit, it should be truly jolly indeed. See ya real soon.....

 

[Gisele]

There is a great sale going on currently of the King Walker with optional afterburner and sideboard. Other options are available as well. Inquire within.

 

[Malcon10t]

Off the top of my head, we were able to take the walker in line at Pooh, Buzz, Casey Jr., Storybookland, Teacups, IASW (use the left side) I think Snow White. We bypassed the turnstile at HM, but it broke down before we rode, so I don't know if it's the standard line from then on, we used alternates at Alice, Jungle, Pirates and Peter Pan. We also did the grand circle tour on the train even thought Main St has stairs. We left the walker, used the stairs and returned to the station. I believe that NOS and TL have ramps.

On Buzz, they will generally send you through the HA door at the end of the queue and CMs will assist you loading by slowing or stopping the moving walkway. At HM, you can take the WC all the way to the buggy, or if she can walk the hallway without assistance, she can leave the WC or device at the entrance and pick it up after she comes off. CMs are willing to slow the moving walkway or stop it if needed. Just let the CM know. As for the train, all stations have ramps except Main St.

3. Parades have WC viewing sections, I think there are 3 in DL (town square, the hub, small world plaza) but these areas can fill up on crowded days. You can also watch anywhere along to route, just try to get her at the front of a standing area and she'll be able to see.

In Town Square, the WC viewing is just outside the Showcase. At the Hub, viewing is on the south spoke. Both can be decent views. I prefer the second parade from the hub as the parade is coming towards you.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

My stepmother , a good friend, and my mother all have issues requiring use of a walker so we have quite a bit of experience. Please, please consider renting a wheelchair. Everyone has already covered best tips, but I just wanted to reiterate than a wheelchair is a good idea. A walker is not as comfortable and she or someone else will want to sit at some point.

Enjoy your trip!