transporter chair

[DBurdette]

My mother is 80 years old and has a handicap tag for car. We bought a transporter chair (similuar to the handicap chair) for getting her through the parks. How will she be treated for rides? Will she be put on sooner than others? I've already made my reservations. Do I need to let them know this so she can be identified as someone with needs?

 

[tobikaye]

My mother is 80 years old and has a handicap tag for car.

Not sure if this means you plan to drive to the parks and park in handicap. If so, have the placard out and show to the attendants as they direct you through. You will follow the solid blue line.

We bought a transporter chair (similuar to the handicap chair) for getting her through the parks. How will she be treated for rides? Will she be put on sooner than others?

Almost all of the lines at WDW are mainstreamed so you would still get in the regular lines for most of the attractions so she would not get on any sooner than other guests. When you get to the park, there is a handicap guide that you can get that explains where to go for each attraction. If you have not already done so, then you should check out the disAbilities FAQ Sticky. It will give you more information on traveling through WDW with disabilities.

I've already made my reservations. Do I need to let them know this so she can be identified as someone with needs?

If you need a handicap accessible room for your mother, then you would need to let them know so that she has the type of room she needs.

 

[brat]

Let your hotel know if she needs grab rails, roll-in shower or a raised toilet?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

The majority of attraction lines in WDW are "mainstreamed". This means that a wheelchair or ECV will use the regular entrance and line all the way to either a show seating or ride load area. If a line is not mainstreamed there will be signs and/or Cast Members to direct you where to go.

If a show, normally there will be spaces to park a chair or ECV and there will be seats next to the space for other members of the group.

If a ride, usually you will have to transfer to a ride vehicle, although some rides will allow a person in a wheelchair to remain in their chair. If you have to transfer to a ride, and unload is not at the same location as load, your chair or ECV will magically appear at the unload area.

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Note that Post #2 discusses mobility and equipment. Post #3 had a wide variety of information and links; it might be a good idea to look at the various park "Guidebook For Persons With Disabilities" for more detailed information.

Or, if you want an easier route to the FAQs, click on the link in my signature.

 

[SueM in MN]

Not sure if this means you plan to drive to the parks and park in handicap. If so, have the placard out and show to the attendants as they direct you through. You will follow the solid blue line.

One caution with the ‘follow the blue line’. Some parks have more than one section of handicapped parking (WDW calls it ‘Medical Parking’). At times one or the other section is closed, so if you just follow the line, you may end up in a dead end.
So, do stop at each CM and follow the directions that you are given.

 

[DBurdette]

Thanks so much everyone. This has helped!!

 

[dissybroad]

We always use the travel lite transporter chair. It has a more narrow profile for ease of navigating queues, shops, and weighs less which saves my back!

I carry a note from my mom's doctor about her limitations though I've never needed it.

We stop upon arrival at the park and obtain a GAC, a card that identifies mom as needing special assistance, just to make it official.

Cast members are always super; professional, patient, kind.

I agree about the disABILITIES FAQ sticky.

 

[SueM in MN]

We always use the travel lite transporter chair. It has a more narrow profile for ease of navigating queues, shops, and weighs less which saves my back!

I carry a note from my mom's doctor about her limitations though I've never needed it.

We stop upon arrival at the park and obtain a GAC, a card that identifies mom as needing special assistance, just to make it official.

Cast members are always super; professional, patient, kind.

I agree about the disABILITIES FAQ sticky.

Thanks for the info about the FAQs sticky.
There is more information about Guest Assistance Cards in post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. You can find the thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature.
A GAC is not needed to bring a mobility device into lines, buildings, shows or to use accessible loading areas (except for strollers being used as wheelchairs). If a guest with a mobility device needs assistance such as slowing a moving walkway, the GAC does not give instructions for that - the guest needs to tell the CM at the boarding area what they need.