Traveling with older parents

[horse11]

My parents are still on very good shape.... But with that being said it is difficult for my mother to stand for lengths of time.... She does better walking long distances then she does standing in place for very long.... We are a party of 6 all together... Would it be allowed for my parents to sit somewhere close until we get close to the area where you enter the maze for each line? Hopefully that makes sense

 

[lovethattink]

My parents are still on very good shape.... But with that being said it is difficult for my mother to stand for lengths of time.... She does better walking long distances then she does standing in place for very long.... We are a party of 6 all together... Would it be allowed for my parents to sit somewhere close until we get close to the area where you enter the maze for each line? Hopefully that makes sense

With social distancing, the lines are pretty much in constant motion. We haven’t gotten caught in a cleaning cycle in months. There is much more walking than past visits because all the queues are very long. We go for 3 to 4 hours at a time and it’s not unusual to walk 4 to 7 miles in that time. Most of the walking being queues.

 

[MICKIMINI]

I would go to MS at the first park you enter and let you Mom explain her limitations for waiting in line. She may qualify for a DAS. It doesn't mean you can jump the line, but it would allow you to come back later without her "standing" in line. So she's still "in line". Disney is pretty picky about DAS, but IMO that's what it is there for. Good luck!

 

[scrappinginontario]

I'm not sure if it's an option for you but my mother also has trouble standing and even walking long distances. We rent a scooter for both she and my dad. In normal, everyday life they're just fine walking but Disney walking is unlike any other. Renting scooters for them allows them to fully enjoy Disney.

 

[lanejudy]

She may qualify for a DAS. It doesn't mean you can jump the line, but it would allow you to come back later without her "standing" in line. So she's still "in line".

Mobility or stamina issues are encouraged to use a mobility device such as a wheelchair/ECV/rollator, and DAS is usually not issued.

OP - technically, waiting outside the queue and then joining the rest of your party would be considered "line jumping." But in today's world with social distancing, many queues are stretching well out into the walkways so she may be able to join you near the building. What may work is for her to be with you when the party first joins the queue, then say "I'm going to sit over there and will meet you when you get close to the building." (This generally allows others near you in line to know she is there and will be returning.) However, be aware there may not be any place nearby for her to sit and wait, so she could just be standing somewhere. That is why Guest Relations will suggest a mobility device because they can't guarantee a place to sit while waiting. And as @lovethattink mentions, most queues are slowly moving and not simply standing still for long.

 

[jlstwinmommy]

I will second the scooter option. Two years ago we celebrated my parents 50th anniversary at WDW with a Disney catered event in EPCOT. Some of their friends that came were mobility impaired (some just not used to walking that much). We rented scooters that were delivered to their hotel for use for the entire trip. Ever since that trip, their friends have told all their friends to go to WDW and get a scooter - and that it was the best vacation they ever took. They didn't even like Disney before that trip.

 

[horse11]

I would go to MS at the first park you enter and let you Mom explain her limitations for waiting in line. She may qualify for a DAS. It doesn't mean you can jump the line, but it would allow you to come back later without her "standing" in line. So she's still "in line". Disney is pretty picky about DAS, but IMO that's what it is there for. Good luck!

So if she qualifies does she get a pass of some sort? Also if she does would we have to do it at each park or would it carry through for the reminder of our trip? When does she get back in line?

 

[lovethattink]

So if she qualifies does she get a pass of some sort? Also if she does would we have to do it at each park or would it carry through for the reminder of our trip? When does she get back in line?

All of your questions are most likely answered here on the Disabilities board.
Click Here

It gets linked to her MDE and works at all 4 parks. The whole family, up to 6 people, would be linked to her DAS. So you’d need everyone’s magic bands to request it. You will need to let GS know what accommodations are needed. An attraction cm will scan the DAS holders mb and set up a return time. You may hold one return time at a time.

 

[KrazeeK120]

I’m pretty sure DAS is reserved for those whose issues with waiting in line cannot be resolved in any other manner. In your mom’s case, a scooter or wheelchair rental would be appropriate. Imagine how many DAS passes they’d be issuing if everyone with a minor mobility issue wanted one...

 

[MICKIMINI]

They don't give you a pass, it is connected to your "ticket" or magicband. It is good for your entire trip.

I was able to get a DAS even though I rented an ECV as well, so it really depends on your individual circumstances. Each person is unique and a CM will make a decision. I had no idea if I would be approved, but I was. I only used my DAS a couple times and it was a lifesaver for me. I don't know if your Mom will be approved, but you don't know unless you ask.

 

[MICKIMINI]

I’m pretty sure DAS is reserved for those whose issues with waiting in line cannot be resolved in any other manner. In your mom’s case, a scooter or wheelchair rental would be appropriate. Imagine how many DAS passes they’d be issuing if everyone with a minor mobility issue wanted one...

Respectfully, it is not up to any of us to judge another's ability to get a DAS or not. It is up to the CM to make a decision. Kind regards.

 

[KrazeeK120]

Respectfully, it is not up to any of us to judge another's ability to get a DAS or not. It is up to the CM to make a decision. Kind regards.

OP explicitly stated that her mom cannot stand for long periods of time. She didn’t mention any other issues. A scooter or wheelchair would solve that. A DAS wouldn’t be necessary.

If her mother has any other health problems, that could be a totally different story. But OP didn’t mention anything else.

Of course, anyone can ask for anything. But I think it’s best to be prepared to be turned down instead of planning on it and then scrambling if it doesn’t pan out.

 

[tobikaye]

OP: I am going to second the suggestion of a rollator, it might even help your mom with daily outings. My mom used to be good as long as she was walking, but had issues standing in place. If we had made a trip to WDW when she had that issue, we would have taken her rollator. It was great for her to use it for the zoo, Kings Island, and shopping. She still uses a rollator occasionally for shopping, but occasionally has to use her ECV.

My sister did use a rollator for one trip over a decade ago when her issues were not so severe. She was okay with walking, but needed to be able to sit frequently. It was a good thing, because finding a seat near where she was when she needed it was difficult.

 

[horse11]

I'm not sure if it's an option for you but my mother also has trouble standing and even walking long distances. We rent a scooter for both she and my dad. In normal, everyday life they're just fine walking but Disney walking is unlike any other. Renting scooters for them allows them to fully enjoy Disney.

great idea but mom would never go for it lol!! She does not think she is old

 

[horse11]

OP explicitly stated that her mom cannot stand for long periods of time. She didn’t mention any other issues. A scooter or wheelchair would solve that. A DAS wouldn’t be necessary.

If her mother has any other health problems, that could be a totally different story. But OP didn’t mention anything else.

Of course, anyone can ask for anything. But I think it’s best to be prepared to be turned down instead of planning on it and then scrambling if it doesn’t pan out.

No mom is not your normal senior....she is completely fine only limited by standing long periods of time... Walking is fine as long as we take breaks throughout the day.... But she would never agree to a scooter due to pride as well as her mobility is not that bad... I was just looking at options which could limit the amount she has to stand in lines.

 

[horse11]

OP: I am going to second the suggestion of a rollator, it might even help your mom with daily outings. My mom used to be good as long as she was walking, but had issues standing in place. If we had made a trip to WDW when she had that issue, we would have taken her rollator. It was great for her to use it for the zoo, Kings Island, and shopping. She still uses a rollator occasionally for shopping, but occasionally has to use her ECV.

My sister did use a rollator for one trip over a decade ago when her issues were not so severe. She was okay with walking, but needed to be able to sit frequently. It was a good thing, because finding a seat near where she was when she needed it was difficult.

Please tell me more about a rollator... Not sure I am familiar with those...

 

[Kimpossible1]

We experienced a problem with the people in front of us while waiting in an extended queue for 7DMT. The dad waited in line and the mom and 2 boys sat in the stroller eating ice cream under one of the umbrellas...we passed by them and then right up at the entrance for the ride the dad stopped and called the wife and we had to wait till she came with the boys. It was probably less than 2 minutes but when you see that line constantly moving and you are stuck, it's frustrating. The CM didn't notice the hold-up because they were busy explaining DAS to a group of people. The line was empty by that point down to the covered part, so it didn't get us on the ride any slower, it was just annoying that they couldn't keep their party together. I'd recommend an ECV also.

 

[tobikaye]

Basically, it is a walker with wheels. My mom liked her rollator because the bar on the back hit perfectly to support her when sitting.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=rollator&ref=nb_sb_noss

Picture of my sister's when we she took hers:

 

[horse11]

Mobility or stamina issues are encouraged to use a mobility device such as a wheelchair/ECV/rollator, and DAS is usually not issued.

OP - technically, waiting outside the queue and then joining the rest of your party would be considered "line jumping." But in today's world with social distancing, many queues are stretching well out into the walkways so she may be able to join you near the building. What may work is for her to be with you when the party first joins the queue, then say "I'm going to sit over there and will meet you when you get close to the building." (This generally allows others near you in line to know she is there and will be returning.) However, be aware there may not be any place nearby for her to sit and wait, so she could just be standing somewhere. That is why Guest Relations will suggest a mobility device because they can't guarantee a place to sit while waiting. And as @lovethattink mentions, most queues are slowly moving and not simply standing still for long.

This is exactly what I was thinking...she would be aware of where the line would start at the building and I could call her when we got close... I know she would not be willing to use a scooter but I would be interested in finding out more about rollator...

 

[horse11]

Basically, it is a walker with wheels. My mom liked her rollator because the bar on the back hit perfectly to support her when sitting.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=rollator&ref=nb_sb_noss

Picture of my sister's when we she took hers:

View attachment 564933

I could mention this to her.... So it has a seat that she could sit in when the line was not moving correct?