Travelling with a young child with Down's Syndrome

[andrewilley]

We are travelling with another family who have two children, one of whom has Down's Syndrome. He is nearly three years old, but cannot walk as yet, and he's too heavy to be carried through lengthy queues. Clearly he will not be riding any of the larger rides, so for those they'd need to do a baby-swap anyway, but he'll be fine on most of the more gentle experiences.

His brother is five, but like most kids of that age he won't cope with all the walking involved so the family has a double-buggy for both children. However from past experience we assume they'll need to leave the buggy outside when queuing for rides - or would they be allowed to take it through queues under these circumstances?

Otherwise, DAS would seem to be the only viable option for them. We're from the UK so we understand they'll need to use a VPN to make the video call to Disney 30 days out (I can set that up for them) but otherwise we know absolutely nothing about how this new system works, or even if this is the sort of case that is likely to be approved.

Any thoughts, or experiences of similar situations, would be appreciated. They are on a fairly tight budget, so 6 x LLMP purchases per day is absolutely not an option.

Andre

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

You can get a stroller as wheelchair tag to allow the 3 year old to stay in his stroller in the queue.

 

[SirDuff]

You can get a stroller as a wheelchair tag and take the buggy through the queues.

And, based on what you’ve said here, unlikely that a DAS would br given (or needed).

 

[andrewilley]

Sounds perfect, I'll pass that on to them. Do you collect the stroller tag from Guest Relations, or arrange it in advance?

Andre

 

[OurBigTrip]

Sounds perfect, I'll pass that on to them. Do you collect the stroller tag from Guest Relations, or arrange it in advance?

Andre

Guest Relations

 

[SueM in MN]

Sounds perfect, I'll pass that on to them. Do you collect the stroller tag from Guest Relations, or arrange it in advance?

Andre

Guest Relations and, at least in the past, they have given the tags for double strollers as long as they fit the size guidelines.

• Strollers larger than 31” (79 cm) in width and 52” (132cm) in length are not permitted. Stroller wagons are also not permitted.
• Strollers need to be folded for the bus, even with the tag.

I copied the WDW website info since you might not able to see it.

"Stroller as a Wheelchair” Tag​

A “Stroller as a Wheelchair” tag is for Guests with disabilities who use their stroller as a mobility device. This tool allows a Guest to treat their stroller as a wheelchair and keep their device with them in attraction queues.

“Stroller as a Wheelchair” tags are available for a Guest who meets one of the following:

• Is a child with a disability who uses their stroller as a mobility device in lieu of a traditional wheelchair
• Is a child with additional medical equipment who needs a way to transport their equipment while in a queue
• Is an adult with a mobility disability who uses a stroller as a mobility device to assist with walking

How to Use “Stroller as a Wheelchair” Tag

1. Please visit Guest Relations for additional information about this tool. If appropriate, a “Stroller as a Wheelchair” tag may be issued.
2. Guests who are issued a “Stroller as a Wheelchair” tag may enter the queue using their device.

 

[PatMcDuck]

A child age 3 with Downs is usually not that much different than any other 3 year old, unless they have some medical complications. (for example, my son wore leg braces and didn't walk until age 5). Stroller as a wheelchair is very helpful.

 

[andrewilley]

A child age 3 with Downs is usually not that much different than any other 3 year old, unless they have some medical complications. (for example, my son wore leg braces and didn't walk until age 5). Stroller as a wheelchair is very helpful.

Yes, I've discussed this with his mother and she thinks it's a perfect solution. Her main concern was that as he cannot yet stand, but is getting quite heavy, having to carry him in a long queue would not really be feasible. Stroller as Wheelchair will be perfect for them.

I assume that once they've received a tag for their stroller from Guest Relations, it will be valid for the remainder of their stay and they won't need to get a new one every day? I'm also assuming that this will need to be done at a theme park Guest Relations location (e.g. the counter outside the Magic Kingdom turnstiles), or can they pick one up from their Disney hotel front desk?

Andre

 

[SirDuff]

It is good for the rest of the trip and, yes, they'll need to get it from guest relations.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Hoping someone knows: Will a double stroller fit in the queues?

 

[lanejudy]

Yes, if the double meets the dimensions posted above it will fit through the queues.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Yes, I've discussed this with his mother and she thinks it's a perfect solution. Her main concern was that as he cannot yet stand, but is getting quite heavy, having to carry him in a long queue would not really be feasible. Stroller as Wheelchair will be perfect for them.

I assume that once they've received a tag for their stroller from Guest Relations, it will be valid for the remainder of their stay and they won't need to get a new one every day? I'm also assuming that this will need to be done at a theme park Guest Relations location (e.g. the counter outside the Magic Kingdom turnstiles), or can they pick one up from their Disney hotel front desk?

Andre

If you have same stroller each day it is good for whole stay but if renting by the day so a different stroller each day will have to get each day. Hope this makes sense

 

[andrewilley]

If you have same stroller each day it is good for whole stay but if renting by the day so a different stroller each day will have to get each day. Hope this makes sense

They'll be bringing their own double pushchair (stroller) from the UK, so it will be the same the whole trip.

Andre