Using a stroller as a wheelchair: logistics?

[kathleendsm]

My son, who will be close to 2 1/2 when we go to Disney World, has significant physical delays and mobility problems. There's a good chance he won't be walking or able to stand on his own when we get to Disney World, and so we'd like to get a GAC use the stroller as a wheelchair to avoid carrying him everywhere. I understand that would allow us to keep the stroller in line, but then if you board a ride (such as Pirates or the Haunted Mansion) where you transfer him out of the stroller, how do you get the stroller back if you get off the ride at a different place from where you get on? And does it matter that the stroller likely will just be a regular stroller rather than a special needs one, since he probably won't be big enough to require a special needs stroller?

Also, can you store your things in the basket of the stroller and leave them there while you're on the ride, or is the stroller not in a secure location?

He's such a special little guy, I can't wait to see his face (not to mention his big sister's) when we get there!

 

[SueM in MN]

I can't write much right now, but suggest you look at post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs. If you don't see it, follow the link in my signature. There is information in post #6 about GACs and a specific part about strollers as wheelchairs.

For those rides where you load in one place and unload in another, you will either be loaded at the exit (usually there is a bypass right before the normal loading area that takes you there) or your stroller would be brought to the unload point.
I would not leave anything of value in the stroller basket.

 

[blondietink]

The cast members assisting you onto the ride will move the stroller as wheelchair to the exit of the ride if necessary. You don't have to worry at all.

 

[christymarie]

And does it matter that the stroller likely will just be a regular stroller rather than a special needs one, since he probably won't be big enough to require a special needs stroller?

Also, can you store your things in the basket of the stroller and leave them there while you're on the ride, or is the stroller not in a secure location?

You will need to go to guest relations when you get to the park and get the sticker for your stroller. The sticker is large and we were there for several days and it stayed on fine the whole time.

We kept stuff stored in and hanging from our stroller just not anything of value. I wore a small purse/pouch that held my drivers license, credit card, and a few dollars cash so all we had in our stroller was the diaper bag since the stroller was just off to the side when we got off rides.

Hope this helps

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The GAC (or Stroller as Wheelchair tag) is issued to the disabled person and not to the equipment. So there is no restriction on the type of stroller it is used on.

And just as any stroller, do not leave anything in the basket, etc., that you cannot afford to lose. A CM cannot, by official policy, accept responsibility for taking care of anything.

 

[kathleendsm]

That all makes sense, thanks! I think I'd most likely just leave the diaper changing pad and other incidentals in the basket. Valuables I'll probably put in a messenger bag or waist pack.

It sounds like the cast members are helpful when it comes to this stuff! Hopefully we won't get too many dirty looks, although with his hearing aids and possibly orthotic devices on his legs, people may give us the benefit of the doubt.

 

[stitch34]

Yes, go to guest relations for a red sticker for the stroller. And we've noticed we've had to return back there for a new one during each trip - for us, everytime it rains pretty hard and stroller gets real wet, the sticker falls off!

 

[5 for WDW]

We just got back from a trip with using a stroller as a wheelchair. Our daughter fractured her ankle and is partial weight bearing. We had a Joovy Kooper stroller.

It was a huge help to us. We were able to take the stroller right up to the ride in most instances. If not, we were asked if she could walk or be held for a certain amount of feet or time. Most were short and we had no problem doing that. The stroller was right there waiting for us when we got off. Keep the GAC card out as well. Most CM's asked to see it as well as the sticker on the stroller. For all rides we were able to leave our bag on the stroller (just ponchos, etc. We always take our camera on rides) with the exception of one CM at POTC. He asked us to remove everything from the stroller in order to ride. Since we were not expecting that (we had ridden before without being asked) my husband ended up staying with the stroller and I rode with the kids. Since they have to move the stroller to the end of the ride, they wanted us to take everything. That was the only instance we were asked though. Just be prepared for that.

We were only given a hard time once. A man on line for Dumbo had some unpleasant things to say to us for "cutting the line" even with the very obvious toe to knee black boot/brace our daughter had on. I was prepared for it and just ignored him. All of the CM's were great and really went out of their way to talk to my daughter and ask her how she got hurt, etc.

The buses were a pain. The bus drivers basically ignored us if we tried to board at the back of the bus. Since DD could not stand or walk up steps, we tried to use the ramp. They would not open the back door and when we would walk to the front and carry her on they would just say "Oh sorry". It was only a real issue once when the bus was full but, we just waited for another bus. It was an annoyance but, we got used to carrying her on and praying their would be an empty seat for her.

I hope you have a great trip!

 

[Teddys~Mom]

It sounds like the cast members are helpful when it comes to this stuff! Hopefully we won't get too many dirty looks, although with his hearing aids and possibly orthotic devices on his legs, people may give us the benefit of the doubt.

With respect to this, I always keep this thought in my head, consider the source, on the occasions where DS will get a dirty look. Anyone who can look at a kid with special needs and give one? Nuff said. Go, don't think of people like that, don't even let them into your own little "universe of vacation". I hope you have a wonderful trip.

 

[Flametamr]

I normally do this same thing with my DD. Just be aware that you may have issues trying to load Disney busses. The drivers will ignore a stroller sitting in the wheelchair spot and start to lad the bus. You have to be assertive and point out that it is a wheel chair. Otherwise they will just try to make you unload and fold it up to get on the bus. I normally hold up the GAC card to them as they pull up and point to the back door. They eventually catch on.

If you are timid you will get left waiting for another bus or be forced to unload it and carry it on.