Walker with Wheels OK?

[LBIJim]

Hello everyone

I'm new to the DISboards. I discovered this site about 6 weeks ago while planning our first trip to WDW in over 10 years. (GF and myself do go to Disneyland in California every 2 or 3 years, however.) This is a very interesting, fun, and informative site. I'm really enjoying reading about practically everything WDW related.

Going in early November with long-time girlfriend, my mother and her sister. Mom hasn't been in about 15 years. She now uses a folding walker with wheels and a flip-down seat to get around. I've read about wheelchairs and electric scooters but didn't see any mention about walkers. Are they even permitted into the theme parks? I never really paid attention before.

Mom realizes that even with her walker the distances can be overwhelming, and she's not adverse to renting a wheelchair if necessary. But she'd like to use her walker as much as possible.

I've read that most attraction lines are "mainstreamed." But does that mean we must use the standby lines? Can we obtain a fast pass and return at the appropriate time to use that line?

We can help Mom transfer into ride vehicles. Can the ride operators stop the moving walkway belts on some rides so she can board more easily? And will they move her walker to the exit area? (I know some rides have separate entrance and exit areas.)

Thanks in advance to anyone who can answer.

Jim

 

[Selket]

We were there a few weeks ago touring the park some of the time with a friend who uses a walker (and sometimes a wheelchair). She had no problem using the walker (it had wheels and a seat) in the que. You can use it in the regular que or a fastpass que. They moved the walker to the exit area of the attraction for her. On the attractions with stairs (Splash Mountain for example) they took her through the exit - but you go through the que first (we were in the FP que) to get there. Just ask a CM at the attraction entrance for details and they should tell you if there are stairs ahead and what to do. Probably in the FAQ for this board there is info on stairs and the loading of certain attractions.

Have fun!

 

[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 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, click on the link in my signature.

Basically a person has a certain amount of energy available to them daily. If they relax during the day the amount of energy available will increase; when they sleep at night they recharge their system,

However, when in pain energy is used up much faster than in normal conditions. If you become exhausted, with by what you have done or, more importantly, what you have done while in pain your system will not recharge to the original energy level overnight and you are starting the next day with a lower amount of energy available.

You might pick a location at least a half mile from where she lives and ask her would she like to walk there. If she hesitates, then say "and back", and of she is still not sure then add "at least three times in a row".

Once around the World Showcase Lagoon Promenade is more than 1¼ miles; most people tend to average 8 - 12 miles per day at WDW.