Wheelchair and Parking

[jenTMV]

We will be going to WDW in about 2 weeks and are so excited. We had thought we were going to try it without a wheelchair but thinking about this a bit more, I think we will get one. DS (13) has an immune deficiency and has been exceptionally run down lately and is losing weight (he is already exceptionally skinny). His doctor supports us going though (he is recommending the wheelchair) and he will be treated with the necessary prescriptions. WDW is his happy place and we all feel that he needs a bit of happiness. With a 13 year boy who does not always want to sit in the wheelchair, we will be fighting the battle in the morning but am sure by mid-day we will take a rest at the hotel and use the wheelchair in the evenings.

Anyway, we will have a rental car and drive from our hotel (Boardwalk/CSR split stay) to the parks. We do not have a handicap parking pass since he does not normally have to be in a wheelchair all the time. Can the shuttles at the parks accommodate a wheelchair? I am thinking like when you park way out and have to take the shuttle to the entry.

I would love any help or advice. Thanks everyone!

 

[lanejudy]

Parking lot trams don't really handle wheelchairs, though if it's a manual one you probably could fold it and hold it like a with stroller.

However, I suggest that you speak to each CM as you enter and move through the parking lot -- ask about "medical parking" and if available they'll direct you to the nearest spots. These aren't the "reserved" spots for which a handicapped tag is required, but the next closest. At all parks other than MK, you can actually do a drop-off at the front then go park.

Also, since his dr. is recommending the wheelchair, you should be able to qualify for a state-issued temporary hang-tag. But it could be more hassle than it's worth, depending on how your state handles such things and how quickly they can process the request. Just a thought, though, for future reference.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[jenTMV]

Parking lot trams don't really handle wheelchairs, though if it's a manual one you probably could fold it and hold it like a with stroller.

However, I suggest that you speak to each CM as you enter and move through the parking lot -- ask about "medical parking" and if available they'll direct you to the nearest spots. These aren't the "reserved" spots for which a handicapped tag is required, but the next closest. At all parks other than MK, you can actually do a drop-off at the front then go park.

Also, since his dr. is recommending the wheelchair, you should be able to qualify for a state-issued temporary hang-tag. But it could be more hassle than it's worth, depending on how your state handles such things and how quickly they can process the request. Just a thought, though, for future reference.

Enjoy your vacation!

Thanks so much for the reply. Didn't even cross my mind to drop him off at the front with the wheelchair and 1 adult while the other adult goes back and parks. So simple! LOL!

We are all just so excited to go but I want to be sure that we keep him healthy and happy while we are there.

Thanks again!

 

[shoes99]

We had a rental car and a scooter but forgot our handicap placecard. At Epcot and DHS they directed us to spaces right after handicap parking and we were able to drive the scooter to the park entrance without getting on the tram. We just told the CM that we had a scooter and would like to park as close as possible without a handicap placecard.

 

[SueM in MN]

We had a rental car and a scooter but forgot our handicap placecard. At Epcot and DHS they directed us to spaces right after handicap parking and we were able to drive the scooter to the park entrance without getting on the tram. We just told the CM that we had a scooter and would like to park as close as possible without a handicap placecard.

As long as you are not parking in a spot with a handicapped parking sign or with blue paint, you should be fine.

The spots with blue lines (even if they don't have a handicapped parking symbol) are legally marked in Florida for handicapped parking.

For the OP, you may be able to get a handicapped parking permit in enough time to have it when you go. Many states have the actual form on their website, so you could print it out, take it to the doctor and then bring, fax or email it to the office in your state that handles handicapped parking permits.
They might also be able to expedite it for you since you are going on vacation.

Each park also has a drop off point, so you could drop people off and then park and meet up with them later.