Wheelchair bound in Disney

[angelat]

Hi Everyone,
My sister has asked me to find out some information for her. She and my two nieces (16 and 18) would love to go to WDW. However, my BIL had an accident 13 years ago which he was paralyzed from the waste down from. He is an amazing man who can do just about anything he could before the accident except for walk. He isn't comfortable with the idea of going to WDW because he feels like there won't be anything for him to do.

Is there anyone on these boards who is in the same situation physically who has been to WDW or even goes regularly? Are there any rides that he won't be able to go on, or any that will be extremely difficult? I think that he would have a great time, but I understand his hesitancy about going.

Any help any of you could give, would be much appreciated.

Angela

 

[peemagg]

I think if he was to go he would be very surprised at what he can do. In fact as long as he can transfer out of the chair, he can ride anything that his heart desires. There are many things that he won't even have to transfer out of his chair for. There are special cars that his wheelchair will fit on.

If you look at the DisAbilities FAQ's at the start of the forum, there is a bunch of information in there that would answer most any question they have.

You can even get a book called Passporter's Open Mouse for Disney World and Cruise line. It spells out a lot of info in there about doing Disney World with a mobility issue.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

Hopefully one of the mods will move this to the main disAbilities board soon so more people see it, but I would suggest 1) looking at the FAQ and 2) looking for posts by BillSears. Bill, I think, has a similarish level of paralysis as your BIL and is a longtime WDW-goer.

I can tell you as someone who mostly uses a wheelchair even if he can't transfer there are quite a few rides he can do as well as the shows. The FAQ I think has a pretty complete list of which rides he would need to transfer for compared to staying in his wheelchair.

Disney is absolutely wonderful for wheelchair users. In my experience, they're far better than any other sort of amusement or theme park especially when it comes to ride accessibility.

 

[alizesmom]

I've gone with my kids who are in chairs. There is a lot that can be done. Many rides have accomodations for those who can't transfer and most for those who can. The shows are stupendous and worth the trip even if you never got on a ride. Tell your BIL to go. He'll have fun.