Wheelchair first-timer. Need some help.

[Main Street Matilda]

Pardon what may seem like some very basic questions, but we are taking my MIL with us to WDW this next trip and she is (pretty much) wheelchair bound and I really have no idea how to handle certain situations. She can get out of the chair and walk a short distance, but she cannot stand for any period of time.

At attractions, is there a separate wheelchair entrance? If not, will it be obvious where it is? If there are not separate entrances, will it be clear that we just get in the regular cue?

You would think that I would have noticed where people in wheelchairs go on a previous trip, but that was never something I had to pay attention to and so, here I am.

 

[jdb in AZ]

If you check out the frequently asked questions section here on the DIS boards, somebuddy went to a lot of effort to explain which rides have separate entrances, and other interesting stuff.

 

[Que_Sarah_Sarah]

If she can transfer from the wheelchair, you should be in business

Your BEST resource is to go to Guest Relations when you get to each park and ask for a "Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities". This map has special icons that show when you can and cannot stay in your wheelchair.

In most of the newer/refurbed rides, the queue is wheelchair accessible. If you approach the ride with your MIL in the wheelchair, you will either be invited in line with the chair or a CM will redirect you to the accessible line. You can only take five people in the accessible line in addition to the wheelchair.

IF YOUR MIL PREFERS NOT TO RIDE IN THE CHAIR let the CMs know ASAP. For example, on Small World there is a wheelchair accessible boat, but you can also just transfer to the benches. In most cases, CMs prefer to transfer guests, or at least that has been my experience.

If you want to ditch the wheelchair while you are at a restaurant, etc. you can park it in any stroller parking area. Your MIL could always sit near the restaurant (bench, etc) and someone else in your party could take the chair.

There are special parade areas for people who need to stay in wheelchairs and their parties. For a courtesy measure with my grandma, we usually have one person stay with her in the wheelchair area and everyone else finds a spot along the regular route. We plan a meeting place for after the parade, leaving more room for guests in wheelchairs in the viewing area.

 

[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 chair or 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 to the FAQs, click on the link in my signature.

 

[LisaBi]

RE: Telling the first CM that you can transfer. In my experience, every time we go on a ride that offers wheelchair ride vehicles, we are asked if he can transfer even before we have a chance to say so. Same thing on rides like Buzz Lightyear - we are asked if he can "walk a short distance."

Just beware on POC - they ask if you can a short distance - but IMO it is NOT a short walk on that particular ride.

 

[Main Street Matilda]

RE: Telling the first CM that you can transfer. In my experience, every time we go on a ride that offers wheelchair ride vehicles, we are asked if he can transfer even before we have a chance to say so. Same thing on rides like Buzz Lightyear - we are asked if he can "walk a short distance."

Just beware on POC - they ask if you can a short distance - but IMO it is NOT a short walk on that particular ride.

That's good to know. My MIL can walk a short distance and so would prefer to transfer, but she really can only walk a short distance and she needs to hold onto someone, too.