Wheelchair tips (as the pusher/navigator)

[StarlitNight05]

Hi all! I'm going to the parks with my Mom in February and it seems like we will likely need to get her a wheelchair rental. Honestly, I'm a bit nervous about trying to navigate her through the crowds. But I'm willing to do it so we can make more memories together at our happy place!

I've been looking into wheelchair return times and it seems like it's only for a subset of attractions (looks like Fantasyland and a few others) at Disneyland, but DCA doesn't have any since the lines are ADA compliant. Did I get that right?

I am going to bring some ribbon to tie to the back so we can identify it easily, but I'm open to any other tips too...or words of encouragement. Wish me luck!

PS - an ECV isn't really an option since my Mom doesn't feel comfortable using one. I suggested trying one out at a grocery store, but I could tell she really didn't want to, so I didn't push it further.

 

[elvispursley]

Having sat in one of those rental wheelchairs (and going to again because DH is going and is too cheap to rent a scooter ), I’d recommend buying a wheelchair cushion. Also, get a pair of padded bicycle gloves as yore hands may become sore from pushing the chair all day.

 

[disneychrista]

Correct all of DCA's line's are wheelchair accessible. If I remember correctly in Disneyland Park, Haunted Mansion, Small World, Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway were accessible but I think all the others weren't and you needed to get a return time.

 

[BriannaRuth]

Disneyland attractions with return times (park the wheelchair and go through a shorter/more accessible line on foot):

Alice in Wonderland
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Casey Jr. Circus Train
Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster
Indiana Jones Adventure
Jungle Cruise
King Arthur Carrousel
Mad Tea Party
Toad’s Wild Ride
Peter Pan’s Flight
Pinocchio’s Daring Journey
Pirates of the Caribbean
Snow White’s Enchanted Wish
Space Mountain
Storybook Land Canal Boats

I'm not sure why Tiana's isn't listed here, unless they redid the queue when they did the retheming. I know when I had to get an ECV one time, I was able to access Splash through the exit with a return time.

None of the rides in DCA have return times because the queues are all accessible. However, on some rides she can remain in her wheelchair, including some in DCA. There are also rides where she can get assistance boarding the vehicle if she's mobility impaired. Check the following link for full information on mobility access if you haven't already:

Guests with Mobility Needs

 

[StarlitNight05]

Great, thank you all so much! This is super helpful. I love the tip about the wheelchair seat pad and gloves too!

 

[dizneedoll]

Disneyland attractions with return times (park the wheelchair and go through a shorter/more accessible line on foot):

Alice in Wonderland
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Casey Jr. Circus Train
Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster
Indiana Jones Adventure
Jungle Cruise
King Arthur Carrousel
Mad Tea Party
Toad’s Wild Ride
Peter Pan’s Flight
Pinocchio’s Daring Journey
Pirates of the Caribbean
Snow White’s Enchanted Wish
Space Mountain
Storybook Land Canal Boats

I'm not sure why Tiana's isn't listed here, unless they redid the queue when they did the retheming. I know when I had to get an ECV one time, I was able to access Splash through the exit with a return time.

None of the rides in DCA have return times because the queues are all accessible. However, on some rides she can remain in her wheelchair, including some in DCA. There are also rides where she can get assistance boarding the vehicle if she's mobility impaired. Check the following link for full information on mobility access if you haven't already:

Guests with Mobility Needs

They did re-do the queue for Tianas. Now you enter the same as everyone else (Standby or LL) but will take a different route to the exit area before the stairs.

 

[Pluto468]

Maybe a balloon attached to the wheelchair would help, too. (Assuming it wouldn't bother your mom.)

 

[BobaFettFan]

We put a balloon on Grandpa's scooter and it kept getting caught on things/people behind him. Not sure how fast you'll be going versus a scooter, but the last trip we opted for no balloon.