Wheelchair user + young child

[WillowHaven]

I am in the beginning stages of planning a trip to Disneyland with my adult daughter and her partner. We are trying to decide whether to bring my youngest who will be just 5.
Part of our consideration about bringing our 5yo is that all three adults are wheelchair or scooter users. I am quite certain my 5yo will not be up for walking the whole time. Are there options that Disney allows that will accommodate us all?

I've seen in other threads that you can't have a child on your lap in a wheelchair and I assume the same goes for a scooter. Would I be allowed to push a stroller while in my (motorized) wheelchair? If not, are there any other options that might work?

 

[Betty Rohrer]

I am in the beginning stages of planning a trip to Disneyland with my adult daughter and her partner. We are trying to decide whether to bring my youngest who will be just 5.
Part of our consideration about bringing our 5yo is that all three adults are wheelchair or scooter users. I am quite certain my 5yo will not be up for walking the whole time. Are there options that Disney allows that will accommodate us all?

I've seen in other threads that you can't have a child on your lap in a wheelchair and I assume the same goes for a scooter. Would I be allowed to push a stroller while in my (motorized) wheelchair? If not, are there any other options that might work?

which park are you going to California or Florida? that will make a big difference. in replies. you will not be allowed to push stroller from wheelchair and you are correct no lap riders even though you see it all the time.

 

[WillowHaven]

We will be going to Disneyland

 

[voxparse]

Wheelchair user here. I pushed my son around the park in his stroller before he was old enough to manage walking but I also had him in my lap plenty of times when he wanted to ride with me. To my knowledge there aren't rules about not allowing you to push a stroller if you're in a wheelchair or have a kid in your lap. No different from an ambulatory person carrying a child. Do I misunderstand the question?

 

[Betty Rohrer]

We will be going to Disneyland

Disneyland is a smaller area. have done that park many times without a stroller for a 5 year old, even special needs child. much different than Disney World

 

[WillowHaven]

Wheelchair user here. I pushed my son around the park in his stroller before he was old enough to manage walking but I also had him in my lap plenty of times when he wanted to ride with me. To my knowledge there aren't rules about not allowing you to push a stroller if you're in a wheelchair or have a kid in your lap. No different from an ambulatory person carrying a child. Do I misunderstand the question?

I have read elsewhere on here that it's against the rules to have a child on your lap. I don't want to plan on that and then be asked to have him walk if we haven't planned for it.
And with the above rules and the rules about strollers, I thought I should ask if it was allowed to push a stroller while in a wheelchair before trying it. Again, to be sure we're not asked to have him walk if he's not prepared to.

 

[WillowHaven]

Disneyland is a smaller area. have done that park many times without a stroller for a 5 year old, even special needs child. much different than Disney World

I'm glad it's worked out for you and your 5yo.
I realize it's smaller and that walking is an option. I asked because I am trying to figure out what our options are.

 

[SteveMouse]

Wheelchair user here. I pushed my son around the park in his stroller before he was old enough to manage walking but I also had him in my lap plenty of times when he wanted to ride with me. To my knowledge there aren't rules about not allowing you to push a stroller if you're in a wheelchair or have a kid in your lap. No different from an ambulatory person carrying a child. Do I misunderstand the question?

Disney’s policies include the folowing:

• Strollers that are greater than 31" (79 cm) in width and 52" (132 cm) in length. Stroller wagons are also prohibited.
• Wagons are prohibited at any theme park, water park, or Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. Wagons are prohibited at indoor venues at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
• Any trailer-like object that is pushed, pulled or towed by an Electric Conveyance Vehicle, wheelchair, stroller or person.
• Wheeled mobility devices with less than 3 wheels or devices that cannot maintain stability and balance when stopped, unpowered and/or unoccupied. Training wheels and/or modifications are not permitted. Devices must be manually or electrically powered and operated at a walking pace. Devices should be single rider and not exceed 36" (92 cm) in width and 52" (132 cm) in length.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/park-rules/

At least theoretically, Disney could make the claim that a another person, of any age, in the lap of a wheelchair user presents a safety risk to a number of parties and exposes Disney to the risk of injury claims resulting from an accident including the affore-mentioned indivisuals.

I am not sure that the prohibition deserves merit and may indeed require an accommodation by Disney. I do not know if there is relevant case law.

 

[voxparse]

Disney’s policies include the folowing:

• Strollers that are greater than 31" (79 cm) in width and 52" (132 cm) in length. Stroller wagons are also prohibited.
• Wagons are prohibited at any theme park, water park, or Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. Wagons are prohibited at indoor venues at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
• Any trailer-like object that is pushed, pulled or towed by an Electric Conveyance Vehicle, wheelchair, stroller or person.
• Wheeled mobility devices with less than 3 wheels or devices that cannot maintain stability and balance when stopped, unpowered and/or unoccupied. Training wheels and/or modifications are not permitted. Devices must be manually or electrically powered and operated at a walking pace. Devices should be single rider and not exceed 36" (92 cm) in width and 52" (132 cm) in length.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/park-rules/

At least theoretically, Disney could make the claim that a another person, of any age, in the lap of a wheelchair user presents a safety risk to a number of parties and exposes Disney to the risk of injury claims resulting from an accident including the affore-mentioned indivisuals.

I am not sure that the prohibition deserves merit and may indeed require an accommodation by Disney. I do not know if there is relevant case law.

Fair enough. I kind of wish my kid was still small. Asking a disabled parent not to carry their own kid is just begging for a lawsuit or at the very least some VERY bad press. I can't imagine they would ever say anything about it.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Fair enough. I kind of wish my kid was still small. Asking a disabled parent not to carry their own kid is just begging for a lawsuit or at the very least some VERY bad press. I can't imagine they would ever say anything about it.

same disabled parent with child on lap and someone bumps wheelchair and child falls to ground and injured. are you sure parent would not lawsuit. yes I have seen security force parent to remove child from scooter. plus with size of OP group who is going to push chair so parent can hold on to child on their lap?

 

[WillowHaven]

Disney’s policies include the folowing:

• Strollers that are greater than 31" (79 cm) in width and 52" (132 cm) in length. Stroller wagons are also prohibited.
• Wagons are prohibited at any theme park, water park, or Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. Wagons are prohibited at indoor venues at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
• Any trailer-like object that is pushed, pulled or towed by an Electric Conveyance Vehicle, wheelchair, stroller or person.
• Wheeled mobility devices with less than 3 wheels or devices that cannot maintain stability and balance when stopped, unpowered and/or unoccupied. Training wheels and/or modifications are not permitted. Devices must be manually or electrically powered and operated at a walking pace. Devices should be single rider and not exceed 36" (92 cm) in width and 52" (132 cm) in length.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/park-rules/

At least theoretically, Disney could make the claim that a another person, of any age, in the lap of a wheelchair user presents a safety risk to a number of parties and exposes Disney to the risk of injury claims resulting from an accident including the affore-mentioned indivisuals.

I am not sure that the prohibition deserves merit and may indeed require an accommodation by Disney. I do not know if there is relevant case law.

Thank you for this. I had found the stroller part, but not the rest of it.
It seems like a bit of a grey area around a stroller pushed by a wheelchair user depending on your definition of "trailer-like". I'm not sure I would want to risk it.

 

[DisSurfer878]

Disney’s policies include the folowing:

• Strollers that are greater than 31" (79 cm) in width and 52" (132 cm) in length. Stroller wagons are also prohibited.
• Wagons are prohibited at any theme park, water park, or Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. Wagons are prohibited at indoor venues at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
• Any trailer-like object that is pushed, pulled or towed by an Electric Conveyance Vehicle, wheelchair, stroller or person.
• Wheeled mobility devices with less than 3 wheels or devices that cannot maintain stability and balance when stopped, unpowered and/or unoccupied. Training wheels and/or modifications are not permitted. Devices must be manually or electrically powered and operated at a walking pace. Devices should be single rider and not exceed 36" (92 cm) in width and 52" (132 cm) in length.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/park-rules/

At least theoretically, Disney could make the claim that a another person, of any age, in the lap of a wheelchair user presents a safety risk to a number of parties and exposes Disney to the risk of injury claims resulting from an accident including the affore-mentioned indivisuals.

I am not sure that the prohibition deserves merit and may indeed require an accommodation by Disney. I do not know if there is relevant case law.

This is also interesting. On the DisneyLAND website for ECV and wheelchair rentals, it says this:

"Only one Guest at a time is allowed to ride an ECV. Guests are not allowed to sit on steering handles or in storage baskets, or sit or stand anywhere on the ECV beyond the designated seat."

But this same info is not on the ECV or Wheelchair rental page for World. Seems odd.

 

[SteveMouse]

Here is the info on RENTAL ECVs ta Disneyworld.

• ECVs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Reservations are not accepted, and quantities are limited. Please plan to arrive early.
• Guests must be 18 years of age to rent and operate ECVs. A Photo ID is required.
• The maximum weight is 450 pounds. ECVs are not designed to hold more than one person.
• You are welcome to bring and use your own ECV throughout Walt Disney World Resort.
• As a reminder, personal belongings such as luggage, strollers and ECVs may not be stored or left unattended in hotel corridors or hallways.

For wheelchair RENTALS
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/wheelchair-rentals/

• Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Reservations are not accepted, and quantities are limited. Please plan to arrive early.
• Guests must be 18 years of age to rent wheelchairs. A photo ID is required.
• The maximum weight is 350 pounds. Wheelchairs are not designed to hold more than one person.
• You are welcome to bring and use your own wheelchair throughout Walt Disney World Resort.
• As a reminder, personal belongings such as luggage, strollers and ECVs may not be stored or left unattended in hotel corridors or hallways.

 

[WillowHaven]

This is also interesting. On the DisneyLAND website for ECV and wheelchair rentals, it says this:

"Only one Guest at a time is allowed to ride an ECV. Guests are not allowed to sit on steering handles or in storage baskets, or sit or stand anywhere on the ECV beyond the designated seat."

But this same info is not on the ECV or Wheelchair rental page for World. Seems odd.

Interesting that it's different!




I think as long as our whole adult party needs mobility aids, I will need to wait to bring the young one until I'm sure the will last the day with walking. If he can't ride with me and there isn't a way to use a stroller without a more able bodied person to push it, we'll have to wait until he's older to go.

 

[SteveMouse]

I think it may be a lose-lose situation unless someone who is not using a mobility device is available to push the stroller. i am sure a third party would help, either a volunteer or paid.

I can honestly appreciate any concern about pushing or dual-riding with a child. People in the parks just dont seem to pay attention. I could easily see the wheelchair controller it a hand or other anatomy controlling the chair getting jostled or someone walking unexpectedly in front of yhe wheelchair or stroller or trying to walk between them. Navigating queues could also be interestin.

Maybe find a friend to push? anyone local available to help?

 

[WillowHaven]

I think it may be a lose-lose situation unless someone who is not using a mobility device is available to push the stroller. i am sure a third party would help, either a volunteer or paid.

I can honestly appreciate any concern about pushing or dual-riding with a child. People in the parks just dont seem to pay attention. I could easily see the wheelchair controller it a hand or other anatomy controlling the chair getting jostled or someone walking unexpectedly in front of yhe wheelchair or stroller or trying to walk between them. Navigating queues could also be interestin.

Maybe find a friend to push? anyone local available to help?

Sadly, I currently don't have anyone else that would be willing and able to come. But, it's definitely something I will consider.

And I agree, I can see potential issues with either a kid on my lap or trying to push a stroller. I would for sure want to be safe for both my family and those around us.

 

[Lilsia]

They don't want kids riding with the adults in the ECV because unfortunately, there have been incidents in the past. I have seen, and am sure other have as well, where a grandparent thinks that they are being fun and letting a small child stand in front of them and steer the ECV, crashing into things and other people. They don't say anything if a child is sitting in the lap of a person in a wheelchair, it is the ECVs that are the problem. It is just dangerous and not a good idea.
Your family seems to be in a tough situation. But I can say that a 5 year old can still have a good trip, you just can't go, go, go. We would take it slow, going at our child's pace and take a break after each ride. We would go on a ride(or 2 if there was a short wait), then use the restroom, find a place to sit and have a drink and a snack. Just rest their legs often and you can make it through the day just fine.

 

[voxparse]

same disabled parent with child on lap and someone bumps wheelchair and child falls to ground and injured. are you sure parent would not lawsuit. yes I have seen security force parent to remove child from scooter. plus with size of OP group who is going to push chair so parent can hold on to child on their lap?

No different than an ambulatory parent carrying their child and gets bumped and someone gets hurt. They can’t stop me from parenting and carrying my child because I have a mobility device unless no one is allowed to carry their child. Assuming there is more risk because I’m in a wheelchair is discriminatory on their part.

As to your question about who pushes the chair the answer is in some cases like mine the wheelchair user. No idea OPs capability but it is totally possible to hold a child and push a chair. Speaking from personal experience.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

No different than an ambulatory parent carrying their child and gets bumped and someone gets hurt. They can’t stop me from parenting and carrying my child because I have a mobility device unless no one is allowed to carry their child. Assuming there is more risk because I’m in a wheelchair is discriminatory on their part.

As to your question about who pushes the chair the answer is in some cases like mine the wheelchair user. No idea OPs capability but it is totally possible to hold a child and push a chair. Speaking from personal experience.

I have seen Disney security make someone in wheelchair remove child from persons lap. did not stop to get the details. a parent carrying child has a hold of child while someone wheeling their own wheelchair does not a hand or hands to also hold child. very big difference

 

[voxparse]

I have seen Disney security make someone in wheelchair remove child from persons lap. did not stop to get the details. a parent carrying child has a hold of child while someone wheeling their own wheelchair does not a hand or hands to also hold child. very big difference

While I don't doubt you may have seen that, the parent should know their rights and should have put security in their place. I can hold my child with one hand and push with the other. People with disabilities adapt and find ways to do things you wouldn't believe. There is nothing inherently more dangerous about a parent in a mobility device holding their child and anyone else doing it. What about all the people with completely invisible impairments? Should everyone be tested on the way in to the park to ensure they are capable of carrying their child? I know you don't mean that but it is a slippery slope and what may seem unsafe or insecure to an outside observer can be quite the opposite to someone with experience living their life.