wheelchairs and dining

[aliciaq]

My family (DH, myself and 3 kids) are taking MY family (Mom, Dad and Little Bro) in September. I have already called and made all of our ADRs, but something has been on my mind.

I did not mention while making reservations that my Mom is in a wheelchair and I am a little nervous about a few restaurants. Do I need to call back and have them anotate that or just not sweat it? I am mostly concerned about Le Cellier (haven eaten there beofre its a little crowded) and HDDR.

Now, Mom has MS and can sometimes, with assistance, walk a few steps. But, she is probably going to be a llittle on the tired side, and well...if you know MS her mobility can be very unpredictable, you know?

Also, does anyone know if the upstairs are accessable in both Pizza Planet and Columbia Harbour House?

Thanks in advance!

Alicia

 

[spiceycat]

people are strange. either they will get in front of you and act like its your fault if you stop the wheelchair - when they walked right in front of you,....
oh by the way - if someone gives you the dirty look - tell them they walked infront of you - some will


or they avoid you....

I have not had problems with mother in a wheelchair at restuarants - but I don't often eat in the parks - too many food allergies - mind not mothers.

 

[Talking Hands]

You can either call or let them know when you arrive. If you have ADRs for any dinner shows please call as they have the tables already designated when you arrive.
Don't know about Pizza Planet but Columbia Harbor House is accessible by elevator but it is backstage so unless you are on the Keys to the Kingdom Tour you won't be able to use it. Going backstage means you have to be accompanied by a castmember both ways.

 

[SueM in MN]

We alwys tell them when we arrive to check in for our ADRs.
As Talking Hands mentioned, for the dinner shows you need to let them know ahead of time (when making your ADR). For regular ADRs, the tables are assigned as you check in, so they don't really need to know until then.

 

[BillSears]

I'd call them up and let them know for the Hoop De Doo Revue. Those tables are assigned before you arrive for dinner so they might have you in a table upstairs because they don't know you need a lower level table.

For me the only places I tell ahead of time are the HDDR, the Luau and Cinderella's Royal Table. All of those places have special seating for wheelchair users so they need to know ahead of time but there might be others that need to know ahead of time that I've never been to. I believe all of the other restaurants assign tables as guests arrive. So even if it's noted on your reservation they won't set aside a table for you until you check in at the podium.

 

[Nanajo1]

Now, Mom has MS and can sometimes, with assistance, walk a few steps. But, she is probably going to be a llittle on the tired side, and well...if you know MS her mobility can be very unpredictable, you know?
Alicia

I do know! I use an ECV at WDW because I'm chicken to take my power chair on the plane. My mobility is unpredictable. I drive the ECV to the restaurant table then transfer to a chair. DH moves the ECV out of the way. We've been to alot of restaurants and never had a problem. I do mention the ECV when making the ADR and of course when we check in its obvious. I like transferring because I'm at the right height and right distance. When I'm in my chair sometimes the table is too high and I can't get close enough. Please remind your DM to keep hydrated and as cool as possible. Have a great trip.

 

[aliciaq]

Thanks for all the replies and adivce - Its very appreciated!

Nanajo - I will try and keep her cool and hydrated. Its going to be interesting - I am a bit of a touring/schedule maniac, which DH thinks is so funny becuase I am usually laid back LOL! So having Mom there is going to get me to calm down a bit. I just have to watch that I dont go the other way with her and get paranoid!

I'm not sure if she is getting an ECV or not. My Dad is thinking of pushing her... which I think is just nuts! But, with the EVC I am worried about her if she is overly tired not being able to sit in the chair. I am worried about her falling out! Dont know if it would happen, but it freaks me out thinking about it

Thanks again!
Alicia

 

[Lezah]

I have newly diagnosed MS and just did 13 days at WDW getting home yesterday. We used a wheelchair and my DH and DS took turns pushing me. The restaurants were very accommodating and I stayed in the chair everywhere I had an ADR. We had a Table service ADR almost every night. Le Cellier was great, Boma was a bit of a challenge but that was the only buffet we tried. The only problem we had was bathrooms in the restaurants but the companion bathrooms were okay outside in the parks and were easy to find for the most part. They were just easier for us because I was just too tired and sore to walk too far and possibly stand in line in a regular bathroom with my cane. HTH