wheelchairs, parking trams

[Lalalee]

We're taking a WDW trip next month. W're staying off site and driving. I have a 10 year old brother with autism, and the plan for him is to try without the disability pass, but get it if needed. He's never been to a theme park with long lines. Do we need documentation, like a copy of his IEP or a note? The information I'm finding online is conflicting.

The bigger concern is my 9 year old brother. He was born with severe clubfoot and has trouble walking and standing for long periods. He also is much too big for a stroller. We are probably going to bring his wheelchair, which we don't usually use except for after surgery. He does not currently have a handicap parking tags, and from what I've read it doesn't sound like it's helpful. From what I've read it doesn't sound like he'd qualify for a disability pass.

Can you bring a folding wheelchair on the parking tram? My thought was for him to do mornings without the chair, and use it in the afternoons if needed (send an adult out to get it), but I don't know if this can work logistically. My other thought was to park near the tram to decrease some of the walking.

 

[gap2368]

for the DAS they will not read dr notes or IEP you need to be able to say why he can not wait in lines.

I do not use a wheel chair but I would think they would treat it like a stroller and you can fold it and carry it on with you

for the most part you park where they tell you some times it is quite a walk to the tram you may want to bring the wheel chair with you and you can all take turn pushing it this may help your brother walk longer if he has something to hold while walking

 

[aaarcher86]

I would bring the wheelchair. The average day is 6-8 miles walking. It'd be time consuming to go back and get it after the fact. A lot of people bring or use chairs even if they don't in their daily life.

Since inc egos needs are mobility, he won't qualify for the DAS, but you can take the wheelchair through the lines.

 

[lanejudy]

You might find these two threads helpful in your planning:
WDW - Disability Access Service Card thread (the first post has details, that's all you need)
disABILITIES FAQs thread has a lot of other info

As others have noted, for your 10-yr-old brother you (or a parent) will have to explain his needs related to waiting in a standard queue environment. Not his diagnosis. If you plan to try the parks first and then request a DAS if needed, that will allow you to share specific experiences and what/why it didn't work for him.

For your 9-yr-old brother, his needs are mobility/stamina in nature and he will not qualify for a DAS. Other than parking in the parking lots, a parking tag won't have any bearing within the parks. The driver can explain your party has a wheelchair and request closer parking, typically on the end of an aisle; but do not park in the spots lined in blue as those are reserved for handicapped parking tags and cars may be ticketed without one. Many people use a wheelchair at WDW who do not need it in everyday life, there is a lot of walking. Your brother can push it (put your bags in it if you wish) when he wants to walk, and sit to be pushed when too tired or to conserve his energy.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[aaarcher86]

I also believe you can drop off the party towards the front and then go park. Ask the parking attendant.

 

[blondietink]

It is not easy to get a wheelchair, even folded up, into the parking trams. Best to drop your party up front, then go back around and park in the lot and take the tram yourself.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

remember that for MK there is no dropping off near the gate but drop off closer to the TTC where you get the monorail or ferry