Wheelchairs to/in MK questions

[2vets]

(Just posted this on the theme park strategy board, then realized it was better posted here...)

Hi, all -

DH and I are headed down to WDW this weekend, and it looks like my parents and a close friend of theirs are going to meet us for a few hours Saturday morning, as they will be in Orlando for an event that evening. Their friend is in a wheelchair (she has Lou Gehrig's disease and can not transfer out of her chair).

We were most interested in having them meet us in the MK at opening for 3 or so hours, as that fits best with everyone's plans, but I am a little concerned about parking and transfers for her - allears.net doesn't give specifics, but how difficult will the transport from the TTC to MK be without the ability to transfer in/out of a chair?

Is the MK too much of a nightmare on a Saturday? Would it be better to have them meet us at Epcot from a transportation and traffic standpoint? AK seems a bit hilly/rocky, and MGM is a no-go, as it is the EMH park (plus it's ESPN weekend).

Since we leave Friday morning, it might be difficult for us to get ahold of the Passporter for guests with disabilities before we go (we'll look in a local bookstore, but they may not carry ir, and it is too late to order one) - is there anywhere else that I can get some info before we leave?

Thanks so much - this woman is like my second mom, and it is very important to me to ensure that she is comfortable and has a great few hours!!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

If she has a disabled hang tag there will be no problem parking in the midcal parking area, which is a short walk (push) to the TTC. There is absolutely no problem getting on or off the Ferry Boats. If using the monorail, the push up the ramp can be difficult for someone not used to pushing, and the keeping of the wheelchair from running away down the ramp can also be difficult.

Epcot could be a better choice; it is less child oriented than MK. Also the streets/walkways are much wider with less curbing and not as crowded. There are only two "hills", neither bad; one is as you pass Spaceship Earth going toward the Fountain, and the other is the approaches to the bridge between UK and France.

 

[2vets]

Thanks, Cheshire Figment - she does have a hang tag and my mom (who is incredibly athletic) to help her - she is in a large ECV, I think.

Glad to have the info about the ferries to MK - will broach the subject of Epcot vs MK with my mom, who seemed a bit leery to "force" us to change our plans. Little does she know that it would take a lot to make me unhappy at Disney.

I hit the FAQ here and printed out a bunch of info, too, which should help.

 

[SueM in MN]

I would not bother to look for the Passporter book (I was one of the peer reviewers and read every word of it). For your use (and the time you have before going), it is WAY too much information.
I see you found the disABILITIES FAQs thread. If you haven't gone to the official Disney site's disabilities information, there are links on the FAQs page to go there. From there, you can get the text of the Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities that WDW publishes for each park. You can also pick up a copy at Guest Services in any of the parks. Those guidebooks have some very basic information, including access for each attraction (and the "Mobility" link has lists of attractions at all parks where you can stay in the wheelchair for the wait in line and the attraction).
The park maps also have an icon that tells at a glance which attractions are fully wheelchair/ECV accessible (they have a wheelchair icon), which are wheelchair, but not ecv accessible (icon of a stick figure getting out of an ECV and an arrow leading to a wheelchair) and which require a transfer from wheelchair/ECV to a ride seat (a wheelchair icon with the stick person standing up next to it). There are also signs in front of attractions to advise about access.
For the parking, I agree with Cheshire Figment.
For the park, MK is a bit more "tight" than Epcot, so Epcot is a bit easier to push someone in a wheelchair around, but you will have fun whatever park you go to.

 

[2vets]

Sue -

Thank you so much. (And as an aside...look, I can actually NOT spend money on one thing wrt Disney - a miracle!!!)

I will speak to my mom tonight, and we can try to figure everything out. I have printed a bunch of info, so we should be good to go for planning. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[joanchris]

I agree with what others have said about MK and Epcot.....Epcot is easier to get around......Also, the Monorail (if using) at Epcot has an elevator to get up and down to and from the platform.