When making dining reservations,

[monkeysmamma]

should I mention then that we will need to accomodate 2 wheelchairs or is that something they'll deal with when we check in? There are 6 of us to begin with, and the little people are not the best when it comes to waiting for food.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

This is not something that would be on the reservation. When you check in at the podium be sure to let them know. Normally it should not be a problem, as long as there is a clear part to the table; all they need to do is remove two chairs.

 

[monkeysmamma]

Thanks!

 

[BillSears]

However if you're doing the Hoop De Doo Revue or the Luau you should let them know ahead of time. Those tables are assigned prior to your arrival.

 

[KPeveler]

I also mentioned it to Liberty Tree Tavern, as wheelchairs go in a side entrance, and sometimes it is crowded. In my experience, they prefer to put wheelchairs close to this entrance, as they do cram in as many tables as the fire department will allow.

I mention it to every place, actually, when I make a reservation. I figure if they do not care, then they won't note it, but it makes me feel better to tell them. Most places will ask if anyone can transfer, but since I can't they always make it work for me!

 

[monkeysmamma]

I'll go ahead and mention it at the reservations and send one of the adults to check us in. The boys are able to transfer, but really need the supportive seating of their chairs when they eat. It'll be better to not even put it out there as an option.

Thanks everyone!

 

[maroo]

should I mention then that we will need to accomodate 2 wheelchairs or is that something they'll deal with when we check in? There are 6 of us to begin with, and the little people are not the best when it comes to waiting for food.

we just came back from a trip with 2 wheelchairs and all of the restaurants were great.

I just checked "wheelchair accessibility" on the reservations that I made online and when we checked in let them know that we had two wheelchairs. I am pretty sure we waited a bit longer to be seated, but it was well worth it to have a place where we could easily fit both. On one occasion, I am pretty sure they seated us earlier than some other parties because "our" table happened to be available soon - so you may wait longer at some places and be seated quicker at others - (basically the way wheelchairs are thoughout Disney - sometimes faster getting on a ride, sometimes slower. )

Have a BLAST!

 

[monkeysmamma]

Good deal. Thanks!

 

[ShhhQ]

Just a side note... if you are transfering from a WC or a ECV for your dining. Check where it will be parked and the weather... we had a place last trip that insisted DM transfer from her powerchair. I was concerned that the sky looked like the sky was about to open up and pour. They said not to worry that should it rain, they will cover the chairs (I was using an ECV). Well, it starting raining cats and dogs while we were inside... and yes they did cover our chairs, but not very well! My rental ECV... they threw a trash bag over the control bar, but left the seat completely exposed! DM's personal powerchair, was another matter... they threw a bag across the seat, but neglected to cover the joystick controller!!! We had issues with it not running well the rest of the week... so beware if you need to transfer that it truly is taken care of.

 

[monkeysmamma]

Good to know. That had to be frustrating. Thanks for the head's up!

 

[amandank]

The tables might not be held ahead of time, but if the CMs are on the ball (and they usually are) they might be one step ahead. My father must use a wheelchair or scooter and we have gone into restaurants with ADRS where we had to go back out because the table just wasn't accessible. In some cases, we just maneuvered around a lot until we found a way to work it, in others, we had to go back out and wait longer. When I have made a notation on the reservations about accessibility, I have had much better luck. Any information you can give them ahead of time is helpful. Have a wonderful time!

 

[SueM in MN]

We usually do make a mention of having a wheelchair at the time of making the reservation. Sometimes, it doesn’t matter and they don’t preassign a table, but in situations like Bill mentioned, it is very important to know ahead of time.

When we check in for our seating, we do mention it there. The table is usually assigned at that time, so that is when they really need to know it.

 

[KPeveler]

I figure the worst they will do is ignore such a notation, and it cost nothing to tell them or for them to write it down.

As to what one previous poster said - I never allow my personal mobility equipment to be out of my sight unless it is in a place that I leave it (i.e when I transfer to a ride vehicle). They legally cannot require you to be separated from your mobility equipment (in a restaurant), so you can always insist. I would think it would be easier, though, to park your ECV in a corner inside the restaurant if needed.

 

[POOHsie]

Just a side note... if you are transfering from a WC or a ECV for your dining. Check where it will be parked and the weather... we had a place last trip that insisted DM transfer from her powerchair. I was concerned that the sky looked like the sky was about to open up and pour. They said not to worry that should it rain, they will cover the chairs (I was using an ECV).

Could you say which restaurant this was? If I was to transfer from my ECV, there is no way I would allow my ECV to go outside in an uncovered area. At Chefs de France I was made to transfer to a wheelchair, and they kept the ECV under the front awning. I am glad you posted, I am wiser now. But I will be on the lookout for this in the future. They should try to park the mobility device in a quiet corner, or a back wall inside. Putting it outdoors should be only if things were desperate. Uncovered, NEVER.

I am also concerned that a Disney employee insisted that your DM had to transfer from her powerchair. Again, my two cents, but this is unacceptable to me. What if someone absolutely cannot transfer? I would have called a Manager about both things. I think you were subjected to insufficiently trained employees. That powerchair in the rain - what if it didn't work any more? Who would pay, and how would your DM get around Disney for her stay? And if it had to be repaired in Orlando, who would pay to ship it back to her?

 

[ShhhQ]

Could you say which restaurant this was? If I was to transfer from my ECV, there is no way I would allow my ECV to go outside in an uncovered area. At Chefs de France I was made to transfer to a wheelchair, and they kept the ECV under the front awning. I am glad you posted, I am wiser now. But I will be on the lookout for this in the future. They should try to park the mobility device in a quiet corner, or a back wall inside. Putting it outdoors should be only if things were desperate. Uncovered, NEVER.

I am also concerned that a Disney employee insisted that your DM had to transfer from her powerchair. Again, my two cents, but this is unacceptable to me. What if someone absolutely cannot transfer? I would have called a Manager about both things. I think you were subjected to insufficiently trained employees. That powerchair in the rain - what if it didn't work any more? Who would pay, and how would your DM get around Disney for her stay? And if it had to be repaired in Orlando, who would pay to ship it back to her?

It happened at 50s Prime Time at DHS. It DID quit working 3 days later. It had been dying down faster the next couple of days, but wasn't desperate... DM was upset but we didn't think a whole lot of it... then at Epcot.. it just up and died! We got it to charge while were at an attraction, and left it for a while... it died again 5 mins later. We then decided to take it up to the wheel chair rental area and ask if we could leave it there to charge for the day. I was going to give up my ECV for the day and tough it out (I use it just to keep from having the pain that all that walking causes so I COULD do it just be in pain). The CM there was soooo wonderful, she pushed DM in a manual WC to guest relations and helped us get an incident report and a free rental of an ECV for the rest of the day! We also got a number to use should her chair not operate the following day (our last). The next day she decided to use it but she was very cautious with it and turned it off as often as possible... no major problems, but it still drained faster than normal. We got in touch with Disney when we returned home and after a little bit of checking into repairs, they sent us a check to cover new batteries. So all in all, a bad situation was handled in a great way and we were happy with the results. Just using caution that it doesn't happen again... this year she will tell them at every restaurant that she is unable to transfer and will stay in her own chair!

 

[POOHsie]

It happened at 50s Prime Time at DHS. It DID quit working 3 days later. ...

50s Prime Time Cafe does seem smaller & tighter than other places in WDW. I looked at pictures of it, and the covered awning outside is rather small. I still don't like what they did with your equipment. Make sure you call ahead of your reservation to tell them you will have 2 mobility devices so they could plan an accessible table for you. (If you didn't do this before) I don't know if you need to feel that your DM has to always remain in her powerchair. I can think of so many restaurants at WDW that have put my ecv along a back well or something. I guess you need to ask, then decide.

I am relieved to hear that the wheelchair rental employees were really on the ball. They seemed to know how to help and what paperwork was needed to protect your potential financial loss. And I am glad that your DM's powerchair has suffered no long-term loss.