Where do I start? - Brother and Sister in law both in wheelchairs

[TheMacys]

We're planning a family vacation and it will be the first time my brother and sister in-law come. I don't even know where to start with getting them assistance around the park. Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[BillSears]

How do they get around at home? What type of assistance are you looking for? What issues might they have at an amusement park?

I'm a T6 complete paraplegic so my needs are different from someone who is a quadriplegic or an amputee or various other disabilities. However Disney does not provide any assistance inside the parks for me. All of my needs are mobility related so the DAS isn't something that I would need. Disney doesn't push your wheelchair around the park or lift you on and off of rides so I have to do those things myself.

For Disney hotels and transportation Disney does provide some special services. When I make my hotel reservation I make sure I have reserved a roll-in shower room because I can't easily use a tub. When I book my Disney Express to and from the airport I make sure they know I have a wheelchair and will need a lift equipped bus. When I travel between my resort and the parks I use the internal Disney bus transportation and board from the wheelchair boarding area and use the ramp into the bus and the wheelchair tie downs.

 

[TheMacys]

How do they get around at home? What type of assistance are you looking for? What issues might they have at an amusement park?

I'm a T6 complete paraplegic so my needs are different from someone who is a quadriplegic or an amputee or various other disabilities. However Disney does not provide any assistance inside the parks for me. All of my needs are mobility related so the DAS isn't something that I would need. Disney doesn't push your wheelchair around the park or lift you on and off of rides so I have to do those things myself.

For Disney hotels and transportation Disney does provide some special services. When I make my hotel reservation I make sure I have reserved a roll-in shower room because I can't easily use a tub. When I book my Disney Express to and from the airport I make sure they know I have a wheelchair and will need a lift equipped bus. When I travel between my resort and the parks I use the internal Disney bus transportation and board from the wheelchair boarding area and use the ramp into the bus and the wheelchair tie downs.

I appreciate your insight! I guess I'm wondering if there's like assistance with rides? I'm thinking about renting an ECV for them. I'm always up for pushing, but I'm sure they'd like to explore on their own as well.

Thats great intel, I didnt think of making sure magical express was good to go.

 

[lorenae]

No assistance with rides or things- the cast members will accommodate wherever they can, but they will not lift people or chairs, etc. If they can transfer at all, they can ride most rides. If they can’t there are some rides that are ECV and wheelchair accessible.

 

[TheMacys]

No assistance with rides or things- the cast members will accommodate wherever they can, but they will not lift people or chairs, etc. If they can transfer at all, they can ride most rides. If they can’t there are some rides that are ECV and wheelchair accessible.

Thinking about it now, I guess all of the cues are pretty accessible. Brother is most excited for Star Wars and I just want to do my best to make sure its a good experience!

 

[BillSears]

I expect to be able to ride both Star Wars rides in Galaxy's Edge. They look like the transfers on and off the ride vehicle are similar to trasnfers in and out of a car. So how do they get into a car? Or do they only do transportation that allows them to remain in their chair?

Also for an ECV, they are much different than a wheelchair. I know I wouldn't be able to use one due to balance issues and getting on and off. But I can push my own wheelchair all day long through the parks at WDW.

 

[BillSears]

Here are a couple of great links. First of all Sue's general FAQ. It's got lots in information.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/d...disabled-1st-trip-next-trip-wish-trip.595713/
Here is Rolling With the Magic. It has descriptions of how this person handles various rides.

http://www.rollingwiththemagicblog.com/start-here/

 

[Staren]

You said you are thinking of renting an ECV for them. Honest question, why are you thinking that? Do they use more limited mobility devices at home? Would they be renting wheelchairs if not an ECV? Do you have a good understanding of their day to day capabilities? I ask because there is a big gulf between someone who uses a cane or no mobility device in their daily life but needs some more involved help at Disney, and someone who has a more severe disability but has their regular equipment and knows exactly what they do and don’t need. The former is likely to thank you for the help. The latter is likely to rip you apart for trying to “help” by taking over. Do your brother and sister-in-law need hand holding, or would they be better able to research solutions to their own needs?

 

[TheMacys]

You said you are thinking of renting an ECV for them. Honest question, why are you thinking that? Do they use more limited mobility devices at home? Would they be renting wheelchairs if not an ECV? Do you have a good understanding of their day to day capabilities? I ask because there is a big gulf between someone who uses a cane or no mobility device in their daily life but needs some more involved help at Disney, and someone who has a more severe disability but has their regular equipment and knows exactly what they do and don’t need. The former is likely to thank you for the help. The latter is likely to rip you apart for trying to “help” by taking over. Do your brother and sister-in-law need hand holding, or would they be better able to research solutions to their own needs?

Great input, and I really appreciate it. The couple times I've mentioned Disney, my brother has always talked about how it wouldn't be good for them. Honestly, I'm trying to get as much info so maybe they'll be more excited about coming, so I'm probably over doing it. I just know how big of a Star Wars fan he is and we dont see him much.

I definitely understand that fine line of trying to do too much, sometimes I fall over that line. I appreciate the reminder!

 

[Mrsjvb]

bottom line: they are responsible for their own needs at Disney with a few exceptions that BillSears has already mentioned.

ECVs require a learning curve and someone who uses a WC regularly may or may not be able to make that transition( for instance, I cannot)

while most lines are mainstreamed, there are some that an ECV cannot enter and they would need to transfer to a chair.. and they are responsible for getting themselves through the line. Disney does not provide pushers, or anything more exciting than a steadying hand to enter or exit rides you are talking 8-10 miles or more of getting from Point A to Points B C and D. some people can push themselves along without issue. others(* like me) depend entirely on the kindness of their spouses and the rest of their party.

 

[Weedy]

FYI:
Rise of the Resistance is the newest ride in Galaxy’s Edge (Star Wars Land) in Hollywood Studios. It’s very popular. You need to get a Boarding Group to ride (Boarding Groups are only needed for this ride).
To get a BG you have to be in Hollywood Studios. Everyone that wants to ride has to be in the park.
You book your BG through the My Disney Experience on your phone.
BG’s have been completely full within 15-30 minutes the official park opening.
*** you don’t need a BG to enter the land or ride Millennium Falcon
You may want to follow this thread to keep up with BG’s and park opening
https://www.disboards.com/threads/r...roup-planning-and-information.3782822/page-32

 

[Weedy]

This shows park opening times and when Boarding Groups are booked