Would a DAS be beneficial for my MIL

[Gillyrose779]

So I finally talked my MIL into going with us but now I have concerns.

She has had knee surgeries and, although she can slowly walk, standing in a stand by line will be an issue. She is already stressing at the idea of standing in line and I really want her to have a good times.

Should we look into DAS? Any other suggestions?

Thank you!

 

[patty57]

I may be wrong, but I think DAS isn't used for mobility issues. I think renting a scooter might be a good idea for her.

 

[siskaren]

I would post your question over in the DISabilities board, but patty57 is right - DAS is not for mobility issues; people with mobility issues can be accommodated by using wheelchairs or scoooters.

 

[eeyore45]

While suggesting an ECV may be hard, you should read some of the posts of people that finally do realize walking 10 miles a day at Disney isn't possible, and that it puts a strain on everyone. Renting an ECV offsite is more economical, Disney's ecv are first come first served) You can park them in a land, like at Fantasyland, then walk to the rides... its a much more enjoyable way to vacation when there are mobility issues.

 

[Gillyrose779]

I would post your question over in the DISabilities board, but patty57 is right - DAS is not for mobility issues; people with mobility issues can be accommodated by using wheelchairs or scoooters.

Thank you for the reply. She doesn't have a problem walking as she finds it comfortable to lean on our stroller- it is more about having to stand in line. You can't bring scooters and wheelchairs in line right?

Can she wait somewhere while we are in line and then meet us when we are ready to ride?

 

[Gorechick]

How about getting one of those walkers that have a seat?

 

[mom2mickeyfan]

My trouble isn't knees but I have the same problem. I have a lot of pain in my feet, doctors suspect fibromyalgia, and can walk okay but standing still/moving slowly causes me to get terrible pain in my feet. I don't need or want to keep up with a wheelchair to only use to sit in while in line but is the only option Disney gives me.

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

Thank you for the reply. She doesn't have a problem walking as she finds it comfortable to lean on our stroller- it is more about having to stand in line. You can't bring scooters and wheelchairs in line right?

Can she wait somewhere while we are in line and then meet us when we are ready to ride?

wheelchairs can go in most lines - if not they will have an alternative entrance. She can't meet you after you've 'done the time' standing in line and join you for the ride it just doesn't work that way.

Strollers typically can't be in lines.

 

[missbrooke06]

Wheelchairs, yes. Strollers, no.

I'm trying to remember your MIL is an adult who can make her own decisions but I really think that walking is a mistake (unless you're only going for one day).

My mom had both knees replaced and walks better than I ever remember. She physically cannot go several days walking in WDW.

 

[mom2mickeyfan]

Can she wait somewhere while we are in line and then meet us when we are ready to ride?

I don't think that is possible either.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Strollers can only be in lines if you a get a stroller as a wheelchair tag at guest relations. Her options are an ECV, wheelchair, or rollator. She won't qualify for a DAS based on what you've described. And there is no way for her to wait outside the line and meet you when it's time to ride.

I had the same discussion with my parents for our upcoming trip. Finally convinced them to rent an ECV and then whoever needs it can use it.

 

[Nanajo1]

The DAS is not for stamina issues that can be met with a scooter or wheelchair. Most lines accommodate wheelchairs. She could push the w/c in line then sit in it when needed.

 

[mom2mickeyfan]

How about getting one of those walkers that have a seat?

The trouble with this is, because the walkway are so crowded, it is annoying keeping up with something like a walker or wheelchair when it is only needed for lines with long waits.

 

[mom2mickeyfan]

Would Disney let someone carry in one of those little fold up 3 legged seat?

 

[mom2mickeyfan]

Would Disney let someone carry in one of those little fold up 3 legged seat?

We have one of those and it would almost fit inside one of our bigger back packs.

 

[Marionnette]

Would Disney let someone carry in one of those little fold up 3 legged seat?

It would be subject to a CM's judgement, but "folding chairs" are restricted from being brought into the parks.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/park-rules/

 

[minnie mum]

So she can walk, but only slowly? And she is accustomed to walking 10 miles or so every day interspersed with periods of standing? And being in a park with a dearth of benches?

As a senior with bad knees (had a knee replacement last year) I agree with most of the PPs. Arrange for a mobility aid of some kind. She's going to need it. I prefer a wheelchair because I find the ECVs too cumbersome and DH doesn't mind pushing me when I need to sit. I would walk (pushing the chair gave me some support and stability) as much as I was comfortable with, and would sit when my knees started to get sore. For attractions with short queues, I would simply park it in stroller parking. Your mother could do it with an ECV, too. Save her knees for when she needs them and use the ecv to get from place to place. Park it when she wants to walk. There are only a few rides that won't accommodate an ECV, and most of those have alternate entrances or wheelchairs that they can transfer to. If she doesn't want either of those, a rollator walker will allow her to walk everywhere, but will have a seat instantly available any time there is a line that is stationary. Warning though. Queues may be long, but they rarely stop moving for more than a few seconds at a time.

 

[DisneyWisher]

Thank you for the reply. She doesn't have a problem walking as she finds it comfortable to lean on our stroller- it is more about having to stand in line. You can't bring scooters and wheelchairs in line right?

Can she wait somewhere while we are in line and then meet us when we are ready to ride?

She sounds just like me. I also bring a cane. I've rented an ecv and at the end of the day you are dealing with painful knees, its a wonderful feeling!

 

[Gracie09]

It would be subject to a CM's judgement, but "folding chairs" are restricted from being brought into the parks.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/park-rules/

Besides how annoying would that be. Get it out set it up go to sit down line moves. Move set it down sit down, line moves again, get back up move a bit etcetc. Besides if people aren't paying attention and see the lineove ahead but don't see her sitting down below, they can easily trip over her. Ev or wheelchair would be her best bet. The wheelchair she can push when she wants to and sit when she needs to. Also both can go on just about any line. If they can't the cm will let you know your alternatives.