Wheelchairs and Disney transportation

[Debbie2]

Only 39 days to go and starting to think about logistics as DS is in a wheelchair.

One of our main reasons for staying at GF is that it is smaller than some of the other resorts, so bus queues tend to be smaller plus we have the monorail.

On previous trips DS's chair was smaller and easily collapsible so we would close it ready for the arrival of the bus to whichever park we were going to and board with everyone else. He now has a bigger chair and would need to board him in it.

I hate Disney transportation when it is really busy and do tend to panic. I am anxious about boarding at the rear when the bus is already full. I will feel such a nuisance. My teenager DD gets very embarassed and thinks everyone is looking at us. She is already saying she will get on the front by herself.

Sorry to waffle but here's my questions..

1) we love getting the boat back from MK to GF - will we be able to do this on our next trip with DS wheelchair. We could fold it down but it would still be fairly bulky. The alternative would be for one of us to get monorail back with him whilst others got boat but that deprives him of the experience which he enjoyed last time.

2) If using the Disney buses becomes a problem (going in July so will be very busy) do Disney offer any other forms of transport assistance to guests with diasbilities e.g DLP offer personal transport to/from parks if required?

Thanks

[Whitequeen]

Firstly................yes!! You'll have no problem on the Ferry.:)
Secondly................use the buses!! That's the good thing about them. Teach yourself not to get embarrassed. You have as much right as the next person to use the Transport. The Drivers are helpful and thoughtful. You may get people in line looking but that's because you get on first.:shrug: They'll live!:D

[Debbie2]

Thanks for your reply WQ. I'm really pleased about being able to use the ferry...do they have a ramp? I can't remember seeing one last time.

You are so right about using the buses. You would think after 11 years of living with disability in the family, I would be used to it by now. I still feel, even after 3 trips to WDW, very conscious and embarrassed using the special assistance pass. I can't help feeling everyone is staring at us. As I said DD hates it and begs us to queue but DS could not cope with that. He loves WDW and watches videos and DVDs every day. He has his own photo albums which are now very tatty. He cannot understand we are going and I can't wait to see his little face when we get on the plane as he will then know where he is heading to :)

[uscwest]

Disney are EXTREMELY accomodating when it comes to wheelchairs and scooters. I believe you will find ramps wherever you need them.

[luvalab]

Debbie2 don't ever feel like you are a nuisance due to your DS condition.:hug: And your DD should understand too and offer to help.
Our last trip we watched a lady push a wheelchair up a hill and then sit in it so she could get into the attraction first. Now that was rude! :tut: You are to be commended for wanting your child to be a part of society with his handicap. There are parents that wouldn't be bothered by it, and would just as soon keep them a shut in. So you and your family have a great time and don't even think twice about being a bother to anyone. If someone complains, then they are an ignorant person no matter what. Give that DS of yours some new memories that he can treasure a lifetime. :micbounce :micball: :fworks: Have fun. :flowery:

[Debbie2]

Thank you luvalab for your kind words :hug:

I too have witnessed several times the scenes you describe in your post.

I am in 'wheelchair-pushing' training now, going on long walks each day to build up stamina. He senses something is going on as he has never been out so much :)

I have to pack at the last minute as if he saw the cases out he would want to go immediately.

[marivigi]

Dont worry about it!!
you are there to HAVE FUN!!!

When at the bus stop, you will be asked to board the bus first (you and the rest of your family)

Just do it!!!!

and HAVE FUN!!! :)

[triciacarole]

Debbie it is not your problem that other people feel like this, it is theirs. I feel pity for these people that they can not seem to think of anyone else but themselves, don't let them get you down, they are in the minority :hug:.

[Debbie2]

You are all right of course...I'll take some chill pills with me :)

[triciacarole]

Give the 'tut tutters' the chill pills :wink: :)

[PaulaK]

If folks have any objections to you using GAP's or having to wait an extra few minutes to board a bus, they shouldn't be in the happiest place on earth :tut: Don't worry about what others think, the majority of us have a heart. :) Enjoy!

[Debbie2]

Your right as well Paula but we do get some looks. I'd like to see them walk a mile in our shoes then perhaps they wouldn't begrudge us the assistance WDW is reknowned for providing to guests with special needs. I know I would swap places with them in a heartbeat and happily wait in line.

Again it is only the minority, most people are wonderful and we have had some great chats with people who stop to say hello to DS.

[triciacarole]

Because of DDs arthritis she can not walk far because of the pain, but then again she can not sit too long as her knees stiffen up and get painful, we did get some suspicious looks last year when we went and she had to get out of the chair for a short walk every now and then. As I said earlier its their problem and they should not judge. They are not worth your thoughts Debbie.

[MPHARJ]

Debbie do not be embarassed by some one elses ignorance! Use the buses have a great trip!