friend with husband in wheelchair, need planning help

[1mickey1minnie]

I have a friend who has been wanting to take her family to Disney. She has always been hesitant since her husband had an accident and is now in a wheelchair with no leg usage. What would be the best hotel for them to stay in that could have room for the wheelchair to maneuver at all times? Also, what rides would he be able to ride and will he have help getting on/off them?

[RedSoxandPatsfan]

It is great that your friend is considering taking her family to Disney. Disney goes out of their way to help and I'm sure many will be along to offer insights here from Intercot. Disney resorts do have Wheel Chair accessible rooms. We used the one at POR and it had a king bed in the room. It came with a shower that you could wheelchair right into, wheelchair and all. I think all the resorts will have the same idea, but the rooms will get larger as you go up in selection. Deluxes bring the larger.

As far as the rides, they should be able to do most to all of them. CMs usually go out of their way to help you. Most ques you go all the way thru the main line, a few you get switched out and taken a different way. If he needs help transfering they'll do that also.

Not sure if an ECV would work, btu remember it's a lot of walking and if your friend needs to push the wheelchair it might be better to also rent an ECV (not sure how moblie he is).

Here is a link to get them started.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/gue...-disabilities/

Happy planning and tell her to go for it!

[faline]

If he needs help transfering they'll do that also.

Actually, my understanding is that cast members are not allowed to assist with transfers from chairs to rides - individuals or family members need to be able to do this.

As noted, all Disney resorts have accessible rooms - we've stayed in a few of them.

Some rides allow the chair to roll right into the ride. Other rides require a transfer from the chair to the ride. All shows are accessible as are the monorails and buses.

[RedSoxandPatsfan]

Just looked it up and Faline is correct. Sorry for the misinformation.

From WDW web site:

"Transfers from Wheelchair

Most Walt Disney World attractions, restaurants, shops and shows are accessible to all our Guests. In some cases, however, Guests using wheelchairs may need to transfer from their wheelchairs onto an attraction vehicle. Disney Cast Members are not permitted to physically lift Guests from wheelchairs.

We therefore recommend that Guests plan to visit with someone who can physically assist them, when necessary. If traveling with a large party, Disney Resort Hotels have spacious rooms for 5 Guests or more."

They have helped my sister, but she can walk with the use of a cane. They have given her a hand getting out here and there.

[faline]

They have helped my sister, but she can walk with the use of a cane. They have given her a hand getting out here and there.

I suspect this steadying assistance is a bit different than a full transfer from chair to ride. Even walking unassisted, I've had cast members provide a steadying hand, at times.

[1mickey1minnie]

I think her Mom and Dad will be going along and can help him on and off rides if needed. Good to know he may be able to enjoy most of them though!

Will being in a hotel on the monorail be the easiest for them as far as access goes? Would staying off property in a larger spaced accomodation be more of a pain than it's worth?

[faline]

I would suggest staying on property, if possible. Disney World is so large that no one place offers easy access everywhere. Staying in a monorail accessible resort will allow fairly easy access to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot but busses will still be needed to go to the other two parks and/or Downtown Disney. Staying off-site would require driving the family and chair to each of the parks and, to my way of thinking, would be more of a hassle than staying on Disney property.

There are guidebooks available for those with disabilities who wish to visit Disney World. I'd suggest the family get one of these guides. It might provide much information.

[ransam]

i think it's great you're helping them....thank you on behalf of handicapped people.