My husband and I are taking my mother and our 6 yo nephew to Disneyland next month. My mother has arthritis of the spine and has trouble standing, sitting, or walking for long periods, so we are going to get her an electric vehicle. I was wondering 1) are there any accomodations so that she won't have to stand in long lines and 2) what access limitations can we expect (i.e. I doubt we can take the vehicle on the monorail, but can we take it between parks).

I am very strongly against "cutting" in line using a handicap as an excuse (unless you're handicapped, of course), and besides, waiting in line or avoiding lines honestly is one of my favorite Disney pastimes. I don't really think of my mother as "handicapped". At the same time, I don't want my mother to not be able to ride things just because she has arthritis. We've considered taking a portable chair with us, but I'm not sure if we'll be allowed to take it into the park, and I have no idea what we could do with it after we get to the front of the line on the ride.

Any input appreciated.

For the monorail, she will park it at the bottom and use the elevator, and ride round trip. If you are staying at a hotel I recommend renting from an outside vendor, the one I used to use is no longer in buisness but there are a few that others here recommend. If she's using an EVC you don't have to go get one of the Guest Assistance Cards, but I do recommend you get the guide for guests with disablities to better see how to best approach different attractions. I haven't seen any portable chairs in the parks but I have seen 'walkers' at Costco that have wheels and a seat that would be considered a medical device and therefore allowed into the park where a folding stool/chair might not ... hope that helps.

My husband and I are taking my mother and our 6 yo nephew to Disneyland next month. My mother has arthritis of the spine and has trouble standing, sitting, or walking for long periods, so we are going to get her an electric vehicle. I was wondering 1) are there any accomodations so that she won't have to stand in long lines and 2) what access limitations can we expect (i.e. I doubt we can take the vehicle on the monorail, but can we take it between parks).

I am very strongly against "cutting" in line using a handicap as an excuse (unless you're handicapped, of course), and besides, waiting in line or avoiding lines honestly is one of my favorite Disney pastimes. I don't really think of my mother as "handicapped". At the same time, I don't want my mother to not be able to ride things just because she has arthritis. We've considered taking a portable chair with us, but I'm not sure if we'll be allowed to take it into the park, and I have no idea what we could do with it after we get to the front of the line on the ride.

Any input appreciated.You should use the wheelchair access line. This line is not cutting, nor is it always faster. You will not be allowed to take a portable chair, unless it is the walker chairs/cane chairs. If they are keeping the wheelchair rental area by the kennel, you can take the ECV between parks, otherwise no. Make sure you get there early to get one, they go fast.

We just found out that she is a candidate for knee replacement surgery, too (both knees). I think I'm going to check out Costco and get one of those "walkers". It may make the difference between her being able to enjoy the park and her sitting on a bench waiting for us most of the trip. I'm not sure if the disabled access would help much if she just had to stand at a different place, but if she can sit/stand while we were waiting in line I think that will help a lot. Thanks to both of you for the tips.

Diane

For the monorail, she will park it at the bottom and use the elevator, and ride round trip. If you are staying at a hotel I recommend renting from an outside vendor, the one I used to use is no longer in buisness but there are a few that others here recommend. If she's using an EVC you don't have to go get one of the Guest Assistance Cards, but I do recommend you get the guide for guests with disablities to better see how to best approach different attractions. I haven't seen any portable chairs in the parks but I have seen 'walkers' at Costco that have wheels and a seat that would be considered a medical device and therefore allowed into the park where a folding stool/chair might not ... hope that helps.

We just found out that she is a candidate for knee replacement surgery, too (both knees). I think I'm going to check out Costco and get one of those "walkers". It may make the difference between her being able to enjoy the park and her sitting on a bench waiting for us most of the trip. I'm not sure if the disabled access would help much if she just had to stand at a different place, but if she can sit/stand while we were waiting in line I think that will help a lot. Thanks to both of you for the tips.

Diane
My mom had her knee replaced and she regretted it big time. I suggest really reall really looking into it and the doctor big time before getting it done. My mom now goes to Disneyland in a wheelchair and still has a great amount of pain. I do hope all does go well and love goes to you all.