Dear Lori,
Welcome back to planDisney! I see that you’re planning a visit back to the magic very soon - how exciting! I also spend a lot of time at Walt Disney World Resort with my mom, so I understand the need to do your research to meet your mom’s mobility needs all too well. Thanks for bringing your question here.
What a coincidence that my friend and fellow panelist
Elizabeth just answered a similar question here on the planDisney site! I will say that while she is absolutely right about the decision to allow a folding stool being up to the discretion of the dutiful Disney Security cast members, I would always assume that it could be confiscated due to the fact that it is similar in nature to a folding chair which is prohibited in the theme parks, water parks and Disney Springs according to the
Property Rules.
Elizabeth advises to request an accessible
Minnie Van, which is a Ford Transit versus the standard Chevrolet Suburban, as these vehicles are guaranteed to have a lower step-in height. You may find that the wait for one is a little longer than a regular Minnie Van wait during peak times, so allow yourself a little more transportation time.
Lori, I’d like to also suggest that if your mom has additional mobility needs and will need an
ECV rental for her time in the parks, be sure to arrive early! These mobility devices are subject to availability and while I am typically an early bird at Disney World, my mom and I have occasionally run into the issue of availability, especially at Magic Kingdom. If ECVs are not available, cast members will offer you a wheelchair for temporary use and will call and/or text you when an ECV becomes available, but this could be many hours later. I’d also like to make sure that you’ve seen
Disney’s Services for Guests with Mobility Needs. There’s a ton of helpful information there about how things work in the parks when you’re traveling with someone who has mobility needs.
I hope this information is helpful! I cherish my own multigenerational trips to the magic, and I know you will too. Have the best time, and don’t hesitate to come back if you need more planning help! See ya real soon!
Magically yours,
Sakinah