Hey Howdy Hey, Tami!
You've got a friend in me here at the Disney Parks Moms Panel, so thanks for your great question. While I'm so sorry to hear about your son's surgery, I hope that your trip is the perfect way to bring some happiness and joy into his life as he begins to heal.
I'm glad you have already looked into the convenient
wheelchair rental at the Disneyland Resort. These are rented on a first-come first-serve basis so make sure you arrive early to guarantee yourself a wheelchair. A doctor's note is not required. The Disneyland Resort is very accommodating to guests with mobility disabilities and concerns. Each attraction has specific guidelines when it comes to boarding, so you can
review these online before arrival or just check with the Cast Member at the attraction entrance to ask about boarding procedures. A couple of attractions even have alternative viewing experiences for Guests in wheelchairs or who have trouble walking up or down stairs. These are
Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough and
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. Just let the Cast Member at these attractions know if you would like to experience the alternative viewing experience. You still will be able to experience many attractions at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park!
If mobility is a concern, I also suggest taking advantage of some of the wonderful relaxing attractions like Disneyland Railroad, Disneyland Monorail, and Mark Twain Riverboat. These offer some of my very favorite scenic views while giving everyone some much needed relaxation time on truly unique forms of transportation.
I hope this helps, and I wish you a Fantasmic vacation!
-Jennifer