I can’t stand very long, can I bring an assist device?

[Mike151]

Folding chairs are not allowed. The rule is clear.

But if nothing folds then it can’t be called “folding”.

Do security guards actually follow the rules or do they make things up as they go along?

 

[nickys]

So it compresses downwards, correct? To me that would be covered under the generic description of folding. YMMV. Semantics aside, I have no idea if that would be allowed.

However the WDW Property rules do have this:

All persons, bags, parcels, clothing and other items may be subject to screening/security checks.

We reserve the right not to allow any bag, parcel or other item and to deal with any unattended object, bag or luggage in such way as we consider appropriate.

Which gives security the right to refuse it, regardless of the actual wording.

 

[Mike151]

It’s either folds or it doesn’t. Folding is like a light switch that’s on or off. There’s no “kind of off” just as there’s no “kind of fold”. It Definitely makes it difficult to plan when guards are given unlimited authority to ignore the printed regulations and make up new rules on a whim as they go along.

To add to the confusion I’ve found that folding cane chairs are approved. That would work fine, so that’s probably what I’ll end up doing.

 

[nickys]

I can’t find a rule that says I’m not allowed to swim in Rivers of America.
Would security be “making up rules on a whim” if they insisted I get out?

 

[King Panda 77]

I can’t find a rule that says I’m not allowed to swim in Rivers of America.
Would security be “making up rules on a whim” if they insisted I get out?

Better do it quick before they fill it in .

 

[Chi84]

It’s either folds or it doesn’t. Folding is like a light switch that’s on or off.

Some light switches have a dimmer that goes down so far that no visible light emits even though the switch is on. We need security guards who can deal with this kind of conundrum.

 

[King Panda 77]

Some light switches have a dimmer that goes down so far that no visible light emits even though the switch is on. We need security guards who can deal with this kind of conundrum.

Are we not allowed to bring light switches into the parks now

 

[Chi84]

Are we not allowed to bring light switches into the parks now

It’s up to security with no written regulation. Oh the chaos!

 

[nickys]

Better do it quick before they fill it in .

So what I need to do then is bring a giant plug so they can’t drain it. And there’s no rule against that, I just checked.

 

[Vacationeer]

Along with the recent overhaul of DAS this summer WDW has started allowing cane chairs.

 

[Chi84]

In all seriousness, the Oxford dictionary states: Folding: "(of a piece of furniture or equipment) able to be bent or rearranged into a flatter or more compact shape, typically in order to make it easier to store or carry."

So the pictured item, which is capable of being rearranged into a more compact shape, would fit the definition of a folding chair.

 

[Mike151]

And yet folding cane chairs are allowed.

Unless a guard decides to confiscate it on a whim, of course

 

[nickys]

The rules of WDW give security the right to use their discretion.

What we were trying to do, albeit by being silly, is to point out that you could be denied entry with the item in question.

If you are denied entry with your collapsible chair, cooler or whatever else you might have, telling security “the rules say this, you’re just making up new rules on a whim” is likely to result in:
- the rest of your party being embarrassed
- the possibility of being escorted back out of the park
Is it really worth the chance of a confrontation and possible consequences for the sake of what you consider as being right?

Incidentally, folding cane chairs were only recently permitted, after the rules around DAS eligibility changed. They are considered as a mobility aid and permitted for that reason.

 

[Vacationeer]

And yet folding cane chairs are allowed.

Unless a guard decides to confiscate it on a whim, of course

The difference between a guard confiscating a folding chair or cane chair ‘on a whim’ is if escalated to higher management, the cane chair will get through because that is in within the written guidelines.

 

[Chi84]

Canes have always been allowed as assistive devices; the chair part is ancillary to its primary purpose. On the other hand, a chair has only one purpose and must be carried otherwise. I can understand why Disney would differentiate between cane chairs and folding chairs.

 

[donaldtoo]

I have two similar collapsible stools that I’ve used on our last two recent WDW trips, and a Carnival cruise. I have two because I forgot the first one on our last WDW trip, and had to have another one delivered to our resort (OKW)…!!!
We purchased the first one for $25 on Amazon, and the second one for $15 on Amazon.
They are light and easy to carry, are compact, are a lifesaver, and I’ve never had a problem with them through security.
Also, I think I need a fee from those that manufacture them, as I can’t even count how many times other folks have said to me “OMG, where did you get that, it’s so cool and I need one…!!!!!”…!!!!!

 

[Mike151]

Thanks for confirming an actual experience , I appreciate it.
I’ll bring mine and if I get a disgruntled guard with an attitude I’ll take it back to the car and just rent a wheelchair. It’ll come in handy to haul the cooler around and I’ll have a seat when I need one.

The important thing is to not let a bad apple spoil the day.

 

[Chi84]

Well, I provided the definition of folding that the OP was seeking and gave an opinion on why a cane chair would be included in the written regulations while a folding chair would not.

My comment to the OP wasn’t made as criticism, but much of what he said in his posts about security guards acting on a whim and making up regulations are unflattering and disrespectful.

Sometimes people who have that attitude can come off as combative and actually provoke the behavior they complain about. Self-awareness can help in such situations.

 

[donaldtoo]

Your experience is valuable information, but the OP was asking whether a folding chair was allowed by the written regulations, which is a different story.

My comment about the light switch was to exemplify that not everything is as clear as the OP stated. Sometimes security guards are faced with situations that require interpretation or the exercise of discretion. It doesn’t mean they are making up regulations or acting on a whim.

Thank you.
The OP posted in their first post that they knew folding chairs weren’t allowed.
But the OP also asked, and posted pics of, similar telescoping stools that I have.

And, I never made a single comment about security guard discretion. I just shared my recent experience.

 

[Chi84]

Thank you.
The OP posted in their first post that they knew folding chairs weren’t allowed.
But the OP also asked, and posted pics of, similar telescoping stools that I have.

And, I never made a single comment about security guard discretion. I just shared my recent experience.

I think the rules concerning assistive devices are being changed (or leniently interpreted) because of the recent changes to DAS.

Since Disney is no longer giving DAS to people with mobility-related disabilities, they are going to have to be more accommodating to the use of assistive devices in lines.

Even though the rules still don’t expressly allow folding chairs, it doesn’t surprise me that the one you used was allowed in. I could have used one when I had hip pain.