Confused about boarding attractions

[CindyVK]

Hi Everyone,
We are planning a trip end of August with my Mom who is in a wheelchair. This will be her first visit in a wheelchair so this board has been invaluable with knowing what to expect. Thanks everyone!

However, I'm slightly confused about some of the rides that will be available to her. She won't be able to transfer from her wheelchair but some attractions are listed that guests in ECV's will need to transfer to a wheelchair. Does that mean that those already IN a wheelchair can go on the ride with no problem? For example, like on Buzz Lightyear, do they have a car that can accomodate a wheelchair? Also, Kilamanjaro Safari is listed as one of those attractions. I've read elsewhere that guests need to transfer from their wheelchair onto the jeep.

Also, for attractions like the Haunted Mansion where she won't be able to transfer, would they let her just do the shrinking room part?

Mom has had a tough couple of years and is REALLY in need of some Disney magic. She is so excited about taking a trip. I'd like to be able to give her a realistic idea of what she'll be able to do and prepare her for what she won't be able to do so she's not disappointed at the parks.

Thanks, as always, for your help!!

Cindy VK

 

[kaytieeldr]

I'm slightly confused about some of the rides that will be available to her. She won't be able to transfer from her wheelchair but some attractions are listed that guests in ECV's will need to transfer to a wheelchair. Does that mean that those already IN a wheelchair can go on the ride with no problem? For example, like on Buzz Lightyear, do they have a car that can accomodate a wheelchair? Also, Kilamanjaro Safari is listed as one of those attractions. I've read elsewhere that guests need to transfer from their wheelchair onto the jeep.

Also, for attractions like the Haunted Mansion where she won't be able to transfer, would they let her just do the shrinking room part?

Not necessarily isn't the greatest response, but well, it depends on the attraction. Do you have the Disney disability guide?
For example: Pirates of the Caribbean requires you to transfer to a wheelchair before entering the building (due to space restrictions), but I don't know if there's a boat that will accommodate a Guest in a wheelchair.
On the other hand, Jungle Cruise has Big Bertha - a boat specially designed to accept one Guest in a wheelchair OR ECV without that person having to get out of the chair.
The Safari DOES accommodate a wheelchair, if necessary, I think, although I didn't notice any way to lock it down.

Will members of your party be able to transfer your mom from the wheelchair to the ride seating and back to the wheelchair? If so, I think she can experience a lot more than you expect. Note though, that Cast Members cannot physically assist Guests on or off the attractions.

 

[ktglads]

This thread should be pretty helpful telling you what to expect with wheelchair transfers. Hope it helps and you have a great trip!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=818020&highlight=transfer

 

[Talking Hands]

Magic Kingdom,
Pirates of the Caribbean must transfer to a manual wheelchair and will need to step down into boat
Jungle Cruise - will ask if you can trans
Haunted Mansion - if she can stand and pivot she will be able to ride this. They will take her through back door and can stop the moving walkway on request
Splash Mountain- must be able to step down into it
Big Thunder Mtn- must be able to step into vehicle
Space Mtn - step into vehicle
Pooh- accessible vehicle
It's a Small World- accessible vehicle
Peter Pan- cannot stop walkway and need to be able to walk abd step in vehicle
Snow White - must be able to step into vehicle

 

[SueM in MN]

For example: Pirates of the Caribbean requires you to transfer to a wheelchair before entering the building (due to space restrictions), but I don't know if there's a boat that will accommodate a Guest in a wheelchair.

There is no wheelchair boat, so you do have to transfer. After the exit point, the boats go thru an area that is just high enough for the boats, so there is no way to board at the regular boarding area and then get back to the wheelchair or board at the exit and ride all the way thru back to the exit.

The Safari DOES accommodate a wheelchair, if necessary, I think, although I didn't notice any way to lock it down.

The Safari can accomidate one wheelchair with occupant. It is locked down with tie down straps. The same arrangement in the Backstage tour.

For the rides that say you need to transfer from an ecv to a wheelchair, the queue or ride is not accessible to an ecv. That's why you have to transfer.
Some of those also require a transfer from the wheelchair into a ride car (Pirates is a good example). Some of them are fine for a wheelchair, just not an ecv.

The park maps have an icon by each attraction that tell how it is accessed. If there is a small icon of an ecv or wheelchair; you may remain in the wheelchair. A stick person moving from the ecv to a wheelchair means that someone using an ecv must transfer to a wheelchair. If there is an icon of the stick figure getting out of the wheelchair and standing up, then a transfer to a ride car is needed. There are signs with the same icons by the attractions.

Here is a link to the official Disney web page for mobility disabilities. If you go all the way to the bottom of the page, you'll find a list of attractions where someone can stay in their wheelchair; she will be able to ride those plus the ones that say someone using an ecv will need to tranfer out of the ecv into a wheelchair. It's probably just easier to look at the list of attractions where it says the guest must transfer out of the wheelchair. Those are the only ones she won't be able to ride.

 

[Talking Hands]

For the rides that say you need to transfer from an ecv to a wheelchair, the queue or ride is not accessible to an ecv. That's why you have to transfer.
Some of those also require a transfer from the wheelchair into a ride car (Pirates is a good example). Some of them are fine for a wheelchair, just not an ecv.

Also the rules can be different for an outside ECV and a Disney ECV. Often they will allow and outside rental in but not a Disney ECV. Another good reason to rent from outside.

 

[SueM in MN]

Also the rules can be different for an outside ECV and a Disney ECV. Often they will allow and outside rental in but not a Disney ECV. Another good reason to rent from outside.

Good point.

 

[CindyVK]

You guys are the best!! The threads and explanations TOTALLY helped! I'll print them out for Mom. There will be a lot she can go on and I'm SO glad she'll be able to go on the Safari and she really likes animals! They've never been to AK so this will be so fun for my folks! YEAH!

Thanks again!

- Cindy VK

 

[eternaldisneyfan]

I use an electric wheelchair full-time and can't sit up without complete support. Our last trip to Disney World I spent about 10 hours researching wheelchair accessible rides. I didn’t transfer for any rides and still had a fantastic time.

When the map says ECVs must transfer-it is talking about the 3 wheeled scooters or the chairs Disney rents NOT electric wheelchairs. Here is a list of rides that you can drive your wheelchair directly onto without transferring, sorted by park:

Magic Kingdom---

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin: (note-this ride doesn't fit all electric chairs--my standard Invacare Action electric wheelchair didn't fit-and the shooter is hard to reach, especially with contractures)

Stitches Great Escape (note-the bars that come down on the shoulders could be painful, especially if they are drawn up like mine-I haven’t ridden it-this ride has got a lot of bad reviews)

Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (Takes you through several classic scenes-awesome-easy access)

it’s a small world (easy access)

Liberty Belle Riverboat (Tour around a lake with some props and animatronics-kinda long-chair sits below level of bars, partially blocking view)

Main Street U.S.A.-Railroad-steam train ride (I loved it. Round trip is best, there are scenes along the way. I am not sure if all stops are accessible so get on at Main Street)

Jungle Cruise (recently converted)

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin (too short for some chairs)

All the Character Greeting Areas and shows are wheelchair accessible. There are always spaces for wheelchairs with seats for family members adjoining
(Storytime with Belle, etc. all children sit on the floor up front)

Swiss Family Treehouse and Tom Sawyer Island are impossible for wheelchairs (you can do a roundtrip on the raft that goes to Tom Sawyer Island)

All night-time shows and parades have special wheelchair viewing areas-ask a CM, they're marked on a map- arrive 1-2 hours early for a seat and you cannot leave—nighttime shows are my favorite and are well worth the wait

Shows I recommend:

Time Keeper (360 degree imaging with awesome Animatronics that take you on a time-travel adventure fraught with danger and comedy *may be gone)

Carousel of Progress (the classic tale following an animatronic family through different eras of invention)

Enchanted Tiki Room (‘Under New Management’ by Zazu and Iago creating a cute, funny adventure-mild danger- with special effects.)

Philharmagic (3D show-which are always awesome-I like it just from clips I’ve seen)

Spectromagic parade (nighttime parade of lights)

Wishes Fireworks (replaced Fantasy in the Sky-I have heard it is incredible and already love it from the pictures and video clips that I’ve seen-mixing lasers, beautiful fireworks, and heartwarming character narration).


Epcot—

Ellen’s Energy Adventure (easily accessible-cute Jeapordy style beginning that then takes you back in time to Dinosaurs)

Journey Into Your Imagination (easily accessible-really cute/fun ride with a fully accessible interactive special effects playground afterwards)

Living with the Land (informational tour about various climates and agriculture)

El Rio Del Tiempo (accessible-boat ride tour of Mexico)

The Living Seas (all areas accessible, although some areas may have alternate access. At your own pace viewing of a live sea aquarium and the new Crush attraction)

The World Showcase (all areas accessible, although some areas may have alternate access)

Street shows are hard to see unless you arrive a little early to sit in front

All the Character Greeting Areas and shows (including Innoventions) are wheelchair accessible (*note: The Kid cot fun stop crafts will be difficult to do unless you have a tray on your wheelchair because the table and chairs are low and the supplies are scattered)

All night-time shows and parades have special wheelchair viewing areas-ask a CM- arrive 1-2 hours early for a seat and you cannot leave-- nighttime shows are my favorite and are well worth the wait

Shows I recommend:

Honey! I Shrunk the Audience-3D (awesome multisensory adventure with a 3D movie as well as a moving stage-you can feel the effects while in your chair-and incorporates the ‘feel’ sense)

Cranium Command (funny and cute story that portrays the job of a ‘brain pilot’ that tries to control the different organs/body systems of a 12 year old boy throughout his day-really funny *may be gone)

Some areas of Innoventions are fun. You can build a robot and keep it for free.

Illuminations: Reflections of Earth—incredible nighttime show with lasers, fireworks, music, and a global earth ball promoting harmony through a heartwarming, fantastic display.


MGM Studios—

Great Movie Ride (note-this ride doesn't fit all wheelchairs-my standard Invacare action electric wheelchair didn't fit and I had to ride sideways)

All the Character Greeting Areas and shows are wheelchair accessible

Shows I recommend (MGM has a lot of good shows):

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular (live action awesome show)

Sounds Dangerous (special show that relies almost completely on hearing with incredible effects * a lot of parts in complete darkness)

Voyage of the Little Mermaid (play type show with characters, puppets, props, laser lights, and occasionally a fine mist to create the effect of being underwater. A great place to cool off)

Muppet Vision 3D (cute 3D show with feeling thrown in through water sprays, etc. The pre-show is also good)

Beauty and the Beast- Live on Stage

All night-time shows and parades have special wheelchair viewing areas-ask a CM- arrive 1-2 hours early for a seat and you cannot leave—nighttime shows are my favorite and are well worth the wait

Fantasmic-(The best nighttime/overall show. Note: Use the wheelchair seats in the back and arrive 2 hours to get a good seat)


Animal Kingdom-

Wildlife Express Train (train that shows you how Disney cares for their animals and takes you to the Conservation Station-may have to back on)

Triceratop Spin (note: I never rode this ride and I am not sure if it accommodates electric wheelchairs or just manual ones)

Kilimanjaro Safaris (mild thrill ride with a guide that drives you through authentic habitats to view real exotic animals-best experienced in the morning. Note: This ride is bumpy. You may need to back in to the ride vehicle.)

All the Character Greeting Areas and shows are wheelchair accessible (*the Boneyard is not. *Conservation is listed as accessible but I didn’t visit it.)

All the nature trails are accessible and have beautiful wildlife. There are many exhibits-a few viewing areas are a little difficult to get to.

All night-time shows and parades have special wheelchair viewing areas-ask a CM- arrive 1-2 hours early for a seat and you cannot leave—nighttime shows are my favorite and are well worth the wait

Shows I recommend:

Festival of the Lion King (ties with Fantasmic for best show-Incredible show with acrobats, fire blowers, animatronics-cannot miss)

Its Tough to Be a Bug-3D (multi-sensory show with animatronics as well as a 3D show. Note: a few effects will be missed if you’re not sitting in a chair, but I never transferred and fully enjoyed the show-one of my favorites)

Flights of Wonder (bird stunt/aerial flying)

I only transferred to rides when I was younger and stronger. The last trip I didn’t transfer to any rides and still had a fabulous, magical trip with the plentiful wheelchair accessible rides and awesome shows. Always carefully weigh out the risks of transferring.

I hope I helped.

Remember all shows are wheelchair accessible-don't miss the nighttime shows-especially Fantasmic-and don't miss Festival of the Lion King.

If there is anyway she can transfer, I would do it for Soarin’ in Epcot. The ride is awesome. Even I was able to do it. You can pull your chair right up to seat and the movements of the ride are smooth.

Have a great trip!

 

[Talking Hands]

There are no night shows in Animal Kingdom.
Special seating for the parade.

 

[SueM in MN]

Main Street U.S.A.-Railroad-steam train ride (I loved it. Round trip is best, there are scenes along the way. I am not sure if all stops are accessible so get on at Main Street)

All the stops are wheelchair accessible. The stop at Mickey's Toontown is very flat to get on. Main Street and Frontierland require going up a very steep ramp to get on (and down it to get off).

The World Showcase (all areas accessible, although some areas may have alternate access)

Norway has a ride (Maelstrom) that is not wheelchair accessible and requires a transfer to the ride boat. The other WS attractions (except for Mexico) are movies.

Fantasmic-(The best nighttime/overall show. Note: Use the wheelchair seats in the back and arrive 2 hours to get a good seat)

They start allowing people into the theater about 2 hours before the show starts (for the early show only, if there are 2 shows). There is a snack bar and restrooms in the back of the theater and Disney music is playing for the whole time, so getting there 2 hours early is not as bad as it sounds. The whole back row is reserved for wheelchair/ecv parties, so there are quite a few spots available. The earliest we have ever gotten there was 1 1/2 hours early and got seats in the center section. The latest we ever got there was 15 minutes before the start and still got wheelchair spot (I don't recommend that though. The only reason we did it was that we had not planned to still be in the park that late and since we ended up still there, we decided to see if we could get in. We were very surprised they had any spots left.)

Triceratop Spin (note: I never rode this ride and I am not sure if it accommodates electric wheelchairs or just manual ones)

The ride vehicle is basically the same as Aladdin, just different theming.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Will members of your party be able to transfer your mom from the wheelchair to the ride seating and back to the wheelchair? If so, I think she can experience a lot more than you expect. Note though, that Cast Members cannot physically assist Guests on or off the attractions.

The following is quoted from the Cast Reference Guide "Service For Guests With Disabilities" in the section called "Wheelchair Assistance".

"To fully experience some areas, Guests may need to transfer from their wheelchair either by themselves or with the assistance of a member of their party. Disney Cast Members are not permitted to physically lift Guests. Our cast is permitted, with the Guest's consent, to push, steer or otherwise aid Guests in maneuvering their wheelchairs for short distances, up ramps or inclines, and/or boarding or disembarking ride or transportation vehicles. This policy applies, unless to do so would pose a safety concern for the Guest or Cast Member."