Access to Disneyland Ride Cars

[Nancy Cline]

I will be going to California Disneyland and California Adventure in November. I have mobility problems and can't lift my leg very high. I can't find any information about the distance from the ground to step into and out of any of the rides. Where can I find this information? I've looked at the pictures that have been posted but they don't give any actual details and pictures can be very deceiving. Can anyone help me?

 

[FCDub]

Have you been on Test Track at WDW? Radiator Springs is VERY similar in terms of loading/unloading.

 

[tsumgirl]

Could Youtube videos possibly help you? There are probably ride through videos that show people boarding the rides.

 

[cruisehopeful]

I know you can ask for an extra stool on Jungle Cruise.

Its possible that they would stop some of the continual rides (Haunted Mansion, Little Mermaid, etc) to let you load in at a slower pace. Those don't have a high step, but they are constantly moving.

I don't know of any way to find out ahead of time how high the steps are. My husband used to have major mobility issues due to knee problems and we wouldn't find out if he could make it until it was our turn to load. The staff were always very patient and understanding with his slow load times.

 

[Where's Wall-E]

The ones that come to mind right away that may be more challenging are RSR and Pirates - although on either of them you can step onto the seat first then down onto the floor. (I honestly find getting OUT of the ride more challenging than getting in.) CM will be very helpful, as they help many guests with mobility issues.

 

[DLgal]

Can you climb stairs? If so, you shouldn't have trouble on many rides.

Are you asking about ALL the rides or just specific ones? I doubt you will find exact measurements but I can guesstimate for you based on my extensive number if trips to Disneyland as a local.

Coasters: you step down into most of these. Thunder Mountain is the closest to just walking in. It requires a very small step down. Space Mountain and Incredicoaster require climbing down about 12" and then climbing back out. Matterhorn is VERY difficult to get in and out of. Goofy's Sky School is tricky as well, as the car doesn't stop and it's a tight squeeze to get situated with the T shaped lapbar. I'd recommend skipping that one.

The omnimovers require something like a 4-6" step up. These should be no problem. They can be stopped if you need extra time. The boat rides are all pretty easy. You step down into them, but you can easily step first onto the bench and then down to the floor. Distance from ground to bench seat is a few inches, then maybe 10" from bench to floor of boat. There are handrails you can hold onto as you get in/out. Cast members will offer you a hand on the Jungle Cruise.

You have to climb stairs into the train. It's like climbing a staircase. There are 2 steps.

Indiana Jones requires climbing up into a Jeep. If you can get into an SUV, you can do this. It's not a big step up.

Some rides you just walk into: Soarin, Star Tours, Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run, Guardians of the Galaxy (front row), Pixar Pal A Round, Mark Twain Riverboat, Silly Symphony Swings, Tiki Room

 

[StormyCA]

I have limited mobility due to a plated/pinned ankle. It's more a weight-bearing & flexibility issue rather than 'lift' issue. I find that if we maneuver the entrance/exits to the vehicle so that someone in our party can give me a hand to balance & hold onto I don't really have a problem other than it taking me longer. I'd say my biggest 'problem' is Pirates. It's quite a step down onto the seat and then down again to the floor of the boat. Getting out isn't as bad on that one.

If you have a problem with stairs (BIG problem for me as my ankle can 'give out' with no warning) they will let you bypass them. Just tell the CM as you enter the queue and they'll give you instructions. Some rides actually have elevators that allow you to bypass the stairs, other rides they'll have you go up the exit.

Also, don't be afraid to tell a CM early in the queue that you may need extra time loading/unloading. They want to know ahead of time and will be happy you told them so they can make arrangements. Much easier/better for them than having to unexpectedly stop the ride. My DH (6'5" and 'all legs') couldn't get into the vehicle on Space Mtn fast enough and it was quite a production pulling the vehicle off the tracks!!!

 

[Princess351]

The two that came first to mind that might possibly give you pause are Matterhorn (I struggle with that one, with no mobility issues. It is an awkward in and out. Splash Mountain is similar; since you're sitting with your legs outstretched in front of you, the exit might be a tricky one.)

 

[VandVsmama]

Another option is to call or email Disneyland directly prior to your trip. If you're able to provide them with some more specifics on how high you're able to lift your leg, then that might help them figure out some accommodations for you.

Rides easier to get in & out of:

• Fantasyland dark rides
• Winnie the Pooh
• Little Mermaid
• Toy Story
• BTMRR - use the disabled/handicapped entrance so you don't have to navigate stairs
• Space Mtn - same reason + gives you more time to get in & out
• Roger Rabbit
• Buzz Lightyear
• Star Tours - no stairs, no leg lifting aside from normal walking.

"Middle of the road" in terms of difficulty:

• Mater's - there's a step up, but something for you to hold onto while you get in
• Luigi's - same thing
• HM
• IASW - you'll probably need somebody to get in before you so they can assist you, plus use disabled entrance so you have more time to load
• Pirates - same thing

Some stuff that can be challenging to get in & out of:

• train
• RSR
• Matterhorn
• Autopia
• GRR - steps to go down in order to get in the boat
• Gadget's Go Coaster
• Indiana Jones - I think it has a higher step up to get into the ride vehicle than some other rides from what I recall. Many stairs to navigate in regular queue, so use disabled entrance so you can use the elevator instead of stairs.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

If you think you will need extra time (no matter how little or how much) to load and unload from the ride vehicle on a ride, please let the CMs know when you get in line. They can direct you to the HC loading area (if there is one) or let you know what your options are (e.g. HM where the vehicle can stop for you to load). Some rides, like Space Mt. and RSR, are on a tight load/unload timing schedule. So using the HC loading area will allow you to take all the time you need without any pressure or risk of shutting down the system. Just ask the CMs in the line -- they'll be happy to help you.

 

[bluecruiser]

I know you can ask for an extra stool on Jungle Cruise.

Some questions about Jungle Cruise ... is this a stool that can be placed on the Jungle Cruise steps so they're not as steep when entering/exiting the boat?

Can anyone confirm recently they still have the option of using a stool on the Jungle Cruise steps? And does anyone know how tall the stool is?

I have arthritis in both knees, and tall/overly steep steps are too painful for me. But if the stool can be used to reduce the "step" height so it's closer to normal step height, I should be okay.

Apparently they used to offer a stool at WDW's Jungle Cruise, but when I was there last year they told me they don't use it any more. I know WDW and DLR aren't necessarily consistent with their processes, but if WDW decided it was a safety issue, DLR might follow.

 

[Marshmelo]

Check out Pammie Plus Parks on Youtube. She does WDW but you could watch the videos for the rides that are also at DL because I believe they will be the same except for Splash Mountain and Space Mountain. And I think you can compare Space Mountain at WDW to Matterhorn at DL. Someone correct me if I’m wrong.

 

[cruisehopeful]

Some questions about Jungle Cruise ... is this a stool that can be placed on the Jungle Cruise steps so they're not as steep when entering/exiting the boat?

That's how it worked. We haven't had to use one in over a year, so I cannot confirm if it is still available. If I remember correctly, it cut the steepness down by about 50%. My husband had the same issue you are having - severe arthritis, but after a knee replacement a couple years ago, he can finally do the normal stairs (took a long time before his knee was flexible enough again).

 

[bluecruiser]

Thanks @cruisehopeful, I'll be sure to ask about the stool when I go in December.

 

[BrianL]

Check out Pammie Plus Parks on Youtube. She does WDW but you could watch the videos for the rides that are also at DL because I believe they will be the same except for Splash Mountain and Space Mountain. And I think you can compare Space Mountain at WDW to Matterhorn at DL. Someone correct me if I’m wrong.

You are correct that Space Mountain at WDW and The Matterhorn use very similar ride cars and the load/unload is the same. One difference is Matterhorn has seat belts and Space has a T-bar.