Adventurous Quadriplegic

[lewiswharf]

We leave Wednesday (January 25) for seven nights of fun and staying at the Boardwalk Villas!

I am a C-5 quadriplegic (weight 230 pounds, height 6'2") and I'm hoping to ride as many rides as possible. I'm traveling with my wife and a friend who will facilitate transfers when needed. I've been doing a lot of searching on the forums and learned so much but I wanted to know if there any last-minute transfer considerations and/or tips as an adventurous quadriplegic

Based on what I've read, Soarin and test track are completely doable, as well as the safari ride. I've also seen the ride car for Mount Everest and think this is doable as well; my only concern here is when the ride starts to go backwards if there is a sudden shift.

The reason I have a concern about Mount Everest is because, as a C-5 quadriplegic, my balance isn't great. My thinking is that riding with my wife, we'll be able to lock arms to keep me from going forward or to the side; I have rather strong bicep muscles.

Star Wars looks like a relatively simple transfer but again, I'm wondering if locking arms with my wife next to me will provide enough stability throughout the ride.

Thanks for any additional feedback you can provide! Very excited

 

[scooby9932]

First, Woo Hoo on the your upcoming trip! I hope you have a magical time!

As for Expedition Everest, I have always ridden in the very last car. In my experience, I didn't notice a great shift to the side on the backwards part. More of a downward & backward pull, if you know what I mean? If anything, I believe some of the turns while going downward might pull to the side, but nothing that stands out in memory as being abrupt.

I have paid attention to this as I ride with my daughter who requires some support for back issues. We always lock arms on this ride with no problem. The locking mechanism of your car fits you into your individual seat proportionate to your size, which helps with shifting - unlike BTMRR, where the bar hits the largest obstacle (belly) & stops there, allowing for shifting around turns with sliding if you're the smaller of your party.

I can't speak for Star Tours as I haven't ridden that ride (motion sickness issues).

For Test Track, at 6'2", you might want to ask for the front seat as the back seat is more cramped & might make transferring a bit more difficult. Locking arms has worked great on this ride.

I'm sure you're going to have a fantastic time! Disney World is really the most accessible place I've ever been.

Enjoy! Wishing you much

 

[krisnme]

My DS has cp which has some different issues than yours, but I would think carefully about star tours. It does "jerk" a lot and DS was really shook up trying to not flop about. You have probly been told to avoid space Mtn, almost impossible without upper body control and no way for others to assist you. A suprise for DS was Rockin rollercoaster, the overhead restraint system made him feel very safe and stable (this coaster is a must for the thrill seeker!) Tower of terror is doable, and the transfer is not bad to the front row, which is the best anyway. Mt. Everest was not bad, some sideways motion, but not a lot of jerking. Test track can be a little hard to transfer into the car, you must step down, and then up to get out, I hope you have strong companions to assist. It has bucket seats which really help with stability. Our only problem is that they usually leave our chair waaaay down the hall and the whole ride must wait while one of our party goes to get it. I hope you have a magical adventure!

 

[Michigan]

On test track when you can't stand to transfer you load upstairs where you can pull you chair next to the car. My oldest dd uses the transfer seat which make the transfer easy.

 

[SueM in MN]

On test track when you can't stand to transfer you load upstairs where you can pull you chair next to the car. My oldest dd uses the transfer seat which make the transfer easy.

This is a picture of the transfer point - let them know you need to load at the seatbelt checkpoint.

There is a small (very small) elevator to take you in your wheelchair up over the ride track. The rest of your party will go up a set of steps to meet you.
Here's a pictured the elevator:

Your chair can be parked as close to the ride car as you want, then the CM will move it a few feet away. When you are done riding, you will stay on past the regular unload part to unload in the same place you got on. Your wheelchair will be waiting right where you saw the CM park it when you got in.
The CM will get it for you or one of your party can get it for you.

 

[SueM in MN]

I have not been on Star Tours since the renovation, but DH has and said the seating has not changed. In the past, we were able to bring DD's wheelchair into the seating area, park it very close to the seat and then transfer her over.

Before the renovation, they had a 4 point harness ( basically a double shoulder harness) that could be attached to the regular seat belt on request for guests who needed a bit more restraint. We did use that for DD and it helped her to stay upright and midline in her seat better. It would be worthwhile to ask if they still have it (we were seldom offered it and had to ask in the past).
You may want to ask if a member of your party can ride before you get on to decide if it will be too turbulent for you.

Soarin' is a pretty easy transfer. There are some pictures that should help you on page 2 of the Epcot FAQs thread near the top of this board.

The Safari has a space where one wheelchair per ride tram can be tied down.

 

[Mary976]

Based on what I've read, Soarin and test track are completely doable, as well as the safari ride. I've also seen the ride car for Mount Everest and think this is doable as well; my only concern here is when the ride starts to go backwards if there is a sudden shift.

The reason I have a concern about Mount Everest is because, as a C-5 quadriplegic, my balance isn't great. My thinking is that riding with my wife, we'll be able to lock arms to keep me from going forward or to the side; I have rather strong bicep muscles.

Star Wars looks like a relatively simple transfer but again, I'm wondering if locking arms with my wife next to me will provide enough stability throughout the ride.

Thanks for any additional feedback you can provide! Very excited

I ran your questions by my (very adventurous) DD. She uses a manual chair, although her upper body stability is pretty good. These are her opinions...she did note that cast members are really good about letting you watch the loading process for awhile if you want to take a look before riding.

Soarin will be fine, DD advises running the belt through the strap between the legs so you don't slide.

For the Safari, you can stay in your chair. They will do a four point tie down and we've found they are really bad about tying down to inappropriate places on the chair, so just tell them in advance where you want the tie downs to go. DD can transfer but she stays in her chair for every ride that has a wheelchair car.

Test Track should be fine, DD notes the middle seat wedges you in between your companions but the end seats have shoulder belts.

DD though Everest would be okay. There is a "transfer car" and it has a higher backrest and individual lap bars. She says be sure to get your lap bar down all the way and link arms with a friend.

DD actually didn't like Star Tours. She rode with her cousin and said her cousin used her feet to balance herself when the ride shifted. DD felt like she was being thrown around and because of all the jerkiness she never could catch her balance. She thought you might want to think twice about this one. She can't grab anything tightly with her hands and so was really at a loss as to how to hang on.

A couple others...per DD, Haunted Mansion is "worth it" for the transfer. She says to skip Pirates (and I agree...it's a tough transfer).

DD has limited hand function and she had an easier time with Toy Story Mania then with Buzz Lightyear but she thinks they are both "worth it" and you can stay in your chair for both. Also, she recommends you try Winnie the Pooh and have them turn on "bouncing" for the wheelchair Hunny Pot...but remember to lock your brakes.

Have fun! We would LOVE to hear what you think of Boardwalk Inn/Villas as we are trying to pick an Epcot resort for our next trip. DD is always interested in the pile of the carpet, door openings, size of elevators, etc.

I hope you have a great trip!
Mary

 

[SueM in MN]

We've had no problems with tiedown for the Safari, but I have a hint that helps ensure they know where to attach.

Before going to WDW, prepare your chair by using bright colored tape or ribbon to mark all the safe places to attach the hooks. We've used ribbon in the past, but find what works best is bright colored duct tape or electrical tape. They have some neon colors that work very well.
Put it in the direction that the hooks can be attached - we do it completely around that piece of tubing. I would do it even if your chair has factory installed attachment points - unless they are already a bright color that stands out well from the chair.
It makes life very easy to say - "Look for the bright green tape. You can attach anywhere you see that tape." that is especially helpful if you can't move to see what they are doing. All the people who have seen it like it a lot.

 

[SueM in MN]

Two you did not ask about that I would avoid:

Big Thunder Mountain railroad - has a low setback that hits toward mid back to shoulder and has just a bar as a restraint. With 3 people in the car, you will probable be too snug. With 2 in the car, you will be thrown around a lot as the car makes turns.

Primeval Whirl at AK - this combines a roller coaster with a spinning ride like the teacups with very small restraint. My DD has mixed CP, but she is primarily spastic quad and has little ability to use her legs. She was thrown all over this attraction like a rag doll and at the end, had almost slid out under the restraint - mostly because she could not do any bracing with her legs. Even her older sister, who is not disabled, said she would never ride it again because she was also thrown around. It looks very tame from the ground, but is not.

 

[lewiswharf]

In my experience, I didn't notice a great shift to the side on the backwards part. More of a downward & backward pull, if you know what I mean? If anything, I believe some of the turns while going downward might pull to the side, but nothing that stands out in memory as being abrupt.

Thank you for the great intel! We will definitely try to make this one work.

My DS has cp which has some different issues than yours, but I would think carefully about star tours... A suprise for DS was Rockin rollercoaster, the overhead restraint system made him feel very safe and stable (this coaster is a must for the thrill seeker!)

It seems many of you guys suggest skipping Star Wars. I think I just might do that. I have read a couple transfer stories regarding Rockin roller coaster and I think I will definitely give this one a try, we'll probably just need to pick a time when the ride is busy so that I can get more than the 30 seconds I've read in other threads to transfer.

On test track when you can't stand to transfer you load upstairs where you can pull you chair next to the car. My oldest dd uses the transfer seat which make the transfer easy.

Yes, I've seen the photos that depict this area and it looks perfect for me.

Soarin' is a pretty easy transfer. There are some pictures that should help you on page 2 of the Epcot FAQs thread near the top of this board.

Yes, I saw the photos and info referenced in the FAQ thread and see this as totally doable. AWESOME FAQ thread by the way

I ran your questions by my (very adventurous) DD. She uses a manual chair, although her upper body stability is pretty good. These are her opinions...she did note that cast members are really good about letting you watch the loading process for awhile if you want to take a look before riding.

Soarin will be fine, DD advises running the belt through the strap between the legs so you don't slide.


A couple others...per DD, Haunted Mansion is "worth it" for the transfer. She says to skip Pirates (and I agree...it's a tough transfer).

Will definitely ask to watch people loading a few times if we're not quite sure how to tackle the transfer, good to know that this is not frowned upon. I will definitely run the belt through the crotch on Soarin. I hadn't considered haunted mansion but we will definitely try this too, thanks

Before going to WDW, prepare your chair by using bright colored tape or ribbon to mark all the safe places to attach the hooks. We've used ribbon in the past, but find what works best is bright colored duct tape or electrical tape. They have some neon colors that work very well.
Put it in the direction that the hooks can be attached - we do it completely around that piece of tubing. I would do it even if your chair has factory installed attachment points - unless they are already a bright color that stands out well from the chair.
It makes life very easy to say - "Look for the bright green tape. You can attach anywhere you see that tape." that is especially helpful if you can't move to see what they are doing. All the people who have seen it like it a lot.

This is an excellent tip! I do something similar for the airlines so that they don't break my chair.

Two you did not ask about that I would avoid:

Big Thunder Mountain railroad - has a low setback that hits toward mid back to shoulder and has just a bar as a restraint. With 3 people in the car, you will probable be too snug. With 2 in the car, you will be thrown around a lot as the car makes turns.

Primeval Whirl at AK - this combines a roller coaster with a spinning ride like the teacups with very small restraint. My DD has mixed CP, but she is primarily spastic quad and has little ability to use her legs. She was thrown all over this attraction like a rag doll and at the end, had almost slid out under the restraint - mostly because she could not do any bracing with her legs. Even her older sister, who is not disabled, said she would never ride it again because she was also thrown around. It looks very tame from the ground, but is not.

You confirmed, my suspicions about Big Thunder Mountain. When I first saw the seat I was thinking I would just flop over backwards and break in half I was wondering about Primeval Whirl, as you are right it doesn't look too bad from videos I have seen. I'll avoid this one.

Thank you everyone for some great feedback!

 

[JennyDrake]

No words of wisdom but GO FOR IT! Love your attitude! PLEASE post when you get back so we can all share in your adventures!

 

[lewiswharf]

No words of wisdom but GO FOR IT! Love your attitude! PLEASE post when you get back so we can all share in your adventures!

You bet!

 

[dclfun]

i have lots of trouble on the Safari with bouncing around in my w/c. I practically came out of my chair one time- hopefully the driver won't go too fast as it totally depends on the speed of the ride vehicle. Have a great trip- sounds like you are up for the challenge and fun of WDW!---Kathy

 

[Michigan]

We haven't seen it yet because it hasn't been warm enough to want to be soaked but after we got off Kali Rapid ride in December a CM told us they now have a transfer seat that goes in where the steps are so you can slide over onto the seat. It's going to be in the 80's most of this week so it might be a good week to get wet.

 

[Pooh2]

No advice here but have a wonderful time and bring back some warmth and sunshine to New England!

 

[lewiswharf]

i have lots of trouble on the Safari with bouncing around in my w/c. I practically came out of my chair one time- hopefully the driver won't go too fast as it totally depends on the speed of the ride vehicle. Have a great trip- sounds like you are up for the challenge and fun of WDW!---Kathy

Sounds fun! Thanks for the heads up.

 

[lewiswharf]

We haven't seen it yet because it hasn't been warm enough to want to be soaked but after we got off Kali Rapid ride in December a CM told us they now have a transfer seat that goes in where the steps are so you can slide over onto the seat. It's going to be in the 80's most of this week so it might be a good week to get wet.

Thank you, I had not heard this. I'll definitely have to play this one by ear because I'm not sure I want to get wet, or I should say I'm not sure if my wife and friend want to spend the time to change me into dry clothes

 

[SueM in MN]

Yes, I saw the photos and info referenced in the FAQ thread and see this as totally doable. AWESOME FAQ thread by the way

Thanks

Will definitely ask to watch people loading a few times if we're not quite sure how to tackle the transfer, good to know that this is not frowned upon. I will definitely run the belt through the crotch on Soarin. I hadn't considered haunted mansion but we will definitely try this too, thanks

I would suggest you NOT use the crotch strap for Soarin'. First of all, it is not easy to thread the seat belt thru. Second, it's not meant for adults and they do ask that adults not use it. We do use it for my DD, who is a young adult. But she is only 5 feet tall and about 82 pounds.

Haunted Mansion is actually a pretty easy transfer for many people. ASK for the transfer car - it opens wider on the side so sliding over is easier. They can stop the moving walkway and your wheelchair can be parked however close it needs to be. The CM will move it out of the way after you are on.
This is the transfer doom buggy

We haven't seen it yet because it hasn't been warm enough to want to be soaked but after we got off Kali Rapid ride in December a CM told us they now have a transfer seat that goes in where the steps are so you can slide over onto the seat. It's going to be in the 80's most of this week so it might be a good week to get wet.

that is cool!
The transfer for Kali was rather difficult because of the small space, the wetness and the steps.
I'll be interested to see how it works.
You can get this wet

 

[lewiswharf]

Thank you all very much and here's a quick writeup of my experience.