AK - Scooter Issues?

[rickers353]

I will will be going to Disney World in May. My DMIL is going with us and will need a scooter. I will be renting one from a 3rd party in Orlando to insure she has one.

Our family has visited all the parks except AK. We were wondering how the attractions are as far using a scooter and others being able to move around it. It looks like some of the animal attractions have very tight spaces, and the last thing she would want is to intrude on others.

I'd like to give her a heads up or possibly avoid some areas altogether rather than have her get embarrased.

She is 70, so I've already ruled out Expedition Everset...LOL

Suggestions/Comments appreciated!

 

[patty57]

I'll bet if you post this over on the DISAbilities board, you'll get lots of responses.

 

[minnie mum]

I use a wheelchair rather than an ECV and haven't found any attractions or other areas that I couldn't get to. Your MIL will notice that she has a rougher ride though- the streets and paths were constructed to look and feel like rough non-urban roads. But they are no more difficult to navigate than any of the other parks.

 

[lanejudy]

I think she'll be fine as far as accessibility. But what you'll want to keep in mind is that the pathways at AK are rough and very bumpy when using an ECV.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Brian_WDW74]

I've moved this thread to the disABILITIES! forum.

 

[DvcDoc]

Ditto what the PPs have said about the pathways in AK, they are rough as a cob! Other than that, there was no problem getting around or having to work in spaces that were too tight with the ECV I had.

The only time I thought the space I had to work with was tight was the bus loading area at MK. For some reason, they have the queues closer to the curb there and it makes loading and unloading a bit of a trick. At least at the SSR bus stop. It was doable, but took a bit to transition.

 

[Michigan]

She is 70, so I've already ruled out Expedition Everset...LOL

My dad is 78, had open heart surgery 5 heart attacks and 7 stents and a whole bunch of other medical issues but he still rides all the coasters

 

[rickers353]

I've moved this thread to the disABILITIES! forum.

Thanks, wasn't sure which one to post it to.

 

[Tiggerish]

I use a scooter and AK is my favorite park.

For the Safari you go through the regular line until a point where they take you down a path to a different boarding spot. You park the scooter just feet from the vehicle and it is waiting there when you return.

For Dinosaurs, in the pre-show they have you wait in the scooter in a particular spot and then you are taken to an elevator which ends up by the ride exit. It is just a few steps to board and the scooter is waiting when you return and you exit via the elevator.

For Its Tough to Be a Bug, you go through the line and are directed to what door to stay by. When the doors open, there are scooter parking spots along the back and you can stay in (no special effects) or get into a seat if you want the special effects.

For the train to Rafki's Plant Watch (which is an amazing area - quiet and cool in the summer) you back the scooter right on to the train and stay on it. Again, family is seated nearby.

For the rapids water ride, I was directed to an area where I could drive close to the big inner tube which was separate from the regular boarding area and the raft was returned to that area so I could get the scooter back afterwords.

For Lion King and Nemo, you wait in the regular line and when you get to the entrance a cast member will direct your group to a section where you park and stay on the scooter and your family sits on benches near you. I think in Lion King the extra seating is behind and in Nemo it is in front of you.

As far as the two trails, I have done both and was able to manage but it can get a bit crowded. But it was never too narrow or where I could not make the turn in the path. On the trails it is helpful to have family who can open doors into exhibit areas so when I go solo, I usually skip the trails.

If you have Fast Passes (which I highly recommend) then you just go in the fast pass entrance and a cast member will get you to the correct spot.

If you have something more specific you want to know, just ask and I or someone else will try to help.

 

[rickers353]

I use a scooter and AK is my favorite park.

For the Safari you go through the regular line until a point where they take you down a path to a different boarding spot. You park the scooter just feet from the vehicle and it is waiting there when you return.

For Dinosaurs, in the pre-show they have you wait in the scooter in a particular spot and then you are taken to an elevator which ends up by the ride exit. It is just a few steps to board and the scooter is waiting when you return and you exit via the elevator.

For Its Tough to Be a Bug, you go through the line and are directed to what door to stay by. When the doors open, there are scooter parking spots along the back and you can stay in (no special effects) or get into a seat if you want the special effects.

For the train to Rafki's Plant Watch (which is an amazing area - quiet and cool in the summer) you back the scooter right on to the train and stay on it. Again, family is seated nearby.

For the rapids water ride, I was directed to an area where I could drive close to the big inner tube which was separate from the regular boarding area and the raft was returned to that area so I could get the scooter back afterwords.

For Lion King and Nemo, you wait in the regular line and when you get to the entrance a cast member will direct your group to a section where you park and stay on the scooter and your family sits on benches near you. I think in Lion King the extra seating is behind and in Nemo it is in front of you.

As far as the two trails, I have done both and was able to manage but it can get a bit crowded. But it was never too narrow or where I could not make the turn in the path. On the trails it is helpful to have family who can open doors into exhibit areas so when I go solo, I usually skip the trails.

If you have Fast Passes (which I highly recommend) then you just go in the fast pass entrance and a cast member will get you to the correct spot.

If you have something more specific you want to know, just ask and I or someone else will try to help.

Wow, thanks for all the info. This will really help us out.

 

[tigger&tigerlover]

Ditto what the PPs have said about the pathways in AK, they are rough as a cob!

I've had lower back fusion and still have chronic lower back pain. Most days I'm okay to walk, I just walk slow or with a cane as needed. I'd planned on getting an offsite ECV because of all of the distances involved at WDW.

I had originally planned on using the ECV through AK, but now I'm questioning that idea. One of my bigger pain triggers is rough or bumpy roads. I realize "bumpy" can vary a lot from your perspective so it's hard to say whether something is too bumpy for someone else.

So my questions are to those who have done AK in a scooter: Is it similar to smooth, moderate, or bad road construction? Similar, smoother, or rougher than driving over a cobblestone road?

At this point I'm wondering if I should plan ahead to use my cane and leave the ECV entrance if it's too bumpy, or to just not try AK at all due to the bumpy roads and long distances to travel while in the park. I have been to AK before, it's been 10 years though.

Opinions?

 

[Tiggerish]

Tigger&Tigerlover, I did not notice it to be excessively rough. At least not jarringly rough. Since I am pooh sized, I do have a heavier duty scooter (Victory 10) and I am not a speed demon so maybe I just did not notice it.

I have a fold up cane that travels in the scooter basket but it should be easy enough to bring any type of cane with you. That way you can assess the situation once you get there and if necessary, park the scooter and walk some of it.

The two shows, Lion King and Nemo are both very worth seeing and nothing in them would jolt your back. The bench seating might be hard so staying on your scooter would give you a better seat for those.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

It's smoother than cobblestone, but definitely not as smooth as most roads (I'm not really sure how to quantify road construction in terms of smooth/not smooth). There are bits that are kinda like cobblestone with more space between the stones. I have lower back and I was okay being pushing in a manual wheelchair (it was my personal wheelchair, not something where I chose to use a manual chair specifically for AK).

If you have problems with things that are bumpy, you may want to avoid the Safari. There are ruts and other sorts of things that are actually themed into the road so you do get bounced around quite a bit. Also, the seats are hard plastic. I transferred last time I rode, but I will not transfer if/when I get to AK again (it would be harder for me now anyway). I think I actually got bounced around less on EE than I did on the Safari. The only issue I had with EE is that, when I rode, the seat with the flat transfer was the absolutely last row, but I'm not sure if that's normal or if it can be configured to be at a different location in the chain. (I always think it's illogical when the accessible cars/seats on a coaster are the last row, but it happens many places).

 

[tigger&tigerlover]

Thanks, that's a relief. I'd already crossed the safari off the list, but with several people stating how rough the pathways are I was getting concerned. I have the leisure on this trip to take my time, so I can drive the ECV as slow as I need to if that would do it.

I also have a folding cane that will be with me all of the time on the trip (I highly recommend one for any type of travelling if you use canes), so I can just park and use it if I need to.

Now, back to that waiting part.

 

[Jacqui8374]

It is rough. The other thing is the scooter battery size I own a go go travel elite plus which actually now has new batteries for my next trip in 5 weeks. However for the AK I swap out and rent a Disney scooter as then I don't have to worry as the batteries don't really survive this one.

Jacqui

 

[stitchlovestink]

I think she'll be fine as far as accessibility. But what you'll want to keep in mind is that the pathways at AK are rough and very bumpy when using an ECV.
Enjoy your vacation!

I second this!!!

I've had lower back fusion and still have chronic lower back pain. Most days I'm okay to walk, I just walk slow or with a cane as needed. I'd planned on getting an offsite ECV because of all of the distances involved at WDW.

I had originally planned on using the ECV through AK, but now I'm questioning that idea. One of my bigger pain triggers is rough or bumpy roads. I realize "bumpy" can vary a lot from your perspective so it's hard to say whether something is too bumpy for someone else.

So my questions are to those who have done AK in a scooter: Is it similar to smooth, moderate, or bad road construction? Similar, smoother, or rougher than driving over a cobblestone road?

At this point I'm wondering if I should plan ahead to use my cane and leave the ECV entrance if it's too bumpy, or to just not try AK at all due to the bumpy roads and long distances to travel while in the park. I have been to AK before, it's been 10 years though.

Opinions?

I have NOT had a fusion...but have gotten varied opinions.... fuse, don't fuse... I can't get an agreement in my 2in thick medical binder even what the full diagnosis is! Only thing they (6 surgeons) agree on, is that a fusion won't 'fix' my issue. AT best, it MAY reduce my pain...'may'...yeah, I think I'll wait! But I have had 2 multi-procedural surgeries (lower lumbar) and am now classified as a failed back surgery after #2. I only to go AK every now and again like every 4th or 5th trip (for a handful of hours at most) to do just a couple of favorites such as Tough to be a Bug, Lion King, and I would love to see the bird show again. That was awesome. Now saying all that, I have found, FOR ME, that is a day I choose to walk! The surface is just to bumpy on my ECV! It hurts me way more if I try to ride. I also make sure and wear my TENS unit that day too! I crank that baby way up! Occasionally, someone will ask me what it is when they see me 'playing' with it. It will only run for 30 min and then automatically shuts off. So I have to reset it a good bit and sometimes I have to adjust the 'pads' on my back or people see the cords running from my back to the unit attached to my side pocket. I never mind answering a question about it because I figure it does appear strange and I would probably wonder myself (although I would never ask! ) But I know generally people don't mean any harm, they are just curious.
So I guess my point is, if you feel comfortable enough walking, I think I would give it a try at this park, esp if you have had a fusion and have problems with lower back pain. Otherwise, I would be prepared with some 'good' pain meds for that night...IMO! Good Luck!!!

 

[catne]

My 2 cents...the paths and walkways at Animal Kingdom are way too bumpy. I use a Go-go Elite scooter due to lung issues, not pain issues (my own scooter, relatively new and all the padded seating/arms etc. in very good shape)

There is nothing wrong with my back, yet with just 1/2 a day at Animal Kingdom, I end up with stiff joints and a sore back just from cruising around Animal Kingdom. Much of it I would compare to riding over cobblestones (doesn't look like it, but feels like it) and you usually don't have a choice to go on a smoother surface. I used to rent the Disney scooters, did not think the ride was any better on those scooters (and they are larger/more difficult to maneuver around, IMO)

Do NOT ride Dinosaur if you have back issues or any sort of joint pains (like arthritis) We have not ridden it for several years because we were in agony last time we rode...and just had minor arthritis in knees & hips...after that ride it was like every joint in body screaming in agony. It has severe side to side jarring that is very difficult to brace yourself. Not pleasant.