Anyone do the MK Family Tour or AK Backstage Tour?

[LynniethePooh]

HI Everyone,
I use an ECV at WDW because of chronic back problems that do not allow me to be in one position (stand, walk or sit )for prolonged periods of time.

I am wondering if anyone has taken these tours, how much walking is involved and if they are conducive to me using an ECV.

Thinking if the AK tour has times of sitting between walking and just standing, I maybe able to tolerate it.

Any insight is greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

 

[Andrew Bichard]

I am not certain of exactly which tours you are talking about, but over the last few years I have been on many of the backstage tours in an electric powered wheelchair.

Disney makes its tours as inclusive as it can. Disney also has disabled Cast Members, so backstage areas are also wheelchair/ECV accessible.

On some tours you will cover a lot of ground (and have to keep up with the rest of the group) but you will have no problem using an ECV.

I have been on a half day backstage tour of MK (is that the one you are taking?) and had no trouble taking my wheelchair down into the utility corridors (they have elevators). My only trouble was having to skip the three rides we were 'backdoored' onto, but that was only because I couldn't transfer out of my wheelchair.

I have been on the backstage safari at Animak Kingdom (though I think you are going on a different tour. My tour was no problem. I do know there are areas at AK where they won't allow ECVs in case you run an animal over like in the petting area at Conservation Station (or whatever it is now called).

The only advice I have is to book as far in advance as you can, and ask about your ECV when you book, just in case.

Andrew

 

[Talking Hands]

I have taken Keys to the Kingdom (MK), Backstage Safari (AK) and Backstage Magic (MK, MGM, EPCOT) with a power chair. All were accessible but do have some limitations depending on your ability to walk or transfer.
Backstage Safari we could not go upstairs to view one of the holding pens but had to view it from the as they have no elevator there.
Keys to the Kingdom you need to be able to transfer to teh ride vehicles and need to be able to walk through Pirates of the Carribbean or have someone to push a manual chair for you. When I went there was no way I could transfer to Pirates from my chair. Also you need to transfer to the vehicle in the Haunted Mansion. I was taken separately with my interpreter through the back entrance but was able to ride.
Backstage Magic - need to walk down a few steps at American Adventure, did not take us down to see the water stuff at Fantasmic because I could not go down stairs but explained it then allowed others the option to go down and view that area.
Be aware that going through the MK backstage area and the tunnels you will need your ECV as it is quite a distance.
They adapt to the needs of your disability.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I have been on several of the backstage tours with an ECV. There has nerver been any problem for me as far as access. However, I am able to get out and transfer, on my own, to any ride vehicles. Also I am able to navigate stairs (although not easily) and as long as I am not standing or walking too long I have not been restricted on any tours.

It sounds like your problems are, in a way, similar to mine, in that you are not really confined to the chair but use it because of other restrictions which would normally prevent full enjoyment.