Are there any rumors about accessibility with the Space Mountain rehab?

[BillSears]

I was wondering if any of you have heard of changes with the rehab? I'm really hoping they change SM in Orlando to have a loading station like SM in Anaheim.

 

[SueM in MN]

I have not heard any specific rumors about adding accessibility, but some of the rumors I have heard about the work would trigger requirements under the ADA for some added accessibility.
Some of the rumors I have read include replacing some track, making some interactive elements in the queue and changes to the 'traffic flow' for loading and unloading.
Those things sound like they may be adding a handicapped boarding area like Space Mountain in California has. Even if it doesn't end up like that, it sounds like the renovation is more than cosmetic (strictly cosmetic changes would not require changes to make it more accessible).

 

[Charleyann]

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we never had to push up that big hill again?!!!!

Charleyann

 

[Absimilliard]

I read on another forum that they also worked on the ride brake zones, meaning that the ride would not go down for an hour if there's any delays in unloading. So, even if there's no special loading station like California, its a major improvement.

 

[SueM in MN]

I read on another forum that they also worked on the ride brake zones, meaning that the ride would not go down for an hour if there's any delays in unloading. So, even if there's no special loading station like California, its a major improvement.

Thanks for that information. Agree that, even all by itself, that would be a major improvement.

 

[robynchic]

I have not heard any specific rumors about adding accessibility, but some of the rumors I have heard about the work would trigger requirements under the ADA for some added accessibility.

Ever since the Americans with Disabilities Act was implemented, everything that Disney has made or refurbed has been in compliance with the ADA. I wouldn't expect anything different for Space Mountain.

Now, what I hope is that, when they refurb, they make the lines go faster (and have single rider entry).

 

[SueM in MN]

Ever since the Americans with Disabilities Act was implemented, everything that Disney has made or refurbed has been in compliance with the ADA. I wouldn't expect anything different for Space Mountain.

Now, what I hope is that, when they refurb, they make the lines go faster (and have single rider entry).

It is true that WDW complies with the ADA when they refurbish or make new rides/attractions. Being in compliance with the ADA doesn't always mean it will always be any more accessible.

There are some 'loopholes' in the current ADA guidelines for things like theme parks that say no changes in access need to be made if the changes are just cosmetic or if there are no changes to the boarding area or ride cars.
It appears that the changes they are making would 'trigger' some changes needing to be made according to the ADA.
There is also a 'loophole' that says they don't have to be in full compliance if it's not technically possible.

Sometimes, technically they are not able to make it much more accessible and are not required to do something that is not technically possible - for example, Spaceship Earth got a pretty extensive remodel, but it would be very difficult to make the 'regular' boarding area accessible. They did do some changes to the ride cars to add the video screens. THey did add a car with a larger opening to make the car more accessible, but they did not add a wheelchair accessible car. My guess is that it would be very difficult to make a wheelchair accessible car for Spaceship Earth because the ride car goes up a steep ramp at the start of the ride and turns around and goes backward down a similar ramp at the end.