Auxiliary Entrances

[Lemoe]

Hi,
We will be traveling to Walt Disney World in December and unfortunately one of our family members will have to use a wheelchair. My question is, how strict is Disney on the whole 6 people limit for auxiliary entrances? I understand why there is the limit and fully understand if we must split our party up, but there is only 7 of us (so 1 over the limit), and if we don't have to split up it would obviously be preferred.

Like I said, if we have to split up its not a huge issue (it shouldn't be many rides), we'd just like to know what to expect.

Thanks,
Lemoe

P.s. Sorry if this is a controversial topic, I'm not trying to start a war

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

The majority of attraction lines in WDW are "mainstreamed". This means that a wheelchair or ECV will use the regular entrance and line all the way to either a show seating or ride load area. If a line is not mainstreamed there will be signs and/or Cast Members to direct you where to go.

Basically it is up to the CM who is controlling the line. Factors will be the party size, how crowded the attraction is, the Phase of the Moon, and who knows what else. But many more lines are mainstreamed than require alternate entrances.

If a show, normally there will be spaces to park a chair or ECV and there will be seats next to the space for other members of the group.

If a ride, usually you will have to transfer to a ride vehicle, although some rides will allow a person in a wheelchair to remain in their chair. If you have to transfer to a ride, and unload is not at the same location as load, your ECV will magically appear at the unload area.

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Note that Post #2 discusses mobility and equipment. Post #3 had a wide variety of information and links; it might be a good idea to look at the various park "Guidebook For Persons With Disabilities" for more detailed information.

Or, if you want an easier route to the FAQs, click on the link in my signature.

 

[SueM in MN]

Most attractions have Mainstream Lines, so that people with wheelchairs or ECVs are waiting in the same lines with everyone else.
For some, the limit of 6 is for space considerations in the boarding area - they may or may not allow 7 depending on the space for that attraction and how many other guests are waiting there.
For many attractions, people with ECVs and wheelchairs wait in the same line with everyone else until the regular line has almost reached the boarding area. At that point, the guests with wheelchairs are separated off and sent to the exit to board. In those cases, you may want to just separate your party into 2 or 3 going thru to the 'regular' boarding area and the rest going with the wheelchair.
There are also situations where the ride car will not hold more - such as Toy Story Mania - where the ride cars usually loading at the handicapped accessible boarding area hold a total of 6.

Your best bet is to contact the greeter CM at each attraction and ask what to do.