basic gettin' around?

[newtowdw1]

First, thanks for all the great info here. I have a question, and then I'll give you my background.

Will the launches/ferries from FWCampground allow an ECV on? How about the monorails? If the boats do not allow ECVs, are there busses that run from FWcampground to Magic Kingdom? Further, maybe I should have seen it already, but could someone let me know what a GAC is, and what the advantages of having one are?

Okay, now about me. In August 2005 we'll be making my first trip to WDW. My husband has been twice, but not in the last decade. 8 years ago I injured my back, and am considered 50% disabled (I don't know, that's a judge's decision!). I am getting stronger every year, but occasionally am flat out in pain. I can walk okay if I'm having a good day, but my balance, speed, and endurance are severely limited if I'm fatiqued or having a bad day. We have two children, who will be 5 and 8 when we go to wdw. I don't want my dh to worry about me, so am planning to rent an ECV, probably from Walker (I've been doing my homework !) for the time we're there. If I knew if the boats from FWC to MK allowed ECVs, we'd plan on it. I don't know if I'll need an ECV in two years, but I like to be prepared! And I don't want to slow down the family either!

Thanks in advance.
Megan

 

[SueM in MN]

I'm glad to hear that you already found good advice here.
There are posters who have stayed at FW with an ecv, so I'm sure you will get some replies from people who have been there.
In general, the boats, monorails and almost all the buses are ecv and wheelchair accesible. The problem that can occur with the boats has to do with the water level in Bay Lake. If the water is very low (during a drought) or very high (during an extremely rainy season), the dock can be too high or too low for an ecv to get on and off the boat. We stayed at VWL (which shares the boat with FW) 2 years ago in March and they did have a sign that said because of fluctuating water levels, ecvs and wheelchairs might not be able to use the boat. We were able to use the boat, but we asked at the desk and were told that we could also use the bus transportation to get where we needed to go.
Now some info regarding the GAC (Guest Assistance Card). If you have an ecv or wheelchair, you are able to use all the accessible entrances for rides, the wheelchair seating for shows/parades. If that takes care of your needs, you don't need a GAC. Some people have invisible disabilities or have other disabilities besides mobility problems (like needing to avoid sun or needing to sit in a specific area to see sign language interpreters); they would need a GAC because the CM can't see those needs.
If you end up not using an ecv in 2 years, you might need a GAC if you are still having any balance problems. Rides with moving walkways have wheelchair/ecv users board at the exit so that the moving walkway can be stopped or slowed down for safer boarding for people who are unsteady or need more time.

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Megan,

I was at Wilderness Lodge December 2000 with a powerchair. Water levels prevented me using the boats to Magic Kingdom. From what I was told, there are (or were in 2000) two boat designs running the FW/WL/MK route. The smaller boats would require a step down to the deck and up again to exit when the water levels are OK. This would be a problem with a heavy ECV. The bigger boats don't have a step, but they do have a cabin, forcing you to make a sharp 90 degree turn as you get onto the deck. I suspect an ECV wouldn't turn sharp enough.

You are most likely going to have to take the bus to TTC and then the monorail or the big ferry (much bigger than either of the boats on the FW/WL/MK route) over to MK. There is no direct bus. Because of having to change transportation, it takes longer to get to MK than to the other three parks.

Of course, a lot can change between now and August 2005 and they might have different boats by then!

Andrew

 

[Talking Hands]

Actually a 3 wheeled ECV will turn aharp enough if the water level is right. Unfortunately a lot of the time recenty the water levels have been too low to use the boats. Fortunately they do have buses to TTC and then the monorail to MK or EPCOT

 

[newtowdw1]

Thanks for the information. This was my last concern, and feel much more confident now. If I need an ECV/chair, I won't have to fret!
Megan