Boat rides and person who can't do steps

[wdw71]

My Parents are coming along next spring for their first trip since 1984!!! Wow right?
So, my Mom is 77 and very able bodied, my Dad is 80 and will be using an ECV for the entire trip. He walks with a cane and at a snails pace. He realizes that there will be rides he will not be able to experience and he is fine with that. I think he is content just being there with his Grandkids
But having been 30+ since I have been to WDW with my Parents I would love to experience things like It's A Small World and Pirates with my Dad again. So my question is about the boat rides and if there are special boats where he could just walk onto the boat and not have to step down into or up out of the ride?

 

[KPeveler]

There is a wheelchair accessible boat on It's a Small World. They used to allow people to walk on the ramp to a seat, but I am not sure if they still allow it. If they do not, they usually have wheelchair there that he can sit in and be wheeled into the boat. I do not think they would allow you to bring the ECV on the boat, but he can transfer and stay in the wheelchair.

POTC is another story. He would have to transfer to a manual chair for the queue, and he would still have to step into the boat. It is one of the harder transfers in the park. If one person is IN the boat and one behind him, you might be able to help him in.

There are other rides that he can access using an ECV or transfer to a wheelchair, like Buzz Lightyear and Jungle Cruise.

Hope this helps!

 

[SueM in MN]

Just time for quick response -

Pirates - no
There is only one kind of boat and it is a long step down to the low seat.

For Small World - there is an accessible ramp boat.
I'd suggest taking the ECV into line and then transferring to a wheelchair to ride. If he walks on, he could use the ramp, but the seats are very low and the ramp doesn't have any rails to either help with getting up or down or walking. I have seen people do it and it actually seems harder than the regular boat - so transfer to the wheelchair.


Follow the link in my signature to go to the disABILITIES FAQs thread. (Or look near the top of this board).
Posts 28-21 have information about transferring.

 

[wdw71]

One of those rides would be better than none! I know we can talk to CMs at each ride as well I was just curious for myself. Thanks for the help I'll check out the FAQ as well

 

[mamabunny]

Jungle Cruise has a special wheelchair accessible boat. It takes a few minutes to board, but we had so much fun joking around with the Cast Members that it was no big deal. I never had to get off of my ECV, and it was a great experience for me - I hadn't ridden it since 1972!

Hardest part about Jungle Cruise is that hill in and out of the attraction!

Hope your trip is Magical for everyone - Dad included!

 

[Nanajo1]

I have taken my ECV and my Powerchair on IASW without a problem.