boats to watch the fireworks

[D L and K's Mom]

Are the boats you rent to go on with your families to watch the fireworks(unsure of the name but I know you have to reserve very early) handicapped accessiable?? I would love to take DS with us but am unsure if chair can come along .

 

[SueM in MN]

They are called "Illuminations Cruises." We have not been on one, so I'm not sure what type of boats they are, but I think they ae pontoon boats.

On our last trip to WDW in March, we rented a pontoon boat, like we have every year for the past 8 or so. When we started to drive DD's wheelchair onto the boat like we had other years, the CM told us that WDW had a new safety policy for these types of smaller boats. DD's wheelchair would be allowed on the boat, but she could not sit in it during our ride. He also indicated that if we took the boat from OKW to DD, she wold have to be out of her wheelchair also. Apparently, WDW is worried about their liability if a boat capsizes and someone is strapped to a wheelchair and sinks to the bottom.

 

[D L and K's Mom]

Oh MY!! CAn you still take the small "Shuttle "boats from Swan/Dolphin to MGM etc......DS loved them....

 

[SueM in MN]

Yes. The boats that go between MGM and Epcot and the Epcot resorts are much bigger boats. We did ride on those boats when we were to WDW in March.

The boats that go from OKW to DD and the pontton boats that you can rent are 12 passenger boats and less. I think only those little ones are affected. We did take DD out of her wheelchair and had her sit on a seat when we rented a pontoon boat, but she had a hard time sitting that long out of her wheelchair. Much more tiring.

 

[Leia's Mom]

We did an Illuminations cruise with my Mom in May. It was a highlight. We considered having her stay in her chair (we wheeled her right on); however, we quickly decided that it was worth the trouble of a transfer from the chair to the seats. They were very comfy and quite like her couch at home. So, for us it was no problem. No mention was made about her "having" to transfer (especially since it was quite possible that she wouldn't be able to).

It was a lovely thing, and one of Mom's favorite things about the trip. She had a wonderful view without worrying about people stepping in front of her to block her view.

Hope you are able to enjoy one.

 

[SueM in MN]

How big are the Illuminations Cruise boats?
We haven't been on one, but the reason I mentioned our boat experiences from March were that the marina CM told us that was "new policy" for all the small pontoon type boats. Form what I've read about the Illumination boats, I thought they might be similar baots.
When we rented a pontoon boat at OKW, we were able to push DD on, but then we had to transfer her to a boat seat and park her wheelchair (it was allowed to stay on the boat). Her wheelchair seat is a specialized one with more support, so it was more tiring for her to sit in a regualr seat (although she is capable of doing it).

 

[Leia's Mom]

I don't know how to compare it to other boats size wise to be honest. It seemed average pontoon boat size to me. Easily would fit 12 people if that helps.

Perhaps we got a laid back driver or the policy has changed since we went in May??

Sorry I can't be more help.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks, Leia's mom. It sounds like the consistent thing (as often) is inconsistency....or maybe they were only enforcing the policy for OKW .Or maybe it was changed back by now.
I think the best bet for the original poster might be to call and ask.