Bring Grandma, and rent a scooter.. A fast pass to the Front of the line sometimes

[Ancien Maestro]

Brought Grandma and rented a scooter, and some rides at the Magic Kingdom allows those who are 'handicapped' and those who are accompanying with them, to go to the front of the line like a fast pass.

 

[DisGirl23]

Please do not promote that here.

 

[KAA1972]

Please do not promote that here.

Agreed. Promoting that is an insult to those who truly need assistance. And, personally -- I feel if it had intentions to deceive Disney or skip the line-- then it's bad karma for yourself.

 

[kaytieeldr]

It's okay, DisGirl23. Being directed to an alternate entrance isn't necessarily the same as going to the front of the line. Experienced wheelchair- and ECV-using Disney Guests know that most of the time you go through the regular line; when you do use an alternate entrance, sometimes you do get on the attraction faster but sometimes you wait a lot longer than if you waited with everyone else - since there are regulations on how many Guests needing mobility assistance can be on a ride at one time, or there are only so many spaces in a theater for wheelchairs/ECVs... It all averages out.

 

[DisGirl23]

You're aware of that, and I'm aware of that. It's just a little bit of false advertising to those who are newer to Disney. Things like this, tipping for towel animals, "tips" on getting free room upgrades, etc. that backfire and then the Dis is full of upset posters once they get back from their "ruined" vacation. KWIM?

 

[Hankshouse]

It's okay, DisGirl23. Being directed to an alternate entrance isn't necessarily the same as going to the front of the line. Experienced wheelchair- and ECV-using Disney Guests know that most of the time you go through the regular line; when you do use an alternate entrance, sometimes you do get on the attraction faster but sometimes you wait a lot longer than if you waited with everyone else - since there are regulations on how many Guests needing mobility assistance can be on a ride at one time, or there are only so many spaces in a theater for wheelchairs/ECVs... It all averages out.

That's right! I know this has been said before but speaking as the mom of a little girl who is a full time wheelchair user, if there's anyone out there who honestly believes typical guests are missing out, then I say this...if I could I absolutely would trade my circumstance with them anyday and would rejoice in the fact that my family could stand, wait and enter a ride just like anybody else.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Brought Grandma and rented a scooter, and some rides at the Magic Kingdom allows those who are 'handicapped' and those who are accompanying with them, to go to the front of the line like a fast pass.

You are so wrong!

The lines for almost all attractions at WDW are "mainstreamed". This means that the queue is set up to allow wheelchairs and/or ECVs to go through the line just as a person without a mobility problem. As it was built prior to the ADA, the Magic Kingdom is most likely to have non-mainstreamed lines. Some attractions, such as Splash Mountain and Haunted Mansion you will go part way through the regular queue and then be diverted. Other attractions, such as Big Thunder Mountain or Space Ship Earth you will initially be directed to an accessible entrance.

All the theaters are set up with seats (usually in the back row) removed so a wheelchair or ECV can pull into a space and there will be regular seating on either side of the space for the others in the party.

Where there are quantity limits on space, or other limitation involving accessibility, you may have to wait longer to see a show or ride an attraction than people without disabilities.

The normal (and official) response of Guest Relations to people with mobility and/or stamina issues is to recommend rental of a wheelchair or ECV. The Guest Assistance Card (GAC) is intended for "invisible" disabilities not related to mobility or stamina. A wheelchair or ECV is sufficient to notify Cast Members of special assistance normally needed. However, if a person has other issues, such as auditory or visual, they would probably also need a GAC.

Note that a GAC is not intended to allow bypassing of lines, and it so states on the card itself. The only people who will get the special Front Of The Line GAC are where a terminal or medically fragile child is traveling on a trip from Make A Wish or similar foundation.

 

[nancyjvanwyk]

Just got back from Disney World. This was my first trip with my mother needing a wheelchair. No we really did not get to go to the front of the line ---some places were alternative entrances, but some were mainstream. I really would have rather had her be able to walk around, but she is no longer able to keep up that pace and distance. So bottom line is there is no advantage to having a wheelchair or scooter.

 

[Disfamily0405]

We got back from our trip in Sept. with my father who needed a wheelchair because of his rhumatoid arthritis and we were told at Hollywood Studios that all rides built after 1994 have to be handicap accessible through the main entrance and line. The only time we went in differently than anyone else was at the Magic Kingdom and of those we went through the exit missing some of the preshows like the haunted mansion. The amount of time you wait at the exit depends on how long the line is for the walk in entrance and if you can transfer from your wheelchair to a ride vehicle or have to wait on one of the special ride vehicles equipped to handle a wheelchair, but while we were there all the lines were walk ons and so we didn't get on any faster than anyone else.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

I beleive the bottom line here is if someone really in handicapped, whether visibly handicapped or not, the wheelchair enterance or line is there to help them. Most disney guests really get unglued at those to just to use the system to get to the head of the line.......Myself included!

BTW.only 4 of a handcapped person's party is allowed to go with them, any others get to wait with the rest of us!

AKK

 

[scdak]

My mother has physical issues which now require a w/c to travel the long distances in the park and even waiting in the lines is too much standing so we have used a w/c for her the past 3 trips.............she would give anything to be able to tolerate the amount of standing and walking required but she finally realized that to enjoy her vacation, she needed the w/c. We have never done it to "get to the head of a line", and as other posters have stated, it might mean waiting longer, and we don't mind that in the least. I think the part that she hates the worst is that she has to look at peoples rearends all day and that people don't talk to her but rather to the others with her, she isn't deaf, just has limited stamina ! Oh, I guess I would say that the people that cut in front of her that risk being injured or causing injury would have to be high on the list of negative reasons to have to use a w/c! If everyone would just slow down, enjoy the moment and not feel like they are the only person in the world that is important it sure would make things nicer each and every day!

 

[everylastbreath]

Disagree!!!! We had my mom on an ECV a few years ago, waited 2x's as long as regular line at Toy Story, apparently there are only certain cars that stop @ handicap entrance. Anyone who has traveled with someone either in a wheelchair or ECV knows how hard it is to travel with one and doesn't consider it an ADVANTAGE to get to the front of the line.

 

[Ancien Maestro]

As per original post.. "some" rides does not mean all.. I've been to Disneyland twice now, and Disney World twice. Only once, was grandma with us.. I found that a few Magic Kingdom attractions indeed let those who are 'handicapped' to a different line, and those who are accompanying them to ride with them. That cut an hour wait off of wait time at a few attractions like Peter Pan, Small World, etc at Magic Kingdom.

Been on both sides of the fence watching those who are 'handicapped' get on rides, and us accompanying grandma in a scooter. I have to admit, its' annoying to see those who are 'handicapped' save time.. and I'm just being honest.. Other newer attractions, there are no distinctions to the line.. and I believe that to be more fair. But, the once we accompanied grandma who has a hard time keeping on her feet as she had a hip and knee surgery, we were able to save time at some attractions, and in fact it was very good in my opinion.

In terms of promotion, a healthy discussion to a very valid topic is important. If you can bring someone along who is under privileged physically.. its more challenging for trip preparation, as for example going on a bus with a wheel chair or scooter will require more time and hassle.. but at 'some' attractions you end up saving time going thru the handicapped line.. so a bit of a bonus as a result of helping out someone physically disabled to enjoy Disney World.. and those who are physically disabled accompanying you will appreciate it.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

As per original post.. "some" rides does not mean all.. I've been to Disneyland twice now, and Disney World twice. Only once, was grandma with us.. I found that a few Magic Kingdom attractions indeed let those who are 'handicapped' to a different line, and those who are accompanying them to ride with them. That cut an hour wait off of wait time at a few attractions like Peter Pan, Small World, etc at Magic Kingdom.

Been on both sides of the fence watching those who are 'handicapped' get on rides, and us accompanying grandma in a scooter. I have to admit, its' annoying to see those who are 'handicapped' save time.. and I'm just being honest.. Other newer attractions, there are no distinctions to the line.. and I believe that to be more fair. But, the once we accompanied grandma who has a hard time keeping on her feet as she had a hip and knee surgery, we were able to save time at some attractions, and in fact it was very good in my opinion.

In terms of promotion, a healthy discussion to a very valid topic is important. If you can bring someone along who is under privileged physically.. its more challenging for trip preparation, as for example going on a bus with a wheel chair or scooter will require more time and hassle.. but at 'some' attractions you end up saving time going thru the handicapped line.. so a bit of a bonus as a result of helping out someone physically disabled to enjoy Disney World.. and those who are physically disabled accompanying you will appreciate it.

I still think your statements are very inaccurate!

Peter Pan does not have an accessible entrance. And it is one of the two rides at WDW that cannot be stopped except for an emergency. People with mobility problems either must use the standard line or there is the ability, at Park opening or closing only, for them to stop the ride to allow people with disabilities to be able to safely board or get off.

And for It's A Small World you go partially through the regular queue, are then pulled out of line to go via the exit, and then have to wait for the accessible boat.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the Raceway are the only attractions at MK where a person in a wheelchair or ECV does not at least start off in the regular queue and then get pulled out to a separate entrance but go directly to the separate entrance.

 

[kaytieeldr]

And for It's A Small World you go partially through the regular queue, are then pulled out of line to go via the exit, and then have to wait for the accessible boat.

And depending on how many parties may be in need of that ONE accessible boat, there may be a MUCH longer wait than in the mainstream queue. The OP may have gotten lucky and had nobody ahead of them in the wheelchair line, or the grandmother may not have needed to stay in the wheelchair to board the boat (or both). Many times, the regular line at Small World has a wait of five minutes or less - boats leave partially full, Guests aren't arriving at the loading area fast enough - but parties with wheelchairs have to wait... and wait... and wait... for the boat to circle around.

 

[skelooch]

I still think your statements are very inaccurate!

Peter Pan does not have an accessible entrance. And it is one of the two rides at WDW that cannot be stopped except for an emergency. People with mobility problems either must use the standard line or there is the ability, at Park opening or closing only, for them to stop the ride to allow people with disabilities to be able to safely board or get off.

And for It's A Small World you go partially through the regular queue, are then pulled out of line to go via the exit, and then have to wait for the accessible boat.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the Raceway are the only attractions at MK where a person in a wheelchair or ECV does not at least start off in the regular queue and then get pulled out to a separate entrance but go directly to the separate entrance.

Peter Pans Flight does indeed have an accessible entrance, I have used it.

It's a Small World you do not "go Partially through the regular queue", you are directed to the exit and enter there.

 

[SueM in MN]

And depending on how many parties may be in need of that ONE accessible boat, there may be a MUCH longer wait than in the mainstream queue. The OP may have gotten lucky and had nobody ahead of them in the wheelchair line, or the grandmother may not have needed to stay in the wheelchair to board the boat (or both). Many times, the regular line at Small World has a wait of five minutes or less - boats leave partially full, Guests aren't arriving at the loading area fast enough - but parties with wheelchairs have to wait... and wait... and wait... for the boat to circle around.

We have waited in that line for over 1/2 hour during a time when Small World wait for people walking in were basically loading as fast as they could load.

Peter Pans Flight does indeed have an accessible entrance, I have used it.

It's a Small World you do not "go Partially through the regular queue", you are directed to the exit and enter there.

Peter Pan has an accessible entrance, but that is only because there was no room to make space for guests with wheelchairs to wait in the regular line.
That does not mean getting on right away though. Guests may be boarded fairly quickly because there is not much space there for waiting in a wheelchair. They may also be given a handwritten Fastpass or advised to get a Fastpass.
This is what the official Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities says about Mobility Access for Peter Pan:
"Obtain a FASTPASS OR see a host for options. If FASTPASS is not available, see a host for options."
Because the moving walkway on Peter Pan can't be slowed or stopped, many people with disabilities are not able to ride it at all.

Small World is presently under renovation and I don't know what access will be like when it is finished. I have heard that when it was renovated last time, they did try to make a Mainstream queue, but the Fire Marshall would not agree to it because someone in a wheelchair could be trapped on the wrong side of the water during an evacuation. So, how it was before the renovation was guests with wheelchairs/ECV/mobility devices waited in the regular line until the point where it is no longer possible to cross over the water. At that point (about 2 turns of the queue), there is a pull off point for guests which leads to a ramped bridge that goes over the water. This ramped bridge also was the exit. If it is not busy, the CMs did sometimes direct guests with wheelchairs/ECVs immediately to that pull off.
I have read that the current Small World renovation will be to make Mainstream Access in a way that satisfies safety concerns. We will have to wait to see how it is once it opens.

The Studio and AK were built totally with Mainstream Access because of when the parks were built. Attractions at Epcot and MK were changed to Mainstream access as new attractions (like Mission Space and Soarin') were added or attractions (like Imagination) were renovated. There were some where it was not possible to convert to Mainstream access; those are the few remaining attractions that have a special handicapped entrance. Most of them are in MK because there was not space to make the attraction accessible.

I anyone wants information about travel to WDW with a wheelchair, ECV or disability, please visit the disABILITIES Board (there is a link in my signature and also in Cheshire Figment's).

There is also a link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread. Post # 11 of that thread lists the "Mobility Access" for each attraction from the official Guide for Guests with Disabilities for each park.
If you look at it, you will see that in most cases, the Guide does direct guests with disabilities to either get Fastpasses or use the regular queue. There are very few with any other direction.

 

[mytripsandraces]

Is it possible that some posters are talking about Disneyland and others about Disney World? That might explain some of the confusion about what lines are like for the "same" rides.

 

[Ancien Maestro]

I don't specifically remember all of the rides, but the older rides at Magic Kingdom seem to have a seperate line to the attraction for those who are handicapped .. I know it was Peter Pan, and Small World during the end of summer last year. Peter Pan lines were 1 1/2 hours, but we got on in ten minutes, and went a total of 4 times during our stay. Small World was done 3 times when the line up was 45 minutes, we got on about 10 minutes as well. The loading was done alternatively with the regular line up and the handicapped line up loading the ride.

My wife asked me if we should bring grandma yesterday to avoid some of the long lineups.. I said a few disboard members were getting dissed.. so I said its' time for us to tough it out with our 5 year old and 1 year old and wait it out like the rest of the visitors.. Plus, saves me airfare for grandma and a scooter rental as well.. at least for this time.. maybe next time we'll bring her. We'll be there for Christmas break for 21 nights so shall take advantage of the attractions on the down times.

 

[tyniknate]

Are yall kidding me? I don't mind the rides so much, its the waiting in line for 45 minutes at the bus stop with two tired children asleep on your shoulder, only to have a party of 6 come up to the front of the line and board the bus first with grandma. Then you're told "sorry, the bus is full, you'll have to wait for the next one". Why cant the party wait in line like the rest of us? I'm not being rude or judgmental, I just don't understand (unless it has changed since our last visit. If it has - I apologize).)