Disneyland Question: Entering rides as a party of 11 (1 EVC scooter)

[Grim_Grinning_Girl]

Hi, I have also posted this in the (Disneyland California) section because most of the threads here seem Disneyworld related, looking for info for Anaheim.

Going to Disneyland this week, my mother has MS and will be traveling in an ECV scooter. We go very often so we know what to expect and where to go. We've always been told she can enter through the Handicap entrances with up to 4 additional people (or was it 5?).

Normally we're less than 5 or 5 max. But on this trip we will be a huge party of 11. Some of the people we are traveling with are first timers and it would be nice if our entire group could enter at the same time. My mother has a severe limp which causes her to tire easily so the shorter the distance the better, otherwise she would ditch the scooter and we would all enter through the standard queue.

How should we deal with such a large group and my mother? Does anyone know how strict their policy is? Should we just try to enter anyway and have the castmember tell us if it's alright or not? They seem to be very flexible on the Pirates ride, I've seen very large groups with a disabled member allowed in together.

Anyone have experience with a similar group set-up? Thanks.

 

[KPeveler]

for rides like fantasyland rides where the cars only hold 3 or so, they will likely have you split up. Things like Pirates they mght be more flexible, but my fiancee is a former DL-CM, and she says that they are pretty strict about the number... you best bet may be to ask guest services when you get there...

 

[Mskanga]

When we were there for my daughter's MAW trip they were very strict about it .....only 5 people was the max we were told ( we were four ).

 

[kaytieeldr]

Space Mountain has a vehicle that can be pulled offline (off the active track) for boarding. When I was there solo, I followed the CM's directions to board. At the boarding area, there were already about 4 people in line. Once (or before?) we boarded, a CM told me we would be waiting for the rest of the other party. They were all in the mainstream line.

So, yes, DLR is pretty strict about how many people can accompany the Guest in the wheelchair/ECV.

 

[SueM in MN]

We have many more people traveling to WDW than DL, so there is more information here about WDW. In general, the 2 parks have the same policies, but things are less accessible at DL since the park is older and smaller.

This is a quote from the DL Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities:

Some attraction queues at Disneyland ® Park cannot accommodate Guests using wheelchairs and electric convenience vehicles (ECVs). If the instructions listed are to use an entrance other than the standard queue, up to six (6) Guests, which must include the Guest using the mobility device, may use the alternate entrance.
Here's a link to the DL page where you can download a copy of the Guidebook.

So, for those attractions with Mainstream Lines (those where people with wheelchairs and ECVs wait in the regular line with all the other guests), you would be able to wait with your whole party of 11. But, if there is a different boarding area after you have waited in line, only up to 6 may board there (5 plus the person with a disability).
I know at WDW, there are a few situations where there is not much room, so the limit is set lower (remember, it's up to 6, but may be less).
For attractions with separate handicapped access lines, only up to 6 guests.

I have traveled to WDW with up to 14 and it is difficult to keep a large group together. Make sure you know who is in which group and make sure each group has someone with a cell phone and at least one experienced person.