Epcot-The Land Elevators

[DreamFlightCpt.]

On a recent trip, my family was traveling with my grandfather who was using an ECV to get around easier. On our Epcot day we had fast passes to Soarin which of course is on the lower level of the land. Naturally this required us to use the elevators near Garden Grill. When we got down there to load him on, I was astonished to see a line of at least 10 people in wheelchairs and ECVs along with their parties waiting to use the elevator. Combine this with people coming up from the lower level along with their mobility devices and we waited almost 30minutes to load my grandfather, DW, myself, my sister and mother elected to take the stairs so as not to take up space for other guests that needed to use elevator. Of course this same process was repeated when going back up to leave the land. Throughout this time, I could help but notice two other elevators closer to the entrance blocked off and unused. I can't help but think that this would have alleviated the congestion at the other elevator. The land tends to get busy, espcislt with the huge draw that Soarin brings in. Why weren't these other elevators in operation? To my knowledge, I dont ever remember seeing anyone use the,pm but I consistently remember the other elevators being congested. It seems like they need to do something about the accessibility in that building, if those "secret" elevators are not for guest use, than other accommodations need to be made for guests with disabilities other than that one elevator. Yes there are escalators but those breakdown sometimes and some guests can't transfer out to use the escalators.

 

[hedberg1661]

I agree with you. While I don't need/use the elevators I always feel terrible seeing families queued up to get up or down. Seems like they need some sort of ramp or alternative entrance for ECVs etc.

 

[yulilin3]

Maybe the new set of elevators was just down that day. I've seen the new ones being use all the time, ever since Soarin reopened

 

[GillianP1301]

I'm pretty sure there are doors on the lower level where Soarin' is... perhaps somebody here will know for sure. But, I can remember coming off of Soarin' once and going out those doors because I was a bit disoriented until I found my way back to the front of the building. I realize it doesn't address the actual issue of lack of elevator availability, but may be a decent workaround for future.

 

[yulilin3]

I'm pretty sure there are doors on the lower level where Soarin' is... perhaps somebody here will know for sure. But, I can remember coming off of Soarin' once and going out those doors because I was a bit disoriented until I found my way back to the front of the building. I realize it doesn't address the actual issue of lack of elevator availability, but may be a decent workaround for future.

that's a Cm backstage area, only used by guest if there's an evacuation of the building

 

[DreamFlightCpt.]

It became really frustrating to witness this when a father with a special needs daughter was trying to gain access to the elevator. They had fast passes for Soarin' and he really wanted to ride it with his daughter, but their window was closing fast. After waiting for about 15 minutes he pushed her stroller out of line and proceeded to park it and start lifting her to her feet to walk down the stairs. My wife and I offered to help him carry the stroller with her in it down, but he politely declined stating that she could walk fine assisted, but because of her condition it was more efficient to use a stroller where they could. She actually did move quite well with the assistance of her father, but I felt terrible that this situation had to be resolved this way. Could they have tried to get there earlier? Sure, but who's to say why they got there when they did and I'm also willing to bet that they like many others did not anticipate there to be a line for an elevator.

 

[DreamFlightCpt.]

Sorry everyone reading this thread if I seem a little fired up about this. I feel very fortunate to be in the health and condition I am in that allows me to experience the things I can. It irks me when something like this seems like an oversight by others who take their mobility for granted.

 

[yulilin3]

Sorry everyone reading this thread if I seem a little fired up about this. I feel very fortunate to be in the health and condition I am in that allows me to experience the things I can. It irks me when something like this seems like an oversight by others who take their mobility for granted.

I don't think anyone anyone is taking their mobility for granted, at least I'm sure I'm not. It was just a day when the second set of elevators wasn't working. Ever since the second set opened I have never seen a line for either set of elevators.

 

[DreamFlightCpt.]

I don't think anyone anyone is taking their mobility for granted, at least I'm sure I'm not. It was just a day when the second set of elevators wasn't working. Ever since the second set opened I have never seen a line for either set of elevators.

Apologies for the confusion, wasn't saying anyone here was taking it for granted. Just saying in a situation such as the one I witnessed, its eye opening when you see people who rely on these kinds of services not being able to utilize them efficiently. I just felt frustrated because there was not much I or anyone else could do to help the situation but watch and wait.

 

[Fangorn]

The new elevators were in operation the last week of September. I saw many people use them. That said, the line of people waiting to use the old elevator was still very long. I'm not sure everyone is aware that there are now additional elevators since the new ones are not in the same area.

Steve

 

[Polydweller]

The new elevators were in operation the last week of September. I saw many people use them. That said, the line of people waiting to use the old elevator was still very long. I'm not sure everyone is aware that there are now additional elevators since the new ones are not in the same area.

Steve

I think that's likely it. The elevators were in use last week but people were queuing up at the old ones because. They are more obvious.

 

[MinnieMSue]

Oct 1 I was pleasantly surprised to find the new elevator. I was dreading the line at the one by Garden grill. There was no one else at the new elevator when I used it. Glad it was installed.

 

[Candycane83]

Oct 1 I was pleasantly surprised to find the new elevator. I was dreading the line at the one by Garden grill. There was no one else at the new elevator when I used it. Glad it was installed.

Just want to ask, where are the new set of elevators?

 

[DreamFlightCpt.]

Just want to ask, where are the new set of elevators?

When you walk in the main entrance of The Land, take the left walkway towards the Garden Grill. About halfway down the walkway in a little alcove to the left there are elevators. When I was there, they were roped off.

 

[MinnieMSue]

Yep go in main entrance and to the left. A cast member directed me there.

 

[SeminoleVators]

When you walk in the main entrance of The Land, take the left walkway towards the Garden Grill. About halfway down the walkway in a little alcove to the left there are elevators. When I was there, they were roped off.

Wait, is there only one elevator or two? I know of two elevators in the land, one near Garden Grill and one near Soarin.
I assume this is the “new” one considering one of these was just installed near me.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Given the age of this thread (almost two years old), going to close to avoid confusion.