getting around both the Walt Disney Family Museum & Alcatraz

[amystevekai&bump]

Hi all

We are visiting San Francisco next month and have tickets for both the Walt Disney Family Museum and Alcatraz.

My husband has now broken his Achilles and will be on crutches. Can I ask - how much walking is involved in either place?

I know that you can't hire wheelchairs at alcatraz, but have seen on their website that there is transport for those that need assistance up a steep hill. Will that mean he should be ok for the rest of it? I'm expecting him to be a lot fitter and more able bodied on his crutches in three weeks time, and he can already walk a little way, but it would be helpful to know if there are seats at either place if he should need to stop to catch his breath!

Are there wheelchairs for rent at the WDFM? I haven't been able to find out either way.

Many thanks for any advice

 

[bcla]

It's been a while, but I recall that there was somewhat of a climb up a paved path from the boat dock to the actual buildings. Depending on where you want to go, there could be a good deal of stairs and inclines/declines.

The Walt Disney Family Museum claims that it's wheelchair accessible, but they don't say anything about renting or otherwise providing wheelchairs. I would assume they don't have any available.

http://www.waltdisney.org/guest-services

Wheelchair Accessiblity
The Walt Disney Family Museum is accessible to wheelchair users. Visitors can use the ramp at the left side of the front entrance. Closed Caption and Open Caption are available in the galleries, too.​

 

[usnuzuloose]

Even on the grounds of Alcatraz it may tiring after a while. They do have places to sit inside Walt Disney museum. But that is still a rather lengthy walk. Maybe you could get a wheel chair for that. He may feel more comfortable and you can take your time.

 

[JimMIA]

With regard to Alcatraz, I would call there to get accurate information.

(415) 561-4900 is the number listed on the National Park Service website. I'm not sure if that's NPS or the cruise company.

Here's a link to the NPS accessibility info: http://www.nps.gov/alca/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm

Frankly, it doesn't sound like he'd be able to do much of a tour, although he could possibly visit the museum.

 

[bcla]

This site says that disabled access is not bad at Alcatraz.

http://www.gonomad.com/about-us/contact-us/28-market/1719-a-guidebook-for-disabled-travelers

 

[seobaina]

There is a trolley tram from the dock at Alcatraz up the hill to the main entrance.

 

[usnuzuloose]

There is a trolley tram from the dock at Alcatraz up the hill to the main entrance.

Oh good to know, that climb up the hill is brutal even when you don't need help. I was huffing and puffing.

 

[seobaina]

Oh good to know, that climb up the hill is brutal even when you don't need help. I was huffing and puffing.

Yeah I took it last time cause I'd been walking around sf all day and my legs were killing (I did that over stretching of muscles thing).

 

[usnuzuloose]

Yeah I took it last time cause I'd been walking around sf all day and my legs were killing (I did that over stretching of muscles thing).

If I go back I will use the little trolley going up. I am so out of shape.

 

[buzz242]

We visited Alcatraz last summer with our son who is a wheelchair user. There was a small tram to take disabled/elderly or people on crutches up the hill from the boat dock. Once inside there was a lift to take us upstairs, we were told that if we required any further assistance just to ask a staff member. From memory i can recall lots of places to sit down and rest. The audio tour is set to a very slow pace so there is no need to dash around worrying that you will miss something. The areas outside were a bit uneven in places but nothing to worry about. There were steps to access some of the outside ares but some were ramped. We absolutely loved the tour and would definitely visit again next time we're over from the UK. Don't forget to wear an extra layer of clothes - it's freezing!!!

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Thank you everyone for replying.

I've spent the last few days sorting out things, and I've actually bought a light weight wheelchair (actually worked out cheaper that renting and without the worry of having to pay out more money if it was lost or damaged) - so from what everyone has said it looks as though we might manage in alcatraz.

Can I just ask - how long do most people roughly spend at the Walt Disney Family museum? Our two boys are 11 and 8, and whilst I know I could probably spend the day there, I'm assuming that this won't be somewhere they will want to spend hours and hours?

Thanks again for all of your replies

 

[bcla]

Thank you everyone for replying.

I've spent the last few days sorting out things, and I've actually bought a light weight wheelchair (actually worked out cheaper that renting and without the worry of having to pay out more money if it was lost or damaged) - so from what everyone has said it looks as though we might manage in alcatraz.

Can I just ask - how long do most people roughly spend at the Walt Disney Family museum? Our two boys are 11 and 8, and whilst I know I could probably spend the day there, I'm assuming that this won't be somewhere they will want to spend hours and hours?

Thanks again for all of your replies

The area around the museum is really nice. It's not exactly hiking, but there are various paths around the place. You could easily just make it one stop while you explore the Presidio.

 

[amystevekai&bump]

The area around the museum is really nice. It's not exactly hiking, but there are various paths around the place. You could easily just make it one stop while you explore the Presidio.

Great - sounds good!