Guidebook for disabilities

[Wade Shrader]

I wanted to see what everyone thinks about the Guidebook for WDW. I know that they have a detailed description for each attraction, with their symbols about mainstreem queues, transfers, etc.

But, I don't think they really have ENOUGH information, what do you think? We just came back from DisneyLand, and we found web sites that said EXACTLY where people in wheelchairs should go for each attraction. It's been a couple of years since we've been to WDW, and I can't remember the details of all the rides.

For example, I know Peter Pan is listed as a mainstream queue, but is the entire line wheelchair accessible? I know you have to transfer to the moving platform (we lift our sons), but where exactly do you park the wheelchair?

I have a similar question about Splash Mt.? I seem to remember a LOT of stairs; but it is listed as a mainstream queue? I know the Guidebook gives a lot of details (for Dumbo, head to the special entrance NEXT to the exit), but it leaves a lot to be desired for some attractions.

Maybe we should all work together to provide a DETAILED description of each attraction, to help disabled people better plan their trips.

Just a thought,
Wade

 

[Talking Hands]

The book is too general which makes it pretty useless for all but those who are minimally handicapped

 

[Safari Steve]

There is one set of stairs in the Splash Mountain queue, and guests in wheelchairs bypass them altogether (a CM pulls you out of the queue just before the stairs.)

 

[SueM in MN]

From what I know, I think that Disneyland has a lot more alternate entrances for guests in wheelchairs that WDW has. So, that might be why their Guidebooks are more specific.
I've also found the guidebooks lead a lot to be desired and Wheelsie always says to take it with a grain of salt. The WDW Guidebooks pretty much all start out with "Proceed thru the Mainstream queue." If it says it is a Mainstream queue, in our expereince either the whole thing is and you board at the regular entrance or the "pull off point" to the wheelchair entrance is well marked or manned with a CM. Usually when you get to the point where you need to leave the wheelchair, there will be a CM to direct you.
The rides/attractions where I can see the Guidebook as lacking are the shows/theaters. In the old days, there were enough CMs to direct people there. Now, there are usually the minimum number for the attraction. For example, we know (from going to it a lot) that guests in wheelchairs who are viewing The Little Mermaid at the Studio really need to be at the far left side of the preshow/waiting area. In the American Adventure, we saw a family with an ecv who obviously were not aware where to find the elevator (they didn't even know there was one). We end up directing a lot of people where we know they need to be just because we are there.
I've said before that what I really think would be useful and cool would be an interactive computer kiosk that has pictures and measurements of ride cars, pictures of the load areas and extra info about the rides that would help someone with a disability decide whether or not that ride would be appropriate (or they could transfer in). It would be nice if (after viweing the ride info), you could then print out a list of the rides and put them into categories for yourself like "no problem", "possible", "probably not". I don't think that would be too difficult for a multimedia entertainment company like Disney to do.

 

[doombuggy]

I agree with Sue 100%. I had a huge problem getting these guidebooks (ahead of time) to begin with, as I could not get them to print off of Adobe correctly. In the two examples she mentioned, we did get a CM to tell us where to go (at teh LM show) and one escorted us to the elevator at the American Adventure, and we watched teh preshow from the balcony. It was a bunch of acapella singers, and they would look up at us every once & awhile (which was very nice). An interactive computer kiosk would be great! Even better would be a website that WDW could have so that you could do this from your home computer, and thus be prepared beforehand, knowing what you can ride and see while you are visiting WDW. Great idea, Sue!

 

[SueM in MN]

Originally posted by doombuggy
An interactive computer kiosk would be great! Even better would be a website that WDW could have so that you could do this from your home computer, and thus be prepared beforehand, knowing what you can ride and see while you are visiting WDW. Great idea, Sue!

Let's ask for both!
I hadn't thought of a website with the info, but wouldn't that be cool. You could plan your trip out before you went and print out a personalized list with what you thought you needed to know.