Handicapped lines at Disney

[bwilcox]

It is my understanding that MOST lines don't have a separate handicap entrance-just a few at MK. Most attractions were built so that wheelchairs and ECVs can access them through the regular line.

 

[goofyernmost]

Common misconception. They (okay, we) are merely given access to parking spaces that GET US OUT OF THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC as quickly and safely as possible. Most of the time, sure, they're the closest spaces - not always. Examples: my credit union's main office, the two HP spaces are at the opposite end of the front of the building from where the door is. That's where the curb cut is, and the handicapped customer isn't required to go into the parking lot to get into the building - you just move up onto the sidewalk, turn left, and proceed across the front of the building, past about a dozen cars.

A good example of that is at Magic Kingdom. I don't believe they could have put the handicap parking area further away from the entrance unless they purchased land in the Bahamas and put it there. Unlike the regular parking at MK there isn't even a tram or alternative method to get to the TTC. It is one long push when helping with a wheelchair or walking in. It isn't even as close as you could get if you were in regular parking, but it is a direct line without actually having to cross heavy traffic roads. All anyone has to do, under ADA rules is provide "reasonable access". Disney does that 10 fold already.

 

[SGB13]

We had a trip planned at the end of Jan. I tore my meniscus at the end of Dec. We went anyway, with a rented scooter. I would park it in stroller parking and walk onto rides, since I could stand, just walking for long bothered me. But congested lines were tough. When they got too packed together on Haunted Mansion when you come out of the stretching room the people pushing was bad. I was not stable on my leg and with someone pushing me I almost fell. If I had not been holding the handrail and my daughter both, I would have gone down. So do what you need to do to have a safe and comfortable trip!

 

[focusondisney]

I have taken many of your suggestions to heart. I did speak with my doctor on Friday and he himself was personally outraged by many of the issues I had told him. His biggest concern is there are many people who just move slower, having mobility issues, can't stand still for a length of time or need more support and really can't tolerate the pushing that can occur while waiting in aline for a ride.He definately feels that there are many components to being handicapped! There are so many that are invisible to the eye its whats going on inside an individual that is more of concern.His concern about people diagnosing others situations is like aticking time bomb. For instance why is it when there are handicapped parking spaces at malls, restaurants and such that we see a person getting out of their car who aren't in a wheelchair , and don't have crutches but just their own 2 legs.They are given permission stating they can have a closer proximity to reach a store. That is what I was asking for. My doctor did say he would give a written note explaining how it would be beneficial to my health issue at this time to be allowed to be granted in a handicap line at Disney versus the main entrance. My condition as many who have this and which there are many varying degrees of PF is that it is hard for me to stand still in a line, I need to stretch and walk, and even on certain days right now in my recovery I also know that I just need to rest it with no weight bearing, but I should be the one to make that decision not a CM who has no medical background.But he was definately adamant about trying to get me some sort of assistance that would alleviate some extra pain that could be helped. That is why there are handicapped areas. Their is no one defining defintion to being handicapped. It is not a position I would like to be and feel so sorry for those that have issues. It is not up to any one of us to judge someones health. I personally know that I would swap my crappy feet for healthy ones at any given moment, but that is unrealistic and these are the cards I was dealt and I am just trying to create a magical day with my family. Again if there are no different lines than I will just sit that ride out, but if there is a long entrance with many hills such as Haunted Mansion then I would like to be allowed to use the handicapped entrance. I am sorry for those who keep sending the rules of the GAC card, when I wrote this thread I never before of even heard of a GAC card, all I know is it is state law to offer handicapped lines, parking spots, wheelchair accesible to every public domain, and Disney is a public domain. I am gonna go on this trip with my head held high and my feet wrapped and secured and pray that I won't have any issues but if I do,I know I will have the support of my doctor and hope that Disney will cooperate with my doctors diagnosis and concerns. I want to thank all of you for your words of wisdom I have even done some of the stretches you have suggested and it defiantely helps to talk to others and learn more about this.

So after saying you don't want special treatment, now you DO want handicapped access? If you do a search , you will find many posts that talk about people in handicapped lines who actually end up waiting LONGER than if they were in the regular line. And you will then be STANDING longer than if you were in the regular line.

Also, as you can see from this thread, Plantar Fascitis is not that uncommon. I have had it for for over 3 years now. Yes, it comes & goes. But I have done ALL the treatments & still it comes back. I don't wish it on anyone & know that you can't tell someones issues by looking at them. But I also know that most people have some type of health issues & there can't be special rules & exceptions for everyone.

I've been to WDW probably 4-5 times since I've had PF. Using regular lines, good supportive shoes, icing , rest & stretching while in line or on rides. You have been given great info re: tips to get you thru the parks. I don't get the impression you want anything but special access, no matter what you're saying here. Ask at guest services, but be prepared to hear what you've been told here. Good luck. And I hope your family DOES have a magical vacation.

 

[KPeveler]

To the OP - your doctor said he will write you a note giving you handicapped access.

There IS NO handicapped access. Except for a few rides in MK, you will be directed to the main line. I cannot think of a single ride in Epcot or DHS that has a different line for people with disabilities.

I am not saying you don't deserve handicapped access, i am saying there is NO SUCH THING. I use a wheelchair and have many other issues not met by the wc, and I get a GAC, and I STILL wait in every normal line.

You will NOT be allowed to bypass any line at all. That is only for Make a Wish kids.

I am not understanding what it is you want. There is no way, no card, no permission to not wait in line. "Handicapped access" only exists on a few rides, and you have to wait in most of the normal line to get there (like Toy Story Mania).

Perhaps you could explain more clearly what it is you think will happen with that dr's note, and we could help.

If you go to disney and say you cannot stand, they WILL tell you to rent a wheelchair or ECV.

 

[jemmouse]

This will be my last post because I personally don't understand why so many individuals feel they have the right to speak to others in such a condensending manner! I have had numerous Private Messages sent to me about how there are so many people out there who are just plain nasty on this forum and to just try and forget about their posts. I signed on this forum to learn about Disney and to offer tips and advice because I have been going to Disney for over 35 years. I did not sign up to be attacked by people who have nothing better to do than to be nasty! I simply asked a question.To the comment about standing in lines is very limited and lines move fast, well my comment would be when do you go because I have stood in Peter Pan with my son for well over an hour and moved but a few inches at a time. Can you tell me when you go because perhaps I should go to Disney then because you claim lines move very fast, and this is advice that I was looking for on this board, friendly, helpful information, not NASTY responses. To be quite honest I really don't understand why so many of you got so upset over this thread. My parents always taught me that there is a time when you just need to leave well enough alone and that is what I am doing. ANd thank you to the one who said my doctor can write all the notes he wants, I am sure he will be grateful you have given him permission. I will just rent a scooter if I am in pain and please stay clear because I wouldn't want to run over your feet. THATS A JOKE LIGHTEN UP PEOPLE!!!! Bottom line I will do what is best for me at the time I get to Disney. Again thank you to all those out there who offered so many great tips and ideas, you are the reason I wrote on this forum. Gotta go do my stretches now I don't want to be sore for Disney. Have a MAGICAL DAY, and remember GRUMPY is already at the park so try to be HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!

 

[KPeveler]

This will be my last post because I personally don't understand why so many individuals feel they have the right to speak to others in such a condensending manner! I have had numerous Private Messages sent to me about how there are so many people out there who are just plain nasty on this forum and to just try and forget about their posts. I signed on this forum to learn about Disney and to offer tips and advice because I have been going to Disney for over 35 years. I did not sign up to be attacked by people who have nothing better to do than to be nasty! I simply asked a question.To the comment about standing in lines is very limited and lines move fast, well my comment would be when do you go because I have stood in Peter Pan with my son for well over an hour and moved but a few inches at a time. Can you tell me when you go because perhaps I should go to Disney then because you claim lines move very fast, and this is advice that I was looking for on this board, friendly, helpful information, not NASTY responses. To be quite honest I really don't understand why so many of you got so upset over this thread. My parents always taught me that there is a time when you just need to leave well enough alone and that is what I am doing. ANd thank you to the one who said my doctor can write all the notes he wants, I am sure he will be grateful you have given him permission. I will just rent a scooter if I am in pain and please stay clear because I wouldn't want to run over your feet. THATS A JOKE LIGHTEN UP PEOPLE!!!! Bottom line I will do what is best for me at the time I get to Disney. Again thank you to all those out there who offered so many great tips and ideas, you are the reason I wrote on this forum. Gotta go do my stretches now I don't want to be sore for Disney. Have a MAGICAL DAY, and remember GRUMPY is already at the park so try to be HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!

I am not sure if I have somehow offended you, but I am just confused. I am not sure what you are wanting at disney... I am all for doing what you can and asking for for help when you need it. I just wanted you to know that there ARE no handicapped lines at disney anymore, and you will have to wait in line at almost anything, either on your feet or with a wheelchair... Just trying to be helpful...

 

[jemmouse]

I am not sure if I have somehow offended you, but I am just confused. I am not sure what you are wanting at disney... I am all for doing what you can and asking for for help when you need it. I just wanted you to know that there ARE no handicapped lines at disney anymore, and you will have to wait in line at almost anything, either on your feet or with a wheelchair... Just trying to be helpful...

It wasen't your post I was referencing. You offered info and I was thankful for your input however there are some that need a little brushing up on tact.

 

[MYD714]

Nothing is worse than being in Disney with a foot problem. They rent wheelchairs for a reason; don't be afraid to use one if needed.

I had issues that caused me to be in a wheelchair during our last trip and found that there were only a small amount of rides that have special entrances for the handicapped. Disney has done a great job at making its rides handicap accessible; I mostly waited in the regular lines. I had a huge gash on my foot that I couldn't put pressure on, so the wheelchair eliminated my pain and it also allowed me to wait in long lines. I also agree with a pp who said that sometimes people in wheelchairs wait longer; I know I encountered this on a few rides. There was no way that I could walk through the park during that trip and I was happy to have access to a wheelchair. However, I hope I never have to use one again.

Please don't take offense to this, but...
I've read through all of the posts and don't really understand why you are getting so defensive. It seems that people have posted some great info for you and have done it with the best of intentions. People who have quoted you seem to have done this to clarify some issues that you either have overlooked or misunderstood. Many people posted about the fact that there are few handicap lines to be helpful and clarify this issue for you, not to be rude. Also, it seems people who were posting about the GAC card were posting back and forth with each other, not you. Who knows--maybe I'm just naive to their tone--but, overall, it looks as if you didn't get the answer you were looking for and got defensive because of it.

Anyway, I hope you figure things out for your trip and that you have a great time!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Possibly this can be easily summarized.

1. There is no such thing at any attraction as a "handicap line".

2. If a person has a mobility and/or stamina problem the official recommendation to them, and the accommodation provided under the ADA, is to recemmend the person rent a wheelchair or ECV.

3. The purpose of the Guest Assistance Card (GAC) is to alert Cast Members of a need which a person may have that is not related to mobility and/or stamina.

4. Almost all attraction queues are "mainstreamed". This means that a person in a wheelchair or ECV can go through the regular queue just as anyone else. Some attractions where there are stairs involved or other reason why a wheelchair or ECV will not work will have a point where people in wheelchairs or ECVs will go in separately.

5. The GAC states on it specifically that it is not intended to shorten a wait time for an attraction.

6. The only circumstance where a GAC is coded to allow expedited access is for children who are on a Wish Trip and where the child is either terminally ill or medically fragile. And these trips are sponsored by Make-A-Wish or a similar non-profit organization.

7. There are many times when a person in a wheelchair or ECV has a longer wait than a person who is mobile. This is especially true in theaters where there are a limited number of spaces for wheelchairs or ECVs, or certain attractions where there are a limed number of adaptable ride vehicles.

8. And I can fairly confidently state that I speak for all people with disabilities (temporary or permanent) when I say that we would love to not have to use a wheelchair or ECV or need special seating for auditory or vision problems. If anyone wants I will give them my $3000 ECV as long as they take all the physical problems I have which make me need it.

 

[kaytieeldr]

This will be my last post because I personally don't understand why so many individuals feel they have the right to speak to others in such a condensending manner!

Don't see any condescesion or nastiness, but it's good that people are commisserating with you, even if privately.

Messages sent to me about how there are so many people out there who are just plain nasty on this forum and to just try and forget about their posts.

Not sugarcoating something (i.e. the unofficial motto on the Transportation board is "there is no pixie dust [here, just factual response]) isn't the same as nastiness in any way. Neither is not getting the responses you want.

I did not sign up to be attacked by people who have nothing better to do than to be nasty!

Nobody is attacking you; we're simply trying to explain - more than once, because apparently the responses aren't being accepted - that what you want doesn't exist, and to provide you with information about what DOES exist.

To the comment about standing in lines is very limited and lines move fast

I never said fast, I merely stated that most lines are constantly moving; therefore the Guest is NOT standing in one place without moving.

ANd thank you to the one who said my doctor can write all the notes he wants, I am sure he will be grateful you have given him permission.

Sarcasm NOT necessary; definition of "can" being "is able to", NOTHING to do with permission.

Bottom line I will do what is best for me at the time I get to Disney. Again thank you to all those out there who offered so many great tips and ideas, you are the reason I wrote on this forum.

On behalf of those of us whose suggestions were based on knowledge and experience but whose responses you apparently didn't like for whatever reason/s - and restraining myself from asking how the tips and ideas we gave you weren't helpful - you're welcome.

 

[SueM in MN]

I didn't have time to respond earlier because I was working. Then I had a written, but my computer went all strange and the post disappeared.
I wanted to add some resources and a few more explanations.

In my signature, there is a link to the disABILITIES FAQs thread. Post #6 of that thread is about GACs. While it is not 'official', I do have Guest Relations CMs who post on the DIS Boards review it for me periodically to make sure it is still up to date.

Post #2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread has information about renting wheelchairs and ECVs, including phone numbers and weblinks.
Post #3 has some links to information and past threads that may be helpful.

AK and the Studio were built with Mainstream (accessible) Lines, so the 'handicapped' lines are the 'regular lines. MK and Epcot were not built with Mainstream lines, but as attractions were renovated or added, Mainstream Access was added as much as possible. Most of Epcot has Mainstream Lines and MK has some that were not able to be Mainstreamed.
In some cases, the 'regular' boarding area is not accessible, so guests with mobility needs board at a different area; usually they wait in the regular line until close to boarding when they are routed to another place for boarding in a more accessible area. If you are concerned about needing extra time to board or avoiding moving walkways, you can request a GAC that allows you to use the wheelchair boarding areas. It won't save walking, but will allow you to board at the accessible area.

As was already posted, one of the main reasons WDW recommends a wheelchair or ECV for guests with endurance, stamina or concerns about waiting in lines is distance. For most attractions the distance walked will be the same whether or not you have a GAC. Some lines are very long and the Fastpass line is no shorter than the standard line. An example of that is Soarin' - someone actually measured and the walk from the queue entrance to the boarding area is 1/4 mile. The distance back out is the same and both the entrance and exit include ramped areas up and down, which may be hard for people with some foot, knee or mobility problems to walk on.

The distances between things in the parks can also be quite long and some places are quite hilly. For example, the queue at Haunted Mansion is flat, but to get from Fantasyland (by Small World) to the Haunted Mansion area involves a rather long steep hill. A GAC would not help with that since the hill is between attractions. Most of the parks have at least one similar hill.

Most lines do not have any places to sit while in line unless you have a wheelchair, ECV, rollator or some people have brought canes with fold down seats (you can google "seat cane" and find quite a few).
All the shows and attractions with a long preshow (like Soarin', Test Track and Haunted Mansion) have a part where guests stand for quite a while. For some, like Laugh Floor, the stand in the preshow area will be as long as the show.
Here is a link to a past thread about needing a place to sit in line which includes a list of attractions with waits, but no place to sit. Some attractions may have a wheelchair that can be borrowed in line, but this is not universal.

In the past 6-12 months, people have been posting a lot on the disABILITIES Board about using TourGuideMike or Ridemax to avoid waits in line by knowing where the least busy places are. That can make quite a difference, even during busy times like Spring break. For example, we have gotten to Fantasyland at rope drop and been able to ride all the Fantasyland rides (some twice), plus Haunted Mansion before 10:30 am.

 

[kaytieeldr]

To the comment about standing in lines is very limited and lines move fast, well my comment would be when do you go because I have stood in Peter Pan with my son for well over an hour and moved but a few inches at a time. Can you tell me when you go because perhaps I should go to Disney then because you claim lines move very fast, and this is advice that I was looking for on this board, friendly, helpful information, not NASTY responses.

I don't go on Peter Pan. They can't stop or slow the ride, the ride and the boarding platform move at different speeds, and so I can't transfer. I know this.

I will just rent a scooter if I am in pain and please stay clear because I wouldn't want to run over your feet. THATS A JOKE LIGHTEN UP PEOPLE!!!!

Ideally, only the "run over your feet" part was a joke. Have you actually reconsidered renting a scooter? See the link in Sue's signature. Post number 2 has contact information about off-site medical supply rental companies. Their prices are lower than renting from WDW, you won't be denying anyone who needs one more than you (subjective anyway), you'll have it 24 hours a day not just in the parks.

 

[kaytieeldr]

found that there were only a small amount of rides that have special entrances for the handicapped

Not all-inclusive (it's the middle of the night) but:

MK
Peter Pan (I think): enter through the exit; nowhere to sit while family waits in regular queue, floor moves at a different speed than ride vehicles, ride can't be stopped or even slowed except in true emergency
Winnie the Pooh: enter through the exit; nowhere to sit while family waits in regular queue
Small World: enter through exit; nowhere to sit and while family waits in regular queue; handicap line is as long as, if not longer than, regular queue
Haunted Mansion: Guests in wheelchairs/ecvs can't fit through turnstile so are directed off toward exit; walk is as long as regular queue; nowhere to sit and wait for family; no way to see when they're in the building
Liberty Belle Boat: wheelchair entrance LONGER walk than standard entrance - down a ramp
Splash Mountain: wheelchair entrance most of the way through queue, only avoids stairs
Big Thunder Mountain: wheechair entrance through exit may or may not save walking, purpose primarily due to inability to transfer wheelchair/ecv to exit side of attraction
Buzz Lightyear: wheelchairs proceed fully through the standard queue, THEN proceed down another hallway to the exit, where the attraction can be slowed for boarding and the wheelchair can be left.
Pirates of the Caribbean: ecv users must transfer to wheelchair; wheelchair users go through same line/distance as Guests on foot
Jungle Cruise: separate line for Guests in wheelchairs/ecvs due to sharp turns and narrow lanes in standard queue

Epcot
Living with the Land: wheelchair/ecv Guests may circle around the standard queue for navigational purposes, line may or may not be as long as standard queue, nowere to sit
Spaceship Earth: wheelchair Guests, alternate entrance due to standard queue's sharp turns making navigation difficult
American Adventure: wheelchair Guests use elevator to get to second floor theater, Guests on foot use moving ramp, iirc

DHS
Rock 'n Roller Coaster , Tower of Terror, Star Tours: ECV Guests transfer to wheelchairs, all Guests use standard queue

AK
To the best of my recollection all lines are mainstreamed

So, as you can see, there ARE no handicapped lines. There are - what's the word? accommodations made for Guests using wheels to navigate the parks, but no handicapped lines.

 

[justgeorgi]

I don't go on Peter Pan. They can't stop or slow the ride, the ride and the boarding platform move at different speeds, and so I can't transfer. I know this.Ideally, only the "run over your feet" part was a joke. Have you actually reconsidered renting a scooter? See the link in Sue's signature. Post number 2 has contact information about off-site medical supply rental companies. Their prices are lower than renting from WDW, you won't be denying anyone who needs one more than you (subjective anyway), you'll have it 24 hours a day not just in the parks.

They actually can and will stop Peter Pan. My grandmother and my mother are both in an ECV (knee replacements) and wheelchair (MS) and they always stop the conveyor belt for them to get on the ride. You just have to tell the CM that is loading.

 

[mrsksomeday]

They actually can and will stop Peter Pan. My grandmother and my mother are both in an ECV (knee replacements) and wheelchair (MS) and they always stop the conveyor belt for them to get on the ride. You just have to tell the CM that is loading.

When was the last time they rode Peter Pan?

 

[justgeorgi]

December. Just tell them you need the conveyor belt stopped. They reach right over and do it. They will also stop Buzz, HM and any of the other rides with the conveyor belt.

 

[SueM in MN]

December. Just tell them you need the conveyor belt stopped. They reach right over and do it. They will also stop Buzz, HM and any of the other rides with the conveyor belt.

That's interesting.
They can stop all the others, I know because we come to WDW twice a year and do have them stopped. As you mentioned, you do need to ask the CM because they normally just slow the line for guests with special needs.

I've asked specifically at Peter Pan multiple times and was told they are not allowed to stop OR even slow it for anything other than an emergency because of the transition from ground to flying and because of the ride cars being suspended above ground with nothing but the bar. It is listed as 'Must be ambulatory.' Other people have posted/PM'd me they were told the same.

Are the people you have gone with able to transfer without assistance and fairly quickly? That might be a reason they did stop it for them ( but doesn't mesh with the reasons I've been told for why it can't be stopped??)

We are going to WDW in a few months and I will ask again. I don't want to continue telling people it can't be stopped if it can under certain circumstances.

 

[KPeveler]

They CAN stop the Peter Pan in Disneyland but not WDW - What park were they in?

 

[itchin2go]

I'm confused because I didn't see any ugly posts on this thread. Were they deleted?

My daughter had a broken leg on our 2006 trip. The GAC process was SO simple. Just a quick stop at the front of each park. In her case, they let us use the Disney stroller as a wheelchair so we could take it in line with us. I feel like the Great Movie Ride was the only one where we used a separate entrance and it *seemed* like we bypassed at least part of the line. Not sure why this was. Otherwise, we just waited in line like everyone else.

OP - the DISabilities boards were a great resource for me at that time. Perhaps you could find some additional information over there. Good luck!