Handicapped lines at Disney

[MYD714]

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.

You quoted me before giving this response and I hope that you aren't directing this towards me because I never said there were handicap lines. However, I was referring to rides that have separate entrances/pathways for the handicap. For example, I was asked to enter Space Mountain through the fastpass ride seeing that the stand-by line has stairs rather than a ramp and eventually ended up in the regular line.

As I stated earlier, Disney has done a wonderful job creating handicap accessible lines. I was actually impressed with the amount of lines that accommodated a wheelchair.

 

[bwilcox]

To the OP:
You mentioned something about waiting in line for an hour at PP. I would suggest to you to use RideMax software. We used it in June, rode all the rides we wanted, and never waited in line more than 15 minutes for anything!

 

[bouncy54]

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.

Thank you! I found your information to be most helpful.

1/4 mile walk for Soarin! No way could I manage that! I can't even walk a block! I've been on Soarin' in CA and it's a long queue too, but it's the exit that's a real killer. Uphill ramp for a very long way! I was so glad I had my scooter!

Do you know where we park the ECV for TOT? If I remember right, the walk just to get inside the door is very long. Then the long, winding line and stairs in the boiler room would be impossible for me too. At DL, I didn't have to leave my scooter at all until I entered the elevator.

 

[kaytieeldr]

You quoted me before giving this response and I hope that you aren't directing this towards me because I never said there were handicap lines.

NOoooooo!!! If anything, I was supporting something - probably a single line - you posted!!!!! Sorry for the confusion (and I only apologize when I'm wrong )

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Thank you! I found your information to be most helpful.

1/4 mile walk for Soarin! No way could I manage that! I can't even walk a block! I've been on Soarin' in CA and it's a long queue too, but it's the exit that's a real killer. Uphill ramp for a very long way! I was so glad I had my scooter!

Do you know where we park the ECV for TOT? If I remember right, the walk just to get inside the door is very long. Then the long, winding line and stairs in the boiler room would be impossible for me too. At DL, I didn't have to leave my scooter at all until I entered the elevator.

For Tower there is a parking area directly across the walkway from the gate. They do have loaner wheelchairs available for people with ECVs to use all the way through the queue and into the preshow and through the boiler room. It will be waiting outside the elevator when you exit, and you go back to where your ECV is parked using the wheelchair.

 

[MYD714]

NOoooooo!!! If anything, I was supporting something - probably a single line - you posted!!!!! Sorry for the confusion (and I only apologize when I'm wrong )

No worries. I figured..just checking. I hate to make waves and wanted to make sure that my wording was clear.

You, along with others, have given the op great info. I wish she saw it that way.

 

[jemmouse]

Just returned from Disney, wonderful trip, thanks to all those at the park who were so kind. Brought my doctor note to the front and was given a GAC card with no problem, in fact they did read it and thanked me for bringing it, because it does help distinguish between the legit ones and the non legit ones. In fact they never even asked me about a scooter or a wheelchair. Which I have to say I was so surpirised about because so many of you on this were adamant about that policy. In fact I did rent a scooter one day at Epcot because I was having mobility issues. Also my wait for lines were shortened, which I was very thankful for. With the help of medication,the help of Disney, I was able to have a FANTASTIC time with my family. Many wonderful memories were made that will last a lifetime.

 

[Schmeck]

Just returned from Disney, wonderful trip, thanks to all those at the park who were so kind. Brought my doctor note to the front and was given a GAC card with no problem, in fact they did read it and thanked me for bringing it, because it does help distinguish between the legit ones and the non legit ones. In fact they never even asked me about a scooter or a wheelchair. Which I have to say I was so surpirised about because so many of you on this were adamant about that policy. In fact I did rent a scooter one day at Epcot because I was having mobility issues. Also my wait for lines were shortened, which I was very thankful for. With the help of medication,the help of Disney, I was able to have a FANTASTIC time with my family. Many wonderful memories were made that will last a lifetime.

Considering it is stated on the GAC that it is not intended to shorten wait times, someone at WDW is asleep at the wheel...

 

[bwilcox]

Brought my doctor note to the front and was given a GAC card with no problem, in fact they did read it and thanked me for bringing it, because it does help distinguish between the legit ones and the non legit ones.

Strange, since WDW is legally required to NOT judge or determine who is "handicapped." I thought they weren't allowed to read doctor's notes.

Glad you were able to have a good time, though!

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

or someone is intentionally spreading false info.

 

[KPeveler]

Just returned from Disney, wonderful trip, thanks to all those at the park who were so kind. Brought my doctor note to the front and was given a GAC card with no problem, in fact they did read it and thanked me for bringing it, because it does help distinguish between the legit ones and the non legit ones. In fact they never even asked me about a scooter or a wheelchair. Which I have to say I was so surpirised about because so many of you on this were adamant about that policy. In fact I did rent a scooter one day at Epcot because I was having mobility issues. Also my wait for lines were shortened, which I was very thankful for. With the help of medication,the help of Disney, I was able to have a FANTASTIC time with my family. Many wonderful memories were made that will last a lifetime.

I am not saying that your experience is wrong, but NO ONE should plan on this happening. They WILL NOT read a dr's note usually.

A GAC is NOT meant to shorten wait times (it even says it on the card)

And they will ALWAYS (except in this case apparently) tell you to get a wheelchair or ECV, not give you a GAC for mobility reasons...

NO ONE should plan on this being their experience!

 

[kaytieeldr]

or someone is intentionally spreading false info.

Anybody check the calendar?

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

Anybody check the calendar?

LOL, I have a house full of children who played every prank ever seen on AFV. I just hate that people think they can abuse that system.

 

[SueM in MN]

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.

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.

I just wanted to add that I asked a CM to check out for me whether or not Peter Pan at MK at WDW can be stopped.
He spoke with the area manager for the part of Fantasyland that includes Peter Pan. She confirmed that Peter Pan at MK cannot be stopped or slowed, except in an extreme emergency. She also told him that if it is stopped, they need to do a full evacuation before it can be restarted. This involves the Fire Department.

They sometimes will do the first or last ride of the day for people with disabilities who can't get on or off while the moving walkway is on. They do this because they can have the ride cars empty and the moving walkway stopped. They then load several ride cars with people with disabilities and start the ride up again when all are loaded. At the end of the ride, they stop the moving walkway again so that the guests can get out.
Because the entire ride has to be empty before they can stop the moving walkway, they only do this for the first ride in the morning or the last ride at night.

And, regarding WDW and suggesting an ECV or wheelchair for guests who are concerned about standing or walking in line, that is what WDW recommends on their own website. SO, it is not just posters insisting, it is WDW's written policy.

 

[jemmouse]

Considering it is stated on the GAC that it is not intended to shorten wait times, someone at WDW is asleep at the wheel...

WHy are they asleep at the wheel? Have you yourself ever had a GAC? If you have then you would know why the lines were shorter.

 

[jemmouse]

or someone is intentionally spreading false info.

Is this directed at me? Just curious.

 

[bouncy54]

There's a moving ramp at the American Adventure?

My husband and I were talking about this yesterday. Neither one of us remember having to go to another floor to see the presentation/movie after listening to the Voices of Liberty in the lobby area. But then...we're gettin' old and that was 5 years ago.

It would be wonderful if I can leave my scooter outside after listening to the Voices of Liberty and then walk into the theater. If there's a moving ramp, I think I can manage it.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Is this directed at me? Just curious.

Actually, no, it was in response to

Considering it is stated on the GAC that it is not intended to shorten wait times, someone at WDW is asleep at the wheel...

WHy are they asleep at the wheel? Have you yourself ever had a GAC? If you have then you would know why the lines were shorter.

Offhand I don't recall if the specific poster has ever had, needed, or requested a GAC; however, because of the seriousness of the issues here we try to provide as factual information as possible.

While certain individuals' experiences may differ, the general policies include (but are not limited to)
Walt Disney World's response to Guests with mobility issues, rather than a GAC, is to rent or bring a mobility assistance device.
Doctors' notes are not required to obtain a GAC.
Cast Members, for privacy reasons, are not supposed to read doctors's notes.
A doctor's note or diagnosis does NOT explain what accommodation/s the Guest needs - the point of the Guest Assistance Card.
Most lines at Walt Disney World are mainstreamed, i.e. all Guests use the same line.
When Guests with a GAC or mobility assistance device are directed to an alternate entrance, it does not necessarily mean they will gain access to the attraction faster, even if the line is shorter.
Peter Pan and the Tomorrowland Transit Authority CANNOT be stopped to provide access to Guests with mobility impairments or who need extra time to board. TTA may not be 'stoppable' at all; PP can accommodate Guests with mobility issues ONLY on the first ride of the day or the last ride of the day. Ten, twelve, fourteen, or more hours is NOT a shorter wait, although it may well be a shorter line

 

[kaytieeldr]

It would be wonderful if I can leave my scooter outside after listening to the Voices of Liberty and then walk into the theater. If there's a moving ramp, I think I can manage it.

There is - but the ramp to leave doesn't move; plus you arrive on the second level in the diagonal opposite corner from the waiting area to enter the theater, then you walk into the theater (and, ultimately, all the way across). While there's not a lot of wheelchair seating, I'd stay with the ECV.

 

[jemmouse]

Here is one of the rules that I have found concerning the GAC. So I guess this explains what I had said in a previous post.

You may wish to have a doctor’s note written stating the nature of the problem and the need for special assistance. If you prefer, the note does not have to reveal the actual diagnosis. In fact, the diagnosis is not needed for the cast member to determine what type of GAC you should be issued. It should focus on the special needs you may have with your condition.


Who Is Eligible for a Disney Guest Assistance Card?
Anyone with a disability or special needs is eligible for a GAC. Guest Relations issues GAC with different stamps to let cast members know what type of assistance is required. Disney doesn’t and can’t require a doctor’s letter or other proof of a disability – the Americans with Disabilities Act ensures this.

As Deb Wills and Debra Martin Koma note, in their comprehensive PassPorter’s Open Mouse for Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line, a Disney GAC card is generally intended for guests with “invisible,” or non-apparent, disabilities. They are not necessary for guests with visible disabilities, such as guest who use wheelchairs or ECVs; that said, those guests should request a GAC if they have additional disabilities.



Read more at Suite101: Disney's Guest Assistance Card (GAC): Walt Disney World and Disneyland for Guests With Disabilities http://accessible-travel-attraction...sneys-guest-assistance-card-gac#ixzz0jv4X0Du7


Guests should be prepared to provide information about their special needs when the card is being issued. Whether or not a guest provides documentation, Guest Relations cast members will likely ask questions in order to determine the appropriate GAC stamps.

Types of information useful for issuing a GAC include a guest’s:

•Mobility and stamina, especially related to walking, standing, and stairs


Read more at Suite101: Disney's Guest Assistance Card (GAC): Walt Disney World and Disneyland for Guests With Disabilities http://accessible-travel-attraction...sneys-guest-assistance-card-gac#ixzz0jv4uuTtv

I have done my research and PLUS I did just come back so I do know first hand. Just like many of you have stated in previous posts about them saying to rent a ECV or wheelchair, that does NOT give them the right to deny you for a GAC.
This is a very serious matter as one had posted before. No one should take advantage of this. BUT just because one does not use a ECV or a wheelchair does not mean they don't need additional support. ANd I believe I have posted the support I needed for my story.