Hello all.

[Safari Steve]

Just checking in, because I haven't posted here in a while and I had a couple of things that I wanted to mention.

The guidemaps have been changed again so that Jungle Cruise is once again listed as being transfer-accessible only. They're still working on the lift, but there were alot of capacity issues. I don't think they've changed the 'guidebook for guests w/ disabilities', but the map was causing the most confusion. I'll let Wheelsie and Sue know if I hear anything different.

Also, there's been a minor change at the Mansion. Previously, car #2 had its left "arm rest" removed to allow easier slide-in transfer. Now Car #3 is this way as well (which means that if we have more than one person who requires a ride stop for a slide-in at the same time, both will have that convenience -- not the best word, I know... but I can't think of another one...)

One more thing. We have a position at Mansion called "unload 2". They're the person who comes to help you in when you have to wait behind the hearse. When a CM is in that position, they're supposed to ask each guest a couple of yes/no questions to determine the best way to bring each guest into the attraction. Lately I've noticed more and more people getting worked up over the questions "Can you stand for about 8 minutes?" and "Can you step onto a moving platform?" Some people act as if they think they must say yes or they can't ride (not true), some act as if it was totally rude and out of line for me to ask (again not true... it's a legal thing, we can't assume either way), and some act as if I am being mean and forcing one of their family members into some sort of physical torture (one woman actually said "PLEASE don't make her do that!! " when I asked the first question...) I'm just asking for a simple "Yes" or "No", and either is acceptable. Should I explain why I'm asking the questions before I ask them, or will that make me sound condescending? What do you think?

Thanks for lending an ear... er eye (?)... Have a great week!

 

[Talking Hands]

and at this point I would answer no to both. Just started back on a cane and I am none too stable unfortunately. At least I'm not totally wheelchair dependent.
At least I can get on Jungle Cruise as long as I have someone to steady me. DH is coming on this trip.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks for thinking of us Steve.

Also, there's been a minor change at the Mansion. Previously, car #2 had its left "arm rest" removed to allow easier slide-in transfer. Now Car #3 is this way as well (which means that if we have more than one person who requires a ride stop for a slide-in at the same time, both will have that convenience -- not the best word, I know...but I can't think of another one...)

We know you try your best, Steve. I can't hink of a better word either, unless you use "adaptation".
Anyway, would that armrest be helpful to someone who is lifting someone in? DD has to be lifted in by either my DH or I. We've never been offered the slide in car and wonder if it might work better?

For the poll. I forgot the exact wording of your poll (I thought it would show up here when I posted). My answer would be that it would be helpful to just introduce the questions with something like," I need to ask a few questions to help figure out what sort of assistance you need" and then go on and ask the questions. No long explanation. I personally would not think that would be condescending. If you get a blank look, you could add "There are severl ways to board this ride and I need some information to figure out which would be the best way for you."

 

[ToriLammy]

>>>For the poll. I forgot the exact wording of your poll (I thought it would show up here when I posted). My answer would be that it would be helpful to just introduce the questions with something like," I need to ask a few questions to help figure out what sort of assistance you need" and then go on and ask the questions. No long explanation. I personally would not think that would be condescending. If you get a blank look, you could add "There are severl ways to board this ride and I need some information to figure out which would be the best way for you."<<<<<<

I was going to say pretty much the same thing, maybe you could say "For your safety and comfort I need to ask a few question to determine the best way for you to embark." By saying "the best way" they'll realize there is more than one way and they'll know you're going to let them ride no matter what they say They'll probably be more comfortable answering your questions.

 

[Nanajo1]

I liked the " the best way to help you ". I wouldn't be offended either way but voted to explain the question because I thought more people would respond better to your inquiryif you prefaced it with the I want to help YOU board easier.
BTW Steve I can't tell you enough how appreciative I am of all you do to improve access for all of us. I hope I meet up with you one day. Thanks.

 

[Wheelsie]

I say just as me...if I need an explanation I'll ask for one.

Besides DH is going to make me ride it whether I want to or not anyways as long as the access is there (I hate dark rides)

 

[Safari Steve]

This bit about the boat is moot, as the lift boat is once again plying the rivers of the world (as it has been for many moons).
Ta!

 

[Wheelsie]

I know Steve just applying my input to any future (and same type) inquiries I was cleaning the boards of chat and noticed I'd missed putting my .02 on the block LOL

all in fun,,,all in fun

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I second (or fifth, or whatever) the other comments. Something to the effect of "to BEST assist you, I have a couple of questions".

 

[SueM in MN]

I thought this threead sounded familiar

 

[DisneyVillain]

I think that the answer may be dependent on the reason for the question.

"Can you stand for about 8 min. to save your life?"
"Can you stand for about 8 min. to board the ride?"
"Can you stand for about 8 min. to see the pre-show?"
"Can you stand for about 8 min. because I don't want to deal with a wheelchair?"

These are different questions, which might have different answers. When we were asked this question, we asked "Why?" before giving our answer. (Then we gave the wrong answer, but that's another story.)

 

[tinkrbel]

knowing my DH and the fact that having disabilities embarrasses him and how sensitive he is about it .. I would have to say that it would be best to explain that the questions are to so that the CM can best assist you with getting on the ride/attraction.

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Safari Steve,

Five comments/questions.

I use a powered wheelchair and can only stand up with some difficulty and plenty of grab bars to pull on. In practical terms this means that in the past I have always avoided rides that require any kind of transfer. I could almost certainly make a sliding transfer with the aid of a 'sliding transfer board' that I could bring into the parks with me. I would need to be able to pull up within a couple of inches of the ride seat, which would need to be (within an inch or so) the same height as a wheelchair. I would not be able to lift myself up & over any raised seat edges. I had no idea that there were rides where sliding transfer was possible.

Rides generally

Will CMs allow me into the transfer areas to view transfer arrangements before deciding to ride or not?

Jungle Cruise

I hope the wheelchair boat is in operation in September, I haven't ridden Jungle Cruies since the mid '70s, before I was using a chair! If not, will I be able to transfer?

Haunted Mansion

Will I be able to transfer? Will the CM be able to 'drive' my power wheelchair away to park it, or will my wife need to do that?

Spaceship Earth

Two or three years back I tried (and failed) to transfer into a ride car because I couldn't step in. I was told by the CM that new cars were going to be introduced that would make transfers easier. Were these ever introduced?

Any other rides I might try?

(I have ridden Energy, Pooh, Buzz Lightyear, The Land, Movie Ride, Safari & Rio de Tempe)

Andrew

 

[Safari Steve]

Q: Will CMs allow me into the transfer areas to view transfer arrangements before deciding to ride or not?
A: Of course. Just ask.

Q: I hope the wheelchair boat is in operation in September.
A: As far as I know, it will be in operation every day till the end of time.

Q: Will I be able to transfer? Will the CM be able to 'drive' my power wheelchair away to park it, or will my wife need to do that?
A: it depends on how much of a height difference there is. I have seen several guests make a sliding transfer here, sometimes it was a bit of an uphill slide (but you can get the chair right up against the buggy if necessary). As far as driving a power chair, that is up to the CM. They may not feel comfortable parking it if the controls are very sensitive or if they are unfamiliar. The parking spot is not very far from the loading area.

Spaceship Earth is outside of my scope of knowledge. It's always worth checking into, but I don't know for sure.

You might also try It's a Small World, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin (they opened with an accessible carpet, but I'm not sure if there were any chair-type restrictions), WDW Railroad, Backlot Studio Tour, Star Tours test cycle (ask a CM there), Alien Encounter, and I think that Kali River Rapids is accessible too (not sure about specifics)

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Safari Steve,

Thanks for the information. There are a couple of extra rides there that I have never tried. And under no, no, NO circumstances will I ride on Small World! I rode it in '73, and that's enough!

My chair has a power rise feature plus or minus two inches from regular seat height. so I ought to be able to adjust to the ride car seat height.

By the way, how is Star Tours test cycle different from regular cycle? My problem is making the transfer to the ride seat, not staying in it when it moves.

Thanks for this excellent information. The 'Guides for Guests with Disabilaties' had none of this information last time I visited.

Andrew

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi Andrew

Journey into Imagination With Figment has at least one car thet has both a ramp and turntable, so a wc can be used. I did see it being used once with a power chair.

Especially since they reopened it a year ago it has (again) been worthwhile to see; not really as good as the orginal buut much, much better than what the original had been replaced with.

Mike

 

[Safari Steve]

Test cycle doesn't move, so you don't have to transfer (more of a convenience issue, so I thought I'd offer.)

Magic Carpets can accomodate 1 chair per ride. Standard chairs and most non-powered chairs will fit. They have a template they can place on the ground to gauge chair size before you get in line. Some power chairs can't get on because there is a bit of a hump/threshold deal that the battery/motor assembly could get caught on (depends on how much clearance you have between the ground and your power doohickey.) ECVs will not fit.
I didn't mention Imagination b/c I thought it was in your list. Their roll-on car is pretty nifty, and if you've never done the latest incarnation, it's worth a visit.

 

[Wheelsie]

I've done Alladin

Altho I can't speak for battery b/c I'm manual...I can say that My weight is a/b 230 and the weight of my chair & back pack is a/b 60 (lbs)...so as far as a weighty concern I was able to ride it...it was fun

I do like US/IOA 1 fish 2 fish better tho