How many rides have been closed or modified to accept wheelchair/disabled access

[Lakewood]

One of the numerous rumors surrounding the Peoplemover and cable cars removal was that it was inaccessible to persons in wheelchairs or with other disabilities. I don't know how valid that is but it would seem to be reasonable in this day in age. The Small World boats have changed to conform to some peoples ever expanding waistlines. Following this precedent what other rides may be susceptible to such closures/modifications?
The Matterhorn comes to mind (maybe install a Space Mountainesque transfer area)? In this day in age how is the tree house still functioning (no elevator access), or Tom Sawyers Island (or pirateland or whatever it is now).
Just some thoughts, tell me what you think...

 

[pixiewings71]

I think you like to post debates.

Pirate Island is accessible as far as I know, I'm pretty sure I saw someone in a wheelchair over there a few visits ago. They were on the island waiting for the next raft back to the mainland, they did have to be mobile and be able to stand long enough to transfer, they were not allowed to sit in the chair on the raft back but they were there.

There was an elevator to get to the Astro Orbitor when it was up top, maybe there was something similar for the PM as well? I don't know because I only rode the PM once and I didn't really pay attention to that.

The Matterhorn has the exact type of transfer station that Space does, I've seen them use it.....

I think that Disney does a very good job of making the parks accessible but I really don't have first hand experience because we do not need the accessibility. I think that mechurchlady will be our best bet at great info on this topic. She's awesome like that.

 

[Disney Dreams]

Well, I just happen to have a map right here. So, let's see...
The Railroad
Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
Mark Twain
Winnie the Pooh
Tiki Room
Jungle Cruise
Mickeys House
Minnies House
Astro Blasters
Monorail
Finding Nemo (from the observation deck)
Honey I Shrunk the Audience
Innoventions
Princess Fantasy Faire
it's a w\small world
King Arthur Carrousel
Starcade
Main Street Cinema
Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years
are all wheelchair accesible. Pretty impressive if you ask me.

iasw boats being modified due to heavier guests has nothing to do with rides being accesible to wheelchair-bound guests, by the way.

 

[mechurchlady]

The Matterhorn does not have a transfer area like Space Mountain. Space Mountain has the old entrance still but now you pull up to the vehicle and board. Then when the vehicle is loaded they slide it out onto the main track. The system is exactly like the siding used at the Bobsleds to take cars off of the track.

In theory this could be used on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Splash Mountain and HM do not have room for sidings like Toy Story and Space Mountain. Astro Orbiter and Autopia are accessible but you have to get into the vehicle via a transfer.

Pooh, Toy Story, Small world, the train, trams, Buzz and Jungle Cruise all have vehicles that hold wheelchairs.

What can be changed? Not much can be changed. Astro orbiter, dumbo and other rides in fantasyland could get vehicles with sides that open up wide to make transfer easier for example.

 

[McCall]

As to what rides will be changed. IF Disney revamps a ride in other words does major renovation to it, they would then be required to bring that ride up to ADA guidelines. Until that time they are not required to do so, they must make reasonable accomodation on rides that can be easily changed to accomodate and that they have already done.

They do not HAVE to close and renovate any ride, but if they do for other reasons or if they build a new ride it must be to ADA specification.

 

[Diznygrl]

To add to Dreams' list, the new Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough has a room with a virtual tour for those who are unable to go through the castle.

 

[prettyprincessbelle]

To add to Dreams' list, the new Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough has a room with a virtual tour for those who are unable to go through the castle.

I was just going to say this!

 

[Escape2Disney]

As someone with mobility issues, I think Disney has done a fantastic job of making accomodations. We go at least once a year because it is easy for me to enjoy time with my kids without having to sit back on the sidelines for every ride. Sure, there are some things I can't do, but for the most part, it is very accessible.