I saw a Jungle Cruise WC Access Boat!

[April76]

Just wanted to pass along to everyone that the JC boat that is equipped to carry a wheelchair was being used this past week!

I remember there was a little confusion about whether this boat was up and running -- it just happened to be the boat we rode on and it has a special ramp/parking space for a wheelchair/ECV.

 

[SueM in MN]

Glad to hear the elusive wheelchair boat has finally been sighted.
Actually, Safari Steve has reported it was in use before, then they had problems with it and had to remove it from service. Hopefully, it's in service for good now.

 

[BCV23]

We've seen it, too, although we didn't use it. My DH lifted and "walked" our DD on as usual.

 

[Safari Steve]

I'll have to try and make a visit to check, but they may just be testing it. For about six months before we were cleared to load guests onto the lift, it was either on-stage or in use on the cruise. Hopefully they're ready to use it again, but as I understand it that'd be difficult without some minor construction to sections of the river.
I'll let you know as soon as I find out.

 

[April76]

Steve -- I'm confused (not unusual ).... why does this boat create construction issues? It seemed to be like the rest of the boats except that the lift was sitting in the center of the boat.

 

[Safari Steve]

The issue is not physically exclusive to the lift boats... but operationally, the lift boats are the only ones that make the issue imperative... That's probably even more than I should say. I'm sure that if the lift is being used, everything has finally been figured out.

 

[Safari Steve]

Checked this afternoon. The lift boat is back on the river and being used for its intended purpose. Hooray Hooray! As always, I'll post if it is pulled again (but I hope I won't have to).

 

[CdnDisneyNut]

Does the new boats acccomondate ECV or will they need to transfer to a manual wheelchair?

 

[April76]

I saw an ECV on the cruise; however, I'm not familiar with those and what sizes they come in, etc..... so I don't know if all ECV's can be used.

Hopefully Safari Steve will reply -- he knows everything !!
(and if he doesn't, he'll find out for you!)

 

[Safari Steve]

The lift accomodates most ECVs and power chairs. Because of the way the lift pivots for load and unload, you won't have to back on or off. There is a bit of a sharp turn to get into loading position, however, so give yourself plenty of room. The lift boat does not replace the boats already servicing the wheelchair queue. Guests who can transfer will transfer into a non-lift boat.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks for the update Steve. We'll hope to see it when we go.

 

[Julia H.]

Do you know if the boat with the lift will hold one or multiple wheelchairs at once? I have two teens in wheelchairs, and both need to ride in their chairs. Just wondered if we'll need to send half the family and wait for the boat to come back around for the other half.

 

[Safari Steve]

Only one chair at a time.

 

[Julia H.]

Thanks, Steve!

 

[LindaDVC]

Hope it is working in June--
haven't done that attraction in YEARS!
in fact think I only did it in Disneyland!

Linda

 

[Juliah]

I was looking at this thread from Spring 2003 and wondered if the lift-equipped Jungle Cruise boat is now being used on a regular basis. Anyone know?

Thanks,
Juliah

 

[BillSears]

I used it in May 2004 and July 2003. It's alot easier then trying to transfer down into the boat.

 

[zaksmom]

We used it in May 2004. A couple of times. When we were there in Oct 2002, you had to ask for the boat. Then we'd come back in about a half an hour and the boat would be there. In 2002 they just let our family ride no other guests in the boat. Said it was insurance related - that another guest might get injured by the lift. This year it looked different. Seems like a portion of the canopy was removed.
The guide was great. The turning portion of the lift was the "teacups" the the lowering "the tower of terror." Said they had three rides in one!

 

[Juliah]

Thanks! I'm excited to hear it's in use.

Juliah

 

[Safari Steve]

Just a note: Anyone using a Disney-rented ECV must transfer. Use of the lift causes a momentary delay in service for the rest of the attraction, so it is to be used only when necessary. It has been determined that if you managed to get all the way to the MK without an ECV, you should be able to take a few steps into the boat. I'm just putting the information out there, you can do with it what you will.