Is There a Way To Avoid the Steps in the TSM Queue?

[tarheelmjfan]

I've only been able to ride TSM once, because the steps really hurt my bad knees. After that, I was done for the day. Is there a way to avoid them? I don't mind standing in line. (If I'm able to walk through the park, I can stand in line.) The steps are another matter. If there's not another option, I'll have to continue to skip it. Thanks in advance.

 

[stargazertechie]

I'd suggest getting a guest assistance card from guest relations that allows you to bypass stairs.

 

[SnipsNSnails]

There is a wheelchair ramp to the right side where you go up the stairs. I'm sure you could get a GAC that allows you to avoid stairs because of your knee.

 

[Mickey&JoshNut]

My mom has a tough time with stairs and when we get to the front of the line by the stairs I kindly ask the CM if we may use the wheelchair entrance...we have never been denied this and I have never had a GAC card.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Thanks for the help. I didn't even notice a ramp. I think I was in so much pain at that point I didn't notice anything. For some reason, I've always felt funny about getting a GAC. I guess I need to start doing that. I'm glad to see the CM allows some people to use the ramp instead, even w/o a GAC.

 

[stargazertechie]

I also have terrible knees (blew the cartilage playing softball for 13 years).


I am not above renting a scooter when I need it. I don't care that I'm 23 and otherwise look healthy. I'd much rather swallow my pride and enjoy the parks.

 

[mountdew1]

Thanks for the help. I didn't even notice a ramp. I think I was in so much pain at that point I didn't notice anything. For some reason, I've always felt funny about getting a GAC. I guess I need to start doing that. I'm glad to see the CM allows some people to use the ramp instead, even w/o a GAC.

It's not a ramp in the traditional sense. Just after the log cabin to get your cd glasses, there is a door in the wall on the right. That door leads to a second loading area. There are one or two special ride vehicles that accomodate wheelchairs and the like for those who need them. So when that vehicle comes around, instead of going to the main loading area, it loads off on the side so the riders can takes a bit longer to load. It then joins back with the track, and goes through the normal load area. Unless you are looking for it, it's not really in the normal line of sight. My DW and I (late 20's no problem doing stairs etc) have actually been asked to load over there a few times. Since the specialized vehicles end up taking up a few spots, they often end up looking for pairs to help fill the empties, and will grab them from the line before the staircase. I have also found the wait over there to be significantly longer than the regular ride. So I don't think that any CM will refuse your request unless they happen to have an abnormally large amount of people who need the special vehicles.

 

[sharadoc]

Yes, the wait there can sometimes be really long. I have a hard time standing still for long periods of time so that has been as difficult during busy times as walking the stairs for me. If you can stand for a while, then you'll be fine using the wheelchair loading area.

Since I'm getting new knees before the next trip, I will hopefully happily climb the stairs!!!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I was very happy to learn about the guest assistance card here on the Disboards. I got one for my last trip because I cannot climb steps or do a steep incline as they have for American Idol experience.

 

[hakepb]

I believe the ramp is behind a door (at the fastpass merge area) so you may not normally see it.

I was sent back there once to help fill the HA car. (Wound up not needing us, so we had to wait a while for the next one).

The HA car does give you the option of a button or pull knob, so that's interesting.

 

[sharadoc]

I believe the ramp is behind a door (at the fastpass merge area) so you may not normally see it.

I was sent back there once to help fill the HA car. (Wound up not needing us, so we had to wait a while for the next one).

The HA car does give you the option of a button or pull knob, so that's interesting.

Really! Is that in the "half" car - the wheelchair car? My DS has autism and can't get the coordination of pulling the string for very long. I had no idea there was a button he could push. Where is the button - on the gun?

Thanks for the info.

 

[tndisneyfan]

Like others have posted, there is a place at the bottom of the stairs to the right. A few years ago I had back a few months before our vacation and had to use a cane at times. I didn't have any GAC card or anything but the CM asked me if I had problem with the stairs and offered for me to use the other entrance. I told him thanks but I was fine with the stairs, but I thought it was very kind of of him to offer.

 

[hakepb]

Really! Is that in the "half" car - the wheelchair car? My DS has autism and can't get the coordination of pulling the string for very long. I had no idea there was a button he could push. Where is the button - on the gun?

Thanks for the info.

Sorry, I cannot remember more. It was my first TSM so I did not know how to compare with the normal ones. I think the button was on the gun, and I'm fairly sure it was a round push button..

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Really! Is that in the "half" car - the wheelchair car? My DS has autism and can't get the coordination of pulling the string for very long. I had no idea there was a button he could push. Where is the button - on the gun?

Thanks for the info.

The only cannon with a button (as well as the lanyard) is in the position where they roll in a wheelchair. Note that it is the only position a person in a wheelchair can use; the only way that your son can get in that position is if you are in line and there is nobody in a wheelchair.

Even if his coordination/aim is off, he is able to use the other positions; a person in a wheelchair can only use that position.

 

[SueM in MN]

I believe the ramp is behind a door (at the fastpass merge area) so you may not normally see it.

I was sent back there once to help fill the HA car. (Wound up not needing us, so we had to wait a while for the next one).

The HA car does give you the option of a button or pull knob, so that's interesting.

It's not behind a door.
It's just that people are looking at the stairs because that is where they are headed. It's a swithchback ramp, so it goes up then turns a corner and goes up again to the boarding area.
If you are in the Fastpass line, there are some windows to your right after you enter the building while you are still in the sort of hallway. Those overlook the handicapped boarding area. If you are in the Fastpass line, you will pass the ramp just before you get to the log cabin where guests pick up the glasses. If no one is one the ramp outside of the boarding area, you will just see a higher area with the same metal rails as the rest of the line has.

The only cannon with a button (as well as the lanyard) is in the position where they roll in a wheelchair. Note that it is the only position a person in a wheelchair can use; the only way that your son can get in that position is if you are in line and there is nobody in a wheelchair.

Even if his coordination/aim is off, he is able to use the other positions; a person in a wheelchair can only use that position.

This is the wheelchair car. The back opens to form a ramp, one seat is rolled out, the bar is changed and a wheelchair can be rolled in.

That boarding area has an extension of the ride track. Normally, the track is set to bypass that area. The CMs can switch the track to send a ride car 'pod' into the boarding area. It can be kept there as long as needed for boarding/unloading.