Leaving the line

[burnetta696]

Asked this question over in the attractions forum and they suggested asking here for advice. Maybe y'all can help me.

I was wondering how easy/maneuverable/ feasible it would be for someone in an ecv to wait on lines for things like ToT, splash mtn, BTMRR, with their party but not actually ride the ride. We are traveling with my grandmother who has a heart condition and can't ride those high thrill rides, but don't want her to have to wait somewhere alone or have 1 person stay with her while other ride and then have everyone wait again while they go ride like a rider swap situation. It's been a couple years since I've been to WDW so I'm having trouble remembering what the lines look like... And I've been to 3 other disney parks since then so it's all blurring together. But this is the first time traveling with someone using an ecv. I know they have exits for people on ToT and the line is themes superbly. Has anyone had experience with this?

 

[pbrim]

My understanding is that all of the thrill rides have a "chicken exit", and if the queue is ECV accessible the exit must be. So your grandmother should be able to go through the queue with you, then take the exit, probably right before you board so that she will only need to wait a few minutes for you.

You might also want to check out this thread with a similar question.

 

[powellrj]

As the person who sometimes waits behind while others ride, can I ask a few questions? How old is she, can she be left alone (I only ask because my mom has dementia and can't be left alone), would she mind being left alone.

I know my family hated the thought of me being alone while they rode, but I loved it! One of my favorite memories was when they all went on RnR and ToT without me and I had a ball. I stopped and had a snack and was able to go in and out of the shops alone! I had a much better time on my own than I would have waiting in line only to leave it.

You might ask her what she thinks. As long as she isn't 106 with dementia, she may enjoy her time.

 

[burnetta696]

As the person who sometimes waits behind while others ride, can I ask a few questions? How old is she, can she be left alone (I only ask because my mom has dementia and can't be left alone), would she mind being left alone. I know my family hated the thought of me being alone while they rode, but I loved it! One of my favorite memories was when they all went on RnR and ToT without me and I had a ball. I stopped and had a snack and was able to go in and out of the shops alone! I had a much better time on my own than I would have waiting in line only to leave it. You might ask her what she thinks. As long as she isn't 106 with dementia, she may enjoy her time.

She will be 80 this year, that's what we are celebrating for this trip. She does not have dementia and can be very strong willed actually, but she suffers from clinical depression. So really, every day and sometimes moment to moment can be a gamble with her. I'm hoping the atmosphere of WDW will keep her in good spirits. Sometimes she likes to be on her own, so can definitely see her enjoying some shopping time to herself while we are on a ride, but I could also see her sitting somewhere by herself and just suddenly feel hopeless simply because she is sitting on an ecv alone. Just wanted to get an idea of what I might be faced with.

 

[Belle1997]

I totally understand those feelings. Though I do not suffer from depression, I sometimes times feel left out and sad when I can not do something with my friends when I am using my wheelchair. I would suggest sending her on a mission if she is is on good spirits. Maybe it is to find something in a store. That way she is occupied if she can not wait in line with you. May it is to search for a new item that someone is looking for.

 

[CarrieR]

ToT should be fine. But Splash line has stairs; you cross the boats to exit. IIRC, wheelchairs enter the exit. Ditto BTMRR - it's ramps and not stairs, but you cross the train to exit and again I believe wheelchairs enter the exit.

Someone who actually travels with a wheelchair can correct me as necessary