Magic Band not magical for folks with upper extremity issues.

[SteveMouse]

We just got back from Orlando. We did NOT have a good experience with MBs.

At Coronado Springs, MBs didn't work to open the security gates- but of course your arm has to go out the window to reach anything. There's no opportunity for anything else. You have to push an (unreachable) button to request assistance.

At the door to the room, IF your band is properly configured (of the three people in my party, nobody's was on the first try), you have to be a contortionist to get the band in the right place. It's not reachable from a seated position.

At the park gates... The reader is pretty high. They are now requiring a finger scan, which many folks in seated positions, including myself, will have a hard time reaching. At DHS, there was a lead with a handheld MB scanner to help. At the IG at Epcot, the gate attendant told me I should have a card (that'll work when they go MB only, not to mention equality).

At Soarin' (FP+), I approached the line, with two others in my party (we all had FP+ and were in our window). I told the CM I could not reach the reader and should not have to take the MB off (the buttons seem like they weaken a bit with multiple take on/take offs), especially with Disney's current push to equality. She would not let me pass. I had to request, calmly, a lead 3 times. They ended up giving me a rider switch pass to turn into the second FP+ scanner.

At various kiosks and registers, they couldn't move the reader/keypad into a reachable position.

And a side note.....

At the F&W festival, there was not a single counter that was at a wheelchair friendly height.

I don't understand why they didn't produce necklaces or other wearable solutions. Maybe they'll get there, someday.

 

[jmartinez1895]

I am sorry that you had a hard time. I know it must have been frustrating. Am I correct in assuming that you have limitations in raising your arms? If so then I can understand how it could be difficult to reach the MB spots and this is something that should be brought to the attention of Disney. My son is in a children's wheelchair ( which sits a little lower to the ground than a full size adult chair) and he did not have any trouble reaching any of the MB spots or sing the finger scan. He is very small, and in some areas it was a bit of a reach, but he does have full use of his arms and again, I can see where this could be a problem if you can not lift your arms above your head.
My DD has skin issues and started to react to wearing the band for a few days so she put hers on a lanyard and wore it around her neck, on rides with drops or that had speed ( like test track) she would tuck it into her shirt.

 

[SteveMouse]

Yes, I have significantly restricted movement of my arms- my shoulders are _almost_ immobile.

The MB spots in queues (both gates and ride entrances) would be easier to reach from a chair. The payment locations, where you have to enter a PIN and are on a counter that's something like 50 inches off the ground- basically the counter top at eye level when seated- are a different story, as is getting the Mickey head on the bands at the reader on your room door, turning the door handle, and backing up your mobility device, virtually simultaneously.


And yes. I agree that Disney needs to be aware of these challenges. I spoke at some length to a Guest Relations staff member and will be following up with the MB helpline.

 

[ttintagel]

...should not have to take the MB off (the buttons seem like they weaken a bit with multiple take on/take offs)

I don't understand why they didn't produce necklaces or other wearable solutions. Maybe they'll get there, someday.

Yeah, that seems like a really obvious design flaw on their part. I think next time I go, I'll make mine into a necklace right off the bat by putting it onto a lanyard.

 

[KPeveler]

I agree about wheelchairs and the Food and Wine Festival. I had to wheel around the sides and over cables to be able to even reach the person with the food!

I will not physically wear a MB, so are there other options? I was thinking about having it on a lanyard or something.

 

[disney david]

Give them a little longer and the will I see a lanyard style one that clips on te bottom of your lanyard for pins. They going to look into doing more with it but right now started with the free band.

 

[Gracie09]

I agree about wheelchairs and the Food and Wine Festival. I had to wheel around the sides and over cables to be able to even reach the person with the food! I will not physically wear a MB, so are there other options? I was thinking about having it on a lanyard or something.

You can attach it to whatever you want, the strap of a bag, belt loop, lanyard etc.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Steve - I would suggest you take your original comments and put therm into the form of a letter (or e-mail) and ask for a response.

WDW Guest Communications
PO Box 10,040
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040

or

wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

 

[mistysue]

They are going to have to figure something out about the parking situation soon- we were at the YC in August and even then the CM at the gate knew there was an issue. I suspect MOST people can not reach their band to the correct location to open the gate from inside their car. Probably doesn't make you feel any better but at least that one's not just you, it's a difficult one for a lot of people.

 

[Mommee]

Thank you for posting this. I have significant shoulder and hand issues and use a chair. I'll make sure to bring a lanyard of some sort. I won't be able to continually lift my arms or keep taking it off and on.

 

[bookwormde]

Yes please relate your experience to Disney, If you are really persistent you can get the contact information for the Disney national disability team in California (going though the standard communication chain often gets lost)

They are very dedicated people, and once they understand the issue they will deal with it, their only problem is that they tend to be isolated.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

I ended up using the guard to get in the Pop on our trip. I could not get he band to read, couldn't reach, so best to go with the human. I hung my band, the first day of sweating nd irritating, I just hung it.