Marty Sklar and Submarine Ride at DL

[MrsJackSparrow]

Thanks, Sue. Wasn't sure if ADA required retro-fitting operational rides or not. It's just a surprise that so very many of Disney's rides are very handicap-friendly and the subs were completely not friendly, so not very surprised that they're not open anymore.

Still terribly miss them, and all their cheesiness!

 

[SueM in MN]

There are actually quite a few rides that are not ADA compliant, but most people don't realize it unless they are with someone who is mobility impaired.

I liked the subs, although they always freaked me out somewhat to get on because I am claustrophobic. I vaguely remember being on the DL version when I was about 9. The only thing I clearly remember is wanting OUT when the door shut.

 

[lucky_bunni]

I remembered this ride as a kid and loved it. I rode the WDW version in 1986, when I was only 5. I carried that memory until my family finally took me back, after years of begging, in 1995. Unfortuntely, the ride was closed at WDW by then. Fortunately, we traveled to California in 1996 and to DL. In 1996 20K was still open at DL and we were able to ride it. If it never reopens, I'm glad I was at least able to form one last memory of this beloved attraction. I'm also able to say that I rode it in both parks!

 

[jlima]

So why isn't the Sleeping Beauty walkthrough in the castle open? I remember reading that one of the reasons was that it could not be made ADA compliant (and also would cost too much to repair termite damage)

 

[SueM in MN]

Originally posted by jlima
So why isn't the Sleeping Beauty walkthrough in the castle open? I remember reading that one of the reasons was that it could not be made ADA compliant (and also would cost too much to repair termite damage)

I don't know why it's not open, but it would not have been because it wasn't ADA compliant. I have not been there in years, so I don't know how "un-compliant" it was, or what could have been done to make it compliant. But, they don't close things just because they are not ADA compliant.
Just 3 examples of open rides I know of at WDW that are not ADA compliant are:

• American Adventure at Epcot. All of the ramps and the floor in the theater are way steeper than the maximum grade allowed.
• Pirates of the Caribbean at MK. The load and unload areas do not have a clear space where you can pull a wheelchair close enough to the cars for someone to transfer.
• Peter Pan at MK. The moving walkway can't be stopped for boarding and there is not a large enough clear space to park a wheelchair for getting into the ride.

Those are the ones that came to mind easily. I'm sure I could think of more without much trouble. The jist of it is that rides/attractions aren't closed just because of the ADA.

 

[Sarangel]

Sleeping Beauty's Castle was closed after 9/11 for 'security reasons.' Rumor has it that it has been being quietly refurbished but that work goes *veerrryyy* slowly. There is no way I can see that this could be made ADA complient as it consists of multiple staircases climbing up, over and down the other side of the arch into fantasyland.

Sarangel

PS. Are you sure about Peter Pan? I recall having them stop the moving walkway to board someone in a wheelchair by the exit (and yes this was at MK, not DL) one time while we were waiting to board.

 

[SueM in MN]

I'm positive about Peter Pan. We have asked several times if it can be stopped and the answer is no. It has something to do (form what I've been told) with the change from the drive system form being on the ground to up in the air. It is listed in the Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities as a ride that can't be stopped.
That doesn't mean they don't stop it in an emergency, but even then they try not to. The last time we rode it, DH came within about 5 feet of running out of moving walkway when he carried DD off of it - that didn't even get them to stop it.

 

[bjlc57]

I dont' know about you guys but 20k was a GREAT RIDE! It was the best ride in the park, bar none! WHen I saw that movie as a kid, and then in rode this ride the year WDW opened, it was amazing. Yes the boats never went under water, but just the thrill of the feeling that you were under water was phenomonal! almost as if you were doing Sea Hunt with Mike Nelson! ( dating myself a little. ) Sorry but I would kill for this ride to return. It NEVER SHOULD HAVE CLOSED IN THE FIRST PLACE. In fact over the years cast members told me that this was the most requested ride that the people wanted back.

 

[Sarangel]

Here's some fresh rumor from MiceAge.com

Matt [Ouimet] and his TDA team were even brazen enough recently to propose that the new submarine ride in the ailing Tomorrowland section of the park not just be a simple redressing of the old existing ride, but that an entirely new attraction based on Tokyo DisneySea's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ride system be installed in the lagoon's place.

The Tokyo 20,000 Leagues Ride is dry for wet - in other words the only water effects are built into the viewing portholes. It's still yet to be seen whether or not Burbank will let that much money go towards fixing up Tomorrowland, or whether the cheaper route of bringing the existing submarine fleet out of mothballs with a Finding Nemo theme will win out. But many folks were impressed that Ouimet's group had the guts to put in on the table as a serious proposal in the first place.

 

[randytenn]

As far as ADA compliance, it only applies to new construction, and major renovations. It does not apply to existing structures that are not changed.

So, Disney does not have to make any pre-existing ride ADA compliant. Not saying they shouldn't. But they don't have to legally.

 

[TaraBelle1069]

Originally posted by crusader
Am I the only one who thought the subs were lame?

Living Seas anyone?

I probably enjoyed them as a kid but looking back, I'm with you...lame. Mind you, if they updated them and got some really good animatronic animals going, then I might be back on board.

I don't know that there is enough room for a proper aquarium. Plus, if cost is the issue, an aquarium isn't going to help. They are VERY expensive to build. I say this as someone who has waited patiently for her city to build an aquarium so she can use her degree in marine biology. 10 years after grad, I work for a bank!