Mobility Devices on Rides

[Elizabeth_]

I'm working on planning a first trip to Disney World. We'll be two (young) adults with no children in tow. Since a trip like this would be a significant expenditure and likely a once-in-a-lifetime visit, I need to make sure I can successfully access the parks before booking. I use forearm crutches to get around (combination of neurological, musculoskeletal, and cardiac issues). I won't address the DAS issue since it seems to provoke ire, but I have some other questions about disability access that I haven't been able to find answers to. I'm hoping for input from folks who have used crutches or canes on rides, but general experiences are also appreciated! Thank you to anyone able to answer any of my questions or point me somewhere to find answers!

I know that there are some rides where bringing my crutches along wouldn't be a problem, like "it's a small world" and Jungle Cruise. My concern is what Disney's procedure is for rides like Space Mountain where bringing my crutches along would be unsafe. I'm especially concerned about rides that have separate entry and exit locations; having been to Disneyland in the past, I know this can be a fairly common configuration. If I left my crutches at the loading area and got dropped off somewhere else, I'd be in quite a pickle! So, (1) what do I do with my crutches on rides where they can't come along with me; (2) what do I do if the exit area is separate from the entry area; (3) is there a list of rides with separate entry and exit locations?

When exiting a ride, what reaction can I expect if the other member of my party needs to retrieve my crutches and bring them back to me in order to exit the ride vehicle? At other amusement parks I have been to this hasn't been an issue and the staff have been understanding. I'm hoping other people have experienced the same at Disney?

I believe I will be able to board Haunted Mansion and Peter Pan via the moving sidewalks. If I get to the ride, attempt to board, and am not actually able to get into the ride vehicle, what would happen? Is there a stationary walkway adjacent to or perhaps at the end of the moving one? Is there a simple/accessible way to exit the boarding area and go on with my day?
Are there other rides (other than Rapids at AK) that have you on a moving surface while boarding or for which the ride vehicle is moving while you board?

What have your experiences with pushing in line been? I've come to understand that some queues have stairs and I am able to navigate stairs, albeit a little slower. Should I expect that negotiating stairs is unsafe due to the behavior of others? If someone were to try to push past me on a staircase, I would not be able to maintain my balance. Or are the stairs I've seen mentioned more like a couple of steps as opposed to a staircase?

Are there turnstiles in any of the queues? I've read that there are no longer turnstiles at the gates, but I haven't been able to find mention of turnstiles elsewhere in the parks. I'm not able to make it through a turnstile. ​

(While I appreciate that wheelchairs are an appropriate accommodation for many people and Disney's solution to any mobility impairment is a wheelchair, a wheelchair does not effectively meet my specific needs. I kindly request that folks not suggest wheeled transport.)

 

[lanejudy]

to the DISboards!

I believe most rides you should be fine to take the crutches in the ride car with you. If that is not appropriate at a given ride, the CMs will hold them for you. If ride load/unload are not at the same place, they will likely direct you to an alternate access so you can load at the exit (there is often a hallway or such, not necessary actually entering through the exit from outside). I'm thinking most of the time it will be unlikely a travel companion would need to retrieve the crutches for you as if a CM is holding them then the CM will bring them directly to your ride vehicle for exiting.

If the walkway is a moving walkway, there isn't a stationary walkway available. Most moving walkways can be slowed on request. This is at the discretion of the CMs at the attraction at the time, because they do need to keep the ride and lines moving. But be sure to request a slowing if you think that is necessary, so they don't end up with an emergency stop. Peter Pan and the PeopleMover are two that cannot be stopped.

Most queues are slow-moving, and it isn't likely to be fast enough pace for anyone to need to push past, but if you feel more comfortable and safe avoiding stairs completely that is fine. Simply inform each CM when you join the queue and each CM you meet along the queue; you'll be directed accordingly. Most rides have a pull-out somewhere along the way rather than having guests use a completely separate entrance.

You might find the information in the disABILILITIES FAQs thread helpful. SueM has compiled a lot of specific details about queues and ride vehicles. Feel free to ask specific questions as you plan.

As to DAS, you can read the first post of the WDW - Disability Access Service thread. DAS is not intended for mobility or stamina needs. Use of an appropriate mobility device is encouraged because the vast majority of queues are accessible to mobility devices; mobility device not necessary mean "wheelchair" -- crutches or canes fall into that category as well as walkers and rollators and other devices. Disney only rents wheelchairs and ECVs onsite, so if a guest appears at Guest Relations needing a mobility device, yes a wheelchair is likely the only device available to them at that point. If you have other needs, feel free to stop by Guest Relations and discuss your concerns.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

I used a cane last trip to WDW. it depended ride to ride on if I kept cane with me or if CM took it and it was waiting at unload. a couple of rides part way through the lone I was taken to a special loading again a CM let me know. be prepared to ask at most rides what they want you to do and you will not be the only one asking. to answer about Kali Rapids there is a separate loading area where they pull a raft load you and rest of raft. they mark that raft and when you get back you taken to that area to unload. never had to have someone get my cane CM always made sure I had it as I get to unload even when not at same spot. other than treehouse at MK, there are ways around stairs a CM will tell you what to do at that ride as it can be different. just be prepared to follow what they tell you even if you are being sent another way. and yes others in your party will be sent with you. I was not given a choice about stairs they sent me to other loading so be prepared to not be given at choice of doing stairs and as I said your party will be sent with you. Toy Story new third track has no stairs so you will be sent there and will not need to wait for special car

 

[gap2368]

I have a friend that some times uses a Cain. When she dose and she can not take the Cain with her on the ride the CM will take them and have them at the exit for her. They are great at giving her time to get out too often times telling her to take her time.

I know someone (not that well ) with forearm crutches and they were saying something about the crunching rubbing on her arms. ( not too sure why or what is was really about we were in a small group talking and this is what she was saying to someone else in the group ) I though I would let you know in case it was helpful.


Just saw where you asked about turn styles they have then going up to the people mover and COP ride I think this is the only 2 that have them.

As fair as the moving walk way

HM I believe you will do the normal line (or FP) then at the end you will go grout the exit the CM can slow or stop the walk way if need be. They do this at most rides with moving walk ways. The only ride they can not is Peter Pan. And I heard the people mover but I think that has changed

The people mover is on the second floor with a very Streep ramp and is like a moving walk way and it mayor may not be working.

As fair as steps you can ask to by pass then if you need to this way you will not have to worry about guess bumping into you and you falling. ( and some rides like TSMM the CM may want you too )

 

[SMD]

This is my experience from DLR, where many rides don't have accessible queues. If there's alternate boarding, ask for it. Many rides have a vehicle where a wheelchair can be rolled up to the side and scoot onto the seat, but it's not reserved for only wheelchairs. In those cases any devices should be there when you get back. I've been on rides with a separate loading and unloading area where the device didn't make it over in time and we had to ride again. You can bet that second time around we started trying to get the CM's attention before we were in the unloading area. I know you don't want a wheelchair, but having been in parties with a wheelchair and a walker, CMs are a lot better about wheeling a chair into the waiting area than any other medical equipment, which they don't deal with as commonly. If you start to encounter problems, it might be worth renting one just to hold your crutches and then someone in your party can park it when you're doing a ride where you can keep them or push it through the line empty or holding other stuff.

 

[ttintagel]

When I was on crutches, anytime I had to leave them at the boarding area, they were always waiting for me at the unloading area.

The advice I've been given is to tell every single cast member I encounter, from the minute I arrive at the outside of an attraction until I reach the loading area itself, that I need to have the moving walkway slowed down. It seems to have worked.

The worst pushing and shoving I've encountered has been at the Haunted Mansion, in the foyer, stretching room, and passage to the loading area. I would advise going very slowly, hanging back, and being the last one out of both the foyer and the stretching room. If your friend is able to run interference for you, that would be ideal. I might also save that attraction for after dark, so that in addition to the chaos of the milling guests and unattended children, you don't have to worry about not being able to see where you're going (because your eyes will already be completely adjusted to the dark).

Please tell the cast member at each attraction about your problems with steps and uneven floors. It's possible tht they may be willing and able to help you at some attractions, although I don't believe they're obligated to do so under the current system. (Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong.)