Mobility impaired -- which queues have stairs?

[GetGlowing]

My dad will be using a scooter while in WDW. He can walk short distances but has a lot of trouble using stairs. For most rides I suspect he will want to park the scooter and stand in the line if it's not too long a wait. However, he is unable to do stairs.

I seem to remember Splash Mtn having stairs ... any others? If he's not on his scooter, can he just hobble up to the wheelchair entrance with his cane and be admitted?

Peace,

 

[KPeveler]

Technically a cane is a "visible" cue to his needs, but i would get a GAC if i were him. A GAC to skip stairs can be shown in any queue with stairs, like Toy Story or Splash, without worrying about what CM you encounter.

My suggestion, take the ECV into any line which is mainstreamed - Even if wait times are short, it can be a long walk, like at the Living Seas. If the ride breaks down, you're stuck. walk when the ECV cannot go into a line (Pirates is the only one i can think of!), or swtich to a manual chair there, but he should definitely try to use the ECV as much as possible. If he protests, just remind him that there is a difference from SURVIVING disney and ENJOYING it! If he hurts himself trying to walk when he does not have to will just make the rest of the trip annoying.

If he chooses to transfer out of the ECV in shows, so as not to take up a wheelchair accessible spot (there are not many of them sometimes), he can drive the ECV in and then transfer to a regular seat - the CM will usually move the ECV out of the way. He certainly can use the wheelchair spots if he wants, but sometimes people prefer to transfer so as to sit somewhere other than the back row...

 

[SueM in MN]

Only time to write a little.

Splash Mountain, Dinosaur and Toy Story Mania have stairs. American Adventure also has stairs, but in addition to the stairs, they have escalators, so it's not a problem.

If he has trouble with stairs, he may also have trouble with moving walkways. With a GAC to use the wheelchair entrances, he would avoid both stairs and be able to board where the walkway can be slowed or stopped.

 

[GetGlowing]

Thanks -- so this would definitely be a case where we should pick up a GAC? Do you have to get a new one each day in the park?

 

[Schmeck]

No, the GAC works for the entire trip!

Want to second the motion to get him to stay in the ECV as much as possible - the queue lines are loooooooong and deceiving. They bend back and forth inside the buildings (even the FP access line can be long) sothere's a lot of (quick) walking in there.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The lines for almost all attractions at WDW are "mainstreamed". This means that the queue is set up to allow wheelchairs and/or ECVs to go through the line just as a person without a mobility problem. As it was built prior to the ADA, the Magic Kingdom is most likely to have non-mainstreamed lines. Some attractions, such as Splash Mountain and Haunted Mansion you will go part way throught the regular queue and then be diverted. Other attractions, such as Big Thunder Mountain or SpaceShip Earth you will initially be directed to an accessible entrance.

All the theaters are set up with seats (usually in the back row) removed so a wheelchair or ECV can pull into a space and there will be regular seating on either side of the space for the others in the party.

Where there are quantity limits on space, or other limitation involving acessability, you may have to wait longer to see a show or ride an attraction than people without disabilities.

The normal (and official) response of Guest Relations to people with mobility and/or stamina issues is to recommend rental of a wheelchair or ECV. The Guest Assistance Card (GAC) is intended for "invisible" disabilities not related to mobility or stamina. A wheelchair or ECV is sufficient to notify Cast Members of special assistance normally needed. However, if a person has other issues, such as auditory or visual, they would probably also need a GAC.

Note that a GAC is not intended to allow bypassing of lines, and it so states on the card itself. The only people who will get the special Front Of The Line GAC are where a terminal or midically fragile child is traveling on a trip from Make A Wish or similar foundation.

 

[Debbie-TN]

Only time to write a little.

Splash Mountain, Dinosaur and Toy Story Mania have stairs. American Adventure also has stairs, but in addition to the stairs, they have escalators, so it's not a problem.

If he has trouble with stairs, he may also have trouble with moving walkways. With a GAC to use the wheelchair entrances, he would avoid both stairs and be able to board where the walkway can be slowed or stopped.

I'm not sure about Splash Mtn, but there has to be an alternate entrance. On Dinosaur, you go into the queue with the scooter and then before you get to the door with the stairs, a CM will show you where the elevator is go downstairs to the ride. On TSM, there is a ramp to the right of the stairs that you use. There's a sign where to go. My cousin uses a scooter and we haven't found anything that didn't have some kind of entrance for scooters and wheelchairs. The CM's will help you. Also, on Spaceship Earth, you have to use the entrance at the side of the building where the handicap sign is. They will load you at the exit. A few rides you have to transfer to a wheelchair that they provide for you. If you're not sure where to do with the scooter, any CM will be glad to help you. Don't worry about it.

 

[bidnow5]

ECV is the way to go the best thing I ever did was to start using an ECV I used to hold everyone up and days I could hardly walk at all I would sit and wait for everyone to go on a few rides then try to continue. The ECV is better for everyone

 

[deanie]

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis but on our last trip to WDW, I was able to walk but stairs were really difficult. I was actually hoping for a lineup at Splash Mtn so I could take my time!! Now my knees are really bad but I am hoping for one more trip before my knee replacements. Am I reading this correctly - I could ride SM without using the stairs?

I also found Thunder Mtn difficult because of the sharp incline of the walkway.