mobility questions

[SpiritedHaunts]

We are off to WDW in about two weeks and will for sure be using a cane and or rollator. Maybe a wheelchair if things continue to go bad.

Either way I won't have to stay with the divice all the time. Should be able to get on and off all rides without help.

Having read the FAQ I just want to make sure I have it right. I am assuming that I can take the aid all the way through the line, in most cases, leave the aid with a loading area CM, and get it back afterwards.
Is this true for rides like the maelstrom and peter pan too? I saw in the FAQ that the safari has a splitting off point and dinosaur and
tsm have stairs. Is there a way to use the alternate paths and not take the rollator or wheelchair on? I'd rather not take a spot from someone who cannot transfer.

Any other suggestions or advice?

 

[lanejudy]

Yes, you may take your mobility aid through the queue all the way to loading. Depending on what device you are using (wheelchair, rollator, cane, etc.) and the design of the ride car, you may or may not bring it with you or leave it where you board. I'd also like to mention that if you wish to have moving walkways slowed or stopped, you should mention that to each CM you meet along the queue, as sometimes you'll be re-directed to board in a different area where the controls are located.

As long as you have the mobility device with you, that will be a visual symbol to CMs to direct you to avoid stairs. If you can transfer rather than needing a wheelchair accessible ride vehicle, that is fine.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Toffeewoffy]

Just so you know, Dinosaur has an elevator - that's how I went in with my ECV this year.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

Yes, you'll be able to bring a walker or other mobility aid all the way through the queue and leave it where you board. If it's a cane or walker, I'd really suggest not ever leaving it outside a queue. Wheelchairs

I can't think of any ride that would actually require you to bring a mobility aid on the ride with you. For example, the split off at the Safari is so that you're on a vehicle that loads/unloads at the same place. The majority of the space on the accessible Safari vehicles are the plastic benches that are on the non-accessible vehicles. On any ride with smaller vehicles, they try to load as many people with mobility issues who can transfer into non-accessible ride cars. On the few rides that do have separate boarding areas, just using those doesn't mean that you'll automatically using an adapted vehicle.

I can't remember exactly, but I think I just left my wheelchair at the boarding point at Maelstrom when I transferred to the ride vehicle. I know I didn't enter through an alternate entry and that loading/unloading wasn't an issue.

I can't tell you for sure about Peter Pan, but I suspect you'd just leave it by the boarding area. One thing to note, though, is that Peter Pan cannot slow its moving walkway. You have to be able to get in during the same amount of time as riders without mobility impairments. The only other ride with a moving walkway that cannot slow the walkway is the PeopleMover. There is no accessible queue for that and the queue is all on an angled moving walkway. I have no idea if it's manageable with a cane or walker. My guess would be no with a walker and maybe with a cane.

One thing I will say is that, unlike with a wheelchair or ECV, I'd only ever leave a walker or cane outside a queue is with a member of my party. I'd always bring them in the the queue with me.

 

[lanejudy]

...I can't think of any ride that would actually require you to bring a mobility aid on the ride with you. ...

I was primarily thinking of a cane, since OP mentions that as one option he/she might use. I don't know that I would leave a cane at the load/unload area unattended unless I absolutely could not manage it on the ride -- too easy for someone to grab and walk away with it (though WHY someone would do so leaves questions). Sometimes I've seen crutches on ride vehicles. I've also seen folded manual wheelchairs and walkers on Pirates, though not specifically others that I can think of.

 

[iuki]

At MKP, there are some attractions that do not permit ECVs in line. Those are Space Mountain, Peter Pan, Buzz Lightyear, Pirates of the Caribbean, Stitch's Great Escape, and Winnie the Pooh. Although some of the rides allow wheelchairs, I am unable to use them. I have severe shoulder pain in both shoulders, and my husband is physically unable to push me. The only times I am able to walk through the line is if the line is short, because I have severe pain in both hips when I stand or walk for a period of time. I wish they allowed ECVs in line. I'm not asking to cut in line or have a special line; just allow my ECV in the regular line. The other Disney parks are much more accommodating.

 

[lanejudy]

... The other Disney parks are much more accommodating.

I recognize that MK can be frustrating at times. It is the oldest of the Disney parks in Florida, and as such was not built to modern accessible standards. While Disney has tried to update accessibility features where possible, sometimes there simply isn't room or it would require too much of a change to the attraction. Most of the attractions you listed don't allow ECVs because there is minimal space to leave them while riding, and the ECVs were creating a safety hazard for exiting the attraction. If I understand correctly, PoC actually has the entrance and exit in separate buildings with no ability to ride all the way back through to the entrance.

I know that info doesn't change anything, but sometimes understanding why it's not allowed helps.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[ttintagel]

When CM's at each attraction will fill you in on the particular procedure for that attraction.

The only rides I can remember not keeping my crutches with me were coasters like Big Thunder and Space Mountain.

 

[SpiritedHaunts]

Thanks for the replies. We plan on having a cane and other aid combo. Not sure how to attach the cane to the aid, but it all seems like we will be told what to do and now have one less thing to worry about.

Now if I could only get somewhat better in 11 days.

Thanks again.

 

[powellrj]

My ecv and rollator both have cane holders on them, so that is pretty common.

 

[ttintagel]

My ecv and rollator both have cane holders on them, so that is pretty common.

One ECV I rented had clips for my crutches, but they were so loose that the crutches fell out every time I had to stop short or make a sharp turn. I ended up keeping them between my knees.

On subsequent trips, I've brought a bungee cord with me just in case.

 

[olwyngdh]

I use a collapsible cane that I keep in the basket of my ECV when I am on it, and will fit into the stuff pocket on rides.