Mom can't do stairs

[dskib]

I've been reading through the FAQs and want to ask some opinions of those with practical experience if I may.

We're headed down with my mom who is 70 and has mobility issues. She'll have an ECV for our stay, so my biggest concern is steps of any kind. They're VERY hard for her. For most attractions, I think she should be able to transfer ok.

I'm specifically worried about rides like:
Pirates if the Caribbean
Small world
Kilimanjaro Safari

I'm remembering these as having a good step down into them and up out of them. This will be very very difficult for her to do.

Does anyone know if there is anything done to help people get in/out of these rides?

Thanks!!
Deb

 

[LindaBabe]

IF you could transfer her to a wc for just there is an accessable ride vehicle for small world that is roll on. Not sure about pirates, because of the drop. I use my arms on the stanchions to lower myself into that one. The safari has a ramp that can be used if she can't step up.

 

[maxiesmom]

I'm pretty sure that Small World has boats where guests can stay in their ECV and wheel on. Though you may have to wait an extra bit for it.

Also, I'm not sure if this is what you are asking, but CMs are not allowed to touch a guest to help them transfer. That will be up to the family members.

 

[SueM in MN]

There is nothing to help get in and out if those difficult to get into ride cars/boats.

Pirates and Small World are both a long step down to get in - almost down to the ground and both attractions have a similar size step.
What some people have found helpful is to have a member of their party load first to give a hand and another member of your party outside to also offer a hand. Step in onto the seat, then once both feet are on the seat, step down again to get the feet into the foot area.
Getting out, you would do the opposite except that it is a high 2 steps out.

The Safari tram is a high step in and out. The very front row is set up for a guest in a wheelchair to ride and has a ramp to get in. She could explain she would have difficulty boarding up to the regular seats and ask to sit there

 

[Bete]

Not saying you should do this but we took mother who was 85 and hubby got in first then helped his mom in and I stayed behind her just in case. For getting out, he gave her a strong helping hand and I gave her a boost. We only did it for two rides.

Keep in mind you don't have to do every ride in the park. I would just skip the more difficult rides for her. Take in more shows, live entertainment, parades and fireworks with her.

 

[JennyDrake]

I went with a senior who also had a very hard time with steps. We did not even attempt POTC.

We managed on jungle cruise, LwtL, Iassw, safari ride; however, I would not do them again unless she could wc directly onto the ride.

THE WORST was back lot tour. Don't even try!! It is VERY steep narrow stairs into the tram. We got her in (two of us--one pulling and one pushing) but getting out/down was a nightmare! I thought for sure she was going to do a face dive onto the pavement.

 

[SueM in MN]

I'm pretty sure that Small World has boats where guests can stay in their ECV and wheel on. Though you may have to wait an extra bit for it.

Also, I'm not sure if this is what you are asking, but CMs are not allowed to touch a guest to help them transfer. That will be up to the family members.

There is a Small World boat that is wheelchair accessible; it isn't ECV accessible, but there are wheelchairs at the boarding area she could switch to.

I went with a senior who also had a very hard time with steps. We did not even attempt POTC.

We managed on jungle cruise, LwtL, Iassw, safari ride; however, I would not do them again unless she could wc directly onto the ride.

THE WORST was back lot tour. Don't even try!! It is VERY steep narrow stairs into the tram. We got her in (two of us--one pulling and one pushing) but getting out/down was a nightmare! I thought for sure she was going to do a face dive onto the pavement.

Jungle Cruise has a wheelchair accessible boat with a very clever lift. It is wheelchair accessible and I have seen smaller ECVs on it (they also have wheelchairs at the boarding area that an ECV user could switch to).

The Backlot Tour has a wheelchair accessible spot in the front row.

The tram for the backlot tour is very similar to the one used on the Safari. The difference is that the Backlot Tour loads in a flat area. The accessible boarding area for the Safari is raised a bit which makes there not be as many steps in.

Both have wheelchairs at the boarding area that an ECV user could switch to..

Living with the Land and the ride in Mexico also have wheelchair accessible boats.

Posts 18-22 on page 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread have information about boarding - which attractions have high steps in or out, which have wheelchair cars, etc.
That thread is near the top of this board or you can follow the link in my signature.

 

[dskib]

Thank you so much for your help. We've been many times before, so maybe I'll just skip a few attractions and avoid the issue. We went a few years ago with my 83 year old mother in law. We got her a wheelchair and it went flawlessly. As many issues as she had, she could do stairs with help. This time with my mom we have less health issues but this steps problem. It's more difficult.

Deb.