My recent ECV / GAC Experience

[SueM in MN]

No, they are Quickie Zippie wheelchairs. It's just odd that we only had these issues at Epcot.

that is pretty strange.
I can only conclude that you got a real clueless CM.
Most are good, but occassionally you find a clueless one.
We ran into a clueless bus driver who asked us whether DD could walk for the first time ever when we were getting on a bus.
We had the only wheelchair/ECV, so it's not like he was trying to make room for another wheelchair or something.
And, my DD's wheelchair has a seatbelt, a headrest and footstraps that fasten her feet to her wheelchair footplates, so it should be pretty obvious that she's not going to get up and walk onto the bus!

 

[Livin4DisneyTime]

The first time we went with my husband in a resort wheelchair was 2005. I was not as aware of all the issues of access and the GAC as I am now. The first place we were sent when we went to get on our first ride (small world?) was to get a GAC. We also asked at every ride where to go so we had little problems. We sometimes were told to enter the same ride in different ways at different times. Specifically we were told to get in the regular line during EH eve at SM. During the day I think it was the fastpass line or exit. Either way I was not able to push the wheelchair up the regular line, stopping and starting often. The Cm was rude, I was tired so we skipped it. We ended up leaving because rides in general just were not as accesible at night or I should say the CM's were not as helpful. This time we are renting an ECV. We have our own wheelchair but it is a light weight, good for a short time but not all day. My knees are not as strong as last trip and I cannot push. I am worried that now without the wheelchair, the rules will change and I won't know what they are. What is my best resource? Also last time we actually tried to use the moving walkway at SM. I practically killed my DH Several kind strangers helped us off. How do you exit that ride safely?

 

[SueM in MN]

I am worried that now without the wheelchair, the rules will change and I won't know what they are. What is my best resource? Also last time we actually tried to use the moving walkway at SM. I practically killed my DH Several kind strangers helped us off. How do you exit that ride safely?

Can you clarify which ride you mean for SM?
I'm not sure??

Your best resource is the Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities. There is one for each park; you can get a copy at Guest Relations at any of the parks or if you want to see the text for the Guidebooks, there is a link to the Disney website in the disABILITIES FAQs thread. It is not very detailed, but does tell you where to go for the accessible entrance for each attraction. Sometimes it does just say to contact the CM at the ride entrance, in which case there should be a CM stationed there. Some of the attractions have more than one way that the waiting line can go. When it's not busy, they usually have the line go whichever way is most accessible. When it's busy, that may change.
You do not need a GAC to use whatever is listed in the book as the accessible way to go. We keep a copy of the Guidebook with us; if there is any question, show the book to the CM. If there is still a question, or the CM is saying you need a GAC to go the way that is listed in the guidebook, ask to speak to a manager.

 

[Livin4DisneyTime]

Sorry, I meant Splash mountain

 

[SueM in MN]

Sorry, I meant Splash mountain

I was mixed up because your post said that you tried to use the moving walkway at SM and there is not one at Splash Mountain.

In the Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities, it says to either get a FASTPASS or use the Standby line for Splash Mountain. There is an area where the lines get to a stairway. At that point, people traveling with wheelchairs or ECVs need to bypass the stairs and be routed toward the exit. The boarding for wheelchair and ECV users is at the exit so that their mobility device will be at the correct side of the water track when they get off. The ride stops completely so everyone can get off.

Some of the rides I know of with a moving walkway at the exit are:
Pirates
Peter Pan
Buzz Lightyear
Spaceship Earth

Are one of those maybe what you were thinking of?