New Handicapped area in CHH

[pugdog]

Just ate at Columbia Harbor House today and they pointed out a room set aside just for the disabled. Roped off and someone watching over it. There were 9 tables in there and lots of space to get around and not run into other wheelchairs. It was nice having that space. So many times in the past it was impossible to get a table in there.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Just ate at Columbia Harbor House today and they pointed out a room set aside just for the disabled. Roped off and someone watching over it. There were 9 tables in there and lots of space to get around and not run into other wheelchairs. It was nice having that space. So many times in the past it was impossible to get a table in there.

I would assume that ECVS can use the area too?

 

[pugdog]

ECV's, WC's,crutches, leg braces if your visibly disabled they will let you in.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Hahahaha this may be inappropriate but are we taking bets on how long it takes someone to be offended by this, have a CM imply a handicap person MUST use this area or for a guest to misunderstand a CM and think they're saying they have to use it?

 

[SueM in MN]

Hahahaha this may be inappropriate but are we taking bets on how long it takes someone to be offended by this, have a CM imply a handicap person MUST use this area or for a guest to misunderstand a CM and think they're saying they have to use it?

It's actually been there for over a year.
We used it October 2012, again in Spring 2013 and October/November 2013.

As pug dog mentioned, it was roped off and the rope has a Handicapped symbol on it. It is available for guests with visible disabilities, but not required to use it.

It is becoming known; 2 times we were at Columbia Harbour House, it was full (even though a CM at the counter suggested we go there).
It is nice to have the extra space and nice if there are tables there, but you can't completely count on it.
If it's full, CMs will try to help you find a spot.

 

[pugdog]

At no time is anyone required to use a section set aside for the disabled anywhere at WDW. We don't always use them because sometimes there are better spots. But it is nice that they are offered.

 

[lovethattink]

We've often been there when it's completely filled. It's nice this area exists since there us no elevator up to the 2nd floor where additional seating is.

 

[SueM in MN]

We've often been there when it's completely filled. It's nice this area exists since there us no elevator up to the 2nd floor where additional seating is.

Well, there is an elevator, but you have to step into the vestibule of the kitchen to use it. Not the best and that may be why they set aside that area on first floor.

 

[stitchlovestink]

At no time is anyone required to use a section set aside for the disabled anywhere at WDW. We don't always use them because sometimes there are better spots. But it is nice that they are offered.

Agreed.

 

[LisaBi]

Wow. I wish Cosmic Rays would do this. That place is a nightmare with the wheelchair.

 

[lovethattink]

Well, there is an elevator, but you have to step into the vestibule of the kitchen to use it. Not the best and that may be why they set aside that area on first floor.

I figured there had to be a service elevator somewhere. Maybe they'll use it for guests when it's really busy? I didn't see it used over Thanksgiving.

 

[StregaNona]

We had a very friendly CM direct us to that area last spring. It was nice to have space with the ECV and not have to bother other guests.

Last week we ate at Pecos Bills and it was very hard to get around with the ECV. To get to the table, some guest were very helpful (most of my party was in line for food). When we went to leave the guy next to me knew I was trying to get out, but wouldn't move. Oh well, ... Maybe they will set aside an area like Columbia Harbor House.

 

[cosine4]

I figured there had to be a service elevator somewhere. Maybe they'll use it for guests when it's really busy? I didn't see it used over Thanksgiving.

Last Christmas they weren't (at least while I was there). The whole first floor was full and the handicap area was empty. I asked if I could use the area and was told I could not that it was for wheel chairs only and was told that I could go upstairs; carrying my walker and tray of food up the stairs must have seemed reasonable to them.

 

[KathyRN137]

Interesting... and I agree with LisaB about Cosmic Ray's!

 

[disney david]

Last Christmas they weren't (at least while I was there). The whole first floor was full and the handicap area was empty. I asked if I could use the area and was told I could not that it was for wheel chairs only and was told that I could go upstairs; carrying my walker and tray of food up the stairs must have seemed reasonable to them.

The cm should of allowed you to use it

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Over a year eh? Then my bet is 2 years.

 

[SueM in MN]

I figured there had to be a service elevator somewhere. Maybe they'll use it for guests when it's really busy? I didn't see it used over Thanksgiving.

It's not visible at all, so you would not probably see it.
It's by the bathrooms that are to the left of and kind of behind the counter area. You need a CM to take you there because it is totally backstage.
Coming down is just as challenging - you have to find a CM again to let you backstage to leave.

I have a feeling that the Fire Marshall probably was not pleased with that. In case of fire, there was no way out for guests who could not go down the stairs.

My guess is that was one of the reasons they made the area downstairs - since half of the seating is not accessible, it makes sense to designate some of it for use by people who are only able to use the bottom floor.

The cm should of allowed you to use it

Yes.
I think the CM was being very literal about the sign having a picture of a wheelchair on it (and maybe not realizing that meant handicapped, not just wheelchair).

 

[disney david]

It's not visible at all, so you would not probably see it.
It's by the bathrooms that are to the left of and kind of behind the counter area. You need a CM to take you there because it is totally backstage.
Coming down is just as challenging - you have to find a CM again to let you backstage to leave.

I have a feeling that the Fire Marshall probably was not pleased with that. In case of fire, there was no way out for guests who could not go down the stairs.

My guess is that was one of the reasons they made the area downstairs - since half of the seating is not accessible, it makes sense to designate some of it for use by people who are only able to use the bottom floor.

Yes.
I think the CM was being very literal about the sign having a picture of a wheelchair on it (and maybe not realizing that meant handicapped, not just wheelchair).

I think that a big problem in Disney the cms taking wording to literally they do it in other parts to. Your correct about the fire marshal and it also Disney dose not like guest going back stage if they can help it.

 

[POOHsie]

I'm glad to hear about the HA area at CHH. I had some terrible times getting a table there driving my scooter. Once I was upstairs for lunch for the Keys to the Kingdom Tour. I was escorted to the elevator that was in the kitchen. That was weird.

As far as Cosmic Rays, I actually laughed out loud. I was on my scooter, and got my tray of food. They were kind enough to have a worker carry my tray for me, and I was to follow him to a table. Problem was, people's chairs were sticking out all over, backpacks hanging on backs of chairs. It was impossible to follow the CM. I gave up and just watched the guy walk farther and farther away. He finally came back to me and I had to "paint a picture" for him to understand my problem with the extra space I needed in the aisles.

One gem that happens on occasion is the helpful CM who assigns you to the next available Cashier for your CS order. There's efficiency to this, but not if you're on a scooter because the only Cashier line that's HA accessible is at the very end, so you have added room to maneuver your scooter. I don't know how many times these helpful folks have assigned me to a Cashier somewhere in the middle. I just ignore them and go to the Cashier with blue HA sign at the last station. Sometimes I can hear the CM shouting behind me as I "disobey."

 

[Suellen]

We were just there this weekend and I had a wheelchair so they directed us there. I usually walk but am unsteady on my still healing broken leg (15+ months later) and with the crowds hubby insisted. ANY WAY!

We ate at CHH and there was the sign, there was a CM but there were also 1/2 the tables taken up with people with strollers. No HC card on the stroller (not visible anyway) and no one else in the party with a scooter or wheel chair or anything else obviously HC about the parties. I'm sure they could have a reason for being there... but do you think it is always up? Or do you think they rope it off when it starts getting busy? Just curious... not judging them.. .I thought maybe they were there and then they put the sign up maybe.