New to the DIS!

[m!ssemmx0]

Hi! I'm new to the DIS and I'm hoping that someone could help me get the hang of things here.
My grandparents brought me and my cousins and our parents to WDW in Oct07. I had the best time, and I was surprised about how much I could do, since I have CP and used a wheelchair on the trip (which was a lifesaver!). The only things I had a problem with were getting in and out of the cars at Test Track and getting in and out of the rafts at Kali River Rapids. My parents are hoping to save up so we could go back in a few years
Like I said before, I'm kind of new, so I'll need a little help learning the ropes.
Thanks!!
~Emily

 

[SueM in MN]

I can't post much right now since I'm at work posting from my iPod .
if you boarded those 2 attractions at the regular boarding spots, you may not be aware that there is another boarding spot that might work better.
I'll post more when I get home.

 

[MagiKitty]

to the Dis Emily! So nice to meet you! (and my BF had a hard time getting in/out of those Test Track cars too, but its his favorite ride in all of Disney World).

 

[ireland_nicole]

Welcome Emily! It's great to have you here!
Nicole

 

[SueM in MN]

If you board at the regular boarding area for Test Track, the car is sunk into the floor so that it is almost level with the floor and you need to step down to get in and up to get out.
This is a picture of the alternate boarding area. You can park your wheelchair next to the ride car and getting in and out is similar to getting in and out of a bathtub. They also have a grab bar that can be attached to the car to help you pull yourself in.

For Kali River Rapids, the regular boarding are includes a slowly moving dock that turns around to 'deliver' people to the boats.
The handicapped boarding area has a place where they can 'trap' a boat so it will be completely still while you board it. The dock in that area is solid ans wheelchairs can be parked as close as you need to park.
Here's a picture of the handicapped boarding area.

The bar in the middle of the picture is used to 'trap' the boat. The bar is lowered into the water so a boat can float over it. Once the boat gets into the circular area, the bar is raised again so the boat can't get out. After everyone loads, the bar is lowered again and the boat floats along the ride path. At the end of the ride, they 'trap' the boat again and you can get out.
It's still not a piece of cake to get in, but much easier than the 'regular' boarding spot.