NOT using the accessible lines/cars with ECV

[disneymom3]

We are heading down to WDW in about a month and this issue has me concerned. It was only ever a problem at AK and the Studios. But I'm concerned about Soarin too.

The issue is, that for long lines, I need the ECV. Not for standing necessarily but for walking. However, I do not need accessible seating or an accessible ride car. Last time we were there, the CMs at the Safari and a couple of shows made mr wait in the accessible area. I asked two different ones on the Safari if I could leave the ECV with the strollers and was told no. Same with ITTBAB.

I have two issues with this. #1 I hate the thought of my family taking up space in an accessible area when we don't need to be there and #2 It's honestly much more time consuming.

So, in order to use the ECV for waiting but not needing accessibility for riding, what do I do? Do I need a GAC? I hadn't thought so because of the fact that I don't need ride assistance, but I'm confused.

 

[SueM in MN]

The issue with both of the attractions you mention is that the stroller parking is a long walk from where the attraction ends.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

For Soarin' you shouldn't have an issue. Stroller parking is outside the Land so you wouldn't want to park there. Unless things have changed, there is no separate queue or ride car for Soarin', though, so it shouldn't be any different than it is for people who don't use mobility aids.

As Sue said, the issue with the Safari is that stroller parking is still fairly far from where the ride loads/unloads. The reason for all mobility aid users being directed to the accessible vehicle, whether they need it or not (most folks transfer and, as far as I know the only difference with that vehicle is the tie-down spot for those who can't) is that with the regular vehicles, you unload from a different spot than you load. I don't really know why they wouldn't let you if you can walk the distance to/from the stroller parking (I don't know how far it is from where the regular vehicles unload, but I'm sure you could find out), but it may be a matter of space.

 

[disneymom3]

Hmmm. Ok thank you both for your answers. That makes sense. I just need to have a better idea for planning/timing/touring than I currently do, so I think I need to read more.

 

[Piper]

I am wondering if you think there are accessible lines for every attraction. That isn't the case. WCs and ECVs go in the "regular" line for most attractions and the ones who have accessible lines usually split off after a while in the "regular" line.

Also, the line for Soarin' is approx. 1/4 mile in and another 1/4 mile out. That is a long way to walk if you have difficulty! A

I believe it is better to just stay in the ECV, go in the regular lines, break off to accessible where directed and save your energy.

 

[Twende]

We had a similar problem in AK with the Safari line. My mom used a wheel chair so that we knew where she was. She would wander off and get lost or have inappropriate actions with others.

She did not normally need the special vehicle at the Safari and the extra wait to ride it often put her over the edge and agitated.

We also asked if we could just leave her push wheel chair in the stroller parking lot and were told no. One of the last times we parked her wheel chair at the start of the entrance and just used the regular line. That worked great until the end when we needed to contain her and the wheelchair was very far away from the exit of the Safari.

What we needed was a "Wheelchair used as Stroller" tag. Now that would have helped us!

 

[disneymom3]

I am wondering if you think there are accessible lines for every attraction. That isn't the case. WCs and ECVs go in the "regular" line for most attractions and the ones who have accessible lines usually split off after a while in the "regular" line.

Also, the line for Soarin' is approx. 1/4 mile in and another 1/4 mile out. That is a long way to walk if you have difficulty! A

I believe it is better to just stay in the ECV, go in the regular lines, break off to accessible where directed and save your energy.

Thank you. I do know that and most of the time I do just park it with the strollers and walk the line. I have MS but it's not nearly as extreme as some people. I do, however tire easily and in order to actually tour WDW I do need to ride about or my kids would not have much fun or I'd completely miss it.

Clearly, rides like Soarin and the car stunt show, walking it is not an option. I have walked the Safari line and we make sure to go at times of low crowds and arrive early. I will just play it by ear and do what they tell me to. After all, we'll be at Disney, right?