One more ride I can't do ...or can I?

[Chickenlady]

I use a scooter. While at WDW I usually have my DH or DS with me, but I frequently go off on my own as I don't do the water parks or disney quest. I've gotten used to the fact that I can't do some rides without the guys, because I have to transfer to a wheelchair, but I can't push myself very far. On our trip last week I learned that Buzz is now one of the off-limits rides, along with the usual SM, PoC, RnR, Pooh. I stopped to speak with GS to lament the loss of another ride for single scooter people. They were sympathetic but really didn't have any answers. As I was leaving, one of the CM said that maybe a GAC would help. She suggested that with a GAC for an alternate entrance, maybe I could take my scooter in. Unfortunately, we were on our way home so I never got to try it. Anyone have experience with this? I'd love to be able to ride some of my favorites again without dragging the guys with me.

 

[Michigan]

That wouldn't help since most alternative entrances are also not ECV accessible.

 

[newdrama12]

That won't help. A GAC at Buzz will still mean you have to transfer to a manual w/c.

 

[Chickenlady]

Just bumping this up....surely there is someone on this board who travels alone with a scooter. Do you just skip these rides or what? I can understand transfering on Space or PoC, since they have weird exits, but Buzz used to be scooter accessible. They just have switched to transfers to wheelchairs so that mobility challenged people don't necessarily have to go through the fast pass line. Used to be that with a scooter, you were always put through fast pass line. Now since scooters aren't allowed, mobility challenged can go through standby. I would gladly use a fast pass to be able to keep my scooter and ride this ride. It's not like they changed the ride entrance or exit.

 

[SueM in MN]

From what people have written, they are not allowing scooters to be used in the Fastpass line.

The attraction space is actually an old attraction that was retrofitted/revised for the attraction plus a shop. There is very little space for wheelchairs and ECVs that are not occupied. The hallway that goes from the start of the regular boarding area to the exit is fairly narrow and there is no space to park anything there. The exit is also very tight. There have been times where ECVs parking at the exit into the shop have actually partially blocked the exit. It's possible that the Fire Marshall saw something like that during an inspection led to no longer being able to park them there.

I would suggest going at a time when it is not busy and explain your needs to a CM. If it isn't busy, they have more ability sometimes to work with guests who need something the attraction isn't normally able to provide. There are times when we have been to Buzz when the standby line posted wait time was 10 minutes - when that happens, they are letting cars go thru unfilled, so there are times with short waits when they may be able to accommodate you more.

 

[Michigan]

What do you use to move around in your house?

 

[Chickenlady]

Michigan, Around my house I can walk short distances, there is always somewhere to sit, if needed. I have a small portable scooter for going out. I did try to do Buzz last week, by myself without a wheelchair when it was a walk on and that was a bit too much. It may not look it to you, but the winding curving line is fairly long even without people. I don't like getting that short of breath (scarred lungs from a work related illness).

Thanks Sue for your insight. I was just annoyed that a ride that was once accessible to me isn't anymore and nothing physically has changed in the building. I also like to practice in Buzz for the times my DS can come with me. I'd like to beat him just once.

 

[Michigan]

what about carrying a walker with a seat on it with you on the scooter? I asked what you used at home because if you used a manual chair I was going to suggest power assist wheels.