Peoplemover Truly Inaccessible?

[c_los75]

I'm going to WDW in November for the first time. I use a power wheelchair and, for four years, I had a Disneyland AP. One of the rides I really want to do at WDW is the Peoplemover. I miss riding it since it hasn't been at DL for a very long time.

I've heard it's completely inaccessible. Is this true? Is there any way I could ride it? I can get out of my power chair. If my accompanying friend could carry me (I'm only 120 lbs.), is it possible or is there a lot of walking involved from where you could park a wheelchair?

 

[Betty Rohrer]

I'm going to WDW in November for the first time. I use a power wheelchair and, for four years, I had a Disneyland AP. One of the rides I really want to do at WDW is the Peoplemover. I miss riding it since it hasn't been at DL for a very long time.

I've heard it's completely inaccessible. Is this true? Is there any way I could ride it? I can get out of my power chair. If my accompanying friend could carry me (I'm only 120 lbs.), is it possible or is there a lot of walking involved from where you could park a wheelchair?

it is truly inaccessible unless you can walk up moving ramp and load car from another moving ramp and repeat down. and as far as I know ramps can not be stopped. last time I rode per covid I had trouble even using my cane

 

[SueM in MN]

it is truly inaccessible unless you can walk up moving ramp and load car from another moving ramp and repeat down. and as far as I know ramps can not be stopped. last time I rode per covid I had trouble even using my cane

It isn’t accessible, unfortunately. It is listed as ‘Must be Ambulatory’ and I totally agree with that.
The only times I’ve seen the moving ramp stopped was because there was an issue with it. IMHO, it would be even more dangerous if it was stopped because the ramp is quite steep and it feels slightly slippery.

We used to carry our daughter up the moving walkway when she was small in elementary school. We stopped at that point because it was too difficult/dangerous to carry and/or stand behind her and hold her up. As an adult, she is only about 5 feet tall and 86 pounds. As an RN, I would add that’s not a safe weight for anyone to carry.
This video gives a good view of the steep moving ramps, how long they are and the moving walkway for loading and unloading. The person who filmed it is a plus size woman with no mobility issues, so from her viewpoints it‘s an easy ride.

 

[Evita_W]

If you can stand and walk a little with assistance, it is possible, we were able to help a friend do it under such circumstances. But only you know your limitations. Neither the moving walkway or the speed ramp can be stopped and the ride vehicles will not stop either.

 

[herdtoDisney]

When I took my parents there several years ago, my Dad used an ECV but walked with a cane-we looked up at the ramp and he decided to pass. It didn't look safe for him.

 

[Groot]

I really wish that they would put in an elevator or chair lift to the loading platform so that those of us with mobility devices/stair issues could avoid that moving incline thingy.

 

[Evita_W]

I really wish that they would put in an elevator or chair lift to the loading platform so that those of us with mobility devices/stair issues could avoid that moving incline thingy.

I agree completely and there are several ways this could be accomplished.

 

[SueM in MN]

I really wish that they would put in an elevator or chair lift to the loading platform so that those of us with mobility devices/stair issues could avoid that moving incline thingy.

When they were building the Tomorrowland stage, I was hoping it was an accessibility feature for the Peoplemover. I was really disappointed

 

[mamabunny]

I'm going to WDW in November for the first time. I use a power wheelchair and, for four years, I had a Disneyland AP. One of the rides I really want to do at WDW is the Peoplemover. I miss riding it since it hasn't been at DL for a very long time.

I've heard it's completely inaccessible. Is this true? Is there any way I could ride it? I can get out of my power chair. If my accompanying friend could carry me (I'm only 120 lbs.), is it possible or is there a lot of walking involved from where you could park a wheelchair?

I think of the moving "ramp" up to the PeopleMover as more like a belt (or giant, thick rubber band) that is stretched over an escalator. It's not especially easy for me, and I still have some personal mobility ability left.

There is a wheelchair parking area that is basically right at the base of the PeopleMover "ramps"; it's on the left side as you face the ramps on the ground, across from Buzz Lightyear. However, the queue tends to run out to the *right* side, so you would have quite a bit of distance to cover just to get in the queue.

 

[Evita_W]

I think of the moving "ramp" up to the PeopleMover as more like a belt (or giant, thick rubber band) that is stretched over an escalator. It's not especially easy for me, and I still have some personal mobility ability left.

There is a wheelchair parking area that is basically right at the base of the PeopleMover "ramps"; it's on the left side as you face the ramps on the ground, across from Buzz Lightyear. However, the queue tends to run out to the *right* side, so you would have quite a bit of distance to cover just to get in the queue.

Actually, they allow you to take the ECV through the queue up to the ramp, then the CM that is there allows you to park the ECV and use the ramp. Last time we were there that it was running, they said they were working on being able to do return times instead though....no idea if they have implemented that.

 

[c_los75]

Thanks everyone!

Based on your info, it looks like I can't do it. I'm not sure, even with assistance, I can do the necessary walking or be carried.

Bummer.

 

[SueM in MN]

Actually, they allow you to take the ECV through the queue up to the ramp, then the CM that is there allows you to park the ECV and use the ramp. Last time we were there that it was running, they said they were working on being able to do return times instead though....no idea if they have implemented that.

We no longer go on it with our daughter, but have been in line multiple times with people using ECVs or wheelchairs in line.
There is a turnstile a few feet in front of the moving ramp; that’s where guests using mobility devices get off to park (unless they removed the turnstile during the closure - I didn’t pay attention to the turnstile in the new videos)

 

[DisneyOma]

I think they should replace the Astro Orbiter elevator and have (nonmoving) ramps that go to both levels. I hate the elevator up to Astro Orbiter as it makes me feel trapped up there. I know there has to be an accessway in case of fire, so I know I'm not really trapped, but it just doesn't seem like the most brilliant idea, nor does the ramp up to peoplemover. The Peoplemover attraction itself is one of the most enjoyable rides for my elderly mom and inlaws, but they can't do that ramp anymore. It's a stupid ramp. Maybe even just enlarge the elevators and have twice as many, one that stops up at the Peoplemover level, and have a nonmoving ramp for those guests who are able?

 

[mamabunny]

I think they should replace the Astro Orbiter elevator and have (nonmoving) ramps that go to both levels. I hate the elevator up to Astro Orbiter as it makes me feel trapped up there. I know there has to be an accessway in case of fire, so I know I'm not really trapped, but it just doesn't seem like the most brilliant idea, nor does the ramp up to peoplemover. The Peoplemover attraction itself is one of the most enjoyable rides for my elderly mom and inlaws, but they can't do that ramp anymore. It's a stupid ramp. Maybe even just enlarge the elevators and have twice as many, one that stops up at the Peoplemover level, and have a nonmoving ramp for those guests who are able?

I have been curious as to why Disney has kept the PeopleMover ramps all these years; it appears that the underlying technology is very similar to a standard escalator, and those tend to be much easier for folks to deal with. The only thing that makes sense to me is that perhaps at some point Uncle Walt showed designs for that ramp (or something similar) and it has become part of the "show" or part of the history of the attraction, and so it remains, year after year.

When you look at the area at the base of the original "moving ramps"at first it seems like there should be a way to do exactly what you proposed, but I presume that it may come down to an engineering issue, and making sure that anything that is built next to/part of the existing structure doesn't compromise the stability of it, and the underlying infrastructure. And while we have seen external changes to structures (thinking mostly of the exterior of the Castle, and paint colors on Main Street, etc.) there have been very few new structures built - like the extended castle "walls" that go out into Fantasyland, and the Castle stage itself - because we have to remember that the Magic Kingdom we see as Guests, is actually the second floor - the entire Park is built on top of the Utilidors. I'm not sure, but I believe that Be Our Guest is not actually on top of the Utilidors, and was built at the adjacent "edges" of that structure, and may be connected to the original Utilidors somehow.

So... anything new that is built on top of the Utilidors *has* to be very carefully constructed, because you are building not into bedrock, but on top of another building just below the surface.

That's my theory, anyway LOL

It's probably all kinds of wrong, but the great thing about the DIS is that someone will come along with the actual correct info!

 

[ChanaC]

I always wondered why they kept the turnstiles. I assumed it goes back to when each ride needed individual tickets, but at this point I don't think it has a purpose. They aren't using to it take tickets or count the amount of people on the ride. It might slow the crowd down so people aren't packed on the ramp, but honestly it just seems like it gets in the way, and it must be a burden for larger guests or people using crutches or other supportive devices.

 

[SueM in MN]

I always wondered why they kept the turnstiles. I assumed it goes back to when each ride needed individual tickets, but at this point I don't think it has a purpose. They aren't using to it take tickets or count the amount of people on the ride. It might slow the crowd down so people aren't packed on the ramp, but honestly it just seems like it gets in the way, and it must be a burden for larger guests or people using crutches or other supportive devices.

From what I know, the individual tickets were discontinued when Epcot opened in 1982. I know it had been used at one time for counting guests, but I don’t know if they have any use now. It probably does since it’s the only one I can think of that has not been removed.
I agree they do probably slow people down, so maybe that’s why it’s still there. It is pretty wide - the Pammie Plus video shows she had no problem getting thru. I know it’s been widened from how it started out.

 

[Evita_W]

The turnstiles remain to count guests to determine if an attraction is still viable. But there are ways they could adjust and use touch free versions and really should in my opinion everywhere.

As for the speed ramps, I am ok with keeping them, but they should install an elevator. It might mean they need to move Lunching Pad elsewhere, but there is tons of land to do that with. And you really wouldn't want a ramp that goes all the way to the rocket jets or whatever they are called, it would have to be so steep you couldn't get up it and the length would like exceed that allowed by ADA, which means they would have to keep an elevator to that level as well.

Since Disney has added inclusiveness as a new key, all of these items and more should be addressed ASAP, otherwise adding the key is just more talk to make people feel good without doing anything. Everyone keeps talking about race, gender, orientation, some even remember religion and those are all good and should be included, but when talking inclusiveness, people forget those with disabilities need to be included as well and that they are often excluded. This not only includes disabilities, but us more Pooh shaped people. Look at Flights of Passage, there should be a way to accommodate both, perhaps with an alternative type of seat. Not it wouldn't be perfect, but it would be doable and inclusive and that is a newer attraction that ignored inclusiveness. The issues with People Mover can be fixed with relatively little cost and if they added an elevator, they could even create a vehicle where you wouldn't need to transfer, as they can slow down the moving walkway. Will Tron, Guardians or any upcoming roller coaster have a ride vehicle where people don't have to transfer from their wheelchair? There are some parks that have created such roller coasters, so it can be done and I call on Disney to do better at inclusiveness that includes ALL people, not just the groups that are being focussed on the be politically correct.

Ok, I'll get off my soapbox now, but it annoys me to see a claim that inclusiveness is a new key and they don't do what they say.

 

[DisneyOma]

True roller coasters that let you stay in a wheelchair or ECV?

 

[Evita_W]

True roller coasters that let you stay in a wheelchair or ECV?

Yep, there are two I have heard of, one is at a theme park in Texas I believe it was that is designed for all abilities and I forget where the other one was. Neither roller coaster is huge by any means, but they are proofs of concept that show it is possible.

But in the case of the People Mover, there is no excuse for not making it fully accessible. It is slow moving, Disneyland proved adding an elevator to the load platform is quite doable and we know the ramp can be slowed down as they have done so for DH when he was taking too long to get in.

 

[DisneyOma]

All I was able to find in Texas was Morgan's Wonderland, which does not have a roller coaster? I'd love it if you could find the examples you mentioned <3