Pirates with ECV question.

[Friendly Frog]

Hi all,
I know that you have to transfer from an ECV to a chair, but is there any way I can ride pirates alone if I do not have the upper body strength to push the manual chair up the incline in the line? Can a CM assist me? Should I ask a stranger in line for help? Thanks!

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Hi Friendly Fog,

they want you to go through the line yourself (or with help from friends, whomever). The policy is not to have a CM help. I've read many reports of this policy being inforced. So, count on that and act accordingly.

However, sometimes magic happens. I did WDW solo last year and use a powerchair or manual for very short distances (which is very much set towards my body, no way I could sit in a rental without major problems, let alone selfpropel it. They are way to heavy for me to even get out of a burning house if need be). So no way I was going to selfpropel through the lines.

I checked up on my info beforehand, had the pamphlets with me in the park and still somehow forgot about the line when looking at POTC and deciding I wanted to do it. Sure enough, as soon as I approached POTC a CM came to me and told me about the need to transfer. Well darn! I didn't put much into it, just told him I was wondering how I could've forgotten that after reading up on it and 'oh well, guess no POTC for me, these things can happen'. We talked for a very short while and I was totally about to go to a next ride. Then the CM told me to hold on and called in another CM over the radio to work the line/wheelchair service. As he told me, I deserved some magic and POTC could not be missed. So before I knew it, he took me backstage and to FOTL. We had a boat to ourselves and actually went twice in a row while he told me all about the ride, it's history etc. All the while making such a big fuss about 'special pirate coming through, argh'. To be honest; I was stunded he walked the preverbial extra miles and did this for me.

So I know some (probably very) few times in the past they have helped out. However; never ever count on it, expect it, nor ask for it. If they were to offer, it's fantastic but it's not policy nor the CM's duty. Make either arrangements on your own, perhaps ask somebody else in line to help out or skip POTC for this time and have an extra look at the Pirate Tutorial with Captain Jack. If you ask me, POTC doesn't even come close to CJ "IRL".

 

[dclfun]

Also remember that to board Pirates, one must be able to physically step down into a boat and then up out of the boat at exit- independently.---Kathy

 

[SueM in MN]

Also remember that to board Pirates, one must be able to physically step down into a boat and then up out of the boat at exit- independently.---Kathy

And it is a big step down. About 6-8 inches down to step onto the seat and another 10-12 inches down to get from the seat to the floor of the boat.
And, back up again the same distance to get out. Many people find the getting out to be harder than the getting in. At least with getting in, gravity pulls you down to the boat. To get out, you have to pull your weight out of the boat.
If you want a preview of how big the steps are, ride Small World first. The steps are similar into and out of the Small World Boat.

At WDW, it is not possible to board Pirates at the exit (which would put your ECV at the exit for you) or to ride twice in a row without getting out of the boat and back in. The reason is that after guests exit the boat, the boats go up a steep ramped area that is just high enough for a boat to go thru, not a boat with passengers.

While it's possible that you might get an extra sprinkling of pixie dust and get assistance from a CM, there are usually not extra staff on the ride who could leave their assigned duties to push people thru the line.

 

[Friendly Frog]

Thanks for the info everyone. I will work on a plan B.

 

[Mary976]

DD notes that Pirates is a most ungraceful transfer, mainly because I have to help her so much. She has only ridden once for that reason, but wants me to reassure you that while Pirates is fun, there are other rides that she thinks are "way cooler." Good luck with your trip!

Mary

 

[HonnyDipp]

Thanks for the info guys! I dont do steps very well at all. It looks like I will have to pass on Pirates this trip