Possibly extremely theoretical question about moving platforms.

[persimmondeb]

I am trying to talk my father into going to Disney for a couple of days in the middle of winter (it has so far been a losing battle, since while I think he'd like it, he doesn't).

I think either EPCOT or AK would be most his style. He will emphatically not use a wheelchair or an ECV, and his stamina is pretty decent for an 83-year-old with a cane, so if we take it slowly and sit down a lot I think we'd be fine.

However, he has big issues with trying to step onto a moving surface (the cane is as much for stability as anything else), and I'm wondering if the handicapped line would be suitable. He isn't likely to want to go on a whole lot of stuff, but there are a couple of things that I'd hate him to miss (especially Spaceship Earth) because I'm afraid of getting him on safely.

 

[jdb in AZ]

I am trying to talk my father into going to Disney for a couple of days in the middle of winter (it has so far been a losing battle, since while I think he'd like it, he doesn't).

I think either EPCOT or AK would be most his style. He will emphatically not use a wheelchair or an ECV, and his stamina is pretty decent for an 83-year-old with a cane, so if we take it slowly and sit down a lot I think we'd be fine.

However, he has big issues with trying to step onto a moving surface (the cane is as much for stability as anything else), and I'm wondering if the handicapped line would be suitable. He isn't likely to want to go on a whole lot of stuff, but there are a couple of things that I'd hate him to miss (especially Spaceship Earth) because I'm afraid of getting him on safely.

If any grand kids are going, they might be the ones to help convince grandpa that they want him to be part of the vacation.

Most of the rides are mainstreamed, meaning the handicapped guests are in the same line as the physically fit. If you need special assistance, just ask the cast member loading the ride. The cane will also alert the CM that your dad may need assistance.

 

[SueM in MN]

I dont have time for a long reply, but there is information about attractions with moving walkways in a post on page 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. You can find the thread near the top of this board or use the link in my signature to get to page one of the thread.

If he is using an ECV or wheelchair, he will automatically be boarding at the appropriate area. Spaceship Earth has a separate disabled waiting area because the regular boarding area is not accessible. Most other attractions, guests with wheelchairs or ECVs will be in the regular line with everyone else.

 

[tinkerbelletreasure]

I would say though, I broke my ankle 3 years ago, and when we went to Disney a year and a half later, Animal Kingdom was the hardest for me to get around. The sidewalks are not always level or smooth. We went during a busier time of the year, but we didn't think the flow of people was as smooth in Animal Kingdom either. Just some things to keep in mind ifi you are with some who is walking slower.

 

[jmartinez1895]

As far as the moving walkways go, you can ask the CM to slow or stop them. They only ones that can not be stopped are peter pan and trasit authority ( I think that is what it is called) They are both located in MK.

 

[I Love Pluto]

CMs will give extra time to get in & out of rides - just mention it to them. They will stop moving walkways if possible, or they will kindly explain why they cannot stop or slow it down.

Don't be afraid to mention it - the CMs we came in contact with were all VERY understanding. Have a great trip!

 

[SueM in MN]

As far as the moving walkways go, you can ask the CM to slow or stop them. They only ones that can not be stopped are peter pan and trasit authority ( I think that is what it is called) They are both located in MK.

Yes, it is Peter Pan and Tomorrowland Transit Authority, both in MK, which can't be slowed or stopped.

There is complete information about attractions with moving walkways and also stairs in post 28 on page 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread.

And, to clarify, for those that can be slowed or stopped, you need to be boarding at the accessible boarding area. The CMs at the regular boarding area can only slow or stop moving walkways in an emergency. You don't want to get to that point.

Guests with any visible mobility need, including wheelchairs, ECV, walkers, canes can use the accessible boarding area without showing anything else.

I would strongly suggest that you consider a wheelchair, ECV or rollator for anyone with trouble walking or concerns about balance. Most guests walk at least 3 to 6 miles per day at WDW, and even up to 9-12 is not unusual.

 

[Jonell]

We returned in Sept from our trip with my mother who was in an ECV but is ambulatory and used a cane when loading the rides. We were sent through the mainstream lines. I will have to say that the rides with the moving platforms did also make us very nervous. I asked more than once for the platform to be stopped but it was only slowed and she stumbled a few times exiting the ride vehicles. My husband and I were both beside her to assist her. She was however, able to ride almost everything although she can only walk a few feet at a time.

 

[persimmondeb]

I don't think he'd be able to comfortably operate an ECV and I know what his opinion of a wheelchair would be. He's still able to do a couple of miles with the cane. We go more slowly and spend more time sitting than we used to (and I keep trying to lure him in with the idea that Disney is well supplied with pleasant benches), but I think he's still okay on foot. He's also not a big ride fan, but I know he'd like Spaceship Earth or Kilimanjaro Safaris.

The balance is my big concern, since he was always a little wobblier than most people (I am too), and it has gotten worse with age. We had a real issue with a sort of "rampelator" in a department store in Ireland a couple of years ago, and after we got him off it safely, had to go hunt down the lift.

I was thinking an adults only trip would be more relaxing for him, so he's not trying to keep up with grandchildren, and he also has some items that he needs to bring to my uncle, who lives a couple of hours away, and I think would be amenable to meeting us at the Mouse, since I don't drive at all, and my father does only daylight hours within a mile or so of his house.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Please ask the following questions. Here are the suggested answers to go with them.

1. Are you disabled (even temporarily)? Yes.

2. Do the people you are traveling with, such as your family, know you are disabled? Yes.

3. Do you expect to meet anyone you know during this trip who may not know you are disabled. Probably No!

4. Do you expect to meet a bunch of people who you will probably never meet again in your life? Probably yes!

5. Is there any reason at all that you should care what these people think about you? Absolutely No!!

6. Will using a wheelchair or ECV make for a better vacation for you and your family? Absolutely YES!

 

[persimmondeb]

I'm quite sure he doesn't care what people think about his using/not using a wheelchair, but will think it's an infernal nuisance. And if he thinks it's an infernal nuisance, it will be. Frankly, I would prefer not to have to wrangle one, particularly for someone who will not use it as anything but a place to land random objects. He does own one of those walker/seat things, but he doesn't use it, and I doubt I can talk him into taking it.

Stamina is really not nearly the issue that (he used to regularly walk ten miles or more) balance is. For someone with stamina issues, I really like Cheshire Figment's advice.

 

[SueM in MN]

I'm quite sure he doesn't care what people think about his using/not using a wheelchair, but will think it's an infernal nuisance. And if he thinks it's an infernal nuisance, it will be. Frankly, I would prefer not to have to wrangle one, particularly for someone who will not use it as anything but a place to land random objects. He does own one of those walker/seat things, but he doesn't use it, and I doubt I can talk him into taking it.

Stamina is really not nearly the issue that (he used to regularly walk ten miles or more) balance is. For someone with stamina issues, I really like Cheshire Figment's advice.

If he won’t use anything except a cane, make a list of the attractions with moving walkways.
When you get to those, stop and talk to the CM at the entrance to the line. Make sure to show the CM the cane and indicate he needs to board where he will be in the correct spot for those attractions.
In many cases, it will be the regular line that he is in until boarding.

You can also get a map for guests with disabilities for each park which lists the “Mobility Entrances”. In most cases, it does say to use the regular line, but some, like Spaceship Earth do have a special access entrance.
In most of the parks, you can get the map at the map kiosks with the other maps at the park entrance. If you can’t find them there, you can get one at Guest Relations.