Problems with stairs/ramps on a couple of rides

[Lassie Lynne]

DH has some mobility issues due to his diabetis. Since we have been at WDW many, many times, we are able to deal with it knowing what to expect, using Fastpasses, frequent rest breaks, etc., except two rides, which happen to be his favorite - Splash and BTMRR. He really has issues climbing the stairs in Splash and especially walking up the steep ramp on BTMRR.

Can I go to Main Street and request a GAC just to use the acessible entrances for those two rides? We have no problems waiting our turn in line, but it actually is starting to be a big issue for him and he so loves BTMRR. Last time he only rode it a few times because he was embarassed he had to rest at the top of the hill on BTMRR and let many people pass us, several on them being so very nice and asking if he needed help, but still, a little bit on the embarassing side.

Thank you!

 

[SueM in MN]

Yes, you could.
He will basically go to Guest Relations in one of the parks and explain his issues to the CM. They can give him a Guest Assistance Card that will allow him to avoid stairs. The GAC will be good for the length of your stay. GACs are not meant to shorten the wait in line, so don’t worry about not waiting your turn in time. SInce you already know which attractions he will have trouble with, you don’t need to even get it out for other attractions.

There is more information in post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread which is near the top of this board or you can follow the link in my signature to get there.

 

[Lassie Lynne]

Thank you so much for the info, I thought as much, but wanted to make sure I had info right and not doing something that couldn't be handled. Last trip, one of the CM's took pity on him and when we walked around for the second ride, she quietly just told us to walk back through the acessible entrance. There was no line at all, so it didn't make a difference in that regard, but it sure did help DH.

 

[seashoreCM]

If you have to stop in the line and rest, try to find some wider spot where you could stand flat against the railing, or bow out the rope, then pull out a camera and pretend to take pictures off in another direction. Then people should not stop and take notice.

Big Thunder has a wheelchair route with less of a climb but there may be some rides with walkway slopes gentle enough for wheelchairs but quite long that everyone has to ascend.

For overall walking endurance or stamina issues, the first thing Guest Relations will suggest is getting a wheelchair even if you never used one.

 

[Lassie Lynne]

If you have to stop in the line and rest, try to find some wider spot where you could stand flat against the railing, or bow out the rope, then pull out a camera and pretend to take pictures off in another direction. Then people should not stop and take notice.

Big Thunder has a wheelchair route with less of a climb but there may be some rides with walkway slopes gentle enough for wheelchairs but quite long that everyone has to ascend.

For overall walking endurance or stamina issues, the first thing Guest Relations will suggest is getting a wheelchair even if you never used one.

It actually is not endurance or stamina, it is more about the pain to his legs, feet and knees in walking up steep steps or a very, very steep incline. Splash, BTMRR and The Land are the only three places that he really struggles. The Land is more easy to handle, with a big wide path and seating, so it is not an issue, the other two rides since you are forced through the line without much place for respite, are difficult.

I know that in a few year, an ECV will be needed, but for now, it is not needed if we can just by-pass those two steep inclines.

 

[SueM in MN]

He should not have any problem with getting a GAC to avoid stairs - that is much different than endurance. Some people have no problems with walking, but just have difficulty with stairs. And, steep ramps can be the same problem for some people. Just explain the situation to the CM in Guest Relations (even giving the specific examples you gave here).

 

[livndisney]

He should not have any problem with getting a GAC to avoid stairs - that is much different than endurance. Some people have no problems with walking, but just have difficulty with stairs. And, steep ramps can be the same problem for some people. Just explain the situation to the CM in Guest Relations (even giving the specific examples you gave here).

Even with a GAC you may want to be prepared to explain your needs at BTMRR. Every so often a CM will try to direct us to the steep ramp.

 

[SueM in MN]

Even with a GAC you may want to be prepared to explain your needs at BTMRR. Every so often a CM will try to direct us to the steep ramp.

Good catch - I meant to add that too.