Questions about rides...

[kimsuenew]

Hello Dis Pals!

We have been to WDW twice before and I just booked a trip for Sept/Oct of this year!

I have severe mobility challenges (two bad knees, one bad hip) and must use a wheelchair or ECV (supplemented with a cane for VERY short walking distances). I have numerous other medical problems (osteoarthritis, severe edema, circulatory challenges, asthma, high bp, T2 diabetes, ect...) and I am also obese.

I did ride a few rides the last two trips (such as Haunted Mansion, Toy Story, one trip on Thunder Mountain, Kali Rapids Ride, It's a Small World, and the boat ride in Epcot that takes you through the growing areas) but not many due to my mobility and size challenges.

As I said before we plan on going this fall. My DH & DS hope that I can ride other rides with them. I have never tried, as I A) don't want to get in a ride and not be able to get out due to my knees and hip and B) get all the way up to the boarding area and realize I cannot fit.

Does anyone have specific information about how hard it is to get in/out of AND how large you can be to ride:

Aerosmith R&R Coaster
Soarin
Test Track
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Everest Expedition

If anyone has specific information to share... I would really appreciate it!

I can transfer using my cane for support however unless I have something to grab to help pull me from a sitting position on the rides it is a challenge to get up, ecspecially on a low seated position.

My DH doesn't really want to go back to WDW as he worries about me being alone so much while he and DS go ride the rides.

Truly I do enjoy strolling around on my EVC and shopping, watching parades and attractions, taking pictures, ect... but I would like to join them I guess if it is at all possible on at least a couple three rides per day!

TIA for any information you share!

 

[JoShan1719]

I found two articles at allears that should answer most of your questions.

The one concerning mobility:
http://allears.net/pl/mobility.htm

The one concerning size:
http://allears.net/tp/ridsiz.htm

I hope those help!

ETA: I know several attractions will have a dummy car set up somewhere out of the way where you can sit and see if you'll fit. Ask any CM at the ride and they will take you to it. I believe, though I can't remember where I read it, that they aren't right by the que, they're in a separate area where there aren't so many guests. I can't confirm this, I just remember reading something about it. I'll try and find the thread for you and post it here.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

Soarin' is not a problem at all. The seats are about at the same height as a standard chair, and they have arms to push against to help get up.

EE also should not be a problem. You will be in the last row in the train, access is intended to make it easier in that row and also it iss easy to get out.

Splash should not really be much of a problem.

I would suggest you do not try Space. If is very difficult to get in and almost impossible to get out of with leg problems.

And TT and RnRC could be difficult.

And, if worse comes to worse, on any of the attractions you can go all the way through the queue with DH & DS and then take the "chicken exit" and meet them as they come off the ride.

 

[SueM in MN]

I did ride a few rides the last two trips (such as Haunted Mansion, Toy Story, one trip on Thunder Mountain, Kali Rapids Ride, It's a Small World, and the boat ride in Epcot that takes you through the growing areas) but not many due to my mobility and size challenges.

In case you were not aware, Haunted Mansion does have a ride car that has a slightly lower, larger opening that may make it easier to get in. Ask for the transfer car. Here is a picture of it:

Spaceship Earth also has a transfer car with a wider opening - ask for it when you check in with the CM at the exit (which is the accessible entrance for Spaceship Earth).

Here is a photo montage of Soaring and a close up of the seats. You can bring your ECV all the way in and park it as close as you need to get into the seat. Pull the seatbelt out all the way before trying to fasten it.

Test Track is a ride car that you step down into, similar to the step down into the Small World boat to get in and out.
There is also a wheelchair transfer area where you do not need to step down - the body of the ride car is above the track. This may make it easier to get in because you don't need to step down. Using it is similar to getting into a bathtub though, so may actually be harder for some people. Here's a picture of a Test Track car at the wheelchair transfer area.

And a close up of the seat from allearsnet

I would not recommend Splash Mountain. The ride car has high sides that you need to step over. It is also a rather tight ride to get into because the ride car is the restraint.

This is a link to a picture page about Expedition Everest from allearsnet. It is basically a straight shot in. There is a trial car off to the side - ask a CM.

I don't have time to look for pictures, but Space Mountain is a step down and would be hard to get back up.

Aerosmith R&R Coaster is a step over the side (picture from allearsnet).

 

[kaytieeldr]

I would not recommend Splash Mountain. The ride car has high sides that you need to step over. It is also a rather tight ride to get into because the ride car is the restraint.

I will agree with this, based on experience. I have some of the same conditions as the OP, and while I can get into the log easily, I had so much trouble getting out, the person waiting to get into my seat said to their companion, "Kick her, it'll make her move faster" I was tempted to sit back down and ride again, out of spite.

Aerosmith R&R Coaster is a step over the side (picture from allearsnet).

There is also one car with a door that opens, so you can just step in instead of climbing over. Expect there to be a wait.

I agree with the advice about Space Mountain - but OP, if you ever make it to Disneyland, be SURE to ride their version! The rockets are larger (hold more Guests) and they can take one offline for Guests who need more time boarding and debarking!

 

[kimsuenew]

You are all so awesome!

I want to thank every one of you for taking the time to reply, explain, and even post pictures!

I appreciate it and DH/DS are thrilled at the prospect I may be able to enjoy some rides with them!