Rides with the moving sidewalk

[Liz]

My mom is going with us to WDW for the first time in many years. She'll be 70 this year and her worst fear is falling. I know she won't go on anything where you have to step on to the moving sidewalk, but she loves the Fantasyland rides like Peter Pan. Last time (about 5 years ago) she almost fell getting on one of these sidewalks. Is there anything I can do? Will they or can they stop the sidewalk so she can get on and off? I just know people hate this . . . heaven forbid someone has to wait an extra minute to board. What do you think?

 

[Wheelsie]

Well they stop em for me @ Buzz Lightyear Just let the CMs know what you need and 9 times outta 10 they are more than happy to do it

 

[Figaro]

Liz, most of the rides can do what's called a "ride stop." All you have to do is ask the CM about this. The only ride that I went on that was not able to do this was Peter Pan, as it is a continuous loader. What was actually more of a problem was having them remember that I needed a ride stop when I was exiting the ride. Sometimes the CM's change places and no one is there that knew that I needed to have the ride completely stopped. My spouse was pretty quick to hop off and find someone to stop the ride when it didn't happen.

 

[SueM in MN]

As Wheelsie and Figaro said, most of the rides that have the moving sidewalks can be slowed down or stopped; except for the famous Peter Pan. That ride can't be stopped at all. I think it has to do more with the type of ride system it has than anything else - in the beginning, it is on the ground, then your boat takes off and flies over London on an overhead track.

If she isn't using a wheelchair, you might want to look into a Guest Assistance Card (GAC) to allow her to use the wheelchair entrance. (teri has a link in her signature to a FAQ page about GACs). If she is using a wheelchair, wlaker or cane, you don't need a GAC; just make sure the CM at the ride notices her. In some rides, the wheelchair/handicapped boarding is at the exit. This allows a little extra time and space for boarding. You would still be waiting in the same lines with everyone else, but just have a little extra help with boarding.

And, if anyone has a problem with stopping the rides for your mom, the ride will need to stop for a lot longer time if she falls. So, don't worry about it.

 

[teri]

Just click on the link in my signature for the FAQ - look at the Guest Assistance Card information and other tips. Let us know if you have any questions.

 

[Liz]

Thanks for the info! I didn't know Peter Pan couldn't be stopped. That's good to know so we won't even try that one. I'm pretty sure that's the ride she almost fell on before.

We will have a GAC, but that's because we get one for my daughter, who had a heart transplant. Although she says she will not use it this time (she's 13 and getting to that self-conscious age). Her doctor recommends it because since her immune system is suppressed he doesn't want her standing in queues in close quarters with people. Her meds also make her sensitive to the sun. But she looks like any normal teenage girl and two years ago we had a man basically throw a temper tantrum over us being put on a ride the same time as him when he thought we didn't wait. Afterwards I explained the situation to him and he apologized, but it was very embarrassing and upsetting to our family.

For anyone going the end of June, the U.S. Transplant Games are being held at WDW then so there will be a lot of hidden disability people around at that time.

Take care everyone!

 

[SueM in MN]

if she won't use a GAC, having fastpass really has helped things out. For many rides/attractions, you will be able to limit your wait in line by using fastpass. Since the fastpass lines move fairly quickly, you will also be limiting your contact with other people too.

 

[magicmaker]

Hi Liz!

I just wanted to toss in a few pointers for loading attractions that have a moving walkway.

Firstly, if your mother is not going to be using a wheelchair or ECV, a Guest Assistance Card that indicates she may use the designated wheelchair entrance will be very helpful. While it will not shorten your wait time, it serves as an instant signal to the Loader Cast Member that you may need extra assistance boarding the attraction. It is also important to ask the Cast Member outside of the attraction what the boarding specifications are and if there is an alternate boarding area for guests needing special assistance. Often times it is too loud or busy for you to be understood by the Cast Member who is loading the vehicles inside the attraction.

A second pointer is that many of the continuous load attractions have the ability to slow down the walkway including the Haunted Mansion and Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. This may be all that is necessary for your mother to safely board these attractions.

Thirdly - make sure to hold onto the moving black handrail. Many guests mistakenly grab onto stationary handrails which can be problematic.

Fourthly - Cast Members are able to provide assistance in the form of a hand or lower arm for support. Feel free to ask for this assistance.

I hope these tips will help you enjoy your Walt Disney World Vacation.

Have a magical day!

p.s. I also want to add that the Tomorrowland Transit Authority at Magic Kingdom Park is another attraction that is unable to slowdown or stop under normal operation.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks, Magicmaker.
Slowing the walkway down helps a lot, even when it can't be totally stopped.

Also the Tomorrowland Transit Authority has a very steep moving walkway that takes you to the boarding area and back down after the ride. There is no alternate way on.
For the Pirates, there is a moving ramp to get from the exit up to ground level. If this is a big problem for you, there is also an elevator at the exit. We asked at the entrance about the elevator and the CM passed the message on to the CMs doing unloading.

 

[Liz]

Thanks for the replies! Should my mother and my daughter each have their own GAC? I just assumed since my daughter will have one that would be enough.

 

[teri]

Liz, I always combine my needs (when my arthritis is flaring) and my daughter's needs (not much of an issue anymore) with my son's needs when I explain to the CMs, and since we stay together we just get one GAC with stamps that address our specific needs for assistance. However, if you are planning to split up, then you might want to get 2.