Should I write to WDW about this or not?

[yoopermom]

I am *not* a complainer, am a disboard/WDW fanatic, but was disturbed by the following: on our recent trip, DM(52) and DC decided to go on K. Safari. DM had been on it in Jan. and thought, despite the warnings, that she would be okay, despite having some problems with back pain (in the past, not that day). DC had gone on it earlier in the day, and assured DM that it was similar in terms of potholes/bumps/etc to what we had experienced last winter. She took her ECV into the line, and so had to wait quite some time until they brought up a jeep that they completely filled with people in wheelchairs/ECVs. DM said she knew she was in trouble when the driver started saying things like "I'm going to give you all a *real* exciting ride" and "hang on tight, this is going to be wild". She was in the back of the vehicle, and, by the end, was literally crying in pain from the complete wildness of this driver's behavior. She is a very private person, but could not control her pain and was too far away from the driver to be heard. I understand that drivers differ, but WHY would a driver of a jeep completely filled with "handicapped" people (and I use that term loosely, but I know you understand), make the ride wilder and bumpier than normal? DM had to return to our camper and rest the entire rest of the day because she was in so much pain, basically wasting most of her day on her hopper pass. Do I accept that we should have heeded the warnings (despite past experience), or say something? I do have the jeep number, time of day, and date, although not the driver's name.
Terri the Yoopermom
(who was REALLY glad I didn't go on!)

 

[SueM in MN]

I think I would probably write just what you wrote here. Since she had been on it before without problem and someone else in your party had been on it earlier that day, I think she had taken precautions to make sure the ride was OK for her. People have written that the wheelchair accessible car is a "milder ride", but as you found out, it is pretty much the same as the others. The trams still go on the same road (or lack of road). I know that my DD likes the bumps, but she is in her well cushioned, gel-seat wheelchair with her seatbelt firmly fastened and she still gets thrown around quite a bit on some trips.

 

[DisneyAnna]

ABSOLUTELY!!!!
You should most definitely write and tell the just what you've shared here--this is a valid safety concern and should be addressed.
Many, many years ago i worked at a Six Flags park as a Ride Operator, and you can be darn sure that we would tone down the experience in the name of safety for disabled guests if the ride would permit (some rides can't be adjusted) and if we saw a guest in distress-that ride was STOPPED IMMEDIATELY!
Please let Disney know that there is a valid safety concern with the Safari.

 

[LindaDVC]

On our most recent trip Dan's chair was really bouncing around--
the driver kept asking if we were okay and took it a little easier!

Personally I have heard the "little red" tale enough that I would like to JUST ride through the safari and look at the animals without the jostling around.

I wish they would have that as an option for kids, w/c's, pregnant folks, or anyone who needs a tamer ride. It would be a shame to miss the ride due to pain or the wild jostling around.

I am sure they could regularly fill a vehicle with folks who would like that option.

Linda

 

[Tinkbell]

I also think that they should tame it down to make it acceptable for all to ride. My grandmother was really interested in riding, but I remembered being bounced around so I told her not to ride. I agree that the driver has the power to tame it down. The ride should be a relaxing look at the animals. Forget about Big Red.

 

[yoopermom]

I am going to agree with *everyone* if that's okay, and tell WDW my experiences, and make it positive by adding on the idea of a drive-thru without all the bumps and excitement. I was hesitant to post for fear of "didn't you read the warnings" posts, but obviously, y'all are an understanding bunch...
Terri the Yoopermom