should we still get fast pass while needing the wheelchair line?

[jbrnhrt]

we were at WDW for my ds' wish trip and there fore pretty much got to use the fast pass lines. we're planning to return and we are wondering what everyone's experience is like using the wheelchair lines. By no means do we think we should be able to bypass the lines, just trying to get a feel for the length of wheelchair lines in comparison to fast pass lines or the "regular" lines. Trying to decide if it's worth taking the time to run through the parks to collect fast passes, or if our time is better spend just taking our chances walking up to the rideds. we are planning to go during a slow time of the year, and even though on our last visit touring plans ranked the crowds at about a 2, some of the more popular attractions still had a 2 hour standing wait. We're also thinking of breaking each park into 2 days, so we don't feel like we need to try to make it through the whole park in one day,than do it again another day. just focuse on one half of the park, then do the other half another day, that way if we do need fast passes we have less ground to cover to grab them, and then return.Thanks for sharing your experience

 

[Bete]

it still helps especially for rides like Toy Story Mania.

I think the 2 day 1 park plan is the best. We almost always do it that way. Also, we use half days on the day of arrival and leaving. I feel AK for us is 1-1/2 days; we don't go to all the sections of the park-we skip dinoland for one.

Usually I'll save one day for catch up. There always seems to be a park that was too crowded or whatever and it may require a third day especially if you are coordinating parades and fireworks.

We never feel rushed or tired with this plan.

 

[SueM in MN]

Most attractions actually have Mainstream Access, which means the regular line is accessible and there is no special or different wheelchair line. Sometimes the line is Mainstream to almost the boarding area, and a little bit before the boarding area, there is a wheelchair pull off point.
So, the short answer is that it would be best to get Fastpasses if you want to avoid waits.
There is a list of mobility access for WDW in one of the posts of the disABILITIES FAQs thread ( near the top of the board or check the link inmmy signature). You will see that most attractions do say to obtain a Fastpass or use the regular entrance.
You may also want to check post 6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread about Guest Assistance Cards - these are not meant to shorten waits in line, but if your child still has some disability related issues that are not me by just having a wheelchair, a GAC may help.

And last, you may also want to chr k into TourGuideMike, which is a planning service that helps you to be in the least busy part of the least busy park. Many people who have used both GACs and TourGuideMike have said it was much more helpful than a GAC.

 

[blondietink]

We always get a Fast Pass if it is available for a ride we want to go on and we have 2 wheelchairs in or party.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The lines for almost all attractions at WDW are "mainstreamed". This means that the queue is set up to allow wheelchairs and/or ECVs to go through the line just as a person without a mobility problem. As it was built prior to the ADA, the Magic Kingdom is most likely to have non-mainstreamed lines. Some attractions, such as Splash Mountain and Haunted Mansion you will go part way through the regular queue and then be diverted. Other attractions, such as Big Thunder Mountain or SpaceShip Earth you will initially be directed to an accessible entrance.

All the theaters are set up with seats (usually in the back row) removed so a wheelchair or ECV can pull into a space and there will be regular seating on either side of the space for the others in the party.

Where there are quantity limits on space, or other limitation involving accessibility, you may have to wait longer to see a show or ride an attraction than people without disabilities.

The normal (and official) response of Guest Relations to people with mobility and/or stamina issues is to recommend rental of a wheelchair or ECV. The Guest Assistance Card (GAC) is intended for "invisible" disabilities not related to mobility or stamina. A wheelchair or ECV is sufficient to notify Cast Members of special assistance normally needed. However, if a person has other issues, such as auditory or visual, they would probably also need a GAC.

Note that a GAC is not intended to allow bypassing of lines, and it so states on the card itself. The only people who will get the special Front Of The Line GAC are where a terminal or medically fragile child is traveling on a trip from Make A Wish or similar foundation.

 

[happywifeandmom]

hmmmm - we were there last spring and are planning another this upcoming spring . . .

at MK we were in the jungle cruise line with FP - when we got to the accessible gate, the young man told us that in the 'older parks' you don't need FP at the accessible gates. that was the end of our trip so we didn't get to test his 'recommendation', but we will next trip. now just to figure out which are the 'older parks'.

 

[KPeveler]

hmmmm - we were there last spring and are planning another this upcoming spring . . .

at MK we were in the jungle cruise line with FP - when we got to the accessible gate, the young man told us that in the 'older parks' you don't need FP at the accessible gates. that was the end of our trip so we didn't get to test his 'recommendation', but we will next trip. now just to figure out which are the 'older parks'.

I think what he meant is that for non-mainstreamed lines, getting a FP does not always make a difference. The only other ride I can think of like that is BTMRR, where you wait in a different line by the exit. A FP would end up making no difference.

In general, the best thing to do is ask the CM on duty by the FP machines if the FP line is accessible. But, no, you do not automatically go in the FP line at rides in "older" parks.