Soarin' & ECV

[bouncy54]

I've read a couple of messages from people who have said that if you're on an ECV the CMs will not allow you to sit in the B1 seats on Soarin' because they believe that you cannot maneuver your scooter through the lines as you get close to the doors that lead into the attraction.

I didn't have a problem at all with the queue at DCA and was able to easily maneuver my 3-wheeled scooter through the line. Is Epcot's line so different?

Where do we pick up FPs for Soarin'? Is it difficult for those on ECVs to do this or should I send someone else in the family to pick them up?

 

[T. Baker]

We were there first week of July. I had no trouble with the line for soarin'. The CM's were very nice. After I was seated on the ride, they moved my chair. I did not get the fastpasses for this ride, but was able to get to the fastpass machines everywhere else.

 

[SueM in MN]

I have seen guests with ECVs in the first row. A lot depends on the ECV itself. The big 4 wheel park or outside rental ones are a VERY tight fit and I have not seen them in the first row. I have seen smaller ones there and, in fact saw one there on the last trip we made. I can't remember if it was the B area, but all the areas at WDW seem equally tight.

The other factor is the experience of the guest. If the CMs see the guest is having a hard time, they might not let them go first.
Here's a picture of the boarding/waiting area at WDW.

I would send someone else to get the Fastpasses.
The 'problem' with Soarin' at WDW is that it is inside of the Land building, which has the entrance set up on the top of a high hill. This picture shows the bottom of the path and you can just see the edge of the building along the top of the picture.

Once inside, guests have to go down a steep ramp, which leads to a middle area. This picture shows the view a from the balcony that overlooks the pavilion, just after entering the building. Soarin' and its Fastpass machines are down on the lowest level, where the Soarin' sign is on this picture.

To get down to the lowst level, there are stairs, escalators and a single small elevator, around a corner off the picture to the far left.
Getting out is the reverse process; there is no exit on the bottom level, so you have to come back up and then go down the outside ramp.

So, it's much easier to send someone else in your party to get the Fastpasses and only come into the building when you are ready to see the attractions or to eat.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Guests in ECVs can ride in Section B, Row 1. Ask nicely. The problem, as Sue points out, is that it's hard for some ECVs to navigate the tight turns required from the waiting areas for rows 1 and 2. When I've asked - and you may have to wait an extra cycle or two - I've been placed in the line for row three, but 'counted' for row 1.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I always ask for B1 and have never been turned down. Of course a 3-wheel ECV is much more maneuverable than the Disney 4-wheel ones.

 

[bouncy54]

Thank you to everyone who replied and a special thanks to Sue for the pictures. Seeing how the FP area is set up makes the decision making so much easier. Epcot's FP for Soarin' is not at all like DCA's. They're outside the attraction and very easy to get to.

Good to hear that I'll be able to get front/center seats. Just not the same experience when you can see feet dangling above you.

 

[huckster]

is there a place to park you ECV and just walk in and stand in line if its a good day for me i plan on doing this thanks

 

[SueM in MN]

is there a place to park you ECV and just walk in and stand in line if its a good day for me i plan on doing this thanks

From the place you enter the line until you get to boarding is 1/4 mile and when you are done, it is an equal distance out. The Fastpass and regular lines are the same length, so you won't save any walking by using Fastpasses.

 

[Debbie-TN]

We have been on every level with an ECV. The line for row 3 is the widest, so if they put us on row 1 or 2, she takes the ECV through the 3rd row and goes around to the door at the 1st or 2nd row. They usually send us down to the last boarding area so we will be the first ones loaded. You can ask for row 1, and they may be able to let you sit there. Sometimes they do and sometimes they can't. I think any of the rows are just fine. Whichever row you get you're still going to be on the end.