Tom Sawyer's Island??

[kimbac3]

I know the answer to my question is on the boards somewhere but since the search function is acting up I can't find it!!

I know there are some places on the Island that I can't go in my chair. Can I ride on the raft over there in my chair? Are there places I can go...can I get to the fort??? It's been years since I was on the island so I'm having trouble remembering.

Anyone have any info???

Thanks,
Kimba

 

[BillSears]

The last time I tried to get over to Tom Sawyers Island there was about a 14 inch step up onto the raft from the dock. I decided to pass on visiting the Island. From what I've heard there are lots of stairs/steps and not many place for a wheelchair user to go to.

 

[SueM in MN]

We went there a couple of times when youngest DD was little - her wheelchair was smaller too, so she fit in places that her wheelchair doesn't fit now. The last trip over there was quite a few years ago.

The WDW Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities currently lists Tom Sawyer's island as 'must be ambulatory'.
The last time we went over on the raft, there was not the large gap that Bill found and the Guidebook used to list it as the raft being accessible, but the island was not. I wonder if something happened with the dock or the water level that made the big gap Bill found.

 

[BillSears]

We went there a couple of times when youngest DD was little - her wheelchair was smaller too, so she fit in places that her wheelchair doesn't fit now. The last trip over there was quite a few years ago.

The WDW Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities currently lists Tom Sawyer's island as 'must be ambulatory'.
The last time we went over on the raft, there was not the large gap that Bill found and the Guidebook used to list it as the raft being accessible, but the island was not. I wonder if something happened with the dock or the water level that made the big gap Bill found.

I'm not sure. This was in early December 2006. I remember going across on the raft many years ago but this time the raft floor was about 14 inches higher then the dock, well maybe it was only 10 but it was much higher then a normal step.

 

[kimbac3]

Thanks Bill and Sue. I kind of figured as much. My kids really want to explore here. They could go on their own (my kids will be 16,13 and 10) or DH could go with them. The thing is I know they won't go if I can't. I thought that maybe if I could get over to Aunt Polly's and wait there, they'd be more likely to go off on their own.

As a last resort I suppose I could hobble onto the raft with my cane and then sit as soon as I get there. But something tells me that standing on the raft isn't the best idea for me

Thanks Again!!
Kimba

 

[swimlib]

I think when I was younger, my dad and sister were dropped off at Aunt Polly's and had a snack while my mom and I explored the island. I would recommend talking to the CM running the raft and see if you could do that.

The gap Bill was talking about my family has experienced whenever the water level is low or high. That makes a lot of difference in whether a chair can get on the raft.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

If the water level's right, I think you can get onto the dock, but there's not much else that's accessible. If I remember rightly, one way leads across the barrel bridge, the other up some steps, but I'm not certain. Also, be aware that Aunt Polly's only opens seasonally, though the tables are always there for youto sit at and kick back.

You could always say that you're going on It's a Small World 15 times in a row, and your husband is going to Tom Sawyer's. See who they choose to go with then!

 

[kimbac3]

You could always say that you're going on It's a Small World 15 times in a row, and your husband is going to Tom Sawyer's. See who they choose to go with then!

My youngest would want to go with me! For some reason she LOVES that ride!

Thanks again for the advice. I guess I'll have to see what happens when we get there. I'll have to give it some more thought....

Kimba

 

[DevilDuckie]

This might be the perfect moment for some alone time people-watching with a mint julep! Unfortunately, I believe the Island is one of the things that simply couldn't get retrofitted for access.

 

[kimbac3]

This might be the perfect moment for some alone time people-watching with a mint julep! Unfortunately, I believe the Island is one of the things that simply couldn't get retrofitted for access.

Ya know I never been "alone" in WDW. That might be interesting. Something to consider......Thanks!

Kimba

 

[flynnmnstr]

ended up parking it when we got there and letting him explore by foot. But there are some rocking chairs and shaded areas to wait for your family right by the dock. We actually saw a lot of people just relaxing in the shade.

 

[DevilDuckie]

Ya know I never been "alone" in WDW. That might be interesting. Something to consider......Thanks!

Kimba

Oh, honey, you're missing out!

The quiet moments of reflection are something I treasure. I love to have a couple minutes to just sit and "be" in a place I love.