transfer vehicles

[Savannahsmom]

Can anyone give me any info on transfer vehicles at wdw? My neice is in a power chair, she canot stand but can do a slide transfer. She has been to the world many times but has only ridden rides in which she can stay in her chair. I saw something the other day about ride vehicles that are adapted for easier transfer. She would love to ride Spaceship Earth. Any help is appreciated.

 

[SueM in MN]

Only time for quick reply.
The transfer car at Spaceship Earth has a wider opening and she would be able to park her chair as close as she needs to the ride car to make the transfer.
It looks very much like the other Spaceship Earth ride cars other than the wider opening, so there are few handholds.

Spaceship Earth does have a moving walkway, which can be slowed or stopped. We have ridden many times with DD who uses a manual wheelchair and brings it right to the ride car. A CM moves the wheelchair to a spot close to the control console while we are riding and brings it back when our ride is over. I have not seen anyone go up to the boarding area with a power wheelchair, so not sure if that is possible or not.

They do have manual wheelchairs that guests using ECVs can transfer to, but as far as I know, they don't have removable arms, so someone in a power wheelchair who can only do a slide transfer could not use them.

I'll put more info about other attractions later.

 

[Savannahsmom]

Thank you so much, I was hoping that was the case. Any other rides? We have always been asked if she could stand or walk, not if she could transfer. We never thought about it I guess. Things that are a drop down, such as the pirate boats wont work for us.

 

[dclfun]

I've driven my power w/c right next to the ride vehicle at Spaceship Earth in the past. The CM's stopped the moving walkway to give me time, but it's been so long ago that I don't remember if I could've slid into a seat or had to step in with the seat a bit behind me. You can always ask to go in the w/c entrance and up the ramp to view the ride vehicle to see if you think it will work, and then if it will be possible, they'll have you wait in that section until your turn. I hope it works!---Kathy

 

[Mary976]

I think for some rides, they ask if you can stand/walk because they need to know if you can get out of your chair or if they need to use the ride vehicle that can accommodate a wheelchair. For the rides without a wheelchair car, some are definitely easier than other. Just as a point of reference, my DD (teen) uses a manual chair and can transfer pretty easily, as her upper body strength is okay.

Also, are you interested in roller coasters? Some of those can be more complicated. One more note...sometimes you have to tell the CM that you need to wait for the special car.

MK

Haunted Mansion is fine...the "doom buggy" has a cut out side to slide over.

DD thought Snow White was tricky. Also, we tried Pirates but don't ride that anymore.

I think Big Thunder was fine. We don't ride Splash. Space Mountain is REALLY hard and complicated. DD is too old to even consider Dumbo, but for rides like that I think the Aladdin ride has a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Epcot: Spaceship Earth is okay (as described here).

Test Track was okay for DD but it's more than just a slide transfer.


DHS

Rock n Roller Coaster is a little tricky but it also has a sample car to look at.

Tower of Terror was okay for DD but it's NOT a slide transfer.

Star Tours has a seat with a cut out (or the old one did, at any rate).

AK

Everest has a special car for transfers. It's a fairly easy one.

The safari ride allows you to stay in your chair, but I will note that you have to keep an eye on where the CM hooks the tie downs to the wheelchair. They always seem to want to tie down DD's chair on the footrests rather than the frame, which isn't safe.

Hope you have a great trip!
Mary