Wheelchair on boat from WL

[mathdisney]

I am planning a trip for my mother who will be using a wheelchair. Her chair is small and folds easily. Will we be able to ride the boat from WL to MK? I am trying to decide on a resort. Thanks for your help.

 

[iheartglaciers]

I saw people using the boat with a wheelchair when I was there last month. Loved WL, have a great time!

 

[mathdisney]

Thank you!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Not all the boats from WL to MK take a wheelchair. I learnt the hard way! But the non accesible boats may take a folddown one mine is a powerchair.

 

[SueM in MN]

Wilderness lodge has 2 different types of boats that alternate.
One type is a smaller boat, which is not ECV accessible. Guests using wheelchairs are able to use that boat if their wheelchair can be folded and carried onto the boat and the guest is able to step down to get onto the boat and up to get off. This is a picture of the small boat.


The other boat is much larger and is wheelchair and ECV accessible. The CM will put a small ramp down for the guest to roll right on or off. VERY occasionally, the water level will make the ramp too steep to use. The boat captain has some ways to deal with that. Other passengers may be asked to move to the side of the boat closer or farther away from the dock to make the boat float higher or lower compared to the dock. The wheelchair/ECV might be loaded first if the boat needs to be lighter so it floats higher; they may also be loaded last so the weight of the other passengers sinks the boat into the water.
If it's not possible to use the boat at all, there will be buses for transport. This is a picture of the larger boat.

 

[mathdisney]

This is most helpful. Thanks so much!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Probably more info than you need, but . . .


BAY LAKE & SEVEN SEAS LAGOON RESORT BOATS to/from WL-FW-CR-MK: (effective July-2015)

Wilderness Lodge, Magic Kingdom: (RED FLAG)
One MOTOR LAUNCH runs each from 30-min prior to MK opening until 1-1/2-hrs after MK closing. These boats run only between the MK and WL. (Estimated boat "steaming-time", after cast-off = 12-min)

Fort Wilderness, Magic Kingdom: (GREEN FLAG)
One MOTOR CRUISER and one MOTOR LAUNCH runs each from 30-min prior to MK opening until 1-1/2-hrs after MK closing.These boats run only between the MK and FW.(Estimated boat steaming-time", after cast-off =15-min)

Fort Wilderness, Wilderness Lodge, Contemporary: (BLUE FLAG)
Two MOTOR LAUNCH run at 0645-hrs to 2330-hrs daily. Both run clockwise (FW>WL>CR>FW) until about 1500-hrs, then reverse direction (CR>WL>FW>CR) at 1500-hrs. (Estimated boat steaming-time", after cast-off = 15-min each stop)

FW-WL-CR, Polynesian, Grand Floridian: (GOLD FLAG)
If you want to go to the GF/Poly from the WL, CR or FW by boat, you will have to go to the MK and then get the Gold flag MOTOR LAUNCH. In addition, there is no boat that goes directly from the CR to the MK, GF or Poly. Additional boats may be added to the Gold, Green, Red and Blue routes during periods of exceptionally high demand, like at heavy MK closings, to alleviate guest lines at the docks. runs each from 30-min prior to MK opening until 1-1/2-hrs after MK closing. (Estimated boat "steaming-time", after cast-off = 10-min)

Wheelchair and ECV "411":
Rental Boats:
The rental boats at various marinas include pontoons, individual watercraft, and sailboats. Only the pontoons have ready access for chairs and ECV's without collapsing or man-handling.

Resort MOTOR LAUNCHES and CRUISERS:
For MOTOR LAUNCHES, strollers must be folded prior to boarding and ECVs cannot be accommodated on MOTOR LAUNCHES under any circumstances.

MOTOR CRUISERS do accommodate ECV's unless the lake water level is too low. Additionally, all MOTOR LAUNCHES require guests to step down into the boat.

 

[mathdisney]

Thanks!

 

[Gilrond]

So, the best way to get an ECV from MK to WL is? I'm guessing a bus. (I have ressies for Artist's Point in March and will be coming from MK so I need to know.) My last WL stay was in my pre ECV days.

BTW, Rusty, I love your posts because your put things in a nice clear easy to follow style.

 

[dismom57]

I have seen the ferry from MK to FW make a stop at WL for ECV guests, but you would have to ask and allow enough time for a no answer. A scenic alternate would be to take the green ferry to FW and catch the yellow bus to WL at the Settlement (right at boat launch area). There is Trail's end bar, horse barns, etc. It is a very quick ride to WL.

 

[Starwind]

So, the best way to get an ECV from MK to WL is? I'm guessing a bus. (I have ressies for Artist's Point in March and will be coming from MK so I need to know.) My last WL stay was in my pre ECV days.

BTW, Rusty, I love your posts because your put things in a nice clear easy to follow style.

Bus. The bus ride itself is about 5 minutes (well, it seemed that short anyway). Not as scenic as the boat, unfortunately.

SW