wheelchair questions

[buzz2400]

I am reading all of the wheelchair info but have a few questions. I am planning on buying a wheelchair for my future trip because last trip I just couldn't walk anymore.

So to understand, all people in wheelchairs go in the regular lines to get on the rides?

Are there any rides where you have to park your wheelchair or go in another line other than the regular line? I would feel very guilty if I go in another line since my "disability" is really that I just can't walk anymore. I am specifically questioning splash mountain because there are stairs that you need to climb and i don't remember seeing a ramp there.

Has anyone had their wheelchairs stolen if they had parked them near the strollers?

 

[peemagg]

For most rides, you will be in the regular line. You keep your wheelchair with you right to the ride. No need to park it with strollers. For lines like Splash Mountain, you will use an alternative entrance. I know for Splash you will be in the regular line until a certain point and then you will be pulled into another line that takes you to the exit of the ride. Your wheelchair will stay right there by the unloading zone waiting for you to return.

The rides with alternative entrances are mostly at MK.

If you are in a regular line all the way to the start of the ride, your chair will be magically taken to the exit of the ride.

 

[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.