Wheelchairs & lines for rides

[caldad]

Our DS will be in a wheelchair for our trip to DL next week. Does anyone know how the lines for rides work with wheelchair access? We've never done this before so I'm not sure if we have to wait in a separate line. If we have to use a separate line can the whole family use the same line? [we will have 10 people in our group]

Thanks in advance!

 

[sonnyjane]

Typically when a guest is in a wheelchair, the policy is to allow up to 6 to wait in line (so the guest in the wheelchair plus 5 others). There are obviously some cast members that can be lenient on this policy, but just know that 10 is quite a large group and they may inform you that not all can wait together.

For some rides, guests in wheelchairs will be asked to go in through the exit to avoid stairs or tight spaces, whereas other rides are designed to allow the guests in a wheelchair to go through the regular line. There is a cast member posted at the front of most rides that you can ask if you're unsure.

Here is a link to the rides that require you to transfer vs. those where you can remain in the wheelchair: http://disneyland.disney.go.com/plan/guest-services/mobility-disabilities/

If you click on each individual ride, it will tell you where wheelchairs enter the queue. For example, if you click on Indiana Jones and scroll down, you'll find: "Wheelchair Access: Enter through the exit. Proceed to the rotunda and contact a Cast Member for instructions. Guests will transfer from ECV to wheelchair before entering the attraction elevator. To enter ride vehicle, step up onto vehicle platform and navigate around the arm rest." and for Peter Pan you'll find: "Wheelchair Access: Enter through the exit on the left of the attraction and contact a Cast Member for boarding instructions. Please park Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) outside of the attraction."

Hope this helps!

 

[trinaunz]

you should note that it can (sometimes) take a long time to get through the lines in a wheelchair. most of the time it's actually a convenience to the family and it's quicker, and i think that's the assumption folks make when they see a party approach through the back of an attraction. but...it can actually take longer depending on the attraction and how busy the park is. for example, my family tried to take a wheelchair into pirates. during the 30 minutes we waited at the back entrance, only a few groups moved forward...we were at least 15 parties deep in the line, with 20 more waiting behind us. if you find that the line is long, ask someone working it to estimate the timeframe or help you in some other way.

best of luck during your visit!

 

[caldad]

Thanks for the link sonnyjane! This really helps.

 

[caldad]

Thanks trinaunz! Great tip about asking for the wait time and thanks for the warning about Pirates.

 

[jdb in AZ]

you should note that it can (sometimes) take a long time to get through the lines in a wheelchair. most of the time it's actually a convenience to the family and it's quicker, and i think that's the assumption folks make when they see a party approach through the back of an attraction. but...it can actually take longer depending on the attraction and how busy the park is. for example, my family tried to take a wheelchair into pirates. during the 30 minutes we waited at the back entrance, only a few groups moved forward...we were at least 15 parties deep in the line, with 20 more waiting behind us. if you find that the line is long, ask someone working it to estimate the timeframe or help you in some other way.

best of luck during your visit!

Yuck. DH and I both use scooters, but travel during off-season and usually get onto Pirates very quickly. We've had slow waits at Thunder Mtn, but most of the other rides aren't bad.

Since OP is going next week, here's hoping for short lines! If you're there on a weekend and want to see WOC and/or Fantasmic! look for the handicap areas for that, so your DS can sit in his wheelchair the whole time.

 

[makthompson]

we were there with a large group before and they only let a few of us in and the rest had to go through the normal line. we didnt ever have to wait a long time. but it took a long time for the others to get through who didnt have a wheelchair. It might actually be beneficial to split up the group and go seperate ways or get fast pass for the group not with the wheelchair.

 

[llump41]

Although my GAC would allow me to use the back entrance to POTC, I don't. The wait is by far greater there than the regular line is. But the queue is not wheelchair accessible so you may be stuck.
Still get a FP for Star tours. You wait will be zero but you will be required to ride in the front row.