wheelchairs, rides, preshows

[slkant]

Before we leave on our trip in 10 days, I have a few more questions relating to rides, preshows and wheelchairs. So far I feel so much more knowledgeable because of the advice I've received here.

I use a Permobil wheelchair that is 52 inches long when I'm seated comfortably. I've composed a list of attractions that I think I should be able to ride using my wheelchair. Is there anything I missed or got wrong?

MGM - Great Movie Ride, Backlot Tour
Can I do any preshows?

Epcot - I don't think my chair will fit any of the rides. Am I probably right?
Can I do the Future World preshows? What can I do while my family is at Soarin'?

MK - Jungle Cruise, Pooh, Small World, WDW railroad
Can I do the riverboat? Can I do any preshows?

AK - Safari

For all parks, I have questions about the preshows. I think I recall reading that anyone can do the preshows? Is this right? If so, do all rides have exits to use if you don't ride the ride? How do I join back up with my family?

Any suggestions for what I can do if my family is doing something that I can't do? My thoughts are shows (if any nearby), shopping, or just waiting. I'm guessing those are all the choices, but I thought it didn'r hurt to ask.

 

[Forevryoung]

Someone else with experience will have a better answer but I will try:

You can do all the 3d shows- some of them like Philharmagic in MK are nice to do over and over to capture details.

What about at Epcot- Ellen's Energy Adventure (I dont know about size wise but it's an easy wheel right on ride) and Soarin is an easy transfer for a very gentle ride if you can manage

If you know you are going to have a lot of people watching time, what about investing in a nice digital camera? You can take pictures while you people watch... it's fun and relaxing and you never know what special moments you can capture.

I'll keep thinkin

 

[slkant]

Thanks. I think they changed the rules at Universe of Energy so that power wheelchairs are no longer allowed. Is that right or am I remembering this incorrectly?

 

[vonpluto]

Before we leave on our trip in 10 days, I have a few more questions relating to rides, preshows and wheelchairs. So far I feel so much more knowledgeable because of the advice I've received here.

I use a Permobil wheelchair that is 52 inches long when I'm seated comfortably. I've composed a list of attractions that I think I should be able to ride using my wheelchair. Is there anything I missed or got wrong?

MGM - Great Movie Ride, Backlot Tour
Can I do any preshows?

Epcot - I don't think my chair will fit any of the rides. Am I probably right?
Can I do the Future World preshows? What can I do while my family is at Soarin'?

MK - Jungle Cruise, Pooh, Small World, WDW railroad
Can I do the riverboat? Can I do any preshows?

AK - Safari

For all parks, I have questions about the preshows. I think I recall reading that anyone can do the preshows? Is this right? If so, do all rides have exits to use if you don't ride the ride? How do I join back up with my family?

Any suggestions for what I can do if my family is doing something that I can't do? My thoughts are shows (if any nearby), shopping, or just waiting. I'm guessing those are all the choices, but I thought it didn'r hurt to ask.

MGM
GMR should accommodate a 52" chair, the pre-show for GMR is a matter of luck and timing, if you enter the theater and the cars are loading you'll probably roll right thru if there are no WC's ahead of you.

EPCOT
I think you'll be okay on Imagination.
UE might be a little tight, but the pre-show is no problem.

MK
Jungle Cruise, Small World and the Riverboat should be okay. Best guess on the Railroad is yes, but tight.

HTH

 

[Chuck S]

IF the OP's chair will fit on Small World, it should also fit on the boat in the Mexico pavilion at EPCOT, the have a similar handicap/wheelchair boat.

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Thanks. I think they changed the rules at Universe of Energy so that power wheelchairs are no longer allowed. Is that right or am I remembering this incorrectly?

I went to Universe of Energy in September. I was in my powerchair, my wife on an ECV. I was told that I could ride, my wife could not.

According to the CM, earlier in the summer, some idiot ignored instructions from the CM and attempted to reverse off the ride car before the ramp was secured. His (or her) ECV tipped over and an immediate blanket ban on wheelchairs & ECV's was introduced. By September, they had relaxed the ban on power wheelchairs, but not ECVs.

It's a repeat of the scenario about two years ago when powerchairs & ECVs were forbidden to ride onto ramp buses forwards, and had to reverse on. - All because someone tipped over backwards going up a ramp. For the most part this has been relaxed and powerchairs can no load forwards onto ramp equipped buses.

Happy Christmas!!!


Andrew

 

[dclfun]

At AK you should be able to ride not only the safari vehicle but also the Wildlife Train ( Rafiki's Planet Watch), and you can also enjoy the Lion King, Flights of Wonder, ( the new Nemo show- don't know the correct name), Pocahontas show ( in same area as Lion King), and It's Tough to Be a Bug. You will also be able to enjoy the wildlife trails. The attractions which are not accessible without being able to transfer are Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids, Countdown to Extinction, and Primeval Whirl. All in all, there's alot to do at AK even without the ability to transfer from a w/c. ---Kathy

 

[slkant]

Thanks to everyone who has posted. I'm glad Imagination at Epcot will likely work, as we definitely plan to go. We may do UE, so I'm glad they have relaxed the ban on power wheelchairs.

How does it work if I do the preshow but not the ride? Is there a special "exit area" that will take me to where I can meet back up with my family again?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

All attractions have a "chicken exit" where you can go through the queue almost to the boarding area, and then go directly to the exit area.

 

[Andrew Bichard]

You should be OK at any of the theatre type shows as well. - Tikki Birds - Big Bear's Jamboree - Philharmagic (previously mentioned) Carrosel of Progress (if still open)- Honey I shrunk the audience - Behind the Seeds (both the boat ride and the walking (+ wheelchair) tour) Haunted mansion has one wheelchair car but it does involve a sliding transfer. (Ask the CMs there if you can see the car first before attempting a transfer). Lights, Action Moteurs has good wheelchair viewing as does Indianna Jones. Catastrophe Canyon has one car that can accomodate wheelchairs.

Expidition Everest has one 'handicap' car. You have to make a sliding transfer. Ask to see the practice car. I could have made the sliding transfer but I would have taken a long time doing it. The CM suggested I come back to ride the last train before closing, wen it wouldn't matter how long I took getting out. I never had time to come back - another time!!

You will also find that not all CMs know the difference betweeen powerchairs & ECVs. I have been turned away from the preshow/queue area at Tower of Terror because my 'ECV' wouldn't be able to get around the corners. (I can turn my powerchair in its own length!!!)

Andrew

 

[BillSears]

Expidition Everest has one 'handicap' car. You have to make a sliding transfer. Ask to see the practice car. I could have made the sliding transfer but I would have taken a long time doing it. The CM suggested I come back to ride the last train before closing, wen it wouldn't matter how long I took getting out. I never had time to come back - another time!!

Andrew sorry to hear you didn't get a chance to ride EE.

I did want to correct one thing. I believe EE actually has one specially designed car per train. That plus the ease of transfer makes it one of the most accessible roller coasters I've ever riden on. I actually go through the normal line then board the next train just like everyone else. I love it.

 

[SueM in MN]

The ADA guidelines for wheelchairs lists a "common wheelchair" as 48 inches long, so your wheelchair may or may not fit. Some ride cars can hold a little bigger chair, others can't.
This is the list of attractions where guests can stay in their wheelchair or ECV for the attraction from the WDW Guidebook for Guests with disABILITIES (there is a link to it in the disABILITIES FAQs thread). I bolded the things that are rides.
MK
Ariel's Grotto - character meet and greet
Castle Forecourt Stage (whatever the show is; you drive up an find a spot)
Country Bear Jamboree - audioanimatronic theater show
Donald's Boat - a kid's play area
Fairytale Garden
Frontierland® Shooting Arcade
Galaxy Palace Theater (seasonal)
Judge's Tent - character meet and greet
Jungle Cruise - there is a specific wheelchair boat which should have no problem accomidating a long wheelchair
Liberty Square Riverboat - this will not be a problem, you drive right on and the length of the wheelchair won't matter
Mickey's PhilharMagic - theater show; wheelchair length won't be a problem
Mickey's Country House - a 'house' you can drive thru
Minnie's Country House - a 'house' you can drive thru
Toontown Hall of Fame
"The Enchanted Tiki Room Under New Management" - an audioanimatronic theater show; length of the wheelchair won't be a problem
The Hall of Presidents - - an audioanimatronic theater show; length of the wheelchair won't be a problem
Tomorrowland Arcade - a game area; some of the games might not be reachable
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress (seasonal) - - an audioanimatronic theater show; length of the wheelchair won't be a problem
It's a Small World - a boat ride. There are specific wheelchair accessible boats. The length of the wheelchair should not be a problem if it can turn fairly sharply
Aladdin - a ride, some longer wheelchairs won't fit

Buzz Lightyear and Winnie the Pooh are both rides with wheelchair cars. Some longer wheelchairs may not fit. You could try asking the CM at the entrance whether a wheelchair 52 inches would fit.

Epcot®
Guests may enter and enjoy these attractions in a wheelchair or ECV:

Mexico: Art of Mexico Gallery - art display
Japan: Bijutsu-kan Gallery - display
Wonders of Life: Cranium Command (seasonal) - an audioanimatronic theater show; length of the wheelchair won't be a problem
Wonders of Life: "Goofy about Health" (seasonal) - live theater, length of wheelchair won't be a problem
Wonders of Life: "The Making of Me" (seasonal) - movie, length of wheelchair won't be a problem
China: "Dragon: Ruler of Wind and Waves" Gallery - art gallery
China: "Reflections of China" - a 360 movie (all around you), wheelchair not a problem. If you park near the back you will have the best view
Imagination: "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience" - 3D movie with wheelchair spots in the theater
Imagination: Journey Into Your Imagination with Figment - ride; some longer wheelchairs won't fit. If your wheelchair fits on Buzz Lightyear and Winnie the Pooh, it will probably fit
France: "Impressions de France" - a movie with wheelchair spots in the theater
Innoventions East & West - displays of new products
Canada: O Canada! - a 360 degree movie, wheelchair not a problem
Norway: Stave Church Gallery - a little hard to get into, but not bad
The American Adventure: The America Gardens Theatre - wheelchair not a problem; a choral group sings in the rotunda of the building
The American Adventure: The American Adventure - an audioanimatronic show with specific spots for wheelchairs
The Land: The Circle of Life - a movie with specific spots for wheelchairs
The Seas with Nemo & Friends: All Attractions - there is a new attraction there which is a ride with a wheelchair accessible ride car. It is similar to the car in Imagination
Morocco: "Treasure of Morocco" - a display
Universe of Energy: "Ellen's Energy Adventure" - some longer wheelchairs may not fit in the wheelchair space
Mexico: El Rio del Tiempo in Mexico - a boat ride. There are specific wheelchair accessible boats. The length of the wheelchair should not be a problem if it can turn fairly sharply
The Land: Living with the Land - a boat ride. There are specific wheelchair accessible boats. The length of the wheelchair should not be a problem if it can turn fairly sharply

Disney-MGM Studios
ABC Sound Studio - show with wheelchair spots
"Beauty and the Beast" at the Theater of the Stars - Broadway type theater show with spots for wheelchairs
Disney-MGM Studios Backlot Tour - a tram ride; wheelchair length should not be a problem if you can turn to get into the tram
Fantasmic! - a theater type evening show with specific wheelchair spots
"Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" Movie Set Adventure - a play area; some areas are too narrow for wheelchairs
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular - theater show with specific spots for wheelchairs
Muppet*Vision 3D - 3D show with specific wheelchair spots
Lights, Motors, Action!™ Extreme Stunt Show - outdoor theater show with specific spots for wheelchairs
Playhouse Disney - Live On Stage!
The American Film Institute Showcase - a display, wheelchair not a problem
Voyage of the Little Mermaid - a theater show, wheelchair length not a problem
Walt Disney: One Man's Dream - a display, wheelchair not a problem
The Great Movie Ride - some wheelchairs may be too long. One DIS poster with a longer wheelchair said she had to ride sideways. We have found this car to be kind of a tight fit for DD's wheelchair (about 48 inches long), but were able to turn it to ride facing forward.
The Magic of Disney Animation - portions are a movie and other portions are displays. One portion is an interactive part with desks for guests to draw at. The wheelchair length should not be a problem.

Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
Caravan Stage: "Flights of Wonder" - a live bird show, with wheelchair spots
Cretaceous Trail - accessible trail
Conservation Station - accessible displays
Discovery Island Trails -accessible trails
Grandmother Willow's Grove: "Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends" - a live animal show with wheelchair spots
It's Tough To Be A Bug - a 3D movie with wheelchair spots
Lion King Theater: "Festival of the Lion King" - a live show with wheelchair spots
Maharajah Jungle Trek - accessible trails
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail - accessible trails
The Boneyard - a play area
TriceraTop Spin - a ride. Some longer wheelchairs will not fit
Wildlife Express - train
Affection section in Rafiki's Planet Watch - a petting zoo area
Kilimanjaro Safaris - a tram ride, somewhat bumpy. If your wheelchair fits on the Backstage tour at the Studio, it will fit on this tram.
TriceraTop Spin - if the wheelchair fits on Aladdin, it should fit.

As was already mentioned, there is a 'chicken exit' for each of the rides you would not be able to ride without transferring, so you should be able to do a preshow and leave before proceeding to the ride.

Soaring is a really easy transfer if you are able to transfer at all. You could watch the movie 'preshow', which does show the ride cars, proceed with the rest of the guests into the show area and if you decide you can't transfer, you can just continue to the exit.

 

[slkant]

Thanks again to everyone, especially to Sue for the amazingly detailed list of everything, which goes beyond the information Disney provides.

If space is a bit tight, I can move in my footrests or adjust my tilt, but it's very helpful to know what things to look out for in advance.

 

[SueM in MN]

Also,
If you look at the park maps, there is an icon that lets you know how the attraction is accessible. A little wheelchair icon means it is totally accessible to wheelchairs and ECVs. An icon of a person getting out of the ECV and into a wheelchair means it is wheelchair accessible, but ECV users need to transfer to a wheelchair. An icon of a stick person standing by a wheelchair means you must transfer.

The icons are also posted on boards outside of each attraction.