WL boat to MK

[auntfrannie]

How difficult is it to get a wheelchair on the boat from the WL to the MK? My mother will be in a wheelchair and I'm driving to the other parks to avoid the buses but I think the boat to the MK will be ok (no special loading). Do people need to get out of the wheelchair and step down into the boat or can the wheelchair be rolled right onto the boat?

Also, can the wheelchair go on the boat that runs between WL and the Contemporary?

Thanks!

 

[SueM in MN]

I don't have time for a long answer, but I think you will find what you are looking for if you check the transportation information in the disABILITIES FAQs thread.

 

[cmesq61]

As Sue said, read the FAQs in the sticky about water levels, etc. I read all that info as I use an ECV and so I went prepared w/ the boat info. For us, my BF went ahead and asked about the ater levels, which were OK. I waited till the boat was completely unloaded and drove right on. Going b ack, for some reason the boat didn't rise enough when empty, so, I got out of hte ECV and stood with my cane while my DS lifted the front of the ECV up and over. That brought the boat level down a bit, I then got back in and drove onto the boat. Not sure if it's the same with a WC but if she can get out and stand even for a minute you may be OK. Also, again, not sure if it's the same for WCs but I could only sit in the tiny hallway fore of the wheelhouse so I had no view. I sent my kids to sit where they could enjoy the ride. My BF won't leave me alone--he's so wonderful--so he didn't get to enjoy the boat much. But at least no trouble getting on or off.

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

There are 2 types of boat that serve WL, 3 small launches(2 for the CR, WL, FW loop and 1 for MK) and 1 larger cruiser. The Cruiser is usually no problem for wheelchairs or ECV. The smaller launches do have a step down into the boat. A wheelchair that can be folded would be fine, but a ECV or powerchair would not fit on the small launches. When going to MK you may have to wait for the cruiser to cycle through but should be fine as long as you don't mind waiting. Driving to the MK from WL is not great since you would have to drive back around and out to the toll plaza to get to the parking lot, this is one case where the bus may really be the best option.

 

[auntfrannie]

Thanks for the info! Does anyone know how much of a step down it is for the boat that runs to the Contemporary? I didn't see anything in the FAQs regarding that. My mother could do a small step down/up but that's about it. Thanks!

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks for the info! Does anyone know how much of a step down it is for the boat that runs to the Contemporary? I didn't see anything in the FAQs regarding that. My mother could do a small step down/up but that's about it. Thanks!

here's a picture that might help.

I have not been on those boats for a while, but I think the step down is about 6 to 8 inches.
Because of changing water levels, the step may be bigger or smaller at times.

If you want to get from MK to the Contemporary, the easiest way is the walking path. As you go toward the bus area at MK, the walking path is to the left (use the monorail as a guide, the path is almost under it). It's about a 10 minute walk between Contemporary and MK.
To come back to MK, go out the front of the lobby and bear to the right to go toward the bus stop. You will see construction for the new DVC at Contemporary on your right. Follow the monorail track past the bus stop and you will see signs that say "Walking path to Magic Kingdom."
That would be a lot easier than trying to get on the boat with a wheelchair.