Wheelchair questions About This Page:

[twinsljo]

DH will be in a wheelchair for our upcoming trip. He will be able to transfer out of it to get on ride vehicles.

So my questions are (sorry for all of these and if they are dumb, but I'd like to know ahead of time and not look like a dummy when I'm there):

For any ride attractions: do we get into the regular line, or is there going to be a specific line/or entry we need to be looking out for? Do I need to seek out a CM? Do we need a fastpass for any fastpass attractions?

For "theater type" attractions (such as American Adventure, Hall of Presidents, etc.): same question goes..do we go in any special queue/entrance? and if so, will there be special places within the theaters for those in wheelchairs.

Lastly...I heard there are specific areas for fireworks viewing for wheelchairs and also for parades. I remember seeing one area for the parade in MK, which was on the inside/center of the hub. Can anyone confirm these locations for MK, Epcot and HS?

Many thanks.

[karen63]

I'm afraid I can't help with the other questions, but with regards to the one about theater attractions, they do have an area set aside in the back where there are open spaces inbetween seats as well as at the ends so that wheelchair guests can sit with their groups. (In other words, there would be an open space at the end of the row, then maybe 3 or 4 seats, then another open space, etc.) There has to be a separate entrance for American Adventure since normally you take the stairs or an elevator to get to the seating area, but off the top of my head, I don't think it's an issue with other theatre shows (except of course the outdoor ones.)

[Pris]

I'm not sure about all of the rides, but in many you just enter the same queue as everyone else. When and if you need to switch to another area a cast member will be there to guide you or signs will direct you. I have seen wheelchair areas for fireworks shows, but don't know where they are. If you don't see them, ask a cast member. They'll be glad to direct you. As mentioned the theaters have separate areas near the back of the theater. Enter the main doors and cast members will guide you.

[WDWJAMBA]

Hi Lynne!

I know at DL we stopped off at City Hall and received a brochure that explained all alternate entries for rides for wheelchairs and scooters. I don't have any experience at WDW, but I'm betting they have the same thing or something similar.

Usually the theater type attractions have limited space accommodations for wheelchairs and scooters. At DL we were offered the option of transferring into a theater seat or wait for the next show if it was full.

I'm sorry I can't help with the parade/fireworks viewing. I'm not sure about that. Hope I've helped at least a bit!

[AGentlRose]

At the entrance of each attraction, there is usually a CM, who will direct you to the appropriate entrance. I don't use a wheelchair, but do get a GAC at Guest Services because I have some mobility issues and I saw my GAC to the CM, who either directs me to the alternate entrance, or will say that I'll be able to use the regular line.

Guest Services also had park maps with the disabled entrance information. I know that in Epcot there is an area for wheelchairs for Illuminations. Not sure about parades and fireworks in the Magic Kingdom.

[mmsportsmom]

My mom has used an ECV. Like others said use the same entrance to the attractions and the CM's will direct you. With the parades we have never had to look for a CM, they have always spotted us and directed us to a spot. Fireworks at MK and Illuminations we just found our spot for those. Disney does make it easy!

[twinsljo]

Thanks everyone! It's easier knowing what to do ahead of time instead of roaming around not knowing where I'm going with DH in the wheelchair.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Hi There! The only thing I might add is that chapter five of the Open Mouse for WDW goes through each attraction and gives info about access.
The book also has photos of the different seating types.

I've heard from several people who have said it has been helpful for being prepared.

Hope you have fun!

[GoofyMom]

Yep, the CMs will definitely direct you to the appropriate area for ride queues. I didn't know there was a wheelchair specific area for viewing fireworks and parades though so I guess I'd better find my copy of Open Mouse and check that out! If you can find them, I'd recommend using them! We were lucky enough to find a place to park me so that I could see what was happening, but we had to stake out our place a lot earlier than we would have if I weren't in the chair. I was ok sitting in a wheelchair with the crowds in the parks normally, but at the end of parades and fireworks was pretty much terrifying!! The crowds pushing around you and suddenly darting in front of you while somebody is pushing you in the chair... Not to mention your face is butt-level with most people. We tried to pull over to the side, but people are in such a hurry to get ahead of the person in the wheelchair, that even that was difficult. If I could find a specific area to safely hang out while the crowds dissipate, I'd be so grateful!

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by GoofyMom

Yep, the CMs will definitely direct you to the appropriate area for ride queues. I didn't know there was a wheelchair specific area for viewing fireworks and parades though so I guess I'd better find my copy of Open Mouse and check that out! If you can find them, I'd recommend using them! We were lucky enough to find a place to park me so that I could see what was happening, but we had to stake out our place a lot earlier than we would have if I weren't in the chair. I was ok sitting in a wheelchair with the crowds in the parks normally, but at the end of parades and fireworks was pretty much terrifying!! The crowds pushing around you and suddenly darting in front of you while somebody is pushing you in the chair... Not to mention your face is butt-level with most people. We tried to pull over to the side, but people are in such a hurry to get ahead of the person in the wheelchair, that even that was difficult. If I could find a specific area to safely hang out while the crowds dissipate, I'd be so grateful!

I always wonder...just WHERE are all those people rushing to when the fireworks are done?

It isn't as if Disney only allows so many people on the buses, then whoever is left gets left for the night!

[Eeyore Tattoo]

There are set places for parades & if you are going to see Illuminations there are set places too along the lagoon, You will see those areas roped off. You can bring 3 people with you.. Fantasmic has a place for you too, the CM will take you there.
When in doubt just ask to be directed to the right place & Enjoy!!!!!!

[taylan1]

Passporter's Open Mouse book is a great help. You can also go to Disney's web site and I am not exactly sure where it is now but you can have them send you the brochures for guests with disabilities on each park. This will tell you what you will have to do for each attraction with a wheelchair. In some cases you will have to transfer, etc. Also you will need a GAC, in some parks it was required to use the alternate entrance or fastpass entrance when we were there in December. It did not matter that our DS was in his own personal wheelchair, they still wanted the GAC. In many cases, especially at Epcot, HS, and AK you will simply use the fastpass entrance. MK is the oldest park and most of the attractions have alternate entrances. If it is a busy time of year, you will still have to wait but it is much easier to move around in the alternate entrances and your wheelchair is right there when you get off the attraction. Have a great trip!

[SueM loves WDW]

Originally Posted by taylan1

Passporter's Open Mouse book is a great help. You can also go to Disney's web site and I am not exactly sure where it is now but you can have them send you the brochures for guests with disabilities on each park. This will tell you what you will have to do for each attraction with a wheelchair. In some cases you will have to transfer, etc.

You can find the text to the Guidebooks for Guests with Disabilities by clicking here to get to the WDW website:
Guests With Needs | Plain Text | Walt Disney World Resort

Also you will need a GAC, in some parks it was required to use the alternate entrance or fastpass entrance when we were there in December. It did not matter that our DS was in his own personal wheelchair, they still wanted the GAC. In many cases, especially at Epcot, HS, and AK you will simply use the fastpass entrance. MK is the oldest park and most of the attractions have alternate entrances. If it is a busy time of year, you will still have to wait but it is much easier to move around in the alternate entrances and your wheelchair is right there when you get off the attraction. Have a great trip!

You don't need a GAC to use the Fastpass line with a Fastpass or to use the designated wheelchair accessible entrance with a wheelchair. The designated entry is listed on the new WDW Guidemap for Guests with Disabilities that you can pick up at Guest Relations at any park. You would only need a GAC if you are not using the designated entry listed on the Guidemap.

AK and the Studio were built with Mainstream Access (which means that the regular line is wheelchair accessible) and the Guidemap lists everything at those parks as "Obtain a Fastpass or enter through the Stand-by queue" for attractions with Fastpass and "Enter through the Standard Queue" for almost everything without Fastpassses. Many attractions at Epcot and MK were not built originally with Mainstream Access, but did have it added if possible when new attractions were built or attractions were renovated. The attractions that don't have Mainstream Access do have a designated entry point listed in the Guidemap for Guests with Disabilities. Those can be used without a GAC.

[taylan1]

Originally Posted by SueM loves WDW

You don't need a GAC to use the Fastpass line with a Fastpass or to use the designated wheelchair accessible entrance with a wheelchair. The designated entry is listed on the new WDW Guidemap for Guests with Disabilities that you can pick up at Guest Relations at any park. You would only need a GAC if you are not using the designated entry listed on the Guidemap.

AK and the Studio were built with Mainstream Access (which means that the regular line is wheelchair accessible) and the Guidemap lists everything at those parks as "Obtain a Fastpass or enter through the Stand-by queue" for attractions with Fastpass and "Enter through the Standard Queue" for almost everything without Fastpassses. Many attractions at Epcot and MK were not built originally with Mainstream Access, but did have it added if possible when new attractions were built or attractions were renovated. The attractions that don't have Mainstream Access do have a designated entry point listed in the Guidemap for Guests with Disabilities. Those can be used without a GAC.

I am sure this is how it is supposed to be, however my son is in his own personal wheelchair and even though we got fastpasses for a ride in the MK they still asked for our GAC. I thought this was strange because we got fastpasses specifically because we were told we had to have them for this ride. Also, at Epcot we were told we had to have a GAC to use the entry for guests with disabilities by a CM. Now it was the Xmas holiday and it was very crowded. I just think it depends on the CM and the day. We just got the GAC and if they asked for it we showed it. I don't think all the CM's are on the same page so it is best just to get the GAC in case you need it. You just never know because the trip before our Xmas trip we did not need the GAC for any of the attractions at MK ( it was also before we knew anything about the GAC) and this past trip we did. Go figure! I just wanted the OP to be aware that they made need the GAC because they may need it or they may not. Better safe than having to trek all the way back to guest services to get one like we did in Epcot. It's a time saver.

[SueM loves WDW]

Originally Posted by taylan1

I am sure this is how it is supposed to be, however my son is in his own personal wheelchair and even though we got fastpasses for a ride in the MK they still asked for our GAC. I thought this was strange because we got fastpasses specifically because we were told we had to have them for this ride. Also, at Epcot we were told we had to have a GAC to use the entry for guests with disabilities by a CM. Now it was the Xmas holiday and it was very crowded. I just think it depends on the CM and the day. We just got the GAC and if they asked for it we showed it. I don't think all the CM's are on the same page so it is best just to get the GAC in case you need it. You just never know because the trip before our Xmas trip we did not need the GAC for any of the attractions at MK ( it was also before we knew anything about the GAC) and this past trip we did. Go figure! I just wanted the OP to be aware that they made need the GAC because they may need it or they may not. Better safe than having to trek all the way back to guest services to get one like we did in Epcot. It's a time saver.

We have been to WDW at Christmas and also a number of years at Spring break when it is busy.
Busy should not make a difference in the way they handle things, but may make the CMs not see things. For rides with Fastpass, the CMs sometimes don't look at or see the Fastpass and just assume you don't have one.
This is what I suggest - the best thing is to have the Guidemap that tells what the access point is. If the CM asks for a GAC, check the Guidemap to make sure you are in the correct entry place, then show them the Guidemap. That often solves the problem.
If they still have a problem, then ask for a supervisor/attraction lead. They will know what the correct access point is and will educate the CM who gave you a problem.
We have occasionally had a problem with a CM like that in the past. Getting a GAC when you don't need one just validates to the CM that they were right and you did need one (when you really didn't). They will continue to incorrectly ask all other guests with wheelchairs for a GAC until someone corrects them. Getting the supervisor involved assures that CM will know the correct procedure.
When this question has come up on discussion boards before, I did write to a CM I know who works in Guest Relations at Epcot and she verified that this is the way to handle it.