Re: Re: Special Needs Assistance
Originally posted by edwardtc
I would hope that Disney would still accomodate their special needs guests. However, I think it would be wise of them to crack down on how they issue them, and also on who they let in the "wheelchair" line at attractions.
I have no problem with people with actual disabilities, or physical ailments going in the seperate line without waiting, but too often you see people who could easily walk otherwise, or maybe just get too tired, or have no needs whatsoever! I know - I can't assume that everyone who looks healthy can walk, but there are definately people who take advantage of the system.
Anyway, I'd much rather see children being let through in those lines, than teens or older people. If you get tired quickly, go in a time with milder weather, and go back to the hotel often. And as a courtesy to others, don't sneak in a party of 8 with the wheelchair!
No offense to anyone who has special needs, or has children with them - just to those who abuse the system (like the obese people who drive around the scooters in Wal-Mart - NOT a handicap!)
Let's hope that Disney starts preventing the cheaters, and leaving more opportunity for those who really need help.
Whilst I agree that there are cheaters who take advantage of wheelchairs, I’d like to discuss a few things from my experiences with my mother and her wheelchair.
There are no separate lines that bypass the whole queue. Most rides you wait in the same line as other guests. Some you peel off at the end to get to an easier loading bay. This sometimes takes longer than walking on.
Some queue examples - for The Haunted Mansion you do not get to go through the Stretch rooms, but enter though the exit. At Buzz Lightyear you wait through the whole queue then are passed through to the area that guests disembark, in order to board there. For the Animation tour you queue with everyone else and can end up being told there is no room for a wheelchair due to the limited capacity. Jungle Cruise will have you waiting until the adapted boat arrives (though it is a totally separate queue it does not move, you just mill about waiting.), The Safari has a separate bus that has to be waited for. You still have to wait in the same queue as other guests, and then peel off to the different loading bay at the end.
The only ride that springs to mind which lets a wheelchair user jump part of the line is Splash Mountain – once you reach the steps in the queue area you are diverted to a route that bypasses the stairs and tunnels.
In terms of mobility, my Mother is able to walk, but has a limited range on the flat courtesy of arthritis and a few other ailments that we do not need to go into. Stairs at any time are a source of discomfort. The distances involved in walking the Disney Parks – particularly the uneven ground at Animal Kingdom – are not something she could do. So, it’s not a case of getting tired quickly, but getting in pain quickly. So whilst she looks able bodied and can be seen to be when boarding a ride vehicle, she would not be able to enjoy Disney World without the wheelchair.
It’s not just walking that is problematic – just standing for any time brings on pain, so it is good that there are spots on the parade routes she can park the chair.
As far a sneaking a party of eight in with a wheelchair – this should not happen. Guidelines state a maximum of four. Though this does not always happen.
Much as I would like to see the cheaters caught, how would Disney do it?
The big advantage to me pushing the wheelchair around the parks is that it helps me work off all the grub I’ve been scoffing.
:animwink:
