Will Disney help the way Universal did?

I would be prepared for PP's experience more than OP's. I think OP's experience is the only positive one I've really ever seen. Definitely the only one I've seen to rate Universal's handling of disabilities higher than Disney's.
You have heard it form me that I tend to find Universal and Sea World both much more accommodating for guests with disabilities. The systems aren't all that different in theory, but in practice they really do a lot better job.
 
Actually, it isn't presumptuous, if the queue was designed in a way that would not accommodate an ECV, then reason would dictate that someone should be available to push the wheelchair through the queue for guests who cannot do so on their own. The goes double if it is only because of a new policy, such as the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. Again, we usually get they can't push for legal reasons, but I am not so sure this would hold up in court as other theme parks and zoos do provide such accommodations. Sorry, but a poorly designed queue is not my responsibility, my responsibility is to obtain the best type of assistance for me and that may be an ECV, which means that the queues need to be designed to reasonably accommodate an ECV or have an alternative entrance that can do so. Which is why I usually take issue with them saying they can't push for legal reasons, as I said, I hear that being said a lot, but it doesn't make it necessarily true.

No theme park/zoo is required to be your personal health care aid. You know that some of the rides require you to transfer to a wheelchair because of their design. If you are not capable of transferring yourself or wheel yourself in a chair then you need to bring someone with you that can assist you. They provide the wheelchair for your use but nowhere does it say they have to help you in and out and push you in it. Heck, the law does not even say that they have to provide wheelchairs, just that they are accessible by wheelchair. Plus any ride older then 2002 that has not been "altered" is exempt until they update it.
 
No theme park/zoo is required to be your personal health care aid. You know that some of the rides require you to transfer to a wheelchair because of their design. If you are not capable of transferring yourself or wheel yourself in a chair then you need to bring someone with you that can assist you. They provide the wheelchair for your use but nowhere does it say they have to help you in and out and push you in it. Heck, the law does not even say that they have to provide wheelchairs, just that they are accessible by wheelchair. Plus any ride older then 2002 that has not been "altered" is exempt until they update it.
The queues actually would have to be designed to be accessible via ECVs, not just wheelchairs unless being accessible by an ECV would fundamentally alter the nature of the experience, as this would provide equal access for those in wheelchairs as well as those in ECVs.

ADA also has required equal access since far before 2002, but even if you take that year, every single attraction has been altered in some shape or form since then, even if it is relatively minor scene changes, it would count as being altered technically.
 
The queues actually would have to be designed to be accessible via ECVs, not just wheelchairs unless being accessible by an ECV would fundamentally alter the nature of the experience, as this would provide equal access for those in wheelchairs as well as those in ECVs.

ADA also has required equal access since far before 2002, but even if you take that year, every single attraction has been altered in some shape or form since then, even if it is relatively minor scene changes, it would count as being altered technically.

I am sure if they were required to make every queue ECV accessible and they were not then the ADA would be all over them. The must have shown either that it was not possible or that particular ride has not had enough of an update. WDW is not an insignificant place that something like this would be overlooked. I am sure there have even been people try to sue them about it knowing today's society. Either way, if a person is unable to go through without aid, then they need to bring their own and not expect a theme park to push you around. It stinks that there are a couple rides where it is like this but the reality is not everyone can do everything. And you sure as heck can't expect a theme park to push you around in a wheelchair.
 
ADA also has required equal access since far before 2002, but even if you take that year, every single attraction has been altered in some shape or form since then, even if it is relatively minor scene changes, it would count as being altered technically.
No. There has to be substantial renovation done to require alteration.
 
The queues actually would have to be designed to be accessible via ECVs, not just wheelchairs unless being accessible by an ECV would fundamentally alter the nature of the experience, as this would provide equal access for those in wheelchairs as well as those in ECVs.

ADA also has required equal access since far before 2002, but even if you take that year, every single attraction has been altered in some shape or form since then, even if it is relatively minor scene changes, it would count as being altered technically.

There are guidelines with measurements for accessible vehicles in the ADA - no way some of the larger ECVs fit in the accessibility guidelines, so not all ECVs will fit in a completely ADA acceptable queue.
 
There are guidelines with measurements for accessible vehicles in the ADA - no way some of the larger ECVs fit in the accessibility guidelines, so not all ECVs will fit in a completely ADA acceptable queue.

TL/DR version: queues must be accessible by manual devices, but do not necessarily need to accommodate ECVs .

Actual language:


§ 35.137 Mobility devices.
  • (a) Use of wheelchairs and manually-powered mobility aids. A public entity shall permit individuals with mobility disabilities to use wheelchairs and manually-powered mobility aids, such as walkers, crutches, canes, braces, or other similar devices designed for use by individuals with mobility disabilities in any areas open to pedestrian use.
  • (b)
    • (1) Use of other power-driven mobility devices. A public entity shall make reasonable modifications in its policies, practices, or procedures to permit the use of other power-driven mobility devices by individuals with mobility disabilities, unless the public entity can demonstrate that the class of other power-driven mobility devices cannot be operated in accordance with legitimate safety requirements that the public entity has adopted pursuant to § 35.130(h).
    • (2) Assessment factors. In determining whether a particular other power-driven mobility device can be allowed in a specific facility as a reasonable modification under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, a public entity shall consider—
      • (i) The type, size, weight, dimensions, and speed of the device;
      • (ii) The facility's volume of pedestrian traffic (which may vary at different times of the day, week, month, or year);
      • (iii) The facility's design and operational characteristics (e.g., whether its service, program, or activity is conducted indoors, its square footage, the density and placement of stationary devices, and the availability of storage for the device, if requested by the user);
      • (iv) Whether legitimate safety requirements can be established to permit the safe operation of the other power-driven mobility device in the specific facility; and
      • (v) Whether the use of the other power-driven mobility device creates a substantial risk of serious harm to the immediate environment or natural or cultural resources, or poses a conflict with Federal land management laws and regulations.
 


Are the Disney provided chairs at the rides that require a transfer from an ECV wheelchairs or transport chairs? I could wheel myself thru a line in a wheelchair. A transport chair obviously cannot be self propelled.

They’re regular manual wheelchairs with large (24 inch) rear wheels. They’re the standard Invacare-type with non removable arms, so if the only chair that you can push is the armless type (like me), it’s better to bring someone who can push you. Also, if you push yourself, I’d recommend getting pushing gloves like this:

71AF1300-9259-4220-8FA9-939864C02765.jpeg
 
You have heard it form me that I tend to find Universal and Sea World both much more accommodating for guests with disabilities. The systems aren't all that different in theory, but in practice they really do a lot better job.

My dd18 uses a wheelchair at the parks. We've not done Universal but we have been to Sea World and ime, Disney does a similar/same job at accommodating her than Sea World. I've found nothing that Sea World does to be out of the norm in the least. I'm no Disney apologist and would be the first to say if Sea World did a better job.
 
Pirates if I recall we had to take my daughter in an elevator. A tiny elevator. Theres no way an evc could have fit . But she stays in her chair because shes totally WC bound due to cp and a regular. Stand chair would be too dangerous for her. It doesnt bother me a single bit to take the same queue as everyone else. I think once they see my daughter they understand, ok shes good let her go. Without her wheel chair if you just saw her sitting o. A ride next to my husband or I no one would be the wiser. Until its time to disembark, especially Pirates. When total strangers realize she cant walk and we need help lifting the 5 foot tall teenager from the ride they run to see if they can help. But believe me , we never expect it. The staff at Disney has always been truly helpful and kind too. They are trained to work with these kids and adults and it shows.
 
In my experience there are usually alternatives at many attractions to having to transfer to a wheelchair for the queue. Here are my PERSONAL experiences, your millage may vary, but this is what I know are options:
  • Star Tours - I don't believe there is an option for this attraction, but I could be wrong as I tend to only ride this one at Disneyland where I know there is no option.
  • Toy Story Midway Mania - Can take the ECV up to the load platform as far as I am aware, but must transfer to a regular chair before boarding or ride in a regular vehicle.
  • Rock n Roller Coaster - Explain to them that neither of you can push a wheelchair through the queue, they should then send you to the exit. This unfortunately means you miss the excellent queue, but you can at least ride the attraction. CMs don't tend to mind this one too much in my experience.
  • Tower of Terror - Likewise there is an alternative entrance that can be used, the CMs don't like using it, but it is there. They will send you through the exit and give some directions, just follow what they say to do, as someone will need to alert them that you are coming that way since they tend not to staff that entrance.
  • Haunted Mansion - Again, you will have to push them a bit on it as their "standard" procedure is to have you transfer, but simply explain why that won't work, there is an alternative.
  • Train at Magic Kingdom - You cannot take the scooter on with you, but you can ride the train round trip and leave the scooters at the station you board at, just ask when you get to the top of the ramp.
  • Aladdin's Magic Carpets - You can take the ECV up to the ride, but must transfer.
  • Pirates - They do have a way to handle ECVs, but they REALLY do not like to use it, you will have to be EXTREMELY persistent.
  • Buzz - You can take the ECV in with you, but when you exit it will be moved a fair distance away unless you let the CM know that this won't work when you are boarding.
  • Splash Mountain - You may take the ECV up to load.
  • Carousel - You can take the ECV up to load, but must transfer
  • Small World - You can take the ECV up to load, but must transfer
  • Peter Pan - You must be able to walk the length of the FP queue, there are no other options here.
  • Little Mermaid - Can take ECV to load, but must transfer to regular wheelchair or vehicle.
  • Winnie the Pooh - Can take ECV to load, but must transfer to regular wheelchair or vehicle.
  • Enchanted Tales with Belle - Must transfer to wheelchair, although I have seen ECVs allowed, but never for our party.
  • Kilimanjaro Safari - Can take ECV to load platform, but must transfer to regular wheelchair or vehicle for the ride
  • Dinosaur - Can take ECV to load, but must transfer to ride vehicle.
  • Spaceship Earth - You will enter in the exit and if it is busy they will come up with a viable solution for you.
  • Mission Space - Can take the ECV in to load, but must transfer and may need to navigate two or three seats.
  • Test Track - Can take ECV up to load, but must transfer.
  • The Seas with Nemo and Friends - They will direct you where to go, usually off to the side, but there is an entrance for those who cannot push a wheelchair through the queue. You cannot remain in the ECV on the attraction though, you will need to transfer to either a manual chair or ride vehicle.
  • Living with the Land - You can take the ECV to the load area, but must transfer to either a standard chair or ride vehicle.
  • Gran Fiesta Tour - There is an option for those in ECVs, but like small world and other boat rides you need to either transfer to a standard wheelchair or vehicle for the ride.
Note: These are all based on my own personal experiences and at some locations you need to be a bit more aggressive than others, but most should be doable. In all cases explain that while there are indeed two of you, neither of you is capable of pushing a wheelchair through the queue.

Pirates: So POSSIBLY a person on a mobility scooter could ride Pirates by themselves?

Peter Pan: How long is the FP queue? Could my Mom use her walker?

Thanks for your great tips!
 

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