Last post Tue, Jul 29 2008 2:19 PM by scrappywheels. 17 replies.
Sooo, it's been about a decade since I've been to Disneyland. In fact, when I was there last California Adventure was still in construction, if that tells you anything. With the tax return money we got this year, we're taking Maddy and Isaac for the first time (and Daddy too, he's never been). When I was in high school was I able to take as many friends as I wanted to the front of the lines. Then the next time, I was only able to take an escort. Please tell they haven't morphed it into only myself now, and I have to wait for everyone to come through the line!
So what are the new guidelines for Disneyland ride taking? And I'm assuming since CA was made well after the ADA came into being that it is fairly accessible right? Any personal experiences advice for doing Disneyland in a chair would be helpful.
I went in October to Disneyland, and for 2 adults, and 2 kids the tickets alone were $300.00 nothing is cheap any more.
Scrappy,
Why can'tyou wait in line like everyone else?
Don't get me wrong, I take advantage of the "front of the line" rule too. But is it fair?
I've done Epcot in Orlando...It's very accessable. Not a Disney fan so I've avoided that park
Joe
Well, its sort of like asking "Well your car can park in a regular parking space so shouldn't you?" Since my state allows for handicapped parking with a plate or hanger and a larger parking space is more condusive to my chair, its pretty much why I prefer a handicapped spot over the regular one, although I could park in a regular spot if I had to. So it is with the lines at Disneyland.
When I was last there, the park allowed the disabled person plus an escort to get the front of the line. This rule mainly applied to the the older rides where even the line was not accessible. For some of the newer rides, like Indiana Jones, you had to stand in part of the line and then at a certain point you were escorted to the front because the rest of the line had stairs, etc. I've heard rumors of Fast Passes being extended to everyone at the park so I think "fair" is a moot point now-a-days anyway. I would love to have the old rules still in place because it would be very nice to not have to stand in line with hot and bored 3 and 1 year olds. I know your arguement could be "Everyone else would have to." But I say, "If I dont' have to, then I don't want to - dang it!"
scrappywheels: I would love to have the old rules still in place because it would be very nice to not have to stand in line with hot and bored 3 and 1 year olds. I know your arguement could be "Everyone else would have to." But I say, "If I dont' have to, then I don't want to - dang it!"
But is if fair?
Not counting the older rides with stairs... admit it, not having to wait in line is unfair to everyone else and we are getting un-nessessry treatment...
Like I said, I take advantage of it too. I always say, I didn't invent the rules, just playing the hand I was dealt.
I went in January with my family. When we were ther 2 years ago I wasn't injured so I didn't know much about the disability front of the line rule. But in January we went with my scooter and it was great, Me my wife and kids all got to bypass the lines. They never once asked me any questions they just showed us the way to the other line. Have fun, We went during the wetest January in 5 years so I hope that you have great weather will your there.
scrappywheels: Well, its sort of like asking "Well your car can park in a regular parking space so shouldn't you?" Since my state allows for handicapped parking with a plate or hanger and a larger parking space is more condusive to my chair, its pretty much why I prefer a handicapped spot over the regular one, although I could park in a regular spot if I had to. So it is with the lines at Disneyland. When I was last there, the park allowed the disabled person plus an escort to get the front of the line. This rule mainly applied to the the older rides where even the line was not accessible. For some of the newer rides, like Indiana Jones, you had to stand in part of the line and then at a certain point you were escorted to the front because the rest of the line had stairs, etc. I've heard rumors of Fast Passes being extended to everyone at the park so I think "fair" is a moot point now-a-days anyway. I would love to have the old rules still in place because it would be very nice to not have to stand in line with hot and bored 3 and 1 year olds. I know your arguement could be "Everyone else would have to." But I say, "If I dont' have to, then I don't want to - dang it!"
Go for it! I would. I'm jealous though. I want to go too. I was at DisneyWorld, but that was, ahem, 30 years ago. Have a good time. You'll have to give us an update when you get back. I like your countdown images, btw.
Becky
I'm no help either, last time I was there I was 18 and AB.... and that was 36 years ago. (Yes, they had DisneyLand back then.... my favorite ride was the Haunted Mansion. Loved it.)
As for TriDog's question "Is it fair" that PWDs and familiy go to the head of the line, well, you might ask that of life in general as well. Personally, I think the little amenities such as handicapped parking and going ahead of every one who's AB helps with the unfairness of what our bodies have done to us. And in some cases, what others had done to us to make us this way.
I also only use the handicapped parking because the slots are wider and meant for wrestling a chair out, or coming out of the side door of a van. Otherwise it isn't that hard for me to roll the extra yardage... on a sloop heading toward my destination, it can be quite fun!
Enjoy your vacation.
TriDog: scrappywheels: I would love to have the old rules still in place because it would be very nice to not have to stand in line with hot and bored 3 and 1 year olds. I know your arguement could be "Everyone else would have to." But I say, "If I dont' have to, then I don't want to - dang it!" But is if fair? Not counting the older rides with stairs... admit it, not having to wait in line is unfair to everyone else and we are getting un-nessessry treatment... Like I said, I take advantage of it too.
Like I said, I take advantage of it too.
I don't follow your point TriDog...You're saying that an accessibility allowance is unfair, calling someone out for stating they use this affordance, but then saying you do too? I think you seem to gloss over the thousands of other UNFAIR things that we face every day in this society by pointing out the very few accomodations meant to attempt to level the playing field...That doesn't mean I'm whining or "not playing the hand I was dealt"-it's just an observation of reality. Also--have you been to Disney in awhile? There are hardly ANY straight to the front of the line deals anymore...mostly thanks to the tons of AB people that have abused the privelege and rented a wheelchair for the day. There are also several rides that people in wheelchairs are NOT allowed on...meaning their wheelchairs cannot pass a certain point to even transfer to the ride. We pay the same admission price but don't have access to the whole park. Is that fair?
Disney sees the potential for unfairness and because of the architecture of some rides and the extra time taken to even seat us (compared to ABS that stroll through and jump on/off to be on to the next event WAY quicker than us)...they provide some changes in our waiting routes and times....I think that's far from unfair.
KaraSwims:I don't follow your point TriDog...You're saying that an accessibility allowance is unfair, calling someone out for stating they use this affordance, but then saying you do too?
Just making conversation/debate. Someone always has to be on the other side of the fence. Wouldn't life be a bit boring if we all always agreed with each other?
KaraSwims:I think you seem to gloss over the thousands of other UNFAIR things that we face every day in this society by pointing out the very few accomodations meant to attempt to level the playing field...That doesn't mean I'm whining or "not playing the hand I was dealt"-it's just an observation of reality.
I'm not glossing over anything. I understand how UNFAIR things are. But where does it say life is suppose to be fair?
KaraSwims:Also--have you been to Disney in awhile? There are hardly ANY straight to the front of the line deals anymore...mostly thanks to the tons of AB people that have abused the privelege and rented a wheelchair for the day. There are also several rides that people in wheelchairs are NOT allowed on...meaning their wheelchairs cannot pass a certain point to even transfer to the ride. We pay the same admission price but don't have access to the whole park. Is that fair?
Haven't been to Disney in about 15 years now, but what I do remember is that they really bent over backwards to ensure that I had and enjoyable time. It is unfair that some of he rides are not accessible. But I would imagine that it is either for reasons if age and it was thought if at the time ofr construction or for safety reasons.
KaraSwims:Disney sees the potential for unfairness and because of the architecture of some rides and the extra time taken to even seat us (compared to ABS that stroll through and jump on/off to be on to the next event WAY quicker than us)...they provide some changes in our waiting routes and times....I think that's far from unfair.
In reality I agree with you more than I disagree Kara. I'm just making converstion. There is nothing wrong with making people defend what they believe. As a matter of fact, I think it gives us all a better picture of the people that are posting here.
I have about a month before I will have the definitive answer to my question. Plus, I will also be able to report how Disneyland has changed from since I was last there to present. Its been so long since I've been there - they were just starting construction on California Adventure.
Oh, and TriDog, I'll defend. Kick you in the butt - I'll defend. Well, maybe not kick you. Maybe punch you in the arm, but as much long distance wheeling you do, I might hurt myself.
Whitney
I WAS THERE YEARS AGO AND MY WHOLE PARTY WENT UP FRONT WITH ME ! SORRY TO HEAR THEY CHANGED THAT ! I HATE BEING SPERATED FROM MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY .............. RAINEY XO
Check out the Disneyland web site http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/help/gsDetail?name=MobilityDisabilityGSDetailPage. I spoke to some Disney representatives at the Anaheim Abilities Expo a month or so ago and they have made lots of accessibility improvements. They had a boucher (Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities.) that outlined most of the accessible rides and listed the rules for lines, etc. You can download the guidebook as a PDF file. Disneyland now has a special advisory group with employees who have disabilities and they make recommendations on how to improve accessibility.
Have a GREAT Time!
