How do you get in or out of WDW attraction vehicles if you have balance issues? Splash Mtn guests evacuated today...photos.

[RaySharpton]

How do you get in or out of WDW attraction vehicles if you have balance issues? Splash Mtn guests evacuated today...photos.

Especially when there are few areas to grab onto with your hands within reach.

Share your experiences.

I can't remember the last time I rode Magic Kingdom's Splash Mountain.

I do remember using the Splash Mountain queue line was easy using my mobility scooter. I don't think I've been there since I started using my wheelchair.

I do remember being apprehensive about the way I would enter and exit the log vehicle.

I was always self-conscious about taking too long and holding up the castmember or other guests.

There is a wooden post to hold onto with one hand when placing my first foot on the log vehicle seat.

I was always so careful because the fiberglass seat is slanted and usually wet.

Before I release my hand from the wooden post and I feel a little confident that my first foot is set on the seat, I reach for the front part of the ride.

It isn't easy because I can't bend my right knee and still hold my body up, so I have to bend at the waist which I am careful about because of balance issues.

Then I carefully turn around on the slanted bench. I use both hands to hold on to something. And lower my right leg before my left leg and sit down.

The do the reverse when exiting which always seems more difficult for me.

I wonder how I would get out if the attraction broke down like today.

It was hardly a Zip-a-dee-doo-dah morning in Frontierland today at the Magic Kingdom, as less than 30 minutes from park opening, Splash Mountain was down for the count.

By 9:30 however, logs began to pile up after the third drop before going through the finale scene.

A few minutes later, Cast Members were seen helping evacuate Guests from the attraction

While the rest of the attraction was fully evacuated, one log was stuck in the middle of the water near the front of the mountain, stranding the guests inside.

After 20 minutes, Cast Members returned with bottled water, we hope it won’t be too much longer for these stranded guests!

These guests were eventually evacuated as well. The attraction is currently listed as Temporarily Closed on My Disney Experience.

Splash Mountain has faced a difficult summer; from long lines, extended downtime, and even sinking ride vehicles. Hopefully, smoother days are ahead, as the attraction is experiencing increased attention and popularity due to the upcoming Princess and the Frog re-theme.

 

[MinnieMSue]

Wow. That’s crazy. At least it doesn’t look like the sun is blaring down on them at the time the photo was taken .
As to the balance issues getting on and off rides. I have noticed a lot more issues as I have gotten older and especially this last trip. I have to hold on to things getting on and off many rides - all the boats and the moving walkways are especially hard for me to maintain balance on. I oddly almost fell every time getting off skyliner for some reason and that should be easy. Doing a ride evac would be tough for me in that situation. Hopefully my daughter would be on the side to get off first (and since she always makes me sit on her right she like have been) and she could assist. I usually needed a steadying hand getting off jungle cruise but now since we are distancing the cast members can’t offer that. It is honestly a miracle I didn’t fall this last trip. Might have to go back to the walker or maybe a cane which would be easier

 

[geek+nerd]

I would imagine you would have to wait for the Fire Dept to come to be safely evacuated. I know that is what I would have to do. I don’t ride this any more for a few reasons: 1. I don’t mind getting wet, but when you get wet and you use a wheelchair, your bottom tends to stay wet (which is both gross and uncomfortable). 2. Getting in and out is tricky enough. Add in the wet surface from the ride, and it’s a recipe for an injury. 3. It breaks down too often.

 

[SarahM1987]

That happened to me on a coaster at Kings Island, and its definitely a tough situation to find yourself in. Thankfully it wasn't on one of the steeper sections and there was stairs next to the track. Everyone else was safely escorted off the ride by staff, and we felt that my husband and other members of our party could carry me down safely, but due to the liability issue for the park they used the fire department. As you can imagine, it was a pretty memorable experience though, and one I never wish to repeat. I've seen videos and news reports since then with people being rescued off coasters all over the country, even when some of the cars were upside down still, and it makes you think twice about riding some of taller and crazier rides if you have any kind of mobility issues.

 

[KPeveler]

My husband is paralyzed, so we wait for the fire department to evacuate us.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

How do you get in or out of WDW attraction vehicles if you have balance issues? Splash Mtn guests evacuated today...photos.

Especially when there are few areas to grab onto with your hands within reach.

Share your experiences.

I can't remember the last time I rode Magic Kingdom's Splash Mountain.

I do remember using the Splash Mountain queue line was easy using my mobility scooter. I don't think I've been there since I started using my wheelchair.

I do remember being apprehensive about the way I would enter and exit the log vehicle.

I was always self-conscious about taking too long and holding up the castmember or other guests.

There is a wooden post to hold onto with one hand when placing my first foot on the log vehicle seat.

I was always so careful because the fiberglass seat is slanted and usually wet.

Before I release my hand from the wooden post and I feel a little confident that my first foot is set on the seat, I reach for the front part of the ride.

It isn't easy because I can't bend my right knee and still hold my body up, so I have to bend at the waist which I am careful about because of balance issues.

Then I carefully turn around on the slanted bench. I use both hands to hold on to something. And lower my right leg before my left leg and sit down.

The do the reverse when exiting which always seems more difficult for me.

I wonder how I would get out if the attraction broke down like today.



View attachment 525764



View attachment 525766
View attachment 525773



View attachment 525767



View attachment 525770

I use a folding cane for balance getting out of boat or moving ramp rides normally so I would use that in this also. yes I have balance issues and my cane is the best thing I have found in recent years to help in and out of rides. this happened at a nonDisney park but I was asked about emergency exit and what I needed as this was a coaster I told worker if I had to evac I would need my cane. worker looked at me and responsed if that was all I would need she would see that it got to me. of course not needed. it was possible weather related stop

 

[Michigan]

Those that need assistance a castmember waits with until the fire department comes and helps with evacuation.

 

[Euby]

I've used a cane to get into and out of some of the boat rides. When I travel with family, there is usually someone that can assist with an extra hand or shoulder. When traveling solo, I'd had other guests offer assistance. However, that is not an option these days. So I just rely on the cane after parking my ECV.

 

[RaySharpton]

Thank you everyone for all of your replies.

I also try and use my folding cane to help me balance. I'm thinking about taking both folding canes now and maybe my walker.

I don't know how the walker might help me getting in and out of the right.

I'm lucky I can use my arms to help hold up my body. I just wish there were more grab bars or poles or objects to hold onto when I have my left leg off the ground.

I suppose I could try my forearm crutches, but I haven't used those in a long time.

As to the balance issues getting on and off rides. I have noticed a lot more issues as I have gotten older and especially this last trip. I have to hold on to things getting on and off many rides

Me, too. Unfortunately, I feel the same way at 70yo.

I would imagine you would have to wait for the Fire Dept to come to be safely evacuated.

1. I don’t mind getting wet, but when you get wet and you use a wheelchair, your bottom tends to stay wet (which is both gross and uncomfortable).

2. Getting in and out is tricky enough. Add in the wet surface from the ride, and it’s a recipe for an injury.

3. It breaks down too often.

I agree.

I was asked that once years ago when getting off fast track, which I haven't written since then, but I was finally able to find a way to position my left leg to lift my body on the bench until I was able to stand straight up on the bench wobbling the whole time. And using a wheelchair with a wet seat is frustrating to me.

That happened to me on a coaster at Kings Island, and its definitely a tough situation to find yourself in. Thankfully it wasn't on one of the steeper sections and there was stairs next to the track. Everyone else was safely escorted off the ride by staff, and we felt that my husband and other members of our party could carry me down safely, but due to the liability issue for the park they used the fire department. As you can imagine, it was a pretty memorable experience though, and one I never wish to repeat. I've seen videos and news reports since then with people being rescued off coasters all over the country, even when some of the cars were upside down still, and it makes you think twice about riding some of taller and crazier rides if you have any kind of mobility issues.

I agree. I may not have a choice if there is an attraction breakdown being solo.

My husband is paralyzed, so we wait for the fire department to evacuate us.

Did they carry you or use some type of device like a chair or stretcher?

It makes me think I shouldn't ride attractions anymore because I'm getting older.

I use a folding cane for balance getting out of boat or moving ramp rides normally so I would use that in this also. yes I have balance issues and my cane is the best thing I have found in recent years to help in and out of rides. this happened at a nonDisney park but I was asked about emergency exit and what I needed as this was a coaster I told worker if I had to evac I would need my cane. worker looked at me and responsed if that was all I would need she would see that it got to me. of course not needed. it was possible weather related stop

Me, too.

Those that need assistance a castmember waits with until the fire department comes and helps with evacuation.

That's nice for a castmember stay with a guest.

I've used a cane to get into and out of some of the boat rides. When I travel with family, there is usually someone that can assist with an extra hand or shoulder. When traveling solo, I'd had other guests offer assistance. However, that is not an option these days. So I just rely on the cane after parking my ECV.

I forgot about that.

Thank you everyone for your replies.

It is comforting to read other people's experiences.

I guess I will have to formulate a plan to enter and exit attraction rides.

 

[lovethattink]

Hey @RaySharpton! For getting into a jungle cruise boat, you can ask for a “rope boat”. They anchor the boat with ropes so it doesn’t rock getting in or out. Not sure what happens with a ride evacuation with those boats. But worked great when ds has balance issues!

 

[Lottelicious]

I thought about the exact same thing when I saw that article earlier.
Pre-MS (a few years ago), I went to DL and had to be evacuated from the inside of Splash and was fine.
Today??? Yeah, I’d have to wait for the fire dept and a crane to get my outta there lol
I have my walker on my ecv and that helps me. But I can’t walk far so I’d need to physically be carried, especially on uneven services, or a walker with a seat so I can take breaks.

As far as rides, it’s a trick and every time I’ve been, it’s trial and error and I end up loading backwards, so I can still hold on to the loading beams or my walker. Or play and find my niche. Getting out of Pirates and MMRR was very interesting for me!

 

[RaySharpton]

Hey @RaySharpton! For getting into a jungle cruise boat, you can ask for a “rope boat”. They anchor the boat with ropes so it doesn’t rock getting in or out. Not sure what happens with a ride evacuation with those boats. But worked great when ds has balance issues!

Thank you. that is good to know. Last time I was able to use the jungle cruise boat lift.

I thought about the exact same thing when I saw that article earlier.
Pre-MS (a few years ago), I went to DL and had to be evacuated from the inside of Splash and was fine.
Today??? Yeah, I’d have to wait for the fire dept and a crane to get my outta there lol
I have my walker on my ecv and that helps me. But I can’t walk far so I’d need to physically be carried, especially on uneven services, or a walker with a seat so I can take breaks.

As far as rides, it’s a trick and every time I’ve been, it’s trial and error and I end up loading backwards, so I can still hold on to the loading beams or my walker. Or play and find my niche. Getting out of Pirates and MMRR was very interesting for me!

I haven't thought of loading or entering an attraction vehicle backward before. I'll have to figure if I can do that safely.

Previously, I don't know if I was overly tired or exhausted or not feeling well.

Having to step across the platform and down into an attraction vehicle can be scary sometimes.

And then stepping down from an attraction vehicle to the floor can be scary sometimes.

And then reversing the process.

I guess I need to make a note to myself to always use my stronger left leg to support my body and to step in with my weak right leg/knee/ankle until my right foot feels securely flat before moving my left leg.

And when exiting to always use the left leg to step up to lift my body.

I usually just use my folding cane.

I was thinking about using my two forearm crutches instead.

But now I'm thinking I might use a folding walker with a seat. Maybe I could backup up easier with a walker and get closer to the attraction vehicle when stepping down or up.

 

[Tallis]

Unfortunately, there are some rides I just don't ride anymore for physical reasons. While I now could have evacuated this situation (thanks to my new knees in 2019,) I no longer ride Space Mountain. I took my farewell ride on it many years ago. I believe it was 2012. It's just so jarring, and my spine is already weak and deteriorated. I had a fear that it would permanently do damage. It stinks, but I have lots of memories of it.

Maybe it's time to retire from Splash Mountain? It has had so many problems in recent years. And as someone mentioned, it does always get uncomfortably wet. Yuk.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I have major balance issues and so far, at regular exits, there are bars to help me get out. But in the above situation, I'd have to wait for the fire dept also.

 

[MICKIMINI]

With chronic LD, some days are better than others. I find Small World one of the worst boats to get in and out of. I haven't done Splash Mountain for years. These rides were never designed for older or disabled people unfortunately. I think all Imagineers should spend a day at MK in an ECV thinking about boarding and exiting rides and might be able to make small changes to future rides that make a big difference for lots of guests. It would certainly give them a new perspective!

I equate it to having a walk in shower with grab bars which is no harder or more expensive to install than a smooth, slippery bath tub. If you have never had a walking or balance disability, you've probably never thought about it for a second and it's understandable. Just a thought...

 

[Lottelicious]

Something I also do is board sideways, so my balance is on one leg as well. Some rides, no choice like train rides.
But if I can’t grab onto something, I tried loading backwards so my weight is still facing forward and I’m holding onto my walker or grab bars.
But it’s trial and error (literally, scar on my right knee from falling on metal conveyor belt on Hagrid) for each of us.
I tried loading Na’Vi and just couldn’t, so much of it is all in my head and doubt

 

[RaySharpton]

Unfortunately, there are some rides I just don't ride anymore for physical reasons. While I now could have evacuated this situation (thanks to my new knees in 2019,) I no longer ride Space Mountain. I took my farewell ride on it many years ago. I believe it was 2012. It's just so jarring, and my spine is already weak and deteriorated. I had a fear that it would permanently do damage. It stinks, but I have lots of memories of it.

Maybe it's time to retire from Splash Mountain? It has had so many problems in recent years. And as someone mentioned, it does always get uncomfortably wet. Yuk.

I think you may be right about "it's time to retire from Splash Mountain."

I'll see how I feel this September.

For me, it's the fear of falling.

I have major balance issues and so far, at regular exits, there are bars to help me get out. But in the above situation, I'd have to wait for the fire dept also.

I feel the same way.

With chronic LD, some days are better than others. I find Small World one of the worst boats to get in and out of. I haven't done Splash Mountain for years. These rides were never designed for older or disabled people unfortunately. I think all Imagineers should spend a day at MK in an ECV thinking about boarding and exiting rides and might be able to make small changes to future rides that make a big difference for lots of guests. It would certainly give them a new perspective!

I equate it to having a walk in shower with grab bars which is no harder or more expensive to install than a smooth, slippery bath tub. If you have never had a walking or balance disability, you've probably never thought about it for a second and it's understandable. Just a thought...

I agree.

Something I also do is board sideways, so my balance is on one leg as well. Some rides, no choice like train rides.
But if I can’t grab onto something, I tried loading backwards so my weight is still facing forward and I’m holding onto my walker or grab bars.
But it’s trial and error (literally, scar on my right knee from falling on metal conveyor belt on Hagrid) for each of us.
I tried loading Na’Vi and just couldn’t, so much of it is all in my head and doubt

That is what I have to do now. And depending on which way the attraction vehicle is facing, I may have to turn around, too. I think a lot of it may be doubt or fear of falling in my mind.

 

[SummerRses]

I think all Imagineers should spend a day at MK in an ECV thinking about boarding and exiting rides and might be able to make small changes to future rides that make a big difference for lots of guests. It would certainly give them a new perspective!

I equate it to having a walk in shower with grab bars which is no harder or more expensive to install than a smooth, slippery bath tub. If you have never had a walking or balance disability, you've probably never thought about it for a second and it's understandable. Just a thought...

That is an interesting idea! And yes, it would give many of them a great perspective. I wonder if cast members are trained in this manner as well? It might be helpful for them to also spend a day in an ECV or wheelchair so as to better assist with guests.

 

[Lottelicious]

With chronic LD, some days are better than others. I find Small World one of the worst boats to get in and out of.

Have you ever ridden the magical, “wave” boat? The one where you use a wheelchair and off you go?
I’ve done it on Small World, 3 Caballeros, and Living in the Land.

But atleast some adjustments have been made. I learned of the special Alien Swirl vehicle that they can open more, with a small seat, so I can sit and do a 90° on my rear end to load.
Now, MMRR is a different story and extremely difficult to unload, and the CMs even acknowledged it! It’s a new ride! Why aren’t there special vehicles that can be open like Gringotts or Alien Swirl

 

[Groot]

The worst ride imo is Test Track. They have a tester car outside with instructions on how to board from a wheelchair/scooter, but NOTHING about how to get out. And no accessible car options.

Now, Rockin’ Roller coaster has a demo car, can’t remember if they had boarding instruction, but they DO HAVE an accessible car where the entire side flips up to make for easier boarding.