Stairs warning!

[palmtreelover08]

As a WDW vet and newbie to DL, I knew there where stairs But wow!! DD has knee issues and sometimes wears a brace.- usually if we take a break in he afternoon and have it lifted with ice- she can then go back in the afternoon. Anyway-the amount of stairs is crazy! It isn’t like there are just two/three steps- there are lots of steps- which people may not be aware of. If you have knee issues and are fine at WDW, do your research before heading to DL. We did find one trick- (besides asking for assistance when it was really necessary). At least this is how it worked for us. We went up the left side of the steps- so we loaded on the far side. This made us exit on the opposite side, so no stairs to exit. If you have knee issues- please take my advice- research what rides have stairs- because it is more than just a couple of steps to hobble up. . Thanks for everyone who helped me before the trip. It was fantastic!

 

[HydroGuy]

What are you talking about? What stairs? I can't think of any mandatory stairs at DL or DCA.

 

[Disney_Alli]

I think she’s referring to rides like Indy and the Incredicoaster...

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I think she’s referring to rides like Indy and the Incredicoaster...

Both those rides have elevators for those who cannot climb stairs, so just asking the CMs at the entrance beforehand could prevent any problems from arising.

DLR won't force any guests to use stairs -- just asking for help ahead of time is an easy way to avoid problems.

Glad the OP had a great trip!

 

[Geemo]

I think she’s referring to rides like Indy and the Incredicoaster...

Both of those rides have an elevator for people unable to use stairs.
All you have to do is ask.

For Space Mountain to avoid the exit stairs you have to load into the set of cars that slides out on to the track.

 

[Disney_Alli]

I know they’re not mandatory I didn’t use that word. I’m not sure why the OP didn’t ask about other options but it is a good reminder for those who might not have been to DL before as WDW doesn’t have nearly as many rides with stairs in the line.

Toy Story also has stairs that can be avoided by speaking with a CM.

 

[bumbershoot]

What are you talking about? What stairs? I can't think of any mandatory stairs at DL or DCA.

As you and I know, if you have problems with stairs you have to tell the first CM you come to when entering a line, and they'll tell you what to do. For those last two you have to do it first so you can be let out of the ride at the right spot.

If you haven't done that because you didn't KNOW to do that, those stairs would feel mandatory.




Indy, former Screamin', Toy Story are the first that come to mind. RSR, too. The latter two are when you're leaving the ride.

Now I'm going through a list of attractions and thinking of their lines.

Jungle Cruise can have stairs when the line is long enough. Autopia. Big Thunder. Nemo. Grizzly. Former-TOT, right? Peter Pan to get to the loading area. I'm sure there's an easy entrance to notice, but my son always climbs the stairs for the SS Swings. Doesn't Tiki have stairs up and down to get in then out?

Wow.

 

[bumbershoot]

For Space Mountain to avoid the exit stairs you have to load into the set of cars that slides out on to the track.

Ah, forgot about those.

 

[dina444444]

Both of those rides have an elevator for people unable to use stairs.
All you have to do is ask.

For Space Mountain to avoid the exit stairs you have to load into the set of cars that slides out on to the track.

You also have to use the handicap car for tsm and racers to avoid the stairs.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I know they’re not mandatory I didn’t use that word. I’m not sure why the OP didn’t ask about other options but it is a good reminder for those who might not have been to DL before as WDW doesn’t have nearly as many rides with stairs in the line...

Didn't mean to imply that you were saying that stairs were mandatory on certain rides, but trying to clarify the OP's post in case anyone totally new to DLR got the impression that difficulty with stairs might be a deal breaker ("do your research...") on a trip to DLR. As has been repeated in almost all the previous posts, all anyone has to do to avoid problems with stairs in ride lines is to ask CMs for help.

 

[lunasea]

There are stairless options on all rides. I was still disabled from military service upon first coming to CA and getting a DL AP. Used all the disabled entrances and paths. No stairs at all.

Luckily I am finally graduated from even my cane after years of PT and determination but had almost four years of experience with everything DL disability.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

...Luckily I am finally graduated from even my cane after years of PT and determination but had almost four years of experience with everything DL disability.

Congratulations! Any tips you can share for other guests who need to avoid stairs at the parks? Any stairs outside of ride lines that can catch people off guard (e.g. restaurants, shops, restrooms, etc.)?

 

[Malcon10t]

Indy, former Screamin', Toy Story are the first that come to mind. RSR, too. The latter two are when you're leaving the ride.

Now I'm going through a list of attractions and thinking of their lines.

Jungle Cruise can have stairs when the line is long enough. Autopia. Big Thunder. Nemo. Grizzly. Former-TOT, right? Peter Pan to get to the loading area. I'm sure there's an easy entrance to notice, but my son always climbs the stairs for the SS Swings. Doesn't Tiki have stairs up and down to get in then out?

Wow.

All have alternate routes, but you do need to tell the CM at the entrance you need an alternate way. Tiki and SS Swings have elevators.

 

[lunasea]

Congratulations! Any tips you can share for other guests who need to avoid stairs at the parks? Any stairs outside of ride lines that can catch people off guard (e.g. restaurants, shops, restrooms, etc.)?

Let me get back to you on that so I can think it through, I can also include rides that are harder to get on and off as well as ramps. Ramps and inclines can suck more than stairs sometimes. Is there a post already about that here or in the DAS forum?

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Let me get back to you on that so I can think it through, I can also include rides that are harder to get on and off as well as ramps. Ramps and inclines can suck more than stairs sometimes. Is there a post already about that here or in the DAS forum?

There may be something already in the Disabilities forum, but not everyone who comes here knows about looking there. So it might help to put some information here, too. Thanks for your help!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Can someone start a new thread naming the attractions with stairs and the alternate ways to get on them? DL Railroad is another one, right? Don't get on Main Street station, but get on at the other ones. This is a great topic, and I don't think we've ever addressed it before.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Will do and I'll start it off with some of the posted information here.

 

[lunasea]

Can someone start a new thread naming the attractions with stairs and the alternate ways to get on them? DL Railroad is another one, right? Don't get on Main Street station, but get on at the other ones. This is a great topic, and I don't think we've ever addressed it before.

I will start contributing on Tuesday with rides, and will probably be going to the park this weekend to make a list of the non attractions that might give people issues. It became second nature to me so I have forgotten specifics.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I will start contributing on Tuesday with rides, and will probably be going to the park this weekend to make a list of the non attractions that might give people issues. It became second nature to me so I have forgotten specifics.

Here is the link to the new thread: DLR Attractions With Stairs & Alternate Boarding/Exiting.

 

[NannyBeBe]

On some rides, there is also the issue of getting on and off the ride. For example, on RSR I have to slide slowly down into the seat, and then have to really push myself to lift myself up out of the ride. I have no major physical issues, just getting older and not so strong as I used to be.