Hi-
I have found the Theme Park Accessibility sites very useful in trip planning, but there is one issue not often addressed, due to it's very sensitive nature. It's a pretty safe bet that she won't see this, so I'm going to ask for help and information and opinions on taking a relative to Disneyland who is very overweight. She's pretty active, and occasionally uses a wheeled walker for support, but I need to know what attractions, rides, or show seats to steer clear of to avoid humiliating Mom. I've read that one of the theaters in DCA is accessed by stairs to the entrance on the third floor?? Is there a handicapped elevator, or should we just not go there, if it's going to be difficult to get in and out? I have heard of lots of height restrictions, but what if we stand in line only to discover we have to either leave Mom waiting for us, or all of us decide not to ride in that case, in front of everyone? She's not freakishly large, but heavy enough that it's a concern. I realize this isn't exactly a disability, as she has some control over this. But we want everyone to be able to have a good time, without fear of embarrassment or her feeling left out.
I expect we'll spend more time at Disneyland than DCA. I have been on many, but not all the rides, so I know about some, but would appreciate info on any particularly troublsome spots. Like maybe rides with safety bars or belts, (what are the cars like on Space Mountain? Star Tours? Autopia? Indy?) or ones with stairs or ramps to climb to get on the ride. Maybe info about rides that may be hard to get onto? Have there been any recent additions of safety restraints that change accessibility to ride vehicles for larger riders? I guess it would be interesting to know the same for extremely tall guests. Not an issue in our family, but perhaps someone may want to know about that sort of thing in planning their trip.
Mom loves the commercials with California Screamin, and wants to give it a try when we go. What do you think, will it work?
I've avoided asking on newsgroups, I don't want to set anyone up for ridicule, which often happens with this subject matter. I am asking for your kind and helpful input. Yes, she is trying to watch her diet and she's walking daily to build up endurance--she's afraid she'll slow us all down and ruin the trip. I'd like to be able to reassure her, and plan accordingly, avoiding places that may not be be the best to go, and focus instead on what she CAN do and enjoy.
Thanks so much for your accessibility information, and I hope you can help us!
), the harnesses would fit fine, but would sit a little too high for the belts to latch. As you say, this is an unpleasant experience for the rider!
At my last trip last year, at about 460lb, again there wasn't too much of a problem, the main problem being my extra wide wheelchair. I rode on Splash Mountain, Indiana Jones, Roger Rabbit and all the similar dark rides, Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, Star Tours, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean. In fact you name it and I pretty much tried it. So good luck and you and your Mum have fun.
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