What is a" transfer device" that is noted at some rides?

[jo-jo]

Even though our trip is on and off every 5 mins, I'm still looking at things to make it easier for DH. I saw this listed on some rides like splash mountain. I have no idea what it is or how it helps.

 

[livbeatles]

I assumed from the name that it was a slide board of sort, but I found this while looking around which gives some more detail/examples:

https://plandisney.disney.go.com/question/im-wheelchair-transfer-device-rides-348994/

 

[jo-jo]

thank you, reading the link, it looks like a different gizmo depending on the ride. There are rides that we like, but just can't handle getting in and out of cars/boats anymore. I guess something to ask about at each ride.

 

[SueM in MN]

What is available depends on the attraction.

For those that list ‘transfer access device’ it’s generally a bench-like device that can be attached or put next to the ride vehicle. It starts out at about chair height. For some, the guest can slide straight over to the ride seat. If the ride seat is lower or higher than the bench, the transfer device will have another level to get closer to the height of the seat. Many people call them ‘bump steps’ because you sit on the first level, then bump your butt up or down to the next level until you get to the ride seat.

Attractions that are listed as ‘transfer access vehicle‘ have a ride car that is modified with features that make it more accessible. The ride car may have a wider opening, the side may lift up or slide completely open or down to form a surface to transfer from a wheelchair seat/seated position into the ride car.

Some attractions have a wheelchair accessible ride vehicle; those have an attraction wheelchair guests can use if they don’t have a wheelchair and want to use the ride car.

This Link to the Disney website Disability page includes links to the WDW guide maps for guests with disabilities (you can also pick them up in the parks). They list the type of mobility access available for each attraction.

 

[mamabunny]

thank you, reading the link, it looks like a different gizmo depending on the ride. There are rides that we like, but just can't handle getting in and out of cars/boats anymore. I guess something to ask about at each ride.

What are his specific issues with getting in/out of ride vehicles?

For example, I no longer have the ability to step up or down to get into a boat ride; therefore, Pirates is out for me, and I have to use my personal device to ride Jungle Cruise. Rides like Swirling Saucers that I can pretty much walk into (or have very small steps) I can still do OK, with some support from a family member.

There are some devices that might be helpful; I fell down an Amazon rabbit hole today, and happened on some of them. In no particular order:

Liberty Lift - Allows one person to help another stand smoothly and safely for both parties. Might be tough to use in cramped situations.

Easy Up Standing Aide - more useful for at the hotel perhaps, this gives the user handles to use to stand from a sitting position.

Easy Riser Cane - this cane has a secondary, offset handle that is lower, to allow the user to have a grip point to aid in standing.

Rock Steady Cane - another type of cane (could easily be carried on a mobility device using these Crutcheze Cane Holder ties) to help with sit-to-stand issues.

Stander HandyBar - device to help user stand from seated position in a vehicle. Can be used in any car.

EZ-Step Stair Climbing Cane - A standard cane with a small "step" block attached that can help with stair climbing issues for some users.

I don't know if any of these things will prove to be helpful or useful at all - just a happy coincidence that I was doing a deep dive on Amazon today!

 

[jo-jo]

What are his specific issues with getting in/out of ride vehicles?

For example, I no longer have the ability to step up or down to get into a boat ride; therefore, Pirates is out for me, and I have to use my personal device to ride Jungle Cruise. Rides like Swirling Saucers that I can pretty much walk into (or have very small steps) I can still do OK, with some support from a family member.

There are some devices that might be helpful; I fell down an Amazon rabbit hole today, and happened on some of them. In no particular order:

Liberty Lift - Allows one person to help another stand smoothly and safely for both parties. Might be tough to use in cramped situations.

Easy Up Standing Aide - more useful for at the hotel perhaps, this gives the user handles to use to stand from a sitting position.

Easy Riser Cane - this cane has a secondary, offset handle that is lower, to allow the user to have a grip point to aid in standing.

Rock Steady Cane - another type of cane (could easily be carried on a mobility device using these Crutcheze Cane Holder ties) to help with sit-to-stand issues.

Stander HandyBar - device to help user stand from seated position in a vehicle. Can be used in any car.

EZ-Step Stair Climbing Cane - A standard cane with a small "step" block attached that can help with stair climbing issues for some users.

I don't know if any of these things will prove to be helpful or useful at all - just a happy coincidence that I was doing a deep dive on Amazon today!

Thank you, I looked at every link. Amazing stuff out there.

The boats where your butt is lower than your knees is too much of a bend. His knees are bone on bone. Getting out of our car takes a few mins, but he can twist so his feet on solid ground and then between car door and rollator , he gets up. Just standing straight on a ride with just the seat back to hold on, just isn't enough.

I think too, with the loading and unloading done in a blink of an eye, DH probably feels pressure trying to rush. Just like the feeling when you are entering a bus on a EVC for the first time, EVERY EYE IN DISNEY WORLD is watching you

 

[mamabunny]

Thank you, I looked at every link. Amazing stuff out there.

The boats where your butt is lower than your knees is too much of a bend. His knees are bone on bone. Getting out of our car takes a few mins, but he can twist so his feet on solid ground and then between car door and rollator , he gets up. Just standing straight on a ride with just the seat back to hold on, just isn't enough.

I think too, with the loading and unloading done in a blink of an eye, DH probably feels pressure trying to rush. Just like the feeling when you are entering a bus on a EVC for the first time, EVERY EYE IN DISNEY WORLD is watching you

Yeah, sounds like he's about where I am.

First of all - have you tried this: HealthSmart Swivel Seat Cushion - to help him get in/out of your car? We had one for my mom; it was a huge help.

Just remember that not every eye is on you when you load the bus... LOL that bus is a spectacle in and of itself. It pulls up, dumps out passengers from 2 doors, and then the driver closes all the doors, walks to the back, and the real show begins, right? He "kneels" the bus (with lots of beeping and sometimes wheezing and groaning on the part of the bus LOL) and then the back door springs open and a ramp barfs out that back door (with more beeping) and I promise you - most of the folks who appear to watching are far more fascinated by the mechanics of what the bus is doing than they are interested in who is going up (or down) the ramp.

Before I had to use a mobility device, I really didn't pay much attention to all of that. I realized later that typically I would be so distracted with other stuff (like keeping small humans in line) that I didn't really pay attention to what was happening.

Tell DH to *never* feel rushed about loading/unloading. I used to feel like I had hurry up and get myself situated so that I didn't "ruin" anyone else's vacation fun. But then someone pointed out to me that *I* have a right to ride every ride at WDW, and if it takes me an extra minute or two to safely get into/out of ride vehicle that's fine. Yes, CMs have to try and keep the rides and attractions moving, but I promise that it's OK if it takes more time.

Anyone riding around in/on a mobility device at WDW is a total non-event; there's so many folks using them now that there's really nothing "special" about it anymore. And anyone who does stare? As my mama would have said "They just weren't raised right!". And let's cut them a bit of slack; they may just be exhausted, and zoned out, staring without realizing it... We've all done it LOL

I've crossed all available fingers and toes that y'all will be able to make the trip!

 

[jo-jo]

Yeah, sounds like he's about where I am.

First of all - have you tried this: HealthSmart Swivel Seat Cushion - to help him get in/out of your car? We had one for my mom; it was a huge help.

Tell DH to *never* feel rushed about loading/unloading. I used to feel like I had hurry up and get myself situated so that I didn't "ruin" anyone else's vacation fun. But then someone pointed out to me that *I* have a right to ride every ride at WDW, and if it takes me an extra minute or two to safely get into/out of ride vehicle that's fine. Yes, CMs have to try and keep the rides and attractions moving, but I promise that it's OK if it takes more time.

Anyone riding around in/on a mobility device at WDW is a total non-event; there's so many folks using them now that there's really nothing "special" about it anymore. And anyone who does stare? As my mama would have said "They just weren't raised right!". And let's cut them a bit of slack; they may just be exhausted, and zoned out, staring without realizing it... We've all done it LOL

I've crossed all available fingers and toes that y'all will be able to make the trip!

My DH just said the other day, people will look at me and wonder why am I riding with you walking along. Our DD said, "yes, everyone will wonder why in the world would a 77 year old grandpa would need any help". He also fought the first time using a wheelchair. For several trips he would skip small world. We took a trip in 2019 with the grandkids, I said YOU ARE going on the wheelchair boat with the grandkids. DD was in the boat in front and got pictures. Afterward, he said I haven't enjoyed that ride in years, that was great.

 

[AprilsZoo]

if it takes me an extra minute or two to safely get into/out of ride vehicle that's fine. Yes, CMs have to try and keep the rides and attractions moving, but I promise that it's OK if it takes more time.

Not to mention that if you end up falling or injuring yourself in a rush to not be the one who holds up the ride … you will end up causing a significant inconvenience for you and everyone else. The 10, 20, 30, even 60 extra seconds it takes to load or unload safely is worth it… and the CM’s absolutely know & understand this. The last thing they want is to have to evacuate the ride while they wait on EMT response after you fall. Talk about holding things up.

I am totally gonna be asking about the transfer devices at rides like Pirates or Splash. They may or may not be something helpful to *me*, idk… but now that I know they exist I’m absolutely gonna at least inquire.

I recently learned about the “boxes” they can use to make extra steps to get in/out of the Jungle Cruise boats… I’ll be asking about those for sure— the giant step from the seat to the dock just about does me in every time. Thank goodness for my strong DH.

 

[SueM in MN]

Not to mention that if you end up falling or injuring yourself in a rush to not be the one who holds up the ride … you will end up causing a significant inconvenience for you and everyone else. The 10, 20, 30, even 60 extra seconds it takes to load or unload safely is worth it… and the CM’s absolutely know & understand this. The last thing they want is to have to evacuate the ride while they wait on EMT response after you fall. Talk about holding things up.

I am totally gonna be asking about the transfer devices at rides like Pirates or Splash. They may or may not be something helpful to *me*, idk… but now that I know they exist I’m absolutely gonna at least inquire.

I recently learned about the “boxes” they can use to make extra steps to get in/out of the Jungle Cruise boats… I’ll be asking about those for sure— the giant step from the seat to the dock just about does me in every time. Thank goodness for my strong DH.

The transfer devices are stored near/at the boarding area. It‘s easy for The CM to get it out for you to look at and decide whether or not it will be useful for you.
For those low rides like Pirates, remember gravity is your friend when getting in, but it your enemy when getting out. For most rides, getting in is going to be much easier than getting out.
If it’s not clear to you how the transfer device is used, ask the CM - I saw a video where a blogger had asked to see the transfer device so she could include it in her video. It was a ‘bump step’ guests are supposed to sit on to bump into the boat at Frozen at EPCOT. She said it was to step on and clime up like a ladder, which would be very dangerous to do.

I had never seen the ‘box’ in use at Jungle Cruise until a few days ago when I saw someone getting out who used it. The other guests got off the boat first, then the CM placed the box next to the boat and stabilized the box. The woman using the box stepped out, with the CM offering a hand for steadying and the woman’s companion inside the boat for additional steadying.
It was pretty quick and the other guests were already gone. The only reason I saw it was that my family was waiting at the unload point and we’re watching for the wheelchair accessible boat.

 

[mamabunny]

Not to mention that if you end up falling or injuring yourself in a rush to not be the one who holds up the ride … you will end up causing a significant inconvenience for you and everyone else. The 10, 20, 30, even 60 extra seconds it takes to load or unload safely is worth it… and the CM’s absolutely know & understand this. The last thing they want is to have to evacuate the ride while they wait on EMT response after you fall. Talk about holding things up.

I am totally gonna be asking about the transfer devices at rides like Pirates or Splash. They may or may not be something helpful to *me*, idk… but now that I know they exist I’m absolutely gonna at least inquire.

I recently learned about the “boxes” they can use to make extra steps to get in/out of the Jungle Cruise boats… I’ll be asking about those for sure— the giant step from the seat to the dock just about does me in every time. Thank goodness for my strong DH.

The transfer devices are stored near/at the boarding area. It‘s easy for The CM to get it out for you to look at and decide whether or not it will be useful for you.
For those low rides like Pirates, remember gravity is your friend when getting in, but it your enemy when getting out. For most rides, getting in is going to be much easier than getting out.
If it’s not clear to you how the transfer device is used, ask the CM - I saw a video where a blogger had asked to see the transfer device so she could include it in her video. It was a ‘bump step’ guests are supposed to sit on to bump into the boat at Frozen at EPCOT. She said it was to step on and clime up like a ladder, which would be very dangerous to do.

I had never seen the ‘box’ in use at Jungle Cruise until a few days ago when I saw someone getting out who used it. The other guests got off the boat first, then the CM placed the box next to the boat and stabilized the box. The woman using the box stepped out, with the CM offering a hand for steadying and the woman’s companion inside the boat for additional steadying.
It was pretty quick and the other guests were already gone. The only reason I saw it was that my family was waiting at the unload point and we’re watching for the wheelchair accessible boat.

I had zero idea that box device even existed at Jungle Cruise! Now I'm wondering what other devices there are that are not widely known about?

 

[bluecruiser]

I rode Jungle Cruise today at WDW and asked about the box device and the CM said they don't use such a device. I explained it as an extra step that would make the steps into the boat not so steep. Did I misunderstand what it is and how it works? Maybe I didn't explain it correctly? It's confusing to hear other people talk about it, yet every time I ask the CM's, they tell me it doesn't exist.

I used the boat with the lift instead, and it worked fine. But I'd like to be able to ride any Jungle Cruise boat and not have to wait for the boat with the lift.

 

[SueM in MN]

I rode Jungle Cruise today at WDW and asked about the box device and the CM said they don't use such a device. I explained it as an extra step that would make the steps into the boat not so steep. Did I misunderstand what it is and how it works? Maybe I didn't explain it correctly? It's confusing to hear other people talk about it, yet every time I ask the CM's, they tell me it doesn't exist.

I used the boat with the lift instead, and it worked fine. But I'd like to be able to ride any Jungle Cruise boat and not have to wait for the boat with the lift.

It was just a box, no steps. It’s possible many CMs don’t know about it or that it’s makeshift.
The map for Guests with Disabilities does NOT list any transfer assist device for Jungle Cruise. You were probably much safer using the lift boat.

 

[AprilsZoo]

I had zero idea that box device even existed at Jungle Cruise! Now I'm wondering what other devices there are that are not widely known about?

Yeah, I saw it at DL while DH & I were eating Dole Whip @ Tropical Hideaway and watching them load/unload the boats. I didn’t get to use it because I didn’t know to ask for it when we rode earlier.

I rode Jungle Cruise today at WDW and asked about the box device and the CM said they don't use such a device. I explained it as an extra step that would make the steps into the boat not so steep. Did I misunderstand what it is and how it works? Maybe I didn't explain it correctly? It's confusing to hear other people talk about it, yet every time I ask the CM's, they tell me it doesn't exist.

I used the boat with the lift instead, and it worked fine. But I'd like to be able to ride any Jungle Cruise boat and not have to wait for the boat with the lift.

I just plan to ask for the “little extra step”. It’s themed as a piece of cargo (@ least the one we saw looked like it was) or a box…. I think calling it a device could throw some CMs off. It’s really just a portable box-shaped step— that’s it.

 

[bluecruiser]

It was just a box, no steps. It’s possible many CMs don’t know about it or that it’s makeshift.
The map for Guests with Disabilities does NOT list any transfer assist device for Jungle Cruise. You were probably much safer using the lift boat.

Yeah, I saw it at DL while DH & I were eating Dole Whip @ Tropical Hideaway and watching them load/unload the boats. I didn’t get to use it because I didn’t know to ask for it when we rode earlier.

I just plan to ask for the “little extra step”. It’s themed as a piece of cargo (@ least the one we saw looked like it was) or a box…. I think calling it a device could throw some CMs off. It’s really just a portable box-shaped step— that’s it.

I didn't actually use the term "device" when I asked (I just used it here in the thread since that's how people referred to it).

Still - the lack of consistency/knowledge about it is certainly frustrating.

 

[SueM in MN]

Yeah, I saw it at DL while DH & I were eating Dole Whip @ Tropical Hideaway and watching them load/unload the boats. I didn’t get to use it because I didn’t know to ask for it when we rode earlier.


I just plan to ask for the “little extra step”. It’s themed as a piece of cargo (@ least the one we saw looked like it was) or a box…. I think calling it a device could throw some CMs off. It’s really just a portable box-shaped step— that’s it.

That’s what I saw at WDW. It was a small box, themed as a piece of cargo.
I just saw it quickly, so might not be the best description.
Looking at this picture from AllEars.net and the 2nd picture from touring plans.com , the top edge of boat is pretty narrow - the CM’s whole foot doesn’t fit on the step.
To get off of the boat, guests need to step up from the floor of the boat to the seat, then up again onto that narrow edge, then down onto the dock.




The ‘box’ I saw in use seemed to basically make a bigger surface to step onto compared to just the top edge.
It‘s possible the box is only useable at certain times, depending on how high the boat is compared to the dock. I only saw it used for unloading; it possibly is not used at all for loading. I didn’t see where they put it after it was used. It was just a simulated wood cargo box that would totally blend in with other things in the unload area.