Disneyland's wheelchair-accessible "it's a small world" boat

Disneyland's wheelchair-accessible "it's a small world" boat returned to service in December, 2011. This video shows the load and unload procedure for the boat, so riders who use wheelchairs know what to expect when they visit this attraction.

"it's a small world" is one of the rides at Disneyland where riders can stay in their own (manual) wheelchair. The rider wheels up a ramp and onto a platform which replaces the back three rows of the boat. The platform rotates so the rider is facing forward, and then then lowers into the boat body. A wheel chock and the wheelchair's own wheel locks are used to keep the wheelchair from moving during the ride, and rails on either side of the platform offer a grab bar for stability.

After the ride, the process is reversed - the platform is raised and rotated to the side position, the wheel chocks are removed, the wheelchair brake is released, and the cast member helps the rider descend the ramp back to the loading area.

Most manual and electric wheelchairs can fit on the boat. Riders who use electric convenience vehicles or larger manual or electric chairs are required to transfer to a provided wheelchair at the attraction.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Disneyland
• it's
• small
• world
• wheelchair
• ADA
• accessibility
• It's A Small World
• Boat

[arcticfoxxoxo]

When I had a wheelchair at Disney, the whole process was very embarassing and awkward. I have achilleas tendonitis which is where I have to wear a big boot on my leg, if I walk with it on for more than a couple hours, my knee will start to hurt very badly. So everytime I go to Disney, we have to go through this process.

[MelissaRWhitfield]

The wheelchair boats at Disneyland seem to be far more difficult then the ones at Walt Disneyworld. There the boat's have a ramp that the chair would wheel down towards the front of the boat and would stick the wedge behind the back wheels. There are six individual seats for the Guest's family to ride with in the boat as well.

[crazee4mm]

@tinkerbell518 Thanks. I didn't know that. I have a friend who needs the wheelchair boats in order to ride. She was disappointed when we went in early December and the boats were not operating. Glad to see that they have returned, and thanks again for the update.

[tinkerbell518]

@crazee4mm Because there were safety measures added and when the paperwork was re-written California didnt like the wording and asked for it to be dry docked until they liked the wording.

[crazee4mm]

So why were the boats taken offline in the first place? Were any changes made to the boats?

[Animallover8601]

Aww thats soo cutee Their little santa Hat and snuggie :3

[MrDisneyfanman]

I have a electric scooter that I ride and have been on the small world ride.

It is so great the Disney has the ability to do this on some of there other rides too!

[chrissilvas2]

thats pretty cool.disney is getting better and better with there rides

[ImagineerThomas]

=]

[tamisweetie]

Great Video!!