Haunted Mansion change alt cue line

[A Mickeyfan]

A cane would probably help so they can ‘see' you.

Another hint that might help would be to say that you need to board at the unload area, which is where guests with wheelchairs and mobility devices are sent for loading.
The path from the stretching room to the waiting area for that loading area is just as dark as walking in the regular way to the regular boarding area. This may be one reason that CMs are just not getting why you are saying the way they are sending you is not appropriate/safe.

Because the guests with wheelchairs are going a way that is considered backstage, there is a CM accompanying them out of the stretching room, into a holding area and then into the boarding area. They are very careful about that because they don’t want anyone wandering into the unload area without a CM.

People without wheelchairs do board at the unload area for a number of reasons - sometimes it is because the person is not steady to walk on the moving walkway and need to board in a place where it can be slowed or stopped.

I have tried to no avail telling them that I need to load there, that is where the problem comes in, they tell me no. They say it is for "wheelchair only" now. As far as the path from the stretching room to the waiting area for the CM the wheelchairs take, I don't go that way, they do allow me to skip the stretching room.. that is what blows my mind. They have me leave after the holding room (even that room is very hard for me, totally dark in there and mass crowds, no lines, just crowd & nothing to hold onto when walking in the dark, I try to feel the wall as I walk feeling for the door).I walk out the CM exit and down their hall, I come outside to the back entrance, walk back into the bldg and into where the CM's meet the wheelchairs so I avoid the dark path. They have me do this alone.. Then the CM there wants me to ENTER back on the regular cue there, in that dark area going the opposite direction of the wheelchairs.. wheelchairs continue outside, I would be going inside to the area where everyone exits the stretching room... and I refuse to do that. I cannot see at all over there and won't do it. It is not a matter of wandering without a CM. I am able to remain at the rope and join the wheelchair party's and follow the CM to the unloading dock, but they are telling me I cannot, I must enter the regular loading dock.. unless they get approval from a manager for me to go with them. That was told to me the last time I went.. the manager told me, each time I go, they will have to call for a manager to come over to the attraction, and question me to approve it that is not accommodating me, but interrogating me. Why can't they just have one CM question me? Why does there even need to be questioning once I explain.. see what I am saying.. It isn't a matter of me telling them, I do. It is a matter of them still saying no. and having to go thru several CM's.. first the ones at the front of the attraction, then the one at the door, then the one where the wheelchairs go.. then they have to get a manager.. is that something I am supposed to accept with a smile.. all while still having to enter a totally dark room period no matter what.. (the holding room)...??????

 

[peemagg]

Actually the problem is CM's questioning GAC's that they have no right to be questioning. If a person goes to guest services and they were given a GAC, then the CM's at the attractions should not be questioning the GAC, but doing what they can to accommodate whatever it is that is on the GAC.

 

[SueM in MN]

I have tried to no avail telling them that I need to load there, that is where the problem comes in, they tell me no. They say it is for "wheelchair only" now. As far as the path from the stretching room to the waiting area for the CM the wheelchairs take, I don't go that way, they do allow me to skip the stretching room.. that is what blows my mind. They have me leave after the holding room (even that room is very hard for me, totally dark in there and mass crowds, no lines, just crowd & nothing to hold onto when walking in the dark, I try to feel the wall as I walk feeling for the door).I walk out the CM exit and down their hall, I come outside to the back entrance, walk back into the bldg and into where the CM's meet the wheelchairs so I avoid the dark path. They have me do this alone.. Then the CM there wants me to ENTER back on the regular cue there, in that dark area going the opposite direction of the wheelchairs.. wheelchairs continue outside, I would be going inside to the area where everyone exits the stretching room... and I refuse to do that. I cannot see at all over there and won't do it. It is not a matter of wandering without a CM. I am able to remain at the rope and join the wheelchair party's and follow the CM to the unloading dock, but they are telling me I cannot, I must enter the regular loading dock.. unless they get approval from a manager for me to go with them. That was told to me the last time I went.. the manager told me, each time I go, they will have to call for a manager to come over to the attraction, and question me to approve it that is not accommodating me, but interrogating me. Why can't they just have one CM question me? Why does there even need to be questioning once I explain.. see what I am saying.. It isn't a matter of me telling them, I do. It is a matter of them still saying no. and having to go thru several CM's.. first the ones at the front of the attraction, then the one at the door, then the one where the wheelchairs go.. then they have to get a manager.. is that something I am supposed to accept with a smile.. all while still having to enter a totally dark room period no matter what.. (the holding room)...??????

I misunderstood what you wanted to do then.

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

Actually the problem is CM's questioning GAC's that they have no right to be questioning. If a person goes to guest services and they were given a GAC, then the CM's at the attractions should not be questioning the GAC, but doing what they can to accommodate whatever it is that is on the GAC.

From what the OP is saying it doesn't seam like they are questioning her use of the GAC, but what help she actually needs as the GAC doesn't seam to be 100% clear on this.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Maybe this is one of those cases where depending on the crowds/staffing the GAC is handled differently? Not that it was correct, OP should have been accomedated when the CM was told "this accomedation is not suitable to my needs".

 

[Michigan]

Went yesterday and CM's are just plain rude! Went to get in the very long ride CM said if you have a card go to the exit. So off to the exit we go and out comes another CM that yells we don't do it that way anymore you have to go thru the line. I told him the CM up front sent us back so he let us in the regular line near the cemetery. Go in tell CM we don't want to do the stretching room so she says go thru the door done the hall out the door and someone will be there to escort my girls chairs. We waited and waited and waited and waited so I see other wheelchairs come out where they do after going thru the stretching room so we wheel down there and get yelled at and told to go back where we came from where we waited again. We finally got moved when the group that went into the stretching room after us did and the reason I know that was because we were the last one in before they shut the door and there was a wheelchair after us that didn't make it when we did.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I misunderstood what you wanted to do then.

no problem...

 

[A Mickeyfan]

From what the OP is saying it doesn't seam like they are questioning her use of the GAC, but what help she actually needs as the GAC doesn't seam to be 100% clear on this.

but even after explaining it to them, it wasn't done.. so it wasn't a matter of the GAC being clear.. it does have "low vision" written on it too.. it was the CM and how they responded to me

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I do have to say I went over this past weekend and it was a different experience. I showed it at the front door of the holding area, of which I still have to go thru there. I waited by the exit door to go down the hall way. No CM's were there to walk me down this trip. I went in and out the hall and around to where the stretching room exits and the wheelchair guests come out to head to the unloading dock. I met with a CM there and showed her my card. She asked me if I could enter into the regular cue line at that point, I told her no, my vision wasn't good in the dark and she said "no problem, follow me" and took me right to the unloading dock. She made sure I was able to see going onto the moving walkway too this CM was super... I guess my email to them did help....

Prior to my trip I did get a phone call from Disney and spoke to someone about my problem (due to my email) and they explained to me that the majority of the disabilities are those in wheelchairs and there were many complaints that they were unable to go thru the stretching room. This was the main reason for the change in cue. When this was done, they didn't take into consideration that the "other" disabilities may not be able to go thru there. They are seeing this now as I was not the only one who has emailed them on this subject. They are learning that they need to adjust their change to where all can access the attraction without any problems. There was a team meeting held and all cast members were told that not only wheelchairs can go thru the unloading dock. Now to see how many CM's do remember this is another story. It is going to take time for all to remember...and when they don't, they can call their manager on me, because I sure am not going thru the regular cue, even if it takes me 3 times as long waiting... it isn't the "wait" it is a matter of safety for me

I also wonder if the attraction itself plays a part in how the CM's respond to the guest.. after all they aren't very friendly over there.. they don't really smile as the other CM's do I wonder if some get into their role a bit tooooo much...

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Went yesterday and CM's are just plain rude! Went to get in the very long ride CM said if you have a card go to the exit. So off to the exit we go and out comes another CM that yells we don't do it that way anymore you have to go thru the line. I told him the CM up front sent us back so he let us in the regular line near the cemetery. Go in tell CM we don't want to do the stretching room so she says go thru the door done the hall out the door and someone will be there to escort my girls chairs. We waited and waited and waited and waited so I see other wheelchairs come out where they do after going thru the stretching room so we wheel down there and get yelled at and told to go back where we came from where we waited again. We finally got moved when the group that went into the stretching room after us did and the reason I know that was because we were the last one in before they shut the door and there was a wheelchair after us that didn't make it when we did.

There was a sign there this past weekend.. at least when I was there.. was it there when you went.. it was at the old entrance saying something to the effect, all guest enter at cue line or something.. when it is very crowded, they do allow wheelchairs to enter over by the hearst, you would still end up on the cue line just not winding in and out of the line, it is a straight ahead from there.. I cannot do that, I am not wheelchair.. only wheelchairs do that...it does cut off the in and out winding for the chairs

 

[SueM in MN]

thanks for the update.

 

[disney david]

I do have to say I went over this past weekend and it was a different experience. I showed it at the front door of the holding area, of which I still have to go thru there. I waited by the exit door to go down the hall way. No CM's were there to walk me down this trip. I went in and out the hall and around to where the stretching room exits and the wheelchair guests come out to head to the unloading dock. I met with a CM there and showed her my card. She asked me if I could enter into the regular cue line at that point, I told her no, my vision wasn't good in the dark and she said "no problem, follow me" and took me right to the unloading dock. She made sure I was able to see going onto the moving walkway too this CM was super... I guess my email to them did help....

Prior to my trip I did get a phone call from Disney and spoke to someone about my problem (due to my email) and they explained to me that the majority of the disabilities are those in wheelchairs and there were many complaints that they were unable to go thru the stretching room. This was the main reason for the change in cue. When this was done, they didn't take into consideration that the "other" disabilities may not be able to go thru there. They are seeing this now as I was not the only one who has emailed them on this subject. They are learning that they need to adjust their change to where all can access the attraction without any problems. There was a team meeting held and all cast members were told that not only wheelchairs can go thru the unloading dock. Now to see how many CM's do remember this is another story. It is going to take time for all to remember...and when they don't, they can call their manager on me, because I sure am not going thru the regular cue, even if it takes me 3 times as long waiting... it isn't the "wait" it is a matter of safety for me

I also wonder if the attraction itself plays a part in how the CM's respond to the guest.. after all they aren't very friendly over there.. they don't really smile as the other CM's do I wonder if some get into their role a bit tooooo much...

I am glad it got better and they making an effort to help more I guess even though you went through this at least they are taking it seriously. They called you and are trying to make it better so let hope it will not be a problem in the future.

 

[Michigan]

Yesterday we had the best haunted mansion experience since they changed the wheelchair entry in Nov. Granted there was no line to get inside because it was freezing but for the first time someone came over right away when we came out of the doors you go out of when you skip the stretching room. The cm Laura B was fantastic and said she thinks they finally know what they are doing. I told her I would be sure to let guest relations know what a great job she did and I did. The cm at guest relations was really happy that someone was saying something nice and not complaining. I guess I always figure if nobody is hurt there is nothing to complain about at guest relations.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks for the update. Glad it went well.

 

[I Love Pluto]

Glad to hear this!!!

 

[bidnow5]

Thank you for the update so glad it went well

 

[Emagine]

Remember that thread? For some reason I can not find it in the search option. But I thought I would share what happened to us.

First day in MK, GAC for two boys with Autism and other needs. First CM directs us to a rope entrance about halfway down, no prob. We get in line, told to stay to the right and keep walking. Got to another CM, told them no stretch room, even the sight of it but we would happily wait a little if needed. She walked us down, talked to another CM, we were removed through a side door to the exit where you used to stand. From there we were taken in through the exit.

End of the week back at MK. Went to ride. Showed the CM our GAC and expressed our concerns. Same spill, go to rope in the middle, enter there. Only this time we got crammed in the stretching room trying to get to the exit. The crowd was not willing so it was not the greatest. All we heard was doors will be closing by some CM spooky in character voice. Whew, we made it in time while my son was beginning to show signs of a melt. Somehow he loves the ride, the moving walls - no!

We went through the exit marked door where another CM was, they took us outside then back in again to where the crowded room was where everyone is smooshed trying to get to the moving sidewalk. We got cut off, separated and then it hit. My son freaked! One we had to worm through a no space place that invades his issues. Two, Daddy and brother were cut off by others unwilling to let all 4 of us in through the door. We got many bad looks about an upset child in this room and one comment pertaining to we were making him ride this. Not true, it was the whole stepping on toes, no space and the too many transitions just to get to the ride.

After in the buggie he was fine but refused to ride it again only because of that. I mentioned to one CM about this, she sent me to another. From there the guy did not care so I went to GRelations and asked them to please look into this new setup. There they of course were nice, but said this was a new thing and it works.

We go back in Oct, dunno if we will ride it. My poor soon did not like being smooshed, stepped on and separated. I know others were not happy around him either but you know, it is the nature of the beast.

Just thought I would share.

 

[SueM in MN]

I found the original thread and merged your post with it - thanks for the update. Sounds like things are very inconsistent.

 

[ttintagel]

I'm so glad to hear this update! I was dismayed this summer when the HM CM's were not only unhelpful but rude about accomodating my visual impairment. I'm happy to hear that they're taking feedback to heart and giving the CM's better training.

 

[Beccabunny]

Remember that thread? For some reason I can not find it in the search option. But I thought I would share what happened to us.

First day in MK, GAC for two boys with Autism and other needs. First CM directs us to a rope entrance about halfway down, no prob. We get in line, told to stay to the right and keep walking. Got to another CM, told them no stretch room, even the sight of it but we would happily wait a little if needed. She walked us down, talked to another CM, we were removed through a side door to the exit where you used to stand. From there we were taken in through the exit.

End of the week back at MK. Went to ride. Showed the CM our GAC and expressed our concerns. Same spill, go to rope in the middle, enter there. Only this time we got crammed in the stretching room trying to get to the exit. The crowd was not willing so it was not the greatest. All we heard was doors will be closing by some CM spooky in character voice. Whew, we made it in time while my son was beginning to show signs of a melt. Somehow he loves the ride, the moving walls - no!

We went through the exit marked door where another CM was, they took us outside then back in again to where the crowded room was where everyone is smooshed trying to get to the moving sidewalk. We got cut off, separated and then it hit. My son freaked! One we had to worm through a no space place that invades his issues. Two, Daddy and brother were cut off by others unwilling to let all 4 of us in through the door. We got many bad looks about an upset child in this room and one comment pertaining to we were making him ride this. Not true, it was the whole stepping on toes, no space and the too many transitions just to get to the ride.

After in the buggie he was fine but refused to ride it again only because of that. I mentioned to one CM about this, she sent me to another. From there the guy did not care so I went to GRelations and asked them to please look into this new setup. There they of course were nice, but said this was a new thing and it works.

We go back in Oct, dunno if we will ride it. My poor soon did not like being smooshed, stepped on and separated. I know others were not happy around him either but you know, it is the nature of the beast.

Just thought I would share.

If we can't know what to expect beforehand and the procedure is so inconsistent, I know it's going to be a real problem for my daughter. Going in at the exit always worked so well for us in the past. I realize it didn't work for everyone, and that some benefit from the new procedure, but it seems they stopped accommodating certain disabilities in exchange for accomodations for others.