Yes, I Have BEEF with the PeopleMover in Magic Kingdom

What can I say? The PeopleMover and I just don’t get along.

You might think it’s because it frequently breaks down, or maybe I’ve been stuck in the dark for an hour and missed watching the fireworks. While those aren’t uncommon situations, I think the PeopleMover has a personal vendetta with me.

Before we get too far, there’s one thing you should know about me: I’m a wheelchair user! Because of that, my experience in Disney World can be different than others.

Now, I’m also a huge attraction person. I can’t imagine visiting the parks without hopping on a ride or two (or three, or four, or…). I usually have to enter through different queues or even the exit to get onto certain rides because of my wheels, but for the most part, I can ride a lot of the rides.

There’s one ride, though, that grinds my gears, and that’s the PeopleMover! While it might just be challenging to get onto other rides, the PeopleMover makes it impossible for those who need to transfer directly onto the ride.

That big moving platform that goes up to the ride station? That’s the only way up. There’s no secret elevator like Test Track or a back entrance to the Haunted Mansion. You need to be able to stand on the platform.

Catch that stand? Yep, stand. You can’t sit on the conveyor belt or be held by other people, so if you’re a wheelchair user where standing is not possible, your ride on the highway in the sky isn’t happening.

Every Disney Adult talks about how magical the PeopleMover is, and while it was a favorite of mine a long time ago, it’s not the most practical attraction for me to hop on.

Want the same vibes but wheelchair accessible? I got you. Most Disney Adults’ other favorite ride is Living with the Land, and not only can you transfer onto the ride, you can even stay right in your wheelchair. I can roll right into the boat, lock the brakes, and get the exact same ride experience as everyone else.

The Jungle Cruise is also a favorite of mine, where you can stay in your chair. You have the option to transfer if you want, but I love knowing that if it’s not a transfer day, I don’t have to worry about it. Maybe you don’t think someone cracking corny jokes at you is relaxing, but that’s my type of place.

“it’s a small world,” and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh also let you stay in your wheelchair, but it’s hit or miss if the bouncing works for Winnie the Pooh. Sometimes you’re given the choice to bounce, but we haven’t seen this option operational for a bit.

A few other attractions to keep an eye out for are Peter Pan’s Flight and Mission: SPACE. I prefer to speak with a Cast Member in front of the attraction to get an idea of the available accessibility options. Accessibility isn’t a one-size-fits-all, so learning about your options is the best way to go.

Do I think the PeopleMover should go away? No! I just wish there were an accessible option. I feel envious when I see the elevator going to Astro Orbiters because it’s going above the PeopleMover instead of to it. Maybe someday there will be a way for everyone to ride.

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WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD IN A WHEELCHAIR

Are you a PeopleMover fan? Let us know in the comments!

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