Silver Springs

[Whitequeen]

I sent an email to Silver Springs asking if the Glass Bottom Boat would be accessible for DH. Here's their reply for future reference:

All of Silver Springs' animal shows, exhibits, gardens, shops, restaurants and rest rooms are wheelchair accessible, however, our boat rides are not. Consequently, our handicap policy states that any guest who is wheelchair bound and arrives in a wheelchair/scooter will automatically receive free admission into the park. Thank you.

So that's that option right out of the window. The boats were the biggest draw for DH. :(

[OKWTink]

Could he not transfer to boat seating, Whitequeen? :worried: I don't know how much mobility that would require, though. :sigh:

That's too bad too. The boats are what make that place, from my understanding. Decent about the free admission, eh? But then, if you can't enjoy the main attraction, it should be free, I guess.

Thanks for the information. This is the sort of info that is critical for many folks to know.

[Whitequeen]

If the boat has a drop down into it, he can't manage that 'Tink. Too unsteady for him. I did ask that question but they weren't specific. I don't want to get there and find we've wasted our time. :(

[OKWTink]

Yes, and most likely it would, eh? :( Can't say as I'd blame you for not wanting to go, as it is a ways from WDW. Wish folks would understand that specifics are critical when discussing mobility issues. :sigh:

Watching some folks struggle to board the tallship in St. Lucia was really awful. I felt so very bad for them. They'd paid (and it wasn't inexpensive) and were not given good information. They did get on, but it's no fun being the subject of everyone's attention, is it?

I've not ever been there myself, so can't tell you how the boarding is for a fact. I could ask around though. Many folks have been. Surely, someone should remember specifically, whether there is a zero boarding level or if it is steps that must be negotiatied.

[Whitequeen]

If you remember 'Tink, please ask anyone who's been.

How can I keep my DH believing I'm a miracle worker and can arrange almost anything in a second, if people don't give me the specifics? :lol:

[Breeze]

It's been a few years since we did the glass bottom boat thing at Silver Springs, but from what I recall there is a large step down to board. The way the boats are set up is that the glass bottom is actually a large rectangle of transparent (not sure if it's really glass or not) in the bottom of the boat. The seats are a bench type that are set all the way around the rectangle. That way everyone gets a clear unobstructed line of sight of the bottom of the boat. But, this also makes it hard to board for anyone with mobility problems :(

[OKWTink]

As I feared Breeze. :( Thanks. :hug:

[Breeze]

In case anyone else is interested and might just be adding a trip to the keys to their vacations. The John Pennekamp state park does have wheelchair accessible glass bottom boat tours. Glass Bottom Boats-Keys (http://www.pennekamppark.com/glassbottom.html)

It looks like Queenie is just going to have to extend her trip and take everyone down to the keys if Mark wants to do the glass bottom boat thing :wink:

[OKWTink]

Oy! Now that's a detour! :eek: But you know, Mr. Whitequeen might be very pleased with that! He's all for doing things other than Disney, eh? Could be a nice way to do a week or so. Just be certain that the time you want to go isn't during one of their festivals, or lobster season. You'll never get accomodation.

[Whitequeen]

Yes, my fear also.

He mumbled something about a Helicopter yesterday!!!! :afraid:

Yikes, Lord alone knows how I'm going to pull that one off. :wacko:

[OKWTink]

You can get helicopter rides right on I-Drive.

The Balloon Rides might work too, Whitequeen! They'll tip the basket and that would let him walk on and off. But I think he'd have to stand throught the whole thing though. That'd not work. :(

What's the matter with a helicopter? You'd not have to go. :)

[Whitequeen]

I don't mind going. He just makes me giggle. He comes up with bigger and better things each year. :lol: He never bothers to ask whether he could actually do whatever it is. :shrug:

I don't think he'd like the Balloon flight. I'll run it by him though.

[OKWTink]

There's champagne at the end! :D

[Whitequeen]

:rotfl:

That may seal the deal with him. :wink: