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The Insider's Guide to Southern California
DISABILITY ACCESS RATINGS.
AMUSEMENT PARKS
DISNEYLAND boasts the best handicapped access of any Southern California amusement park.
Generally, disabled guest are allowed to enter any ride through the exit without having to wait in line. Up to 5 additional guest can accompany them. The only exception to this rule that we could find is the Roger Rabbit spin ride in Toontown that makes disabled guests join the queue (the disabled brochure also lists the Indiana Jones ride as one that disabled guests queue up for but we found that cast members will still allow you to use the exit). Here is our ratings for the best and worst accessible attractions:
Best:
Monorail & Mark Twain Riverboat - These are here because they are the only two rides in the park that you can actually ride without having to leave your chair.
Star Tours - excellent ride access through a separate entrance. 3-point harness available to those without good upper body strength. A very thrilling and interesting ride.
Space Mountain - excellent ride access through a separate entrance. New sound system really enhances the experience of the ride with the new Dick Dale soundtrack. Good for all including blind & deaf because this is a ride you FEEL more than anything else.
Worst:
Mad Hatter Tea Party - Operators have a really hard time seeing you at the official handicapped entrance. Worse yet, we've had operators get surly when we've tried to get their attention here!
Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye - Besides the really long name, you really need superior upper body strength for this ride. Only restraint is a lap belt on this very, very bumpy ride. What it really needs is a 3-point harness like Star Tours has...add that and it would immediately jump to the best list.
FAMILY FUN CENTER, UPLAND all rides are accessible but rider must be transferred into ride by companion, employees cannot assist. If child cannot ride by themself, a companion will be allowed on ride at no additional cost.
Go kart drivers must be at least 42" tall and be able to operate controls.
Two person karts are available at no extra cost (there is a separate charge
to ride the go karts).
KNOTT'S BERRY FARM, BUENA PARK, be sure to get a disabled guest brochure at the entrance. Guest may get on any ride as long as they meet height requirements. Guests must transfer into rides without assistance of employees, but companions may help. Disabled guests may enter through the exit of rides.
Be aware of the pavement surface in the ghost town area, it is old and can be bumpy and uneven.
Drivers with a government issued handicapped parking placard or license plate may park for free in the handicapped parking lot, across from the chicken dinner restaurant.
SCANDIA, ONTARIO is accessible in all areas. Riders must transfer into ride from wheelchair. If rider is unable to ride alone, one additional person may ride at no charge.
SIX FLAGS MAGIC MOUNTAIN, VALENCIA has good disabled access to most attractions & shows. Rider must be able to transfer into ride or be helped by their companions into the rides. Riders must meet height requirements, which can be up to 54 inches on some rides.
Magic Mountain also has a policy that admits disabled persons for free. Check at the Guest Relations office at the front entrance.
Handicapped parking is in front of the parking lot next to Colossus and is quite a walk to the front gate but still very manageable.
The best rides here are (with height requirements):
Ninja (42")- Easy access and absolutely best coaster here with possible excpetion of Batman. Only problem is that it's located at the top of the mountain featuring an uphill walk to get there. Independent manual wheelchair users may get very tired going up.
Tidal Wave (42") - Great access to ride, big seats, and gets you really wet on those hot days...it can get really hot at Magic Mountain!
Viper (54")- Another easy access coaster. Very smooth and 7 loops. First drop is over 200 feet!
The worst rides here are (with height requirements):
Flashback (48") - The most uneccesarily painful coaster we've ever been on. Your head will get bashed many times on this ride. It may have been dismantled...no big loss!
The monorail - no access on what should be a very accessible ride.
The Funicular - You can get on the ride but you cannot exit the other end in a wheelchair (this is a transportation ride to the top of the mountain). Wheelchair users have to get to the top of the mountain on their own using access roads, very tiring if you're using a manual chair. This is another ride like the monorail that should be very accessible (and would not take a lot to make it so) but for some reason isn't.
MALIBU SPEEDZONE, CITY OF INDUSTRY is accessible in all areas. Riders must transfer into cars from wheelchair. If rider is unable to ride alone, they can ride as a passenger on the go kart track only. Anybody can drive any of the cars if they can manipulate the steering wheel, gas & brake pedals.
PACIFIC PARK, SANTA MONICA is accessible in all areas. Riders must transfer into ride from wheelchair. All rides are ramped for wheelchairs with the exception of the roller coaster...it has an elevator to take you up to the station. 5 handicapped parking spots are available on the pier at normal parking fees ($5 the day we were there) and accessible restrooms are plentiful.
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RESTAURANTS
DOMENICO'S, MONROVIA is accessible in the downstairs dining room and the patio. Staff will also carry wheelchair & user upstairs if desired. 2 handicapped parking spots are available near front door. Braille menus not available but staff will read menu to diner. All restrooms are accessible.
DON RAMON'S, IRWINDALE is completely accessible. 4 handicapped parking spots are located near the front door and are nicely ramped & wide. Accessible restrooms are located immediately to the left of the front lobby.
LOS ANTOJITOS, MONROVIA is accessible through the front door. 4 curb parking spots right in front and 2 handicapped parking spots are located in the free public lot across the street. All tables in restaurant are accessible. Restrooms are minimally accessible.
BJ'S, LONG BEACH is entirely accessible. Handicapped parking is available in public lot 1/2 block away behind alley. Curb parking also available in front. Braille menus not available but staff will read menu to diner. Very big, private, and accessible restrooms.
BURGER CONTINENTAL, PASADENA is accessible but tight & crowded. Handicapped parking is available in back in parking lot. Curb parking also available in front. Braille menus not available but staff will read menu to diner. Restrooms are very tight, but minimally accessible.
EL TORITO GRILL, NEWPORT BEACH is accessible through the bar entrance on the side of the building. Two handicapped parking spaces are available in the parking lot directly across from the bar entrance. These do fill up fast on weekend nights. Other handicapped parking is also available in other areas of the parking lot. Braille menus are available. Restrooms in the bar are accessible. Most seating is a accessible tables, but it would help is making reservations to let them know if you don't want a booth.
HOMESTYLE CAFE, GUASTI is accessible via a ramp straight up to the front door. Parking is available in dirt parking lot across street with no parking spot markings. It is roomy enough for handicapped use, though. Restrooms are very tight, but minimally accessible.
THE HAT, VARIOUS LOCATIONS. All locations, except Alhambra, are fully accessible. Handicapped parking & ramps are right in front. At least 2 booths are set aside in each dining room that accomodate wheelchairs. Accessible restrooms are available. Alhambra location is maily preserved as a piece of living history & is not very accessible. There are handicapped parking spaces here and you are able to get to the counter (which is high). The tables here are outdoor & are of the wooden picnic variety. Restrooms are not very accessible.
IN 'N OUT All locations are accessible. About half of the chain's locations are older buildings built in the 50's & 60's that are mainly geared to drive-thru operations with 2 drive-thru lanes. In the middle of these 2 lanes will be a walk-up window that is accessible. Outdoor seating is all that is available at these older locations. The newer locations are more like any other fast-food franchise with indoor seating & easy access. Restrooms are all accessible, older locations are on the exterior of the building, newer ones are on the interior & roomier. Braille menus should be available at all locations.
L' OPERA, LONG BEACH is accessible through the side entrance on 1st Street. Four free handicapped parking spaces are available in the parking lot behind the building (enter through the exit where the loading zone is & you'll see them). There is also pay parking available in the lot and the valet parking is also available to you at the front entrance. Braille menus are available. Restrooms are accessible.
SPIKE'S, SAN GABRIEL is accessible through any entrance. Handicapped parking spaces are available in the parking lot and are plentiful. The restaurant itself is kind of tight & hard (but possible) to manuever in for chair users. Tables are usable but nott really wheelchair friendly. Restrooms are accessible. The COVINA location is pretty much the same except that the restaurant interior is much easier to roam around in using a chair than the San Gabriel location is and the tables are much better for wheelchairs.
YAKI'S, MONROVIA is accessible through the entrance in front. Interior is small & there's not a lot of room to manuever and tables are hard to fit in. The owners are redecorating & are trying to fix these problems. Handicapped parking is available in lot but spaces are just adequate in width. Restrooms are accessible.
CROWN CITY BREWERY, PASADENA is accessible through a side entrance just to the left of the front door. Enter the building through the double glass doors, just to the left of the front door. Inside there will be another door immediately to the right. This is the accessible entrance. Two handicapped parking spaces are available in front of the restaurant next to the access ramp. Curb parking is also available on Raymond Ave. Restrooms are accessible and are reached by going back through the accessible entrance, turn right, go down the hall/ramp to the next door on your right. This will give you access to the lower dining area & bar and also the restrooms. The brewery equipment can also be viewed from this area. Braille menus are available. All TV's are closed captioned.
CASA BIANCA, EAGLE ROCK is accessible through the front entrance. Interior is on the cramped side, especially in the waiting area. Most people wait outside until their name is called. Accessible tables are available in the dining room. Casa Bianca is an old building with no parking lot. Curb parking is available on all streets nearby. It is not recommended to park on any street other than Colorado Bl., side streets are dark and may be unsafe. Restrooms are not accessible without help.
HERE TODAY, GONE TAMALES, COVINA is accessible through the front entrance. Accessible tables are available in the dining room. 2 handicapped parking spots are available right in front and an accessible restroom is located right next to the front door.
ROMANO'S MACARONI GRILL, MONROVIA is accessible through the front entrance. All tables are accessible. There are three handicapped parking at the front entrance and more spots throughout the parking lot and the walkways are very nicely ramped throughout. Accessible restrooms are located near the entrance.
MOFFETT'S FAMILY RESTAURANT, ARCADIA is accessible through the front entrance. Two accessible tables are located right at the entrance to the dining room. There are numerous handicapped parking spots throughout the parking lot and the walkways are very nicely ramped throughout. Accessible restrooms are located in the rear of the restaurant.
THE MONROVIAN FAMILY RESTAURANT, MONROVIA is accessible through the front and side entrances. accessible tables are located throughout the dining room and on the sidewalk in front for smokers. There are numerous handicapped parking spots in the parking lot in the rear and curb parking is available. The sidewalks are very nicely ramped throughout. Accessible restrooms are located in the front of the restaurant.
PHILLIPE, LOS ANGELES is accessible through the front entrance only. Accessible tables are located throughout the dining room downstairs. There are two handicapped parking spots in the parking lot in the rear and curb parking is available.
ROBIN'S, PASADENA is accessible through the front entrance. About half of the tables are accessible. There are two handicapped parking spot directly in front and lots of curb parking. The restrooms, located in the front of the restaurant, are accessible.
LA FONTANA, GLENDALE is accessible through the front entrance. All tables are accessible. The parking here is miserable...only curb parking is available for handicapped use and it goes very fast. The restroom located in the rear of the restaurant is accessible.
BECKHAM PLACE, PASADENA is accessible through the front entrance. All tables are accessible. Parking here is valet. The restrooms are accessible.
MAGIC LAMP INN, RANCHO CUCAMONGA is accessible through the front entrance. Most tables are accessible. There are three excellent handicapped parking spots adjacent to the entrance. The restrooms are accessible and are located at the rear of the lounge.
BEACHES
LAGUNA BEACH has curbside parking available along Pacific Coast Highway. There are also 2 handicapped spots at Heisler Park but they go fast. The beach at Heisler Park is accessible via a paved path to the sand that ends at the high-tide mark. It is a bit steep. Accessible restrooms are available on top of the cliffs in the park.
The ferry is accessible but pedestrians may have problems with relation to the rise & fall of the area where the deck meets the boat. The pier & the Fun Zone are both completely accessible and parking is available in the parking lots along the beach as well as limited curb parking.
Parking is available at the pier and at curb side. There is a ramp leading from the foot of the pier to the edge of the sand. Restrooms are available under the pier.
Free handicapped parking is available in the parking lots along Ocean Bl. Also, on Sundays, you may park behind the public library on the corner of Bayshore & 2nd St. Limited curbside parking is also available on 2nd St.
Bayshore Avenue is closed to traffic 9am-5pm from June 15th to Sept. 15th providing limited access to the beach there. You can access the beach from either end of Bayshore with help, or get on the small piers at the west end without any help. Accessible restrooms are at both ends of Bayshore Ave.
The bike & pedestrian path, starting at Bayshore Ave. & Ocean Bl and ending at the LA River, is completely accessible for it's entire length. There are also paved paths at about 1/2 mile intervals that lead out to the high-tide mark on the sand. Accessible restrooms are also available at regular intervals along the route.
The pedestrian overpass to Pine Ave. has an elevator at the Shoreline Village end. The theater in Pine Square is upstairs but is accessible via an elevator to the left of the escalators.
The best restaurant here, Le Opera on the corner of 1st & Pine, doesn't look accessible but is via the side entrance on 1st Street.
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PEDESTRIAN PLAZAS & NEIGHBORHOODS
Curbside parking available all along 2nd St. with a few handicapped spaces. Persons with a gov't. issued handicapped plate or placard may park at any metered or timed space without paying or regard to time limit (do not park in white painted or yellow curb spots). Handicapped parking is also available in parking lots along the alleys that parallel 2nd St. Most businesses are accessible to wheelchairs, but there are a very few located on the 2nd floor that are not. Accessible ATM's are available at several banks along 2nd Street including Great Western Bank, Bank of America, 1st Interstate, and Home Savings. All are connected to the STAR system. Public, accessible restrooms are located at the corner of Bayshore ave. and 2nd St. and most merchants along 2nd St. will also allow you to use their facilities. Accessible transportation is available to other parts of Long Beach at no charge via the Runabout, look for the plastic seagull on top of the bus stops and the Runabout mini-bus. And accessible beach path also connects Belmont Shore with downtown & points in between. Click here for more info about beach accessibility. All corners have curb cuts.
Curbside parking available intermittently along Myrtle Ave. with a few, non-ramped handicapped spots at an angle. Handicapped parking is also available in parking lots behind the buildings that line the street. Monrovia in general seems to have narrow handicapped spaces that are just adequate... we cannot extend our ramps in most spots, but are just able to get the chair out. Just about all of the businesses are accessible to wheelchairs. Accessible ATM's are available at several banks along Myrtle including Bank of America, Coast Savings, and a Wells Fargo Banking center located in the Pavilions supermarket on the corner of Myrtle & Foothill. All are connected to the STAR system. Public, accessible restrooms are located in Library Park at the corner of Myrtle & Lime. All corners have curb cuts but some mid-block crosswalks do not.
Handicapped parking is available in the many pay parking lots in the area. All businesses in the area are accesible. It is hard to negotiate a chair at times on the narrow, crowded sidewalks. To be honest, we don't go here as often as we used to due to the crowding.
This is a very wheelchair-friendly area...if you know where to look. You can arrive here from downtown L.A. via the very accessible Blue Line trolley (downtown L.A. station is at 7th & Figueroa). Connections to the blue line can also be made via the Red Line subway from Union Station (Metrolink trains, MTA & Foothill buses offer transport to Union Station from outlying areas) and from the Green Line trolley from Norwalk (at the 605 & 105 freeway junction) and also from Redondo Beach. The Blue Line will drop you at the station at Pine Ave. & 1st St. L' Opera is accessible via a side entrance on 1st Street. AMC theater is accessible via an elevator to the left of the escalator. Parking is available behind Alegria Cafe (enter through the exit of the pay lot, you will see 4 handicapped spots) for free. All pay lots in the area also have handicapped spots. AMC validates for all lots except for the lot directly underneath the theater. A pedestrian walkway connects Pine Square to the convention center, the Hyatt Hotel, and Shoreline Village. There is an elevator at the Shoreline Village end to access the boardwalk below. Accessible restrooms are located in the AMC theater court, the Hyatt Hotel, and the Convention Center. All corners are ramped.
NEARBY GETAWAYS
Downtown Kernville, a one block stretch surrounding the city's Circle Park, has numerous curb cuts and ramps. Circle Park is accessed via a ramp in the northeast corner. 2 handicapped parking spots are next to this ramp. The Western Motel is not accessible. The Kernville Inn is and has limited accessible rooms available along with designated parking and ramps. The Kern River Inn B&B has full accessibility. The Sierra Vista Motel is accessible but limited in the bathroom space.
River outfitters do accomodate disabled patrons but encourage you to come when the river level is high...late spring through early summer.
LAUGHLIN, NEVADA
Laughlin is another very wheelchair friendly spot. Handicapped parking abounds and there are many paved walkways, ramps, & sidewalks to get you where you're going. It also helps that the main part of the town is only about 5 blocks long making long trips unnecesary. The Ramada Express has good accessible accomodations and very good, roomy access to everything else in the hotel & casino. They also have a train that runs around the property & the last car has a ramp & is accessible. The AVI hotel (11 miles south of town) has outstanding accessible rooms and very good access to everything at the hotel & casino. Harrah's at the south end of the Laughlin strip has a non-smoking casino for people who cannot take the smoke. Park Moabi Marina in Needles & Katherine Landing north of town will be helpful in arranging a boat rental. Patio (pontoon) boats have limited accessibility. It is strongly recommended that chair users do not use their chair's seatbelt while on the water & to always wear a life jacket (provided by the marina) at all times. Also be very careful on the ramp into the boat. There is accessible public transportation within the city of Laughlin and also to Bullhead City, located accross the river in Arizona.
There's not much in the actual town of San Gregorio except the General Store, which is accessible. The whole town consists of an area of about 2 blocks around this point. There are no sidewalks and the sidestreets are usually pretty quiet. Keep alert, though. The Rancho San Gregorio Bed & Breakfast has limited accessibility. There are 2 rooms that are away from the main building that can accomodate a wheelchair but bathrooms are not fully accessible without help. Duarte's in Pescadero is accessible with handicapped parking in front. The town is also pretty accessible with sidewalks on most streets.
We've found San Luis Obispo (SLO) in general to be a very wheelchair friendly city. There are curb cuts everywhere and most buildings, even the old ones, have elevators or ramps. The mission & the creekside park area is accessible. Look for ramps instead of stairs at the south end of the mission plaza for access down to the creek. Our listed attractions are also accessible. SLO Brewery has an elevator in the back for access (it's upstairs in an historical building), Garden Street B&B has an accessible suite downstairs off the dining room & library. Quality Suites has ADA compliant rooms and all public areas of the hotel are completely accessible (our son loves to roam the grounds in his chair). Avila Hot Springs has accessible campsites, parking, and a roll-in ramp for their hot pool. Hearst Castle has an accessible tour that is offered. Click here for more information on the Hearst Castle Wheelchair tour. If you don't have a car, you can travel to SLO via AMTRAK which offers wheelchair accessible transportation straight to SLO from Union Station in downtown L.A. Call (800) USA-RAIL for info.
The MAJOR attractions in Yosemite are accessible. These would include the trails to the base of Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Falls. There is also a bike trail that winds through the valley that is open to wheelchairs. Most of the back country trails are not accessible. According to people we asked at the park, the longest and best accessible trail is the 4.5 mile Tenaya Loop around Mirror Lake. Glacier Point is also a great scenic overlook that is accessible. Accessible restrooms abound in the park. Handicapped parking is available in all lots but summer crowds can snap these up fast.
BASEBALL STADIUMS
DODGER STADIUM has wheelchair seating locations located around the perimeter of the stadium at the top of the field level. With reserved seats, one attendant can accompany the disabled fan. General admission or more than one companion may sit with the fan when space is available. Non-wheelchair using fans must bring their own seating (i.e. lawnchair), stand, or sit somewhere else in the stands. Accessible restrooms are located throughout the stadium and handicapped parking is provided near the field level entrance.
ANAHEIM STADIUM has wheelchair seating platforms located at various points around the perimeter of the stadium at the top of the field level. With reserved seats, one attendant can accompany the disabled fan. General admission or more than one companion may sit with the fan when space is available. Chairs are provided for non-wheelchair using fans. Disabled fans may also sit in any seat in the stadium provided they have companions who can help them to the seat and have a ticket for it. Staff here is unpredictable, some know what to do when a disabled fan shows up and some do not. Previous management didn't seem interested in doing anything about that, it will be interesting to see what Disney will do. Accessible restrooms are located throughout the stadium and handicapped parking is provided near the main entrance.