Should the MS Train Depot add an Elevator?

[techskip]

Yeah. Any elevator or ramp that would impede the traffic in any way through the tunnels would be a big no-no.

Well we all agree that having an entrance to the elevator that is perpendicular to the tunnel entrance is not going to work. So...


Thankfully I have a picture to illustrate my thoughts. The grand staircase in it's current configuration has two parts. The main stairs leading up to a half level, then side stairs leading up to the actual station level. If you look you will notice that the platform actually has a great deal more room then the stairs utilize. It would take minimal effor to reduce the planter length, and incorporate an elevator INTO the platform. This would minimize the "stick out" effect, and utilizing the two door elevator currently in use in the parking structure the only visible element on the bottom portion would be the actual doors. This would also alleviate some of the congestion concerns voiced earlier. Obviously during parades the elevator would be closed with proper sinage posted on both levels.

Theming around the elevator would also be fairly simple as it could be themed to a ticket booth or luggage storage booth on the main platform with the door facing the station it would not even be seen from the outside. The only doors you would see from the bottom of the staircase would be the outside facing lower doors which could be painted in any of a variety of Victorian decor complete with stone work trimming the door itself.

Cost would be the main factor... but aside from that it can be done with minimal impact.

[techskip]

Now in that shot you can clearly see 5 strollers. THAT would be my next concern. I would be concerned that those who would use it most are actually individuals who would not necessarily need it. In the parking structure I am constantly amazed at individuals who take the elevator because they do not want to walk to an escalator. I can see parents with strollers, and individuals who do not like stairs, clogging up this line. The added issue is that those strollers taken on the elevator are likely packed with a variety of things... and the individual pushing it may not realize they will have to unpack it and fold everything up if they want to board the train.

[aashee]

Looking at that picture TS, I think anything would ruin that beautiful area. If it HAD to be done I'd try my darndest to get it put by the guided tour booth on the west side. Don't think there'd be enough space on the east side by the Bank of Main Street/Bathroom area.

[techskip]

Looking at that picture TS, I think anything would ruin that beautiful area. If it HAD to be done I'd try my darndest to get it put by the guided tour booth on the west side. Don't think there'd be enough space on the east side by the Bank of Main Street/Bathroom area.

To be honest I really don't think it would ruin the view on either side, and if one really wanted to then they could use a clear glass booth/car design allowing for transparency on the upper level.

[BassBone]

Now in that shot you can clearly see 5 strollers. THAT would be my next concern. I would be concerned that those who would use it most are actually individuals who would not necessarily need it. In the parking structure I am constantly amazed at individuals who take the elevator because they do not want to walk to an escalator. I can see parents with strollers, and individuals who do not like stairs, clogging up this line. The added issue is that those strollers taken on the elevator are likely packed with a variety of things... and the individual pushing it may not realize they will have to unpack it and fold everything up if they want to board the train.

Actually there are signs at the top of the escalators telling parents with strollers to use the elevator.

[techskip]

Actually there are signs at the top of the escalators telling parents with strollers to use the elevator.

I was talking about the Guests who aren't parents! I have actually overheard people say "I want to take the elevator, I don't feel like walking over to the escalator" and wait for an elevator even though the wait was longer. And that was elevator vs escalator... imagine it it had been elevator vs. stairs. There is something about an elevator that makes some individuals loose their independence!

[MrLiver]

I think the obvious solution here is to gut out the station and put all the museum pieces somewhere else, making the Main Street Station comparable in experience to the other three stations - just a loading platform and a gate.

There's no reason why the station that isn't wheelchair accessible is the one that provides the best experience.

[Uncle Bob]

I think the obvious solution here is to gut out the station and put all the museum pieces somewhere else, making the Main Street Station comparable in experience to the other three stations - just a loading platform and a gate.

There's no reason why the station that isn't wheelchair accessible is the one that provides the best experience.

Yeah, and while they're at it they should get rid of that station building completely, and just put a metal roof over the platform and put a big Socerer Mickey hat on top of the that.

[royaldisneyfan]

I voted no. Theming issues.

[Gregmh48]

If an elevator was placed in the Tours Garden then the tunnel just needs to be widen a bit to create a walkway between the elevator and the station. It would never be wide enough to two way traffic, but it would be a practical solution to move wheelchairs to and from the train station to elevator.

Also keep in mind that a train only has one minute to load passengers before it is supposed to leave the station. The ramp section is located at the back end of the train. An elevator at the Tour Gardens would require having a conductor escort a party there, making sure that the approaching train has room in the ramp section, and then escorting that party all the way to the back of the train in less than a minute while the other guests board and take up the platform. Then, the ramp section of the trains actually extend beyond the platform at Main Street so there would need to be an addition to the back end to allow for an incline and ramp section. I don't think the expense and effort for all of this is necessary when these guests can board at any of the other three stations.

[Seawolf]

I think the obvious solution here is to gut out the station and put all the museum pieces somewhere else, making the Main Street Station comparable in experience to the other three stations - just a loading platform and a gate.

There's no reason why the station that isn't wheelchair accessible is the one that provides the best experience.

[nolimit]

Also keep in mind that a train only has one minute to load passengers before it is supposed to leave the station. The ramp section is located at the back end of the train. An elevator at the Tour Gardens would require having a conductor escort a party there, making sure that the approaching train has room in the ramp section, and then escorting that party all the way to the back of the train in less than a minute while the other guests board and take up the platform. Then, the ramp section of the trains actually extend beyond the platform at Main Street so there would need to be an addition to the back end to allow for an incline and ramp section. I don't think the expense and effort for all of this is necessary when these guests can board at any of the other three stations.

The trains always have more than a minute to load. Its usually around 2-2 1/2. Either way, it would be a pain to do things this way.

[PragmaticIdealist]

Placing a small elevator at one end of the platform or the other is workable.

The presence of an elevator would not necessarily affect the appearance of the depot, especially if the lift is situated behind the newsstand at the Guided Tours Garden.

Guests with physical disabilities are unduly inconvenienced by the inability to use Main Street Station.

[Autopia]

The only way I could EVER see an elevator and a ramp being built at the MS station would be for it to be across from the Bank of MS in place of the gift shop that is already there. And they would also need to widen the bridge on that side to accommodate the ramp for the last car.

However, doing this would add at least 1, if not 2, positions for the Trains to staff at the station for the full day. Thus it would keep lazy people from using the elevator by having both ends staffed and it would also add in access for Wheel Chairs. And if you have both ends of the lift staffed, you could also allow those who are not as able to do the stairs access.

Not to mention that premium parade and fireworks viewing would also be available to those who were previously unable to do so.

[ni_teach]

Also keep in mind that a train only has one minute to load passengers before it is supposed to leave the station. The ramp section is located at the back end of the train. An elevator at the Tour Gardens would require having a conductor escort a party there, making sure that the approaching train has room in the ramp section, and then escorting that party all the way to the back of the train in less than a minute while the other guests board and take up the platform. Then, the ramp section of the trains actually extend beyond the platform at Main Street so there would need to be an addition to the back end to allow for an incline and ramp section. I don't think the expense and effort for all of this is necessary when these guests can board at any of the other three stations.

I agree that the conductor would not have time to do this job. It would take a dedicated cast member to do the escorting and to make sure that no one is on the bridge when the train is in motion.