I was in line for the Eiffel Tower yesterday and was surprised, the right elevator was operating. Now I just assumed that there was something wrong with the left elevator, so I boarded normally. Then something else surprised me. This elevator took us to the upper platform. I have ridden the Eiffel Tower many times since moving to Ohio in December of 2006, but I have never gone to the upper platform. I was wondering is this the first time in a while that the upper platform has been in use? Thanks for all who can answer my question!

They do use the upper platform pretty regularly. Can't say why they use the lower one vs. the upper one, but it's not too uncommon for that to happen.

I've been on the upper platform everytime this year on the right elevator.

If rain is in the forecast, they will often use the lower platform, since the floor of the upper platform can serve as a roof protecting guests from the rain.

Fun Fact: If it is a windy day they will slow the elevator speed down.

Thanks everyone for your information. It's strange that this is the first time I've been on the upper platform, guess it's just by chance!

You should see the lower, lower platform, its fun, but *sigh* its closed.

I don't know if ive been on top or bottom but ive only been on one

From what I've seen, typically on weekdays, they'll use the right elevator to take guests to the top deck. I've never gone up the tower on a rainy day, so I can't speak to that. However, on Saturdays, I've noticed that they commonly use both decks to handle the increased number of guests.

I've been on the bottom deck once, on opening day this year. All of my other trips up the tower have been to the top deck.

Ive been on both decks multiple times. On windy days they sometimes have both open cause the elevators travel at a very slow speed.

This is the second time mentioning the "slow" speed of the elevators because of wind, did you think we did not hear you the first time?

I jest, I jest.

I don't think I've ever been in the left elevator.

The reason they don't use the low, low deck (50') is because people would walk up the stairs, which was how you got there, and pour drinks on people. Plus a dude died....

Besides the past events that had contributed to the 50 foot level being closed, it was not handicap accessible. Trust me, after climbing up the stairs, your legs will begin to feel like they weigh a ton. When I worked back in 72 as a sweep, we had to go up there and clean as part of our area beneath the tower that we were assigned.

^ Would you rather sweep the 50' or look after ducks?

Quack, Quack....lot easier than going to the 50 foot level.

And that was then. As time goes by, climbing all those stairs looks less and less inviting to most. I can't imagine a ride today having the stairs that Screamin' Demon had, much less an observation platform.

And that was then. As time goes by, climbing all those stairs looks less and less inviting to most. I can't imagine a ride today having the stairs that Screamin' Demon had, much less an observation platform.

What about water slides?

Watch and look. Access is changing.

How would that work? I don't understand why a park would put huge ramps, or an elevator for each and every slide. It doesn't sound cost effective.

Cost effective? That's not the operative parameter...reasonable accommodation is.

I checked the KD Haunt Update thread for Terpy's "legal advice" and found that it would have to be done reasonably. So what happens when it is not reasonable?

Terp didn't offer any legal advice. He consistently does not do so.

I'll just drop the question. It's not worth beating around the bush with you.

There are important reasons that Terp does what he does and doesn't do what he doesn't.

It is not up to you or Terpy to define what is a reasonable accommodation. In addition, there is no easy answer as it may be different in what might otherwise look like similar circumstances.

Terpy's not trying to be vague for the sake of frustrating you - it is a vague definition to meet.

How would that work? I don't understand why a park would put huge ramps, or an elevator for each and every slide. It doesn't sound cost effective.

I imagine that more and more waterslides will be built like Wildebeest, Mammoth, or into hill sides reducing or eliminating the amount of climbing would be needed. There's also this concept...

Their website is definitely worth checking out also.. http://www.splashtacular.com/index.php