Disney World Special Needs | Off to Neverland Travel

Walt Disney World Special Needs – Attraction Boarding Tips Part 2

(Back to Part 1 of Walt Disney World® Special Needs – Attraction Boarding Tips)

I’m going to spend a minute here on what to do when being denied boarding on a ride. Sometimes, due to the nature of the ride, you may not be allowed to board…be it because you must transfer or because you are not able to load within a certain time, etc. This can be a very defeating moment and I have a few things you should keep in mind.

First, the Walt Disney World® Resort (and other Disney properties) is the best in the whole world at making things wheelchair accessible. Their business is customer service and they do a great job when it comes to meeting the special needs of all their customers. There may be, however, operational, construction or safety issues that are out of their control. I was once told by a Walt Disney World Special Needs counselor that they would love for everyone who cannot transfer from their wheelchair to be able to ride all the rides, however, putting a wheelchair on the Rock’n’Rollercoaster was simply not a good idea!

Second, if you are being told you cannot ride due to your particular disability, and the Cast Member (CM) has not already done so, request to speak with a manager/supervisor. It has been my experience that the CM’s call their manager before they ever come talk to you about it, so that the manager has time to get there. Remember to remain polite and calm, but ask the manager to explain to you why they think the ride would be dangerous for you. They probably know something that you don’t, and they are just looking out for your safety. However, as in my case in one instance, I knew something that a manager did not know…“me!” The situation occurred at my favorite ride, Rock’n’Rollercoaster. I had ridden the attraction several dozen times before the incident occurred, so I knew there was no danger. I explained to the manager that while it may not appear so, I have a large amount of upper body strength, and even though I don’t have arms, I use my shoulders to brace myself and to protect my neck. After answering a few of her questions, she said to get onboard and have fun!

In conclusion to this Walt Disney World® Special Needs Tip:

The Walt Disney World® Resort is magical…but there has to be some safety added in with that magic, or it wouldn’t be magical! Remember that while some situations may be handled poorly, that the CMs involved are not getting joy out of making it more difficult for you, but rather they are getting joy out of giving you a safe, but wonderful experience. And always remember, no matter what happens whether you’re at the Walt Disney World® Resort with Special Needs or anywhere else…“Only you can let someone else ruin your day!”

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:49-05:00September 26th, 2011|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: disney world disabilities, Disney World Special Needs, walt disney world with special needs|0 Comments

Walt Disney World Special Needs – Attraction Boarding Tips Part 1

Many folks in wheelchairs know that there are unique boarding and accessibility requirements at each and every ride in the Walt Disney World® Resort. Most of the time, Disney is quite good about having cast members at the entrance to each ride in order to answer specific questions and to direct you on where to go. However, here are some steps to follow in order to know the boarding procedure at every ride before you get to the loading platform:

Before your trip, have your Off to Neverland Travel® Magic Maker® send you the “Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities” for every park. You can also get these Walt Disney World special needs books at Guest Services in each park, however having them before the trip is invaluable for planning information. They help with general knowledge like what lines to use, whether you have to transfer or not, and the intensity level of each ride. Some explanations in these books are kind of vague, but they do help.
As you approach each ride, there should be a Cast Member standing at the entrance. Approach them and explain what your abilities are in regards to transferring, walking, and your ability to control body motion once onboard. (Some rides offer more restraints for those who have difficulty controlling there body movement.)
The Cast Member will then tell you (based on what you told them) where to go and what to do when you get there. They have these things down to a science, so just follow their directions and you’ll be fine.
At the loading platform, a Cast Member (CM) may ask you some of the same questions you just answered outside. Just repeat what you told the entrance CM and answer any other questions they might have. Remember, safety is paramount, so if you need them to slow down or stop a moving ride in order for you to get, don’t hesitate to ask. They are there to make you happy, and to keep you safe.
Before you get on, be sure to ask where your wheelchair/walking device will be when you get off. On many rides, they will take your wheelchair to the spot where the ride unloads. On other rides, you will board where the ride unloads in order that your wheelchair may already be there when you get off. Just ask.

Seeing a theme in this Walt Disney World Special Needs tip?

Ask, Ask, Ask! Don’t hesitate to ask these Cast Members any questions that you have. They’ll be happy to answer you so that you will have the best time possible. Stay tuned as we’ll have part 2 of this Disney World Special Needs article in just a few days.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:49-05:00September 21st, 2011|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: disney world disabilities, Disney World Special Needs|1 Comment

Handheld Device Will Offer Detailed Descriptions at Disney Parks

Assistive Technology Device

The Disney Parks are always looking for new ways to make attractions and experiences more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Check out this first-of-its-kind technology that will change the way some guests with disabilities experience Disney parks.

Disney engineers have plussed up their Assistive Technology Device to provide detailed descriptions of outdoor areas for visually impaired guests. Using an interactive audio menu, guests can choose the type of information they’d like to receive, from architectural elements to the location of the nearest restroom. It works using wireless technology to pinpoint its location and take pre-programmed actions. Best of all, it fits in the palm of your hand.

The Disney engineers said the device already combines many other features, including detailed audio description for more than 50 attractions; amplified audio for guests with mild to moderate hearing loss; handheld captioning that lets guests read captions while enjoying specific rides; and activation of closed captioning on television displays in pre-show areas.

Disney has already patented and licensed the technology for the handheld device, which could serve a wide variety of retail, commercial and industrial applications. And industry insiders and techies are already taking notice. The National Society of Professional Engineers just lauded the device as the new product of the year.

The Handheld Assistive Technology Device will be available starting June 27 for guests at Walt Disney World Resort and in 2011 in Disneyland Resort, for no additional cost.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:24:35-05:00June 30th, 2010|Categories: Disney News, Disney with Special Needs, Disneyland News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Disney Assistive Listening Device, Disney World Hearing Impaired, Disney World Special Needs, Disney World Visually Impaired|0 Comments

Taking Special Needs Children to Walt Disney World

Question:

I am taking my special needs child to the Walt Disney World® Resort. Is there anything offered that will help with the challenges of this?

Answer:

Guest Assistance Cards are available to its visitors who need additional help because of various reasons. The Disney Destinations take pride in accommodating every guest with a disability the best that they can. On the first day of your trip, go to any Guest Services at any of the theme parks and they will be happy to assist you. Your child’s experience will be purely magical!

Traci Elswick, Navigator

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:24:57-05:00March 20th, 2010|Categories: Navigators Panel, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Disney Guest Assistance Card, Disney World Special Needs|0 Comments

Traveling To The Walt Disney World Resort with an Autistic Child

Autistic Child in Disney World From Magic Maker® Traci Elswick
Is it possible to have a magical Walt Disney World® vacation with an autistic child? With a lot of planning, and a bit of pixie dust thrown in by our Dream Makers, it is. I have planned eight magical vacations to the Walt Disney World® Resort for my 13-year-old autistic son. I have seen vast improvements with my son while at the Walt Disney World® Resort. His language skills seem to improve. He copes well with the large crowds and loud noises, and he actually “lives in the moment.” In fact, I’m certain that our yearly pilgrimage to the Walt Disney World® Resort is something my son looks forward to every year.

First you need to consider where you want to stay onsite or off. If your budget allows, I suggest you stay onsite, preferably at one of the Disney resorts that are on the Monorail line or one of Disney’s Boardwalk resorts. The Monorail resorts give you easy access to the Magic Kingdom® Park and EPCOT®. The resorts along Disney’s Boardwalk give you boat access to EPCOT® and Disney Hollywood Studios™. If your child has trouble waiting in long lines or traveling on crowded buses, the Monorail or Disney’s Boardwalk resorts will make traveling between parks much easier for you. If you are looking for value, try to stay at the Disney’s Pop Century Resort. This resort is separate from the other value resorts and has its own bus line. Also, request a room close to the bus stop. If possible, try to avoid Disney’s All-Star Resorts. They share a common bus routes, have long wait times, and are often overcrowded.

Before you depart for your Walt Disney World® Resort vacation, obtain a signed note from your child’s pediatrician or psychiatrist stating your child’s disability and further stating that your child cannot wait in lines. When you arrive at the park, go directly to Guest Services in order to obtain your Guest Assistance Card. A Guest Assistance Card can be used for your entire party, and will dramatically shorten your party’s wait in lines.

How long should you spend in the parks every day? Nobody knows your child better than you. I suggest that all families who stay in a Walt Disney World® Resort Hotel take an afternoon break. That way your child can take a nap or a swim and you can have a relaxing family dinner. You can book your dining up to 180 days before your trip, and it is advisable to book your dining early because many of most popular restaurants fill up quickly. After dinner, you can do Extra Magic Hours. Extra Magic Hours are available for individuals who stay at a Walt Disney World® Resort Hotel and generally allow you to remain in the park for a number of hours after the park closes to the general public.

So what are you waiting for? You’ve waited so long to experience the magic of a Walt Disney World® Resort vacation with your child!

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:25:04-05:00November 19th, 2009|Categories: Disney News, Disney with Special Needs|Tags: Autism Disney World, Autistic Child in Disney World, Disney World Special Needs|0 Comments

Disney World Dining Caters to Everyone – Special Needs Dining

Disney World Vacation - Infant Looking at Menu From Magic Maker® Kip Dennis
Anyone who has visited the Walt Disney World® Resort in the past can tell you about their excellent dining options. From the ethnic restaurants in the World Showcase at EPCOT®, to the class act dinner theater like Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, and the one-of-a kind restaurants like 50’s Prime Time Café, there is something for everyone. But when you have a dietary restriction, you may think that you choices are limited. With the MAGIC of Disney it is actually quite the opposite.

While recently traveling with someone with a food allergy, I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of service provided. When placing my advance dining reservations (ADRs), I notified the cast member of the allergy. All of my reservations were noted to alert the staff of the extra care needed. Just let your personal Magic Maker know of your special needs and they will communicate those to Disney. They can also provide you with additional information relating to your restrictions including suggested restaurants that will be able to best meet your needs.

At our table service meals, our waiter/waitress told us that their chef would be out to talk about our particular dietary need. Each chef went to great lengths to ensure a meal was made without any allergen contamination. If it was a buffet meal, the chef escorted him around to identify “safe” foods.

For counter service, we just notified the cast member at the order podium of our restriction. They once again notified a manager to come and consult us on what our available options were.

The Special Dietary program at Disney is just another example of how Disney continues to provide great service to their guests.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:25:05-05:00November 5th, 2009|Categories: Disney News, Disney with Special Needs, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Disney World Special Needs, Special Dietary Program Disney World, Walt Disney World dining, walt disney world with special needs|0 Comments