AboutSue Holland Expertise I can answer just about anything relating to the Florida Disney parks - including the resorts & Downtown Disney. As a Disney Vacation Club member, I`m very familiar with that program as well. I love the resorts as much as the theme parks - especially the attention to detail and the friendly service provided
Question QUESTION: Hey.
I am Nicole. I am 18 years old. I am visually imparied with some vision left. I have retinitius pigmentosa (to be exact). I just found out about my disability about a year ago so I have no clue hoe to deal with going to disney. I would love to go to Disney with my family at the end of December because we have a time share for that week. It is very hard for me to go up and down steps steps and it is also hard being able to see in the bright sun or at night.
I was wondering if there are any benefits for kids/adults with visually difficulties?
Also, Would I have as much fun as I did a couple of years ago when I went or is it a bad idea to go?
I would also like to know if at the parks, do I or my parents need to say that I need help with the lines and the steps or the bright sun or at night? How do I go about getting help for my situation?
ANSWER: Hi Nicole,
Disney does the best job I've ever seen with accomodating people with various disabilities. You'd need to stop at guest services at each park to get a guest assistance card/pass. That will let the other cast members know what you need so they know how to help you. People with disabilities are mainstreamed as much as possible. You'd need to tell them what you need. As for the sun you're probably best to bring some good strong sunglasses - the sun is always bright in FL. There are a couple rides with steps in the regular queue (Toy Story, Space Mountain come to mind) so your card will need to indicate stairs are out of the question. That way at that attraction they'll send you through an alternate line with no stairs. I believe they also have a headset to help visually impaired people, so ask about that (audio).
The last week of December is absolutely MOBBED...it's the single worst week of the year to visit. Depending on how your disability affects you in crowded conditions you want to really think this through. Lines at the popular attractions will be hours long, crowds will be shoulder to shoulder, and it can be very unpleasant. If your vision is dimished to the point that you need extra space that could be a problem. You'd be better off scheduling a trip for any other week down the road. The days are shortest in late December, and if vision is a problem at night you've just lost a good 5 hours of park touring time each day & you'll be stuck in the parks during the most busy afternoon period.
If you decide to go, I hope you have a great time! I'm sure it won't be the same as your earlier trip, but hopefully it'll still be alot of fun for you.
Sue Holland
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QUESTION: hey
one more quick question
do i need to bring any papers saying my disability?
what will they ask me at guest services so I bring the right papers with me?
and thanks for answering my other questions.
the lines with no steps would be the best
and for the night situation, my mom and dad are really good about helping me if I cant get accomadated for that
Answer If you'd like to you can, but they can't ask for anything and might not want to see it - health information is protected. However, if your doc wrote a note saying what your needs or restrictions were, they could go from there without knowing specifics about your disease/diagnosis.
They're very helpful - I'm sure you'll do just fine!
