Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation


Visitors With Disabilities

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Wheelchairs, ECV's, and strollers are available in all theme parks and are available on a first-come, first -served basis.

  • Magic Kingdom: at Stroller and Wheelchair Rental, just as you pass through the turnstiles on the right next to the souvenir area.

  • Epcot: on the left, as you pass through the turnstiles at the main entrance; also at International Gateway (the other entrance near France).

  • MGM: at Oscar's Super Service on Hollywood Blvd, just after you pass through the entrance.

  • Animal Kingdom: at Garden Gate Gifts (first shop to your right after you enter the park) next to The Oasis.

Keep your wheelchair receipt so you don't have to pay again if you switch parks. Electrical Convenience Vehicles must be rented again if you switch parks! If your battery dies, just tell a Castmember and he will bring you another battery. See the chapter titled Disney and the Disabled in our book, Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation, for more information about services for the disabled at Walt Disney World.     

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Sarah Richardson suffers from a rare cancer, but she is experiencing a Disney dream vacation this week thanks to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Keep her in your prayers.
(http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_567024.html)

"A couple say visiting Disney World helps unlock their autistic son's closed world."
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/lifestyle/orl-autisticboy08may04,0,7088699.
story)

"Disney and SeaWorld Orlando won't allow visitors to use Segways, citing safety concerns... Universal Orlando permits disabled riders on Segways on a case-by-case basis, though Universal officials would not talk about the matter."
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-disneyseg1307oct13,0,7
784195.story?coll=orl_tab01_layout)

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Julie writes:

"do you have any advice for people visiting Disney with Epilepsy, my sister will be coming with us next year and I am bit worried which rides to avoid etc. Thank you"

For a guide which describes access for the disabled to specific theme park rides and attractions, pick up a copy of the Walt Disney World Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities at all wheelchair rental locations. You can also order the book by mail by writing to:

Walt Disney World Guest Communications
Box 10000
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Jennette writes:

"Hi John and Julie!

The first I would do is let the paramedic station closest to you know of your condition. We always stay at Boardwalk and Beach Club because the Fire Station is right down the street. We fill out a medical report form that the paramedics at the fire station give to us. On it we list medical conditions, current medications and amounts, and anything else we feel is important. We then put our hotel name, room number and our check out date on the top right hand corner.

The paramedics look at these reports every time they change shifts, so if they ever get a call about either of our children, they put it in the handheld computers, and the paramedic that is on the way can look over their chart. We had to call the paramedics twice while we were in WDW this past June, and they were great.

Make sure you know how to get to Celebration Hospital from your hotel. My husband had to take my son in the car to meet us at the hospital because we were in the ambulance, and he got lost because he got directions at the last minute, and he wasn't listening because he was so concerned.

Bring medical papers, and meds with you at all times. We were sometimes out late at night, and we would miss their scheduled med time. We made an extra bottle of meds for both of our kids, and we carry them at all times. It's just an evening dose of meds, but then you don't have to leave to go back to the hotel, because you forgot them.

The first day that you get to a park, go to guest relations and let them know that you need a special guest assistance pass (you may have to prove this, that's where the last blood tests, EEG's reports and meds come in handy), and they will give you a pass to help you while you are in the parks for your entire stay. We were able to go in the fastpass lines, and then my epileptic daughter and I could wait for my husband and son to go on the rides.

Try to think about each individual ride. Rides for younger kids are usually fine. More intense rides usually have some sort of strobe lighting. Ask your neurologist if strobe lighting will cause seizures. My daughter has 2 kinds of Epilepsy, so these can sometimes bother her. The Dinosaur ride, Star Tours, and Tower of Terror are 3 that I know have strobe lights, but we still go on them, because we know when it's going to happen and we both cover her eyes.

If something should happen during a ride most of them have cameras to watch you. In SpaceShip earth, I was told by a cast member to jump out of the ride if she seized, and that the alarms would go off and the ride would stop. They would then come to me, and they can walkie talkie to the paramedics. Let a cast member know at every ride about the condition. They will tell you what to do in every situation.

Make sure that you get plenty of rest, and always bring extra food, Gatorade and stuff to keep her cool. Know her triggers. Try to anticipate that she will seize, and how you are going to react, and then she probably won't. My daughter has hundreds of seizures a day, is on lots of meds, and my son is a severe asthmatic. They both have had brain surgery, and we were in WDW within 6 weeks of surgery. Just be prepared for any and all situations.

Let your hotel front desk know that you may have to call 911. We always stay on WDW property, and we have NEVER had a problem with getting paramedics quickly. All 4 parks have paramedics at the park, so if you need one, call one. They don't charge you, and they will do a quick neuro exam to determine if you need to go to the hospital. Also, any WDW hotel can get a DR. to your room within about 4 hours for a $200.00 charge. You need to pay for this up front, and can charge it, but not room charge it, and they carry some prescriptions on them--this can really save a vacation if you're not feeling well, and don't want to go to the hospital. They will even fill out the paperwork to help you submit it to your insurance.

I hope that some of this info helps. I can think of some other stuff to help, but it may be too much for you. If you need it, please e-mail me and I will be more than happy to help you with any medical questions you may have for the WDW trip. Have fun, and don't panic. You are not alone!"

Thank you so much, Jennette, for all of your helpful information! I have received other requests over the years specifically about Epilepsy and never could find any useful information. God bless you and your family for all the care you provide for your children.

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Beth, our travel agent, looked into the availability of wheelchairs at the resorts:

"I stopped in at the concierge desk at AKL this evening to ask about the wheelchair issue. What I was told is that there is no 'official' program in place for the hotels to have wheelchairs available onsite; however, people seem to manage to get the park wheelchairs out and then they abandon them at their hotels when they leave. This gentleman says if they get their hands on one they hang on to it. They will then allow a hotel guest to use it during their length of stay, and if it's a standard (manual) chair they usually don't even get a credit card for deposit. They just do that for the electric chairs. In other words, they don't have ANY chairs that belong to the hotel, but they often have chairs from the parks that get left at the hotel and those are the ones they allow guests to use. Eventually, those chairs end up back at a park so the hotel can't say in advance if they'll have one on hand or not. Hope that clarifies!" 

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Jerry writes:

"We are planning to bring our 84 year old great-grandmother with us. Do you have any insight/suggestions for staying inside the park with elderly parents (65 y/o) and our great-grandmother?"

I would follow our advice in the book for young children. Be sure to get a room near the bus stop, keep cool, leave the parks during the day to rest and relax, and return in the evening, and take a day off now and then to skip the parks and shop, swim and relax. Rent a wheelchair or scooter if necessary. Be sure to follow our Customized Tours of the WDW Theme Parks, paying particular attention to our comments on the suitability of certain rides for those with physical limitations.

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Nuala writes:

"In my party one of the grandmothers is an MS suffer and one of the adults suffers with Parkinsons Disease. Both of these individuals are mobile and do not need wheelchairs, however standing in long lines for rides or shows will cause a problem for us as their stamina is compromised as a result of their conditions. Can you suggest how we might avail of special passes to cater for these members of our party? It would be unfortunate if the disney trip we have strived towards would be less that expected due to the situation with our two medically compromised party. Any advise would be appreciated."

  • See Guest Services at the park entrances for a Special Pass that will allow up to 6 in your party to access some of the rides through the back entrance.

  • Disney's FASTPASS allows you to insert your ticket at certain attractions and receive a time to return when you can enter the attraction with a minimum wait.

  • Consider E-ticket nights when you can stay in the Magic Kingdom after closing and visit the most popular attractions without waiting.

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Jennifer writes:

"I had a great time when I had gone down in May 2003 and I used your map in finding my way around and the special place to get a mickey hat with your name printed on. I was very happy that I had gone down but when I came back to Canada, I got very sick. Both of my kidneys stopped working, therefore, I am on dialysis, Mon, Wed and Fri. I would appreciate it if you may email me a contact or link in Orlando of a Dialysis clinic. I am married and have a 7 old son, he was 4 yrs old when I got sick."

I'm sorry to hear about your illness. I typed into Google.com the search words: "dialysis clinic near lake buena vista florida" and received: Clinics near Disney World Florida.

While I was at it, I typed into Google.com the search words for Disneyland California: "dialysis clinic near anaheim california" and received: Clinics near Disneyland California.

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Cynthia writes:

"John, In the last few days my family has shown interest in going to Universal Studios in the near future. One in our party cannot walk long distances and has to use a wheel chair. We know how wonderful WDW is to her, and we are now wondering if Universal Studios is also a wheelchair friendly environment. Could you please tell us what you know about this? Thanks so much!"

Universal is wheelchair friendly. You'll find their official Rider's Guide at their website.

If you go, send me a trip report about your wheelchair experiences!

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A subscriber writes:

Are there any discounts at Disney World for a family with a child with disabilities?

There are no such discounts at WDW. Universal offers a "Manager Disability" discount to those whose medical condition might prevent them from trying some of Universal's more aggressive rides. Bring a doctor's note and save 15%. Without the note, save 10%.

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Sue writes:

"Our family went to Fl. at the end of March and we were looking forward to a great time. My son, who has Aspergers Syndrome, a form of Autism was especially excited, which was great because he seldom shows excitement about anything. There were only 2 places he really wanted to go, that was Epcot and Kennedy Space center.

After arriving and looking at different pamphlets we thought that Animal Kingdom would be something he would enjoy. We took the shuttle from the parking lot to Animal Kingdom and it was extremely crowded, especially since so many people had to stand. This was irritating to most and was especially for a person that has special needs and by the end of the trip it was especially bad for our son.

The trip back on the shuttle to the parking lot was devastating for our son. The amount of people that were crowded onto the bus was unbelievable, people packed in seats not to mention all that were standing. Our son had a total melt down (a term used for autistic people). Neither my husband nor I were able to sit with him due to the amount of people packed on the bus. I saw him from behind (I was 2 seats back) and could tell what was happening to him, it was devastating.

After getting off the shuttle our son would not let us comfort or console him, he couldn't stand to be touched because of this incident. Knowing that his main goal of going to Fl. was to go to Epcot and Kennedy we thought we would take him the next day to Epcot, but he wanted no part of going to either of the places. He asked if he would have to go on the shuttle again and we told him it was possible and he started to cry and said we would never go back. So that shuttle ride ended his expectations, any chance or thought we had of doing anything at the Disney parks, which was such a shame. After that all he wanted to do was stay at the motel and go to the pool.

I did not see anything, shuttle wise, to make the Disney experience a nice one for the special needs. I do understand that the parks get crowded, but something should really be done about the shuttle situation. I enjoy the Affordable Disney newsletter and got some very helpful hints. I did not know who to contact about the problems we encountered, so I thought telling you this story you maybe able to get it to the appropriate persons in charge. Thank you."

Sue, I'm very sorry to hear about your son's experience. Disney really loads those buses to capacity.

You can make a complaint or a comment about your experiences at WDW...

Disney has provided a form online.

Snailmail your letter to:

COMPLAINTS AND COMMENTS:
Walt Disney World Guest Communications
P.O. Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040

For those who may find themselves in a similar situation, I would recommend calling a taxi or renting a car to avoid taking the shuttle to the parks.

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Scott writes:

"We are traveling with our family (10 in all) for a Disney Land and Sea. My son has suffered a severe double fracture in his leg. He is in a full leg cast for now and will be in at least a foot to knee cast at the time of the trip. We think it would be a struggle for him to crutch it around Disney and on the ship. This is also a concern with his Orthopedic doctor. He is only 12 but is 5'10" tall and very lean. The cast as it is right now weighs more than he does. Is there a way I can arrange for a wheelchair in Disney and on the cruise. Please let me know. I am a lifetime member."

Yes, Disney has wheelchairs for rent in the parks. You can also rent them and ECV's from outside sources. Those in wheelchairs get the best treatment at WDW - special seating areas, etc! And up to 6 in your party. See our chapter, Disney and the Disabled, for all the details.

The Disney cruise ships have a limited number of wheelchairs, but if you want to take it to ports of call, rent one that you can bring with you.

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Amber writes:

"My Mom will be going with us to Walt Disney World, but doesn't think she can walk it due to her bad knee. She's wanting to get something from her doctor for a wheelchair. Do you know what we need at Disney to get one?"

You do not need anything to rent a wheelchair at WDW. But BE SURE to arrive early at the park to get one before they're all gone. See our book for rental sources that will deliver your wheelchair to you.

Beth, our travel agent, adds:

"The Scoop on Wheelchairs and Scooters (ECVs)...

Even people that don't normally use a wheelchair or scooter may want to use one for their theme park vacation. Let's face it: all that walking is tough on EVERYONE, and a person who is mobility-challenged to start with may find that their inability to move around quickly and easily under their own power makes for a mighty tough trip!

All Disney theme parks rent wheelchairs at the entrance to the park. The push style comes in regular and wide and costs $7 a day, $1 of which will come back to you as a Disney dollar when you return the chair. You can NOT take the chairs from park to park, but if you keep your receipt from the first rental of the day and then present it at the next park they will not charge you again. The same holds true for ECVs, and the price is $45 a day ($10 of which is a refundable deposit).

You can't reserve the chairs and ECVs, though, so if you change from one park to another and they are all gone at the second park then you're out of luck.

So if you don't want to bring a chair or scooter from home, then your final option is to rent one from a local agency. I've used several and their daily rates run about the same as Disney's, but you usually get a price break if you keep it for a whole week. You have to provide your weight in order to get the chair or scooter best suited for you, and the company will have it delivered to your hotel for no charge. It's usually there when you arrive, but even companies that require you to call on arrival get them there quickly. Then you just leave it at bell services when you depart and the company will be by to pick it up. It works really well, and while you don't save much (if any) money, at least you have a working chair or ECV for your entire length of stay.

All Disney rooms have doors wide enough to accommodate a normal wheelchair and many scooters. If you're using something extra-wide, you may have trouble not only with the doors, but also with the lifts on the transportation. Keep that in mind. All Disney hotels also have handicap-accessible rooms as well. There's a department that handles those requests, so they can accommodate most every need, from roll-in showers to shower stools to raised toilet seats - whatever you need. If you do need a special room, though, be sure to reserve well in advance because they are limited in number.

I'd be happy to provide additional information on wheelchair or scooter rental, so feel free to send questions."

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Louise writes about Randy's Mobility scooter rental:

"John, we went to Orlando May 6 - 15 and rented a scooter from Randy's Mobility (407/855-6562). They couldn't have been more accommodating! And what a beautiful red scooter. Looked brand new! Worked perfectly! They actually gave us an extra day (brought the scooter on Friday, May 7, at 8:00 AM and picked it up at 4:00 PM on May 14). I heartily recommend their services!"

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Traveling with a Disability:

  • Public buses have hydraulic lifts and can accommodate two wheelchairs. Their route includes Universal Studios, Sea World, the shopping areas, downtown Orlando, and a once an hour stop at the Transportation and Ticket Center near the Magic Kingdom.

  • You can rent wheelchairs, electric scooters, and medical equipment from the following companies and have them delivered to your home or hotel: CARE Medical Equipment (800/741-2282 or 407/856-2273) and Walker Medical and Mobility Products (888/SCOOTER or 407/331-9500).

  • Since most car rental agencies only offer regular vans, you can rent a wheelchair van from: Wheelchair Getaways (407/292-7614) and Rainbow Wheels (407/977-9667).

  • The following companies will transport you to the theme parks, including Cypress Gardens, Kennedy Space Center, and Busch Gardens: Gator Tours (407/363-9787) and Go Special Coach (407/345-1600 or 877-345-1600).

  • Visitors to Orlando must display their out-of-state or foreign disabled parking permit in their car's windshield when they are parked in public handicapped parking spaces.

  • The theme parks have areas set aside for handicapped parking that are close to the entrance. Ask the parking attendant for directions.

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Sheila writes:

"Question--DO you know what the rules are for bringing Diabetic supplies including syringes into the WDW parks and their hotels? As I know things are more strict and want to know ahead of time to make sure that there is no trouble at the WDW Parks or hotels- Thanks for all your help and Just love those newsletters!"

Disney security will search your bags at the entrance to the theme parks. They no longer allow water coolers at the water parks. Small medicine bags are no problem. Leave the manufacturer's wrapper or label on needles so security will have no doubt that they are for medicinal purposes. (If you need medical assistance at the parks, see a castmember.) There are no bag checks at the resorts. Glad you enjoy the newsletter!

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Cherylann writes:

"I will be traveling alone and will be using a Electric Convenience Vehicles that I will have delivered to my resort hotel Animal Kingdom Lodge. Any ideas for a 3 night stay. I have only NOT been to Animal Kingdom."

Buy the 3-day ticket with hopper option. You will have no trouble getting around in the ECV.

Best advice: Go over our tours and pick out your favorite attractions and do those. Of course, AK is a must see and explore!

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Julie writes:

"Do you know if they will allow a small cooler to be brought [into the theme parks]? We have some special diet requirements."

I would recommend taking a small cooler for meds - the size that would keep a six-pack of beer cold - and a backpack for other things. Cast members can help if you have a problem.

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Lisa writes:

"We have a son with autism. We have heard of special passes so he does not have to wait in long lines. What is the best way to obtain those passes? Are those passes frowned upon by other visitors? We plan on going the last week of April / first week of May to avoid the crowds anyway, but just in case... Is that a good time to go?"

Guest Services at the entrance to any theme park will give you a Special Pass that will allow you to access some of the major rides through the back entrances (for up to 6 people in the party). I've never heard a complaint from visitors about the special treatment.

Attendance is average the last week of April through May.

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Tanya writes:

"I read that you have done work in fundraising and was hoping you could help me out in the following circumstance.

I am asking a question in regards to a client of my organization who has been diagnosed with ALS.

The gentleman's last request is that he be able to go on a trip while he still can. He is in an electric wheelchair but is fully dependent otherwise at the moment.

He is very limited financially and was wondering if there were any organizations that might help out in the cost of the trip. Either paying for the trip or a portion would be a great help.

This information would be of great help and much appreciated. Thank you very much."

Check out the Dream Foundation.

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Sherry writes:

"I have a son who has Autism and on a web site where parents share information someone in a chat said that you could get some sort of VIP pass for special needs children that allowed you a sort of fast pass, Is this true? I am going to try to contact Disney, but the last E mail info request never received an answer."

If you have a child who can't wait in long lines, Guest Services at the entrance to any theme park will give you a Special Pass that will allow you to access some of the major rides through the back entrances (for up to 6 people in the party)

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Jenna writes about visiting Disney On Wheels:

"As far as vacation catastrophes go, it wasn't too terrible. Four days before we were to leave, my son, Chris (age 9), sliced open the bottom of his foot. Requiring 26 stitches, the doctor advised him to stay off of it completely for the first few days and then walk only when necessary after that. Not the sort of medical advice one wants to take with them to Disney.

We were able to secure a wheelchair for him at both airports, and the gentleman organizing the shuttle service for Mears Shuttle was kind enough to rearrange the usual boarding order to allow Chris to board first and tuck his foot safely out of harms way. We were dropped directly at the front door of All-Star Movies Resort.

I had been told ahead of time that wheelchairs were available for rent at the parks and had resigned myself to being there bright and early with money in hand. But in the meantime, I needed to get Chris from the lobby of the hotel to the room.

I asked the lady behind the counter if the hotel had a wheelchair we could borrow for this purpose. She brought one out to us and asked me to sign a ticket. She then informed me that we could keep the chair for the duration of our stay - AT NO COST! The chair could go from hotel to bus to park and back again without me having to worry about getting Chris from the bus loops to the front gate of the park or arriving after all the chairs were rented! This was the answer to my prayers!

Seeing the Disney parks on wheels is the best "catastrophe" that has ever befallen us. Not only was our son able to enjoy the parks in comfort, but that heavy backpack now had a perch that wouldn't strain my back (hanging between the handles of the chair)! The cast members of each park were very gracious and helpful, with only one exception.

We arrived early to the Parade at the Magic Kingdom and there was still plenty of seating in the wheelchair-accessible area. The attendant opened the ropes for us and told us that we were to place Chris and his chair directly against the last chair already in line and we could take a seat on the benches. Unfortunately, that would have placed us about 5 feet away from Chris! I wanted to watch my son experience the magic of a Disney parade for the very first time - no easy feat at that distance.

So setting what was probably not the best example for my son, I ignored his directions and placed his chair where we could all sit together. The attendant was very abrupt of manner and stated in no uncertain terms that we had to move. I explained my dilemma politely in an attempt to appeal to the child that must still lurk somewhere inside of this grumpy man. If possible, he frowned even harder and spoke in a less than friendly tone to both my son and me. That being the proverbial last straw, I dug in my heels and refused to move.

At this point, I realized his purpose was only to facilitate the seating arrangements and that he was not, in fact, the "curb police" who's image he was trying to project. He could not force me to move and instead, he ended up seating other wheelchair guests in the gap left between the last chair and Chris. Each of these guests were older (and in most cases elderly) and seemed to have no problem with sitting a few feet from the rest of the group.

In the end, all of the space was utilized, I was able to watch tearfully as the wonder and joy leaped to my child's face with each new delightful part of the parade. I quickly forgot the acerbic tone and sour looks the attendant frequently delivered.

I've cited in detail a bad experience so it's only fair that I cite a good [one] as well! At the Animal Kingdom, we rode the Kali River Rapids ride. After following the rest of the crowd through most of the queue, the wheelchair route split off to a "cove" where we would have extra time to board a boat. Another party with a guest in a wheelchair boarded the boat and off we went!

Having gotten thoroughly soaked, we came to the end of the ride. The other party then asked if we would mind riding again - not at all! She then asked the ride attendant and explained the time involved with loading and unloading her son from chair to boat. The attendant graciously allowed us to go a second time!

The bus drivers taking us from hotel to parks where all very kind to us and quite skilled at securing the chair in the bus. Nearly all of the buses in the resort are wheelchair accessible. Unfortunately, we had 3 of the buses that weren't come right in a row to pick us up from Epcot!

We found ourselves waiting for nearly an hour for a bus that could take Chris in the chair. That doesn't sound too terrible until you factor in the bus fumes and the heat! It was the longest hour of my life! I contacted the Disney transportation office to ask them how it happened that three non-accessible buses in a row were running the same route when they claim that 90% of their fleet is wheelchair accessible. The gentleman in charge apologized for our inconvenience and had a portion of our hotel bill deducted. (It pays to complain!)

Overall, the experience was great! One benefit in particular was the seating for the shows. Because of the location of the wheelchair seating at most venues, we were able to videotape all of the best shows with few or no obstructions! It also allowed for easy exiting that enabled us to get clear of the venue before most of the crowds (an enormous benefit once Fantasmic ended!)

Finally, the very best part of seeing Disney "on wheels" was the fact that I had probably the only child who was not miserable and cranky from exhaustion at the end of the day! The only thing is - I'm sure we will return to Disney soon and this time, God send that we are all on our own feet. That means we will get to experience the "joy" of a child with aching legs and grumpy disposition. That's ok, it will still be worth it!

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Disney now has 500 cardiac defibrillators at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and the Disney Cruise Line.

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A subscriber writes:

"Question, I have a 4 year old, 2 year, and a 7-month old. I will be traveling with my mother who some of the time will be in one of those electronic wheel chairs. I am dying to go to disney world. Do you think I can make it with this gang. Please advise. I realize it will be a lot of work, but [so] is every place we go. thank you!"

Yes, we see people in ECV's (electric convenience vehicles) all the time. But you should be aware of what Disney offers for the handicapped. We wrote a whole chapter about it in our book, Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation.

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Marsha writes:

"John, I was wondering if you could answer this question or if you could point me in the right direction to find the answer. My dad can't walk very well and is not looking forward to our Thanksgiving visit to WDW. Does WDW supply motorized carts (like those some grocery stores have) or regular wheelchairs? If so, how much do they cost per day? Thanks for any help you can give me!"

Wheelchairs and Electrical Convenience Vehicles are available for rent in all the theme parks. Be aware that rentals go quickly and are available on a first-come, first -served basis. Wheelchairs and ECV's can be rented at the following locations:

  • Magic Kingdom: at Stroller and Wheelchair Rental (just as you pass through the turnstiles on the right)

  • Epcot: in the shop at the left of Spaceship Earth; also at International Gateway (the other entrance near France)

  • MGM: at Oscar's Super Service on Hollywood Blvd (just after you pass through the entrance)

  • Animal Kingdom: at Garden Gate Gifts (first shop to your right after you enter the park)

Keep your wheelchair receipt so you don't have to pay again if you switch parks. Electrical Convenience Vehicles must be rented again if you switch parks! If your battery dies, just tell a cast member and he will bring you another battery. They will hold your ECV if you leave and return later in the day to the same park.

Downtown Disney, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, and Fort Wilderness have complimentary wheelchairs (with a deposit). See Guest Services.

Since ECV's are scarce at WDW, consider an outside source. CARE Med rents by the day (24 hours for $30) or by the week ($200). They will deliver the ECV to your hotel for free. Call 800/741-2282. CARE Med also provides dialysis assistance, oxygen machines, insulin, etc.

Walker Mobility (888/726-6837) and Randy's Mobility (407/855-6562 - weekly rentals only) offer similar services, including ECV's.

You can and should reserve in advance.

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Patty writes:

"While we were at Disney I had to use a wheel chair due to some health problems I have and I am happy to say that the people at Disney couldn't be nicer to people who have to make use of wheel chairs instead of walking on their own. Many times there were shorter lines for handicapped people and most of the time they were given excellent seats. Only once or twice the seating for handicapped was in the back.

I couldn't get over how nice they were to me and my family. They tried their hardest to make sure you got to see all of Disney that you could see and never made you feel like you were extra trouble dealing with the wheel chair.

Also, anyone who has to use a wheel chair please take note that they have special roped off areas in different areas for people in wheel chairs and their families to watch the parades. They were so nice about it and that way you could see the parade without having to try to look through people standing in front of you."

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Louise writes:

"Just thought I'd pass on the thing that made my trip to Disney so great!

I am hard-of-hearing. Have been for most of my adult life. I have really grown accustomed to "missing" words here and there in programs, even though I wear state-of-the-art programmable hearing aids that are in top condition. Even though I had read that there were assisted listening devices available for the deaf, I never realized that those of us "in between" could benefit. Last week, I kept noticing words written backward up on the walls in several of the shows. Lo and behold!

I decided to take the plunge! Wow! All it took was to go up to one of those very helpful 'cast members' and ask if they had assisted listening devices -- that I could hear, but had difficulty understanding all the words. They told me where to sit, and brought me what looked like a microphone stand with a smoke-colored clear panel attached that was about 15 inches long by about 4 inches wide. That was aimed at those "backward" words there in the rear of the room up near the ceiling. Voila! When I couldn't understand, it was 'take a peak!' I was then right on target!

The treatment I received was terrific! I will not hesitate to use this service again! It was marvelous! There was no attitude of, "We are inconvenienced..." What I felt was a sincere "Oh, Great! Here is someone we may help!" One more time that Disney has come through for us!

Thanks for your words in the book. You might even want to make it more explicit that this is an aid to not only the deaf but those who are 'in between.'"

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Hiram writes:

"One of party uses a wheelchair, so will need accommodations for handicapped with wide doors, lst floor, showers, etc. Also may be interested in Disney Cruise. Does Cruise have handicapped facilities? Are buses & trams .... able to carry wheelchairs?"

WDW resorts, parks and buses are equipped to handle guests with disabilities. The Disney Cruise ships have accommodations for those with disabilities, but the number of rooms is limited. Disney requires a form to be filled out by your doctor. You can call 800/900-8080, which is a fax on demand number, and ask for form #229.

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Lynda writes:

"I have a mentally handicapped son (age 31) who suffers from seizures. We'll be visiting Disney World the week of 4/23. I am wondering if there is anything I can do to get some kind of pass that we can use so my son doesn't have to wait in line for the attractions. I am afraid that the long wait for my son might trigger seizures from the sun. I have written to the corporate offices a few weeks ago, but have not heard from them. Any ideas. thank you."

If you have a child who can't wait in long lines, Guest Services at the entrance to any theme park will give you a Special Pass that will allow you to access some of the major rides through the back entrances (for up to 6 people in the party). Disney's FASTPASS allows you to insert your ticket at certain attractions and receive a time to return when you can enter the attraction with a minimum wait. Also consider e-ticket nights when you can stay in the Magic Kingdom after closing and visit the most popular attractions without waiting. For e-ticket information, click here. You can call 407/934-7639 and ask to speak to someone about services for the mentally handicapped.

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Sharon writes:

"I really like all of your info - thank you!

If you have a special pass due to child with disability, what happens to rest of party if child with disability isn't going to ride a particular ride (due to ht., age, whatever) - does the rest of the party then waive the 'Special?'"

If a child cannot ride, the cast member will allow one of your party to stay with the child while the rest of you ride. Then, when you get off the ride, the person who stayed behind can ride while one of you who has already ridden can stay with the child.

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Beth writes:

"First want to tell you how much I enjoy reading the Updates. I'm American with an Australian husband and we plan on taking the kids on a Disney World holiday in the next 18 months. The regular Updates keep me motivated to keep saving for the trip!

Question: My daughter who will be five when we go to Disney World has just be diagnosed with celiac disease. As a result she is now not allowed to eat any food that contains gluten. Does Disney World provide for any special gluten free diets?"

The full-service eateries try to accommodate all kinds of dietary requirements. When you book your table, tell them what you need. Call 407-939-3463 to make your dining reservation 24 hours in advance.

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Disney accommodates the needs of  its hearing-impaired guests. Sign language interpreters are present at its shows and parades and Disney provides captioning and other audiovisual aids so those with hearing difficulties can enjoy all the magic.

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Doris writes:

"I am a Deaf grandmother who would like to take my 20 years old hearing grandson to the Walt Disney this summer... (Is) there any interpreter for the Deaf?"

You can request an interpreter for special performances where communication is vital to understanding. Disney requires two weeks advance notice. This service is free.

Sign Language Services are available at live shows in the theme parks with one week advance notice. Shows are interpreted on select days at the parks. Call Walt Disney World Information at 407/824-4321 (voice) or 407/827-5141 (TDD) to request this service.  

"I was advised that there would (be) a Deaf organization (1999 NFSD Convention at Wyndham Palace Resort Hotel). I am not a member but invited to join. My grandson is not sure if he would enjoy the event with Deaf strangers as it would be all new to him even though he can sign well. Any Suggestion?"

If you feel that your grandson would be bored at the convention, leave him at one of the Disney theme parks or at the Downtown Disney Marketplace. He could spend an entire day at DisneyQuest (Disney's arcade). There are a million safe things he can do at WDW while you're at the convention.

"Also Chad expresses the desire to visit the Univeral Studios after Walt Disney Theme Parks ... I wonder if it would work in the package of the whole trip? What is best month (to visit during the) summer? June may be a rain month .. July and August may be too hot? Any suggestion would be appreciated."

By all means, you can take a day off from the Disney parks and visit Universal Studios. For summer visits, we prefer to go in July, after the week of July 4th, one of WDW's most crowded weeks. We avoid the initial influx of students on summer vacation in June and the heat of August. The threat of rain exists from June to September. Even if it rains, the parks thin out and we have our Disney ponchos to keep us relatively dry. Two weeks before and after Thanksgiving are also a great time to visit. Crowds are manageable and the Christmas decorations are on display!

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