Sea World and special needs

[livndisney]

If this should not be here please let me know. Hopefully someone can use this information.

I heard someone say they could not take their "special needs" child to Sea World because they have no "accommodations". So I went over today to find out if that was true.

I am happy to say they were very wrong!!! :)
I spoke with a "lead" (Thank you Jeff) who talked to me quite a bit about what they can do. In all honesty, there did not seem to be anything I asked him that they could not do. His quote was "bring it on"! :)

SW has 2 first aid locations. One in the front near the Sting Rays and the other in the Happy Harbor (kids play area) near the Baby Care center. In addition Paramedics walk the parks with a kit and wheelchair.

I visited the location in Happy Harbor. (Entrance)
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x306/poohsmommy9/100_3795.jpg
They can store meds that need to be refrigerated.
They can store marine batteries for vents.
They have 3 curtained areas.
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x306/poohsmommy9/100_3793.jpg
They have two "treatment" rooms. (The one I took pictures of was very private)
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x306/poohsmommy9/100_3792.jpg
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x306/poohsmommy9/100_3791.jpg

And they have a VERY wheelchair able bathroom! http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x306/poohsmommy9/100_3794.jpg
Should they need to transport a patient to a hospital, there is a fire department right across the street.

The "companion bathrooms" are actually labeled "family bathrooms" and located throughout the park. (I have a list of locations should anyone want it) . I do not know HOW a wheelchair could get into the "companion bathroom" near Voyagers.

I will upload the pics if that is ok.

Cindee

[SueM in MN]

This is a fine place for this post.
I would be interested in your pictures. If you can post them on this thread, I will make a link to this thread in the disABILITIES FAQs thread. There is a post in that thread about SeaWorld, but it has only links to the website. Pictures would be very welcome.

We have not been to SeaWorld in quite a few years, but found it to be quite accessible. The problem we had was that since there are many shows, it was kind of hard for our family (there were few things that you could do whatever time you wanted). The shows were good though.

[livndisney]

done :)

[SueM in MN]

thanks, that's great

[Selket]

I heard someone say they could not take their "special needs" child to Sea World because they have no "accommodations". So I went over today to find out if that was true.
Cindee

Considering "special needs" in another way, I know that Seaworld has a bad reputation among parents of a type 1 diabetic children discussion board I frequent. There was quite a flack over an incident last Fall 2007 with some parents who took their toddler to Seaworld in Texas.

As for the Seaworld in Orlando the Children With Diabetes annual conference was every other year held in a hotel adjacent to Seaworld with events taking place at Seaworld (a big dinner, etc. They have thousands of participants). For this year's conference which is back at the hotel next to Seaworld they decided *not* to do ANY events at Seaworld due to the problems they've had with them and they cancelled their plans to return to Seaworld through 2012.

Of course WDW sets a high standard I'm not sure any other theme park can match.

[loadsapixiedust]

WDW does set a very high standard but we did not find Seaworld lacking in accommodations, maybe just that what they do offer is less well publicised. There doesn't seem to be any GAC or similar, but with so few rides probably no need, but they do offer a generous discount to disabled guests and carers. We found plenty of wheelchair seating areas for shows and excellent medical and changing facilities. Staff couldn't have been more helpful with our family's needs, even offering them refreshments as I tended to our little one's personal care. Maybe they do not accommodate everyone, but for us we had all the help we needed for a great day out.

[livndisney]

WDW does set a very high standard but we did not find Seaworld lacking in accommodations, maybe just that what they do offer is less well publicised. There doesn't seem to be any GAC or similar, but with so few rides probably no need, but they do offer a generous discount to disabled guests and carers. We found plenty of wheelchair seating areas for shows and excellent medical and changing facilities. Staff couldn't have been more helpful with our family's needs, even offering them refreshments as I tended to our little one's personal care. Maybe they do not accommodate everyone, but for us we had all the help we needed for a great day out.

But they DO offer a similar GAC. I agree that perhaps what they do offer is not so well known. From what I saw yesterday, I would say SW facilities meet or exceeds WDW's.

[SueM in MN]

For this year's conference which is back at the hotel next to Seaworld they decided *not* to do ANY events at Seaworld due to the problems they've had with them and they cancelled their plans to return to Seaworld through 2012.

Of course WDW sets a high standard I'm not sure any other theme park can match.
Do you know (or feel comfortable) with letting us know a bit about what the concerns were?

[Samantha Becker]

WDW does set a very high standard but we did not find Seaworld lacking in accommodations, maybe just that what they do offer is less well publicised. There doesn't seem to be any GAC or similar, but with so few rides probably no need, but they do offer a generous discount to disabled guests and carers. We found plenty of wheelchair seating areas for shows and excellent medical and changing facilities. Staff couldn't have been more helpful with our family's needs, even offering them refreshments as I tended to our little one's personal care. Maybe they do not accommodate everyone, but for us we had all the help we needed for a great day out.


How do we get a discount, call or can we do online.

Also to OP I wouold love locations of family bathrooms. It will make trip so much less hectic if I know these kinds of things ahead of time.

Is the shark encounter wheelchair accessible?

[Selket]

I know much more about the problems a family had with Seaworld in Texas than I do with the one in Orlando. The child in Texas has type 1 diabetes (she is a toddler) and other medical issues (like JA) and they were denied being able to use their stroller as a wheelchair, and to keep their medical supply bag with them at an attraction. They were told they might not be able to keep their insulin in a fridge at First Aid (that was eventually) allowed. They also encountered some unhelpful, dismissive and rude workers. They later discovered from Seaworld management after they complained that *all* of the help they had requested was available. I think most of the problems were caused by poorly trained staff members (even managers) - who didn't know their own policies.

As for Orlando, one of the main organizers of their big summer conference commented on the Seaworld incident by this other family in Texas and said that due to similar issues they had at the 2006 conference they pulled all of their events out of the Orlando Seaworld location that had been booked through 2012.

It is possible that the Orlando venue has taken steps to be more accommodating. Without personal experience I realize I'm reporting 2nd hand - but seeing CWD pull their conference out of there does put a big red flag for me. Could it also be that they are adept at accommodating those with wheelchairs but not so good at accommodating those with less apparent needs?

I don't mean to contradict Cindee's excellent report and photos. I guess I'm curious myself what has been the experience of those at Seaworld with issues that aren't mobility related?

[Cheshire Figment]

On a side note, I would not be surprised if Sea World (orlando) suddenly closes. In yesterday's Sentinel was a big front page article about their severe polluting of the aquifer. The report shows that the salt water contamination is extreme, with Sodium levels over 20 times limits and chloride levels over 30 times limits.

[SueM in MN]

Very interesting information here.
One thing that I always keep in mind is that it is easy to make something wheelchair accessible. There are specific guidelines about how wide, how long the slope of a ramp. but even with that, there are some things that meet all the guidelines, but are still not accessible to some people with wheelchairs. Partly because wheelchairs have changed in size, weight, etc. since the guidelines came out. For example, there are wheelchair accessible cars at WDW rides that meet the guidelines, but don't fit every wheelchair.

Some of the 'wheelchair' guidelines work well for people with some kinds of disabilities - like the ones about transfer tiers at pools (a series of steps that start out at wheelchair height and are meant for the user to 'bump' down each step until they get into the water). But, there are other people who use wheelchairs that those steps don't help at all.

So, with something so seemingly 'simple' as wheelchair accessibility not fitting everyone, it's easy to see that needs that are harder to define an accomodation might have a hard time being met.

The bigger problem is staff not being aware of what is available and not being able to fit simple things to needs that people are presenting. That is not excuseable.

[loadsapixiedust]

How do we get a discount, call or can we do online.

The discount is only available on tickets bought at the gate.

Is the shark encounter wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is.

[tiggerUK]

hiya,

does anyone know if seaworld have any accomodations for those with autism, adhd etc? joe is not good in queue lines!! planning on getting the GAC at disney but something similar at seaworld would be very useful.

[livndisney]

I know much more about the problems a family had with Seaworld in Texas than I do with the one in Orlando. The child in Texas has type 1 diabetes (she is a toddler) and other medical issues (like JA) and they were denied being able to use their stroller as a wheelchair, and to keep their medical supply bag with them at an attraction. They were told they might not be able to keep their insulin in a fridge at First Aid (that was eventually) allowed. They also encountered some unhelpful, dismissive and rude workers. They later discovered from Seaworld management after they complained that *all* of the help they had requested was available. I think most of the problems were caused by poorly trained staff members (even managers) - who didn't know their own policies.

As for Orlando, one of the main organizers of their big summer conference commented on the Seaworld incident by this other family in Texas and said that due to similar issues they had at the 2006 conference they pulled all of their events out of the Orlando Seaworld location that had been booked through 2012.

It is possible that the Orlando venue has taken steps to be more accommodating. Without personal experience I realize I'm reporting 2nd hand - but seeing CWD pull their conference out of there does put a big red flag for me. Could it also be that they are adept at accommodating those with wheelchairs but not so good at accommodating those with less apparent needs?

I don't mean to contradict Cindee's excellent report and photos. I guess I'm curious myself what has been the experience of those at Seaworld with issues that aren't mobility related?

I can actually address this as I have "needs" but am not in a wheelchair. Most of my needs are not "visible" (usually).

SW has been very good at meeting my needs. Due to various issues, I need to stay out of the direct sun as much as possible (and I live in Fl LOL). They have exceeded my needs on this. With several severe allergies, I like that they have medical staff available in the park. The shows I have gone to at SW have been very accessible. (Stairs can be a problem) The crew at SW have been very helpful. I can't really think of a problem I have had.

Cindee

[SueM in MN]

How do we get a discount, call or can we do online.

Also to OP I wouold love locations of family bathrooms. It will make trip so much less hectic if I know these kinds of things ahead of time.

Is the shark encounter wheelchair accessible?
The discount is not addressed in the SeaWorld Accessibility Guide (click here for link), (http://www.seaworld.com/assetrepo/documents/SWF%20access%20guide.pdf)but the locations of family bathrooms at the park are listed and the Guide includes pretty complete information about access to their attractions. There is also a link to the Guide in the disABILITIES FAQs thread.

NOTE: The link goes to the pdf file of their guidebook. When you open it, it looks blank. Scroll down a ways until you see the text start. The link apparently starts on the inside cover or something, which has no text.

[Belle1962]

When we were there Dec 31, I went to guest services INSIDE the park, they could not do this at the one at the gate, I simply showed them my GAC from DISNEY and they issued us one for SW. I didn't have to explain the issue or anything, I simply said 'At Disney they issed us this"...and showed it to the gentleman. That being said--it really only helped at the few rides in Shamu's Happy Harbor and the Polar Express Experience.
Since I use an ecv, we had no problems with shows as there was always room--even on NYE.

We used the NRA $25 tickets. Glad I didn't really pay "full price". My grandson really was not into watching the animals--although we did see Clyde and Seamore 3 times (LOL) and the Shamu Rocks show twice. As far as the walk through exhibits he was like lightning through them--stop look nothing exciting happening off we go. Or stop wave hi and off we go.

[Samantha Becker]

When we were there Dec 31, I went to guest services INSIDE the park, they could not do this at the one at the gate, I simply showed them my GAC from DISNEY and they issued us one for SW. I didn't have to explain the issue or anything, I simply said 'At Disney they issed us this"...and showed it to the gentleman. That being said--it really only helped at the few rides in Shamu's Happy Harbor and the Polar Express Experience.
Since I use an ecv, we had no problems with shows as there was always room--even on NYE.

We used the NRA $25 tickets. Glad I didn't really pay "full price". My grandson really was not into watching the animals--although we did see Clyde and Seamore 3 times (LOL) and the Shamu Rocks show twice. As far as the walk through exhibits he was like lightning through them--stop look nothing exciting happening off we go. Or stop wave hi and off we go.

What is a GAC, and does someone in a wheelchair need one. Also what are NRA $25.00 tickets. Sorry I am not with the lingo but this is the first vacation that my brother cannot move from a wheelchair so 1st time problems.

[SueM in MN]

What is a GAC, and does someone in a wheelchair need one. Also what are NRA $25.00 tickets. Sorry I am not with the lingo but this is the first vacation that my brother cannot move from a wheelchair so 1st time problems.
I'm not sure what NRA stands for, but I can help you with GAC.
GAC stands for Guest Assistance Card and it is basically a tool to let the Cast Members/Staff know what needs someone has related to their disability. Disney calls their card a Guest Assistance Card; other parks may call it by a different name, but they generally work about the same whichever park you are talking about.
Most people who use a wheelchair/ECV don't need a GAC. Just having the wheelchair or ECV clues the staff that you need an accessible entrance if the regular line or boarding areas are not accessible. If that meets the person's needs, they don't need a GAC. Some people have needs besides just being able to take the wheelchair/ECV into attractions with them. THose people might benefit from a GAC.
There is a section about GACs in the disABILITIES FAQs thread that should be able to help you out.

[livndisney]

What is a GAC, and does someone in a wheelchair need one. Also what are NRA $25.00 tickets. Sorry I am not with the lingo but this is the first vacation that my brother cannot move from a wheelchair so 1st time problems.

The NRA (National Rifle Assoc) had a link last fall (I think) for discounted $25.00 Sea World tickets.

[SueM in MN]

The NRA (National Rifle Assoc) had a link last fall (I think) for discounted $25.00 Sea World tickets.
National Rifle Association was what came to mind first, but I thought that could not possibly be right.

[Belle1962]

Yes--I used the (gasp) National Rifle Association tickets. At $25.00 each I couldn't pass it up. While they said anyone could order the tix, I didn't call until everyone on the DIS was posting they were "sold out". When I called and gave them my last name, they verified my address and my ex-husbands name. (He used to belong) Then sold me the tix.

[dclfun]

I've only visited SeaWorld once and attended with a service dog group last year. I travel in a power wheelchair, with my SD of course, and have other medical needs. I found SW to be very accomodating and did not need any type of GAC. It was nice for me as at Disney really all I can "do" are the shows, so having lots of shows at SW really packed my day with lots of fun things. As for discounts they cannot be given online and someone must present themselves at the park entrance to request one. They are issued for someone with mobility challenges who thus would not be able to enjoy some of the ride attractions that aren't accessible. I feel that offering a discount is quite generous since there are so many other things to enjoy and I feel as though I had a full-price experience there.---Kathy

[NDdisney]

We will be going to Disney World in just a few weeks. Disney has ALWAYS been very good about assistance for our family - we have a 10 yr old daughter with autism.
We were planning to try Sea World this year for the first time. I have read some of the posts about Sea World, and that they have their version for Guest Assistance card. My question is what shows/attractions are they able to assist with. My daughter is ESPECIALLY EXCITED about the idea of being up close and feeding the dolphins. I have read on various web sites that this is a popular attraction - people wait in line for quite a while to get in - that it is only at certain times of the day, and only so many people are able to get into this area for each show. There is NO WAY she can stand in a line for an hour - or even a half hour - to get into an event/show. Would we be able to take her to this event without having to wait in a line? Do they have "fast pass" type tickets like the more popular events at Disney World. We may need to avoid Sea World all togather if we know that whe would have an extended wait to get into the Dolphin interaction/feeding place (I can't remember what this area is called). Any information about how Sea World handles these type of requests for special needs kids would be Greatly Appreciated.

[1stluvispooh]

hiya,

does anyone know if seaworld have any accommodations for those with autism, adhd etc? joe is not good in queue lines!! planning on getting the GAC at disney but something similar at seaworld would be very useful.

We have gone to Orlando twice, once when DD ( high functioning ASD) was 3 and undiagnosed so we didn't get and or know about a GAC and we went again at age 6. We have gone to SW both times and had a relatively easy time with her, all things considered. First let me say I find SW to be a bit more relaxing, less of a big sensory experience . We have gone in Sept and Oct respectively so the crowds weren't big. I liken SW to going to the zoo with a few more exciting rides thrown in. DD has been going to the zoo since she was 2 weeks old so wandering around looking at animals and gardens is not new to her. So no I didn't ask about anything similar to the GAC but lines weren't that long and we always make sure that she is sandwiched between DH and myself. I must admit DH is very good at keeping her occupied in line be it talk to her, try to make her giggle or getting her to twirl while waiting so the time goes by fast. I also made sure she had a snack or a fidget while waiting for a show. I know this might not help but this was our experience.


We will be going to Disney World in just a few weeks. Disney has ALWAYS been very good about assistance for our family - we have a 10 yr old daughter with autism.
We were planning to try Sea World this year for the first time. I have read some of the posts about Sea World, and that they have their version for Guest Assistance card. My question is what shows/attractions are they able to assist with. My daughter is ESPECIALLY EXCITED about the idea of being up close and feeding the dolphins. I have read on various web sites that this is a popular attraction - people wait in line for quite a while to get in - that it is only at certain times of the day, and only so many people are able to get into this area for each show. There is NO WAY she can stand in a line for an hour - or even a half hour - to get into an event/show. Would we be able to take her to this event without having to wait in a line? Do they have "fast pass" type tickets like the more popular events at Disney World. We may need to avoid Sea World all together if we know that whe would have an extended wait to get into the Dolphin interaction/feeding place (I can't remember what this area is called). Any information about how Sea World handles these type of requests for special needs kids would be Greatly Appreciated.

Feeding the dolphins is my DH's favorite thing to do while at SW. We have done it both times we have gone. DD was only interested in them last time we went when she was 6. (When she was 3 she tot 1 took at there teeth and B-lined for the stroller! :lmao: ) We didn't ask for any special help when we went to feed and pet the dolphins But here is what we did do. The dolphin feeding is a large pool with the dolphins swimming around the last time we were there they had specific times that they feed them. We went straight to the dolphin area when we arrived first thing in the morning. They were going to have a feeding time in 1/2 hour but you were more than welcome to pet them while everyone waited. So DH, DD, and DS bellied up to the pool and tried to pet the dolphins and I waited in line to buy the food. I was amazed that she stood there as long as she did because you are to put your hand in the water with your fingers together and the dolphins will swim by and that is how you "pet" them. She found them very engaging until they were getting excited about chow time and one jumped out of the water and splashed her. I swear the water was exactly shaped like her! She still talks about that. Anyway don't know if this helps but I think you might be amazed at how well she will do with it

http://www.kodakgallery.com/PhotoView.jsp?UV=258660830381_976365844603&collid=97684002403.577246941403.1221314989967&photoid=905775351403&folderid=0&view=1&page=1&sort_order=&albumsperpage =&navfolderid=2006

[Schmeck]

As stated above, the dolphins are swimming around in the tank, and people are waiting, 2-3 people deep, to get a chance to touch a dolphin. It gets pretty crazy, as the dolphins are most focused on the people that have food for them. They do cue in on the trainers there though, so if you can get a trainer's attention he or she might be able to help you out.

I thought it a rather miserable experience, actually - the dolphins are brought down to the level of begging for food, and not everyone trying to touch the dolphins is being nice about it. I'd actually love to have Seaworld closed, and the animals moved to a more natural habitat, instead of inland Florida.

[scojos]

hi, we just got back from WDW and did indeed do both BG and SW following our DC trip.
The GAC (not sure what they call it) is a A5 piece of blue paper when you go to Guest services they ask the disability (ASD for us) and measure him. This allowed her to say, "josh you can not ride X and Z". This helped us as there was no nasty suprises when we got to the ride (still had a melt down cause he thought he might sneak into kraken:confused: :scared:
staff were helpful, although we only used it once, to stay on the disabled seats at shamu show (other seats were wayed to crowded even though we were earlypopcorn:: )
then same type of sheet is issued at BG.
the only critism was it did not allow the baby swap type thing you can do with WDW, my asd child had to be there for us to use it, which resulted in him waiting nearly 90 min for dh and me to ride kraken by which time he was crawling up the walls, we rode journey to atlantis 4 times:scared1:
i was impressed at BG with our "magic card" the trainers let our kids interact with the animals more (we even were taken into the flamingo pen and allowed to hand feed them- wow, that was incredible. (I would add the tropical storm Faye had hit the day before and the park was REALLY empty! Staff at BG were great ...
hope this helps someone
tracy