Can the France Trip be done in a Wheelchair?

[DisneyCruiser83]

Hello, all!

I have been looking at the ABD trips for a few years now, but have always just kept it as a dream because they are 'adventures', and I imagine difficult or even impossible in a wheelchair. But, I really want to do the France trip (Versailles, Normandy and Paris) and add on Disneyland Paris afterwards. DH is in a wheelchair though, so I am not sure how viable it is. For reference, we have done many cruises, including the Med; and while we are slower than most, we have been able to do a lot. For those who have done this trip (or any other you think would work), is it doable? I would hate to spend all that money and have to skip half of the activities.

Just for reference, I have looked into disabled specific tour companies, but I would rather do the ABD itinerary and have the experience that Disney provides.

Thanks so much for your insights!

 

[SWofDisorder]

I go to Paris every few months and can say that the public transport system the Metro and RER stations are not very wheelchair friendly. Nor is the town.

Europe does not the USA standards for accommodations that the USA does.

Versailles can be seen while using a wheelchair but not all areas. The paths in the garden are just packed dirt and it could be hard to move after a rain.

DLP is a very nice park, not like WDW but nice. Also the CM's are not like the ones in WDW and DL. It is different in a good way but don't go expecting all the magic of WDW. Most rides are accessible but some may not be.

I hope this helps. I am sorry I have never done a ABD tour as we tour our own path but in that path we do have amazing adventures.

 

[Woodview]

As the previous Poster has said .... It would be a tough trip.

I have looked at the Itinary and while I have Done All the sights as set out

I would not like to do the tour in a Wheelchair.

Mount St. Michael is a sight to visit BUT IT IS ALL UPHILL

and narrow steps & streets.

Restrooms Could be another problem ...... As you are visiting 300 year old

buildings ..... Restrooms , while the Law says they MUST be provided , they may not be easily found that a wheelchair person can use.

You are paying a LOT OF MONEY & AIR Fares & while ABD might Look good there are better tours out there .

Cooks Tours , Global from UK ... There are loads on Mainland Europe

who do these trips And will work out better value.

You are looking for an honest reply and now you have 2 of them.

P.S. I am from Ireland BUT we Do travel in Europe as well as Florida.

Easter in Amsterdam ,( Visit Mother in Law ) & France in November ( 11 November )

Toulouse , a bit of Spain on way to Andora in July

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I have been to France many times and I agree that it is not a very wheelchair friendly country.

 

[DisneyCruiser83]

Thanks for the replies, everyone!

 

[sayhello]

Thanks for the replies, everyone!

Another thing that I will mention (in case you haven't already read it) is that you or a family member or traveling companion must be able to assist your husband in and out of the motorcoaches, up & downstairs, etc. The ABD Guides are not allowed to assist you with that. So that's another big consideration to keep in mind.

Sayhello

 

[DisneyCruiser83]

Another thing that I will mention (in case you haven't already read it) is that you or a family member or traveling companion must be able to assist your husband in and out of the motorcoaches, up & downstairs, etc. The ABD Guides are not allowed to assist you with that. So that's another big consideration to keep in mind.

Sayhello

Thanks, sayhello, I did read that. It is pretty standard for Disney and most companies. That actually would not be a problem for us. We are just going to do this trip on our own and wait for Disney to come out with Non-Adventures by Disney.

 

[Cousin Orville]

They've changed the tour quite a bit since we did it a couple years ago.

Mont St Michel would be near impossible I think. It's beautiful to look at and it's main attraction is just seeing it from a distance, so that would be fine. But there's quite a long tour of it and you have Lunch inside. Lunch is on the lower level (assuming it's the same). I don't remember any major steps, just cobblestone pathways, but I'd definitely ask. I'm sure there would be a lot of waiting for the rest of the group.

Omaha Beach the American Cemetery. I don't think there would be a problem here. You may not be able to go down the the beach itself, but you could certainly overlook the beach easily I think. The Cemetery should not be much of a problem. You may be limited to pathways, but not a huge deal.

Paris we did largely on our own, so I don't know what ABD does now. The Louvre has elevators around (not many but they're there). It may be a bit tricky to follow the group on it's tour. Again I'd ask.

The rest of my ABD in Loire doesn't apply anymore.

Disneyland Paris is very doable. Depending on your comfort level with subways/trains, you may look into private transportation.

Edit - forgot about Versailles. Not sure about inside the palace. Outside I believe has gravel pathways and steps. But the gardens slope downward, so if you can make it around to the back of the palace you'd have a good overview of it.

Giverny - Unless there's an alternative option to get to the gardens from where you park, this would be inaccessible as you have to go down and back up stairs to reach a tunnel leading to the garden. I would guess if they're able to drop you off right at the entrance, it might make it doable. Around the gardens/ponds is a somewhat crowded flat walkway. I don't remember any steps.