DLP with a disabled child?

[sleepysox]

We are thinking of going to DLP with the kids. My 11.5 month old baby is disabled and we have got a blue badge for him. He has low muscle tone and is too heavy to carry (imagine carrying a sleeping child, who's completely floppy, who is as big as a 2 year old already), so we wouldn't be able to hold him for longer than 5 minutes at a time, so couldn't manage to queue with him, unless the ride had hardly any guests.

The Disabled leaflet on the website states: I need to provide:

'a medical certificate in French or English issued less than 3 months ago and signed and stamped by the doctor, certifying the person's disability and stating whether or not they need to be accompanied by a third party in order to get around.'

Would this be enough to cover the fact that DS needs to be in his special needs pushchair and even though he's a baby, can't be carried for long periods of time, due to his poor muscle tone and lack of ability to support his own head?

Has anyone taken a disabled child to Disney? Are they as disabled friendly as people say?

 

[sleepysox]

I've done a bit more research and found the answer!

But if anyone has ever been to DLP with a disabled child and has any pointers, please reply!

 

[MinnieVanMom]

I can't answer for DLP but in the States Disney is wonderful for SN people. They do have a sticker to attach to the "pushchair". We use the liberty by advance mobility for DS and get a sticker for his stroller that says stroller as a wheelchair so we can bring his stroller into shows if needed.

We don't have to bring a dr.'s note here but I did read that for DLP. I will be going soon and I shall ask at city hall for more information.

 

[hollymattbenmilo]

In the past I have seen people with disabilities avoid the ques.. I have seen children sat in their wheelchairs and then when there is a space for them.. they will call you over. I am sure if youre a little patient you will get alot of help. Maybe learn a few words in french to help you explain?

 

[A Small World]

You need the letter from the Dr as stated. You then take that to City Hall and they will give you a special pass which you show to the CMs at the rides and they will tell you waht you need to do. Some you return at a set time and others you go in via the exit immediately.
I think though as the pass is for your baby you would only be able to do this on rides he was going on so for example not on BTM which he cant ride anyhow.
There are special viewing areas for the parades for guests with disabilities as well so you would show your pass to get access to these as well as at character meet and greets as well

There is info on travelling to DLP with disabilities in the Useful info sticky at the top of the page

 

[scampbunny]

You need the letter from the Dr as stated. You then take that to City Hall and they will give you a special pass which you show to the CMs at the rides and they will tell you waht you need to do. Some you return at a set time and others you go in via the exit immediately.
I think though as the pass is for your baby you would only be able to do this on rides he was going on so for example not on BTM which he cant ride anyhow.
There are special viewing areas for the parades for guests with disabilities as well so you would show your pass to get access to these as well as at character meet and greets as well

There is info on travelling to DLP with disabilities in the Useful info sticky at the top of the page

all as small world has said.
the pass is only for ur child, so basically only for the little rides they will go one. always ask at the rides how to go thru, as at phantom manor we have now been thru 2 diff ways - and with buzz, sumtimes thru exit straight away, sometimes have to go back at a set time....

the areas reserved get filled very quickly, so u wud need to get there quick - and when busy they limit u to 1 person with the disabled person, meaning rest of ur group will have to stand sumwhere else.

they are very good, u shudnt have much prob. my ds is 4 so obviously he is very into the characters, depending on how ur child is, character meets will be hard (the scrums, not the organised ones) as others do not care, but if u can get a cm attention, they will try and help.... i dont think really, that there will be much diff from having a normal small child in a pushchair as to a disabled child, so i guess be prepared for ppl to treat them like that....

any more quest - please ask

 

[Cyrano]

If you have a look at the Very Useful Info sticky there is a link to the DLP Disabilities guide.
Disney will go out of their way to ensure that you all have the most magical of time.

Hopefully those posters with direct experience will pop in to offer some advice

 

[sleepysox]

Thanks for the input everyone.

I had seen the disabilities guide, but I was a bit paranoid that people will think that just because DS is in a SN pushchair which looks like a mainstream pushchair to the untrained eye, that people/ cast members will think he can be carried in queues like a mainstream child. If the pushchair has a wheelchair label on, or if we have some sort of official pass then I will feel more confident.

The reason we're considering Disney for DS is that the other day we were watching an old video of Mickey at DLP and he stopped playing with his hands, (like he usually does) and actually looked at the screen and smiled. He was totally transfixed by Mickey. I was so choked and decided there and then that we must get him to meet Mickey for real!

 

[Cyrano]

Thanks for the input everyone.

I had seen the disabilities guide, but I was a bit paranoid that people will think that just because DS is in a SN pushchair which looks like a mainstream pushchair to the untrained eye, that people/ cast members will think he can be carried in queues like a mainstream child. If the pushchair has a wheelchair label on, or if we have some sort of official pass then I will feel more confident.

The reason we're considering Disney for DS is that the other day we were watching an old video of Mickey at DLP and he stopped playing with his hands, (like he usually does) and actually looked at the screen and smiled. He was totally transfixed by Mickey. I was so choked and decided there and then that we must get him to meet Mickey for real!

It is no ones business what you need to do for your son. Please do not worry about what others might think.
I understand what you mean about having the official pass

Go and enjoy DLP and know that the cast members and characters will make such a fuss over your family

 

[MinnieVanMom]

OP, I wanted to thank you for your post because you reminded me that I needed to get a letter from my doctor, not only my GAC from WDW. I got that done today and would not have had it if you had not reminded me with your post.

Wishing you a magical trip.

 

[Brummig]

Just to reiterate what others have said - system works really well and cast members are generally very helpful. At City Hall last time the lady told us that some people might make comments if they thought we were queue jumping but just ignore them or tell as CM if it is bad. We did characters for the first time on our last visit as ds was always terrified before, so we tried to make a thing of getting autographs this time. It is a scrum and there can be lots of elbows, but if you can grab a CM they will always help. I think there is limited reserved places at parades so you have to be there early.

Have a magical time!

 

[sleepysox]

Thanks for all your supportive replies. I appreciate your kindness.

I'm really excited about planning a trip to Disney and can't wait to see DS's reaction to the lights, music and Mickey!

 

[scampbunny]

Thanks for the input everyone.

I had seen the disabilities guide, but I was a bit paranoid that people will think that just because DS is in a SN pushchair which looks like a mainstream pushchair to the untrained eye, that people/ cast members will think he can be carried in queues like a mainstream child. If the pushchair has a wheelchair label on, or if we have some sort of official pass then I will feel more confident.

The reason we're considering Disney for DS is that the other day we were watching an old video of Mickey at DLP and he stopped playing with his hands, (like he usually does) and actually looked at the screen and smiled. He was totally transfixed by Mickey. I was so choked and decided there and then that we must get him to meet Mickey for real!

totally agree with cyrano - it is no one elses business.
and tbh, if ur ds is ur 1st experience with a disabled child, be prepared for growing a thick skin - u will find as time goes on there are more comments, and u learn to ignore!
this trip is for u and ur family - u WILL have a magical time, and cm will help as much as they can.
u will get comments, but thats their problem, ur ds will love it, the love of disney has helped my ds sooooooooo much (he has autism) and his very first words were disney characters lol

disney is fab- i can go on about it forever lol the magic is something else, and u will feel so excited when u see how ur ds reacts!!! do try and take in a character meal (maybe cafe mickey) as ur ds can get to see the characters without scrums, if he is a lil scared....

also - just thinking, u will need to get ds out of pushchair for rides - will that be ok?? u can leave the pushchair at the side where u get on so its only a short carry - although if u do ask at city hall, they will tell u all this - maybe have a list of questions when u go just to check

 

[sleepysox]

Scampbunny- this is my first experience taking DS2 on holiday to any sort of theme park. TBH I've avoided it up until now as I still find it difficult to deal with people who stare, or ignorant people who come up to me and ask why his head is a strange shape, why he can't sit up etc. I haven't come up with a good enough retort that isn't rude and also have a habit of crying- even if I steel myself not to (I know I'm a wuss!). I am getting a thicker skin though, but Disney will be a challenge for me. BUt I need to do it, as I feel that DS would benefit immensely.

I have also avoided it, as his low muscle tone include internal muscles, and so he's unable to keep his food down and so this is going to make travelling difficult.

BUt I'm determined we will do it, as I can see that all the stimulation will bring him on no end. Plus, he hasn't responded to anyone (apart from us and family) like he has to Mickey.

Cafe Mickey is on my list, as is the Blue lagoon, as I think DS will appreciate the flickering lights.


My older son has mild apergers, and Disney was tricky with him, but he benefitted loads from the character interactions. Mary Poppins was brilliant with him. he still talks about her- 2 years on.

I didn't really pay attention to how Disney dealt with wheelchair bound guests, as I didn't need to, so I appreciate everyone taking the time to help me.

I'm glad Disney has benefitted your son so greatly. It truly is a wonderful place.

 

[loladelorean]

Sleepysox - I'm a wuss too because I just welled up reading your last comment. I can't believe people would be so rude to you - don't let it upset you, or make you think twice about doing what you want to do.
It sounds as though Disney is going to be a wonderful experience for your family, I can't wait to hear more about your trip as you get into planning it

 

[sleepysox]

Thanks Lola
Enjoy your trip at Christmas. Disney is so magical at Christmas. I still play the 'Chante C'est Noel' CD as soon as it's December- brings back wonderful memories.

 

[scampbunny]

i know how hard it is and i still have moments where its hard, but u do develop a thick skin.....

we had probs as ds was in a pushchair and as hes alot bigger than his age, u can only imagine the looks he got, now we just have to contend with looks when we go into baby change areas for me to change his nappy!! altho its normally the looks when we come out that are worst!

it was a combination of winnie the pooh and stitch that helped ds - he just wanted to see them (altho being held not on his own) and slowly he just lit up with them - still remember him runnin across a room to hug pluto, and giving minnie a big kiss - u will find that disney does change them, due to the friendliness of characters who take the time, and they quite often find them less threatening that ppl - ds really doesnt like ppl invading his space - but disney characters hes fine with!!

trying to think if theres an email address that u cud try for more help - i know that for sum rides that u cannot take ppl on if they cant sit unaided, and are too big for a lap.... but am lost right now on the policy.... how old will ds be when u go, and did u say when u were going?? if he likes lights id say go for a time when fantillusion is on, around halloween to xmas also, when u get the darker nights - the lights will prob fascinate him!

honestly tho - i think ull find disney is a different world - there are less stares and comments, as disabilities are more 'in view' if you know what i mean? and its only those thoughtless ppl that are ignorant, and u get them whereever lol weve only ever had 1 instance of sum1 commenting on us queue jumping..... im excited for u and so hopeful of the magic reaching ur lil guy and him having a lovely time xxxx

 

[sleepysox]

Aww- I am choked reading about your DS running to give Pluto a hug. Did you get it on video?

We are planning to go in May half Term as I think it will be the quietest of the school hols as the French kids are at school. I agree though, Christmas would be wonderful with all the twinkling lights. Maybe next time!

DS2 will be around 19 months old, so we will be able to sit him on our laps, it's just that we can't carry him for long periods of time, so queues aren't possible. But if we can keep him in his pushchair until we board the ride, then we'll be OK.

I'm sure Disney will have a great impact on his life. I can't wait to see his little face light up when he sees all the lights and music.

It's a shame that Disney don't do special events for disabled kids, so they can avoid the scrum to meet characters etc.

 

[scampbunny]

Aww- I am choked reading about your DS running to give Pluto a hug. Did you get it on video?

We are planning to go in May half Term as I think it will be the quietest of the school hols as the French kids are at school. I agree though, Christmas would be wonderful with all the twinkling lights. Maybe next time!

DS2 will be around 19 months old, so we will be able to sit him on our laps, it's just that we can't carry him for long periods of time, so queues aren't possible. But if we can keep him in his pushchair until we board the ride, then we'll be OK.

I'm sure Disney will have a great impact on his life. I can't wait to see his little face light up when he sees all the lights and music.

It's a shame that Disney don't do special events for disabled kids, so they can avoid the scrum to meet characters etc.

i didnt get it on vid or a picture and it was just soooooooooo fast and unexpected - got him kissing minnie tho and even in the pics after hes holding her hand!!

may shud be nice hopefully good weather.... and at 19m he will def appreciate it!!

when at character scrums a cm will stand off to the side so if u can get to them and explain about ds, quite often they will indicate to the character and they will come over.....

 

[sleepysox]

The photo of your son kissing Minnie sounds adorable.

How old is he?


I feel more confident about taking DS to Disney now.


Thanks everyone for all your help/ input. This is such a friendly forum.