Impressed with the diversity and inclusion at WDW

[ammag]

We spent 8 days in the parks, 10 total on property last week. This is our third trip as adults with kids and we really spent quality time in the parks and got to have a very full experience. One thing that stood out to me is the diversity of employees and welcomed guests at the parks. I interacted with cast members of all shapes and sizes, various disabilities which I am not used to seeing in customer service jobs. This extended to the guests themselves..what an amazing thing that a park can successfully accomodate so many different abilities and body types as well as being a welcome place for all types of gender or relationship identifications.

I am disabled myself and this was my first time on an ECV or scooter for length of stay. My experience was not without issue however overall people were very kind and helpful. Twice when the Halloween party crowd overtook me, and nobody seemed to look down, some helpful guests saw this and helped make a path for myself and someone in a wheelchair behind me. We literally would have been trapped in a crowd if not for their help. I decided to look at this as positive thing, that there are so many caring people in the parks.

I know nothing is perfect but I just want to say that I commend WDW for being so accepting and allowing anyone who is lucky enough to come a magical experience. It warmed my heart and made the trip even better!!!

I am not sure if the little tear in my eye is due to the warmth and positivity I felt in this regard or because I had to go back home....but either way thank you WDW and lovely guests!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I like to think that we try. My mom uses an ECV at Disney. We do try to be mindful of those who must use mobilty devices in the parks. And I notice the same thing about CM's as well. I do love that about Disney. I'm glad you had a welcoming experience.

 

[Hibiscus]

I met a friendly CM who uses an ECV in the Tower of Terror gift shop. He was standing, but the ECV was there behind the cash register with him. I thought much like you - that it was great to see Disney making such an accommodation. In this area, I do wish other employers would follow suit.

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

I met a friendly CM who uses an ECV in the Tower of Terror gift shop. He was standing, but the ECV was there behind the cash register with him. I thought much like you - that it was great to see Disney making such an accommodation. In this area, I do wish other employers would follow suit.

When we were at Disney California Adventure last summer, one of the chorus members in the Aladdin show used her ECV on stage. (See here.) They choreographed the moves of her ECV with the dance moves of the abled cast members. It was seamless and just so unbelievably awesome. Her name is Jennifer Kumiyama and she's been with the show since it began, but it was the first time we ever saw her. The first thing we thought was: Disney. This is so Disney.

 

[disnut8]

Disney World treats people only one way - like a human being.

 

[ammag]

Love it!

 

[Allison Joy]

SO happy to hear this. I work for Vocational Rehabilitation for the State of Missouri, and it always makes me smile when I know companies are willing to hire people with disabilities, and make accommodations. I expected nothing less from Disney, though, as Disney appears to be a class act all around. Way to go, Disney!

 

[cocofifi]

Your attitude is lovely and your post gives me inspiration to be a little more patient, helpful and understanding when it comes to those in ECVs. I hope you had a wonderful trip.

 

[ammag]

Your attitude is lovely and your post gives me inspiration to be a little more patient, helpful and understanding when it comes to those in ECVs. I hope you had a wonderful trip.

Incredibly sweet of you! It's so rare to be pleasantly surprised by a company.

 

[Ava]

I noticed a couple of CMs who used wheelchairs during our stay in August - one at the photo shop in Epcot and one of the concierges at AoA. The concierge I also noticed was accommodated with a lower counter so she could assist guests while seated in her chair.

OP, I'm glad you had a great trip. I always try to be patient and helpful to those using mobility devices in the parks. I'm sure it's not always easy to tour in one, and being kind to others makes me have a more pleasant day too. Getting somewhere 2 minutes sooner is not worth being a jerk and running over others to get there.

 

[emilyindisney]

Disney World treats people only one way - like a human being.

I agree- well said!

 

[ravenclawtrekkie]

WDW is the first place I've ever worked that "walked the walk" (no pun intended) with regard to accommodating employees with disabilities. They don't actively hide differently-abled CMs in backstage positions to keep them away from the public, and they don't generally put up a stink about allowing the use of mobility aids. I don't require a mobility aid to do my job because I'm seated behind a counter at least 85% of the time I'm working, but it's nice to know that if I'm ever transferred to a different line of business, I probably won't need to jump through hoops to be allowed necessary accommodations.

I worked briefly at another large attraction in the area when I first moved here, and I was told by my management there that if I had informed them before hire that I was disabled, I wouldn't have been hired at all. (Yes, I'm aware of the legal implications of that situation and it was addressed appropriately after I left that company.) That experience makes me doubly thankful for how understanding and compassionate most of the management I've worked with at WDW has been.