Improving Accommodations at Disney: A Positive Thread

[Kat77]

I would love to see the Disney water parks find a way to be more accessible. My DS has mild CP, he can walk a little but tires easily. He would love to go on all the water slides, but can't make it up the stairs. Last year it took us 45min to get up one set of stairs for the raft ride and it took all of his energy. many people were kind and encouraged him as he slowly climbed. He gets bored with the river and wave pools. We won't bother to go again.

Yeah the whole WP&M feature is kind of useless for those with mobility issues, isn't it? If they ever do a major refurb or build a new water park I hope they keep mobility issues in mind.
Did you try the ski lift at BB? Loading is fast but definately worth it. It probably would have helped tremendously in your case.

 

[livndisney]

I agree that CMs need much more training in dealing with guests with disabilities. A few castmembers can be darn right nasty if you have more than one need (ie mobility and hearing). It's like they feel they've dealt with that guest and turn away before you can ask for the 2nd accommodation. And they are unable to deal with people who forget and use sign language or Sim-com.
Making all lines more accessible but also understanding that some of us do freak out in tight situations like lines.

Excellent point! I have run into many CM's who think a wheelchair/accessible lines are the answer to every disability. (Ran into one at GS last night).

I understand CM's cannot be up on every disability but it would be helpful if more CM's could understand that accessible lines and wheelchairs don't always provide the assistance needed (hence the GAC).

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Not trying to start controversy, but I'm curious. I'm only mildly familiar with autism so forgive me if this is an ignorant question. I've seen lots of stuff on this forum about Disney being accomodating people with autism and similar issues, but how far can they realistically go? I've seen lots of posts on here where someone has an autistic child that freaks out at point A but someone else's kid freaks out a point B.

I guess the way I'm seeing it is how can Disney further accomodate these types of things other than letting you go through a handicap entrance or the FP line, again, in a realistic way? They can't be expected to build a quiet room at 50ft intervals in the line right? Or really even at every ride/show/attraction. And even if they did, how do you decide who gets to use it? It's like the GAC, they can't ask you for proof of an issue to use this ficitious room, so what's to stop that from being over crowded? Or having a completely seperate, non intense line so that it's not overstimulating? It's an unrealistic thing for a place like Disney to even consider you know?

Again, I'm not trying to cause trouble and I'm sincerely curious about this. Sue and Kate, you guys have seen me around here (so to speak...) you guys hopefully know I don't mean this with any malace or aggression so I hope this post doesn't cause problems.

 

[KPeveler]

Not trying to start controversy, but I'm curious. I'm only mildly familiar with autism so forgive me if this is an ignorant question. I've seen lots of stuff on this forum about Disney being accomodating people with autism and similar issues, but how far can they realistically go? I've seen lots of posts on here where someone has an autistic child that freaks out at point A but someone else's kid freaks out a point B.

I guess the way I'm seeing it is how can Disney further accomodate these types of things other than letting you go through a handicap entrance or the FP line, again, in a realistic way? They can't be expected to build a quiet room at 50ft intervals in the line right? Or really even at every ride/show/attraction. And even if they did, how do you decide who gets to use it? It's like the GAC, they can't ask you for proof of an issue to use this ficitious room, so what's to stop that from being over crowded? Or having a completely seperate, non intense line so that it's not overstimulating? It's an unrealistic thing for a place like Disney to even consider you know?

Again, I'm not trying to cause trouble and I'm sincerely curious about this. Sue and Kate, you guys have seen me around here (so to speak...) you guys hopefully know I don't mean this with any malace or aggression so I hope this post doesn't cause problems.

A lot of times the accommodations are the lesser of two evils. For example, I have to use the FP line at Test Track (i get a FP to use it), because the noise and such is just too much for me. The FP lines goes through the exact same area, but I go through it much faster. It is not perfect, but it is better than the alternative.

There can never be an accommodation to suit every need every time, but there are a variety of options which can combine to suit a variety of needs. Sometimes the options at that moment are not going to work for me, so I come back to the ride another time. For example, when the wheelchair line for HM is down the side of the fence right along one of the busiest sections of the park in broad daylight, it simply will not work for me (sensory issues, delicate body, and sun sensitivity). But that is the only option that can be provided. So I come back later, after dark, when there is no sun and things are calmer.

A lot of it is about balance. Yes, some people I think are a little too demanding with what Disney (or anyone else) should do to accommodate their need. But I think disney does a pretty good job of offering a lot of different options which people can use depending on what their need at the moment is. Especially since the needs can change (goodness knows mine are different about every 5 minutes) it helps to be able to ask the CM what is available, and then to make things work.

I hope this helps address your issue. I know you are not intending to start an argument or anything, and I thought it was rather well worded. I hope that others, even if they do not agree with me, can keep things civil.

One important thing for everyone to remember on this board is that we do NOT play the "who is worse" game. No disability is "worse" or "more important" than another. Everyone's needs are different and unique, so there should be no comparisons... Thanks

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

I hope this helps address your issue. I know you are not intending to start an argument or anything, and I thought it was rather well worded. I hope that others, even if they do not agree with me, can keep things civil.

One important thing for everyone to remember on this board is that we do NOT play the "who is worse" game. No disability is "worse" or "more important" than another. Everyone's needs are different and unique, so there should be no comparisons... Thanks

Thanks for posting this. I was wondering about this too. I personally wish disneyland had more bathrooms (IBS sufferer here). Though I was thrilled with how nice and clean there bathrooms were!

 

[KPeveler]

Thanks for posting this. I was wondering about this too. I personally wish disneyland had more bathrooms (IBS sufferer here). Though I was thrilled with how nice and clean there bathrooms were!

I have very little control over my bladder, my wife has a gluten intolerance, and my mother has IBS - I swear, we visit more bathrooms than attractions!

My last comment about not "comparing" disabilities was not directed at any one person or post - I can just see how responses to this thread and others can go in that direction, and I wanted to stop that line of discussion before it started.

There is no "points" system for disability or chronic illness. And besides, who would really want to win the "Who is worse?" game???

 

[livndisney]

Not trying to start controversy, but I'm curious. I'm only mildly familiar with autism so forgive me if this is an ignorant question. I've seen lots of stuff on this forum about Disney being accomodating people with autism and similar issues, but how far can they realistically go? I've seen lots of posts on here where someone has an autistic child that freaks out at point A but someone else's kid freaks out a point B.

I guess the way I'm seeing it is how can Disney further accomodate these types of things other than letting you go through a handicap entrance or the FP line, again, in a realistic way? They can't be expected to build a quiet room at 50ft intervals in the line right? Or really even at every ride/show/attraction. And even if they did, how do you decide who gets to use it? It's like the GAC, they can't ask you for proof of an issue to use this ficitious room, so what's to stop that from being over crowded? Or having a completely seperate, non intense line so that it's not overstimulating? It's an unrealistic thing for a place like Disney to even consider you know?

Again, I'm not trying to cause trouble and I'm sincerely curious about this. Sue and Kate, you guys have seen me around here (so to speak...) you guys hopefully know I don't mean this with any malace or aggression so I hope this post doesn't cause problems.

I don't know if this post was in reference to my post, but I will go ahead an attempt to answer anyway.

I for one don't expect Disney to be able to meet every need (or even understand every need (as previously stated). Nor do I expect to Disney to provide a "quiet room every 50 feet". What I asked is that Disney CMs understand that a wheel chair does not fix everything.

For the most part we manage our needs without asking for Disney's help. There are many things we just cannot do. So we don't. For example, we cannot handle Fireworks (at all not happening!). We just make sure we are not in the park when the fireworks are shot off.

What troubles me is when something we were previously able to manage is taken away from us (without notice). We had an issue with the Christmas lights the other night. (Disney changed how they route people) So I asked at GS IF assistance was available and (without asking what the needs were) I was told they could offer a wheelchair. (What would have helped is if we had been allowed to "take a moment" in the open part of the sidewalk out of the crush of bodies). But the CM had her orders and they were "NO ONE is allowed to stand in this (Uncrowded unroped off area out of the way of the horde)for more than a nano second".

Disney parks, Disney rules, I undertsand that. But since this was a thread asking about positive changes Disney could make, I posted my thoughts.

 

[clanmcculloch]

Not trying to start controversy, but I'm curious. I'm only mildly familiar with autism so forgive me if this is an ignorant question. I've seen lots of stuff on this forum about Disney being accomodating people with autism and similar issues, but how far can they realistically go? I've seen lots of posts on here where someone has an autistic child that freaks out at point A but someone else's kid freaks out a point B.

I guess the way I'm seeing it is how can Disney further accomodate these types of things other than letting you go through a handicap entrance or the FP line, again, in a realistic way? They can't be expected to build a quiet room at 50ft intervals in the line right? Or really even at every ride/show/attraction. And even if they did, how do you decide who gets to use it? It's like the GAC, they can't ask you for proof of an issue to use this ficitious room, so what's to stop that from being over crowded? Or having a completely seperate, non intense line so that it's not overstimulating? It's an unrealistic thing for a place like Disney to even consider you know?

Again, I'm not trying to cause trouble and I'm sincerely curious about this. Sue and Kate, you guys have seen me around here (so to speak...) you guys hopefully know I don't mean this with any malace or aggression so I hope this post doesn't cause problems.

As a parent of an autistic child, I think you worded your question very well. IMO you came across as genuinely wanting to ask a fair question and learn more about a subject that you're not familiar with. That's not easy so great job!

For our own experience, I don't see Disney as having to do anything more than they already do, beyond better training of CMs. The accomodations that are provided I feel are sufficient and are among the many reasons we keep returning to WDW. No, our GAC is not the be-all and end-all, but there's no way to create a solution that is. We use a touring plan service (I'm a huge TourGuide Mike fan) and for the most part, that takes care of a lot of our needs and our GAC takes care of the majority of the rest.

I just wish that CMs were better trained to actually listen to our needs rather than look at the stamp on our GAC and make assumptions about what will work for us. I think the location that frustrates me the most is Laugh Floor. The CMs seem think we're trying to bypass lines and tell us to go in the regular line to wait because we'll get in just as fast in the regular line (many CMs have actually said that to us). I get that; we need more wiggle room and can't handle waiting in that mob. We even understand that we'll actually have to accept worse seats being in the accessible line because we'll have to move to the end of our row once inside but CMs argue with us. Simply listening would make a huge difference. The accomodation in place is fine if it's actually allowed to be used.

I do with that for shows we could wait with wheelchairs. We'll gladly show up early to ensure a spot, but staning in the line crowded in with everybody else doesn't work for us. We skip a lot of shows because there is no accomodation that works for us. We'd be willing to take seats in the back at the end of a row if that's what it takes but we're not allowed waiting in an alternate area for shows. It is what it is. We survive without watching the shows. There's plenty of other stuff to do at WDW and even with all of our trips there's still stuff we haven't done so no big deal. I'm thrilled with what IS done for us. I'm just adding this since, well, that's the point of the thread. LOL

 

[krisnme]

Yeah the whole WP&M feature is kind of useless for those with mobility issues, isn't it? If they ever do a major refurb or build a new water park I hope they keep mobility issues in mind.
Did you try the ski lift at BB? Loading is fast but definately worth it. It probably would have helped tremendously in your case.

Yes, did the ski lift, they slowed it down to give him more time to load, but even with that, most rides are out of his reach, at 18 he wants to do the thrill rides, and the rides he can reach just don't cut it. We have other disabled people in our family and they tend to just sit and wait for others to tell them how much fun they are having. This is really hard on a young person. Since we travel as a large family, it is really not an option to split up so we just waste some money. My other gripe is that there are no facilities for me to help him change after being in the water. He is not able to use a changing room on his own and at 18 I can't take him in the ladies room and I am a single parent. Last visit his uncle helped him but it was embarassing for both of them. At TL they finally found us a H/C dressing room in the clothing store to use, but it was not very private and a long way from our group.

 

[livndisney]

I just wish that CMs were better trained to actually listen to our needs rather than look at the stamp on our GAC and make assumptions about what will work for us. I think the location that frustrates me the most is Laugh Floor. The CMs seem think we're trying to bypass lines and tell us to go in the regular line to wait because we'll get in just as fast in the regular line (many CMs have actually said that to us). I get that; we need more wiggle room and can't handle waiting in that mob. We even understand that we'll actually have to accept worse seats being in the accessible line because we'll have to move to the end of our row once inside but CMs argue with us. Simply listening would make a huge difference. The accomodation in place is fine if it's actually allowed to be used.

We to have also experienced this at the Laugh Floor so I have to agree it would be nice if the CMs would just listen. We actually prefer to be on the far side in case we need to make a fast exit. Waiting in the little roped off area works very well for us. (We have no problem even waiting for the next show)But we have to fight to be able to use that space when not in a wheelchair. (Even on uncrowded days). We have been told many times by GS using that area is ok, but the message doesn't seem to get to the CM's at the Laugh Floor.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Yes, did the ski lift, they slowed it down to give him more time to load, but even with that, most rides are out of his reach, at 18 he wants to do the thrill rides, and the rides he can reach just don't cut it. We have other disabled people in our family and they tend to just sit and wait for others to tell them how much fun they are having. This is really hard on a young person. Since we travel as a large family, it is really not an option to split up so we just waste some money. My other gripe is that there are no facilities for me to help him change after being in the water. He is not able to use a changing room on his own and at 18 I can't take him in the ladies room and I am a single parent. Last visit his uncle helped him but it was embarassing for both of them. At TL they finally found us a H/C dressing room in the clothing store to use, but it was not very private and a long way from our group.

Haven't done the waterparks myself as of yet. Am excited about them but find myself not wanting to invest the energy going to them when I've got a pool at the resort and know there are enough great "watertoys" I'ld be eye-balling but not able to use at the waterparks.

So I'm a total know-nothing when it comes to the waterpark. But I find your post totally shocking! No changing rooms for this significant group? What is going on there!? I'ld think there would be more than enough demand for them. With the companion restrooms available throughout the rest of WDW, I was totally just expecting the waterparks would also have such a facility but for changing clothes. Now I read it doesn't!? Wow, what a shocker.

I can totally imagine you and son being not so happy campers about this, to say the least. It should be doable to make some kind of facilities for this, or am I missing something important not being familiar with the waterparks?

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Thank you guys for the answers. I'm glad it came across as I intended, curious, not troublesome.

I agree with Kate that it is a balancing act, even though I've never had to deal with a lot of these issues. I also think it's a balancing act in a different way. Expectations vs Experiences/Accomodations. I think everyone should be given a way to experience Disney with their accomodations, regardless of disease, syndrome, handicap or issue, within reseasonable expections. My post really stemmed from seeing lots of posts about how Disney should be doing more for those with autism or austitic like disorders. I've always thought Disney goes way out of their way this type of thing, and not to keep using the word, but how far realistically could they be expected to go? I think the people on this forum, for the most part, try to educate themselves and figure out touring plans that will work best for them, using the accomodations in ways that work best for their situations. It's the people who....blow it out of proportion for lack of a better term....expecting to be accomodated in ways that are perfect for their austistic child and get angry when things don't happen immediately or exactly how they want that confuse me. I don't mean to say that the majority is like that, or that it's wrong to want something that will help, just how do people find that realistic balance that gives them a good trip.

 

[KPeveler]

Thank you guys for the answers. I'm glad it came across as I intended, curious, not troublesome.

I agree with Kate that it is a balancing act, even though I've never had to deal with a lot of these issues. I also think it's a balancing act in a different way. Expectations vs Experiences/Accomodations. I think everyone should be given a way to experience Disney with their accomodations, regardless of disease, syndrome, handicap or issue, within reseasonable expections. My post really stemmed from seeing lots of posts about how Disney should be doing more for those with autism or austitic like disorders. I've always thought Disney goes way out of their way this type of thing, and not to keep using the word, but how far realistically could they be expected to go? I think the people on this forum, for the most part, try to educate themselves and figure out touring plans that will work best for them, using the accomodations in ways that work best for their situations. It's the people who....blow it out of proportion for lack of a better term....expecting to be accomodated in ways that are perfect for their austistic child and get angry when things don't happen immediately or exactly how they want that confuse me. I don't mean to say that the majority is like that, or that it's wrong to want something that will help, just how do people find that realistic balance that gives them a good trip.

I think, for me, the balancing act is taking things one step at a time. I plan, a lot, even for a day trip to Disneyland (I live 6 miles away), and then I do my best to take my needs one by one. If something is not working, I talk to the nearest CM about how to make things work better. If it cannot work that time, I move on to the next thing.

I too have encountered those few people who go over the top in their demands. In general, it seems to be those people who play the "I/my kid is worse" game, and want Disney to change their policies on the spot to suit their needs, either real or perceived. For example, there are times the wheelchair/alternate entrance to Peter Pan is very long in Disneyland. There can only be one wheelchair/mobility need on at a time, so the line can move slowly. I have had people, usually with children with some need, go right past me and explain that they know there is a line but their kids has [fill in the blank] and needs to go right now. So, yeah, we encounter this sometimes too.

I think the most important thing to remember is that Disney is supposed to be the happiest place on earth, and that things are never going to go as planned. There will always be SOME issue that pops up (like finding out the wheelchair boat on Jungle Cruise died that time, so I could not ride it as planned). Or the time that I had two VERY rude elderly people on WDW scooters cut in front of me at American Adventure, then refuse to go all the way across the row. When I told them to continue moving, as they were holding up the line, the man got irate and began shouting. I just tell myself karma gets them in the end. Because they cut in front of me, they had to sit all the way down the end in the worst seats in the house. I knew this, so I let them cut me. They can be snippy and rude, but I still got the best seat in the house.

Also, I got to sit with a very nice young man in a wheelchair (at that point about age 25) who was dying from a brain tumor. His mom, who was caring for him, knew I was on my honeymoon, but waited til we were all in the theatre and then told me her son thought I was cute. It made him turn BRIGHT red (sons are never too old for mothers to embarrass!). It was one of the highlights of my honeymoon, honestly. By this point, the young man has probably passed on, but I will always remember his bright red face and him telling his mom to shush.

Balance is important. I know my rights and I know disney policy, but I also know that things don't always work perfectly. So I just do the best I can and take it as it comes.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

I have to say I do agree that soon Disney will need to start thinking about going back to the older parks and reconsidering some things. Again, it goes back to being realistic (I do love that word don't I ) The population using mobility devices has increased big time since a lot of these things were built, and the need is growing. They're going to have to keep improving and revamping their policies and vehicles to deal with this issue. I'm sure in however many years, should other issues or handicaps become more prevelent, they'll have to expand to meet those needs too.

 

[KPeveler]

I have to say I do agree that soon Disney will need to start thinking about going back to the older parks and reconsidering some things. Again, it goes back to being realistic (I do love that word don't I ) The population using mobility devices has increased big time since a lot of these things were built, and the need is growing. They're going to have to keep improving and revamping their policies and vehicles to deal with this issue. I'm sure in however many years, should other issues or handicaps become more prevelent, they'll have to expand to meet those needs too.

There are a few things that Disney may be able to do now to improve things, such as simply asking if people can transfer. You would be amazed how many people transfer just because they are asked. Obviously that would not work for everyone, but many people renting park scooters have a bad knee or a broken foot and as long as they can get reasonably close to the seats, can usually transfer without too much of a problem.

I also think that the seats in just one of the wheelchair spots on buses should be removed. People can stand there as easily as they do in the aisles, but it would mean no one would have to move from those seats to load a wheelchair, and it would be one less step for loading purposes. Perhaps it would not be legal to do this, I don't know. But I would think making it clear that wheelchairs WILL be in that spot may help people be less grumbly about the loading.

I think what would help the most is Disney enforcing their own rules. If your average guest stopped seeing 14 people using the wheelchair entrances with one person in a wheelchair, perhaps it may help. That is the biggest problem I see - they just have to enforce the 5+1 policy to make a lot of their accommodations work! I know it is unpleasant to have to split large parties, but the wheelchair access areas are usually small, so it is difficult to fit with the very large parties.

 

[peemagg]

On our trip coming up in 2012 there will be 9 of us (6 adults, 3 kids). Not many of the rides will we all ride, but if we do, I am fully aware ( and will make sure the others know too) that we will be split up (unless one of the other adults in our party rent a wheelchair or ECV. She really does need one, but is a stubborn woman and so far has always refused on other outings). I think that is just fair and the only way Disney can do it safely and fairly.

 

[KPeveler]

On our trip coming up in 2012 there will be 9 of us (6 adults, 3 kids). Not many of the rides will we all ride, but if we do, I am fully aware ( and will make sure the others know too) that we will be split up (unless one of the other adults in our party rent a wheelchair or ECV. She really does need one, but is a stubborn woman and so far has always refused on other outings). I think that is just fair and the only way Disney can do it safely and fairly.

I know it can be a pain for parties to split up (we had a total of 15 for my wedding), but I know Disney created the rule for a reason (and goodness knows Disney has enough lawyers, so they will have explored the legality of it). I was more thinking of the average guest opinion - if Disney enforced the rule of the party size, perhaps we would hear of fewer "I saw 15 people get on the ride without waiting!" threads. They will still be there, but even if it helps a little, it is a start!

I think of it like my doctors in some respects. I get some of them saying "Its not worth trying this medication, cause it will only help about 10% of the problem." I always say "Hey - thats 10% better than now!!"

 

[dclfun]

I mentioned this in the other thread about my experience at Pop Century that part of the problem is that some of the attraction queues have no place to park a mobility device and a long enough wait time that I'd imagine some people renting scooters can't stand that long or can't walk that far to get inside. I'm thinking mostly of the very few attractions that I can access and enjoy, which include Tiki Room and Country Bears. I tried several times during my trip to visit these attractions but the wait was so long, and the line of scooters so long, that I made the choice not to wait through several shows and just left the park. For the Tiki Room there might be space to place benches in the outdoor waiting area but they would have to rope off that area like they do for the parades to reserve the spaces. There also needs to be a safe place for people to park their scooters where they aren't blocking the walkway. As to Country Bears,...sort of the same problem. There is no place to park scooters and the walk into the theater is too long. Even if they did have manual w/c's for guests to borrow so that they could get into the theater and then transfer, I have to wonder where the space could be allocated. In the FOTLK theater I've seen this happen but there's an indoor area close to the exit where scooters and w/c's can be parked and where they are brought back to guests after the show is over. As was mentioned, some people aren't comfortable in that seating which is just a bench with no back. Probably the easiest solution there would be to add backs to the benches in the first few rows. It will be interesting to see the newly renovated Fantasyland. I do trust Disney to think of creative solutions but they are limited by the square footage in each attraction building and in the walkway areas.---Kathy

 

[krisnme]

Along with being in a w/c for his CP, my DS also has Autism and we have been visiting WDW since he was 7 weeks old! I don't expect Disney to anticipate his every need, I am more than grateful for the GAC and the thoughtfulness of CM's that go out of their way to be helpful. I think there is room for improvement for wheelchairs and scooters (Mom uses one) but in the real world every Walmart or Target or grocery does not have a "quiet room" or a special line for us to wait in. As a parent of a special needs child it is really your own responsibility to decide if the accomodations will suit your child and make the adaptations you need. When we visit a restrurant, I have to be prepared that DS cannot or will not eat the food, I can't expect them to understand his needs. when waiting in a line, DS can get very anxious but I cannot expect there to always be an alernate wait area. WDW is a wonderful place for special children, but If your child has needs so great as to make the trip impossible, you cannot expect WDW to change the entire park to suit. I do wish the waterparks were more acessible, but It is up to me to explain to DS that he will not be able to ride most attractions. I do feel that accessible/family changing facilities should be the norm, but If we want to go to the park we have to be prepared for some issues.

 

[krisnme]

So I'm a total know-nothing when it comes to the waterpark. But I find your post totally shocking! No changing rooms for this significant group? What is going on there!? I'ld think there would be more than enough demand for them. With the companion restrooms available throughout the rest of WDW, I was totally just expecting the waterparks would also have such a facility but for changing clothes. Now I read it doesn't!? Wow, what a shocker.

I can totally imagine you and son being not so happy campers about this, to say the least. It should be doable to make some kind of facilities for this, or am I missing something important not being familiar with the waterparks?

There were accessible rooms in each of the mens/ladies rooms, but my problem arrises as a single mother of an 18yo wheelchair bound child. I used to take him in the ladies room, but at the water parks there are many children and even adults changing in the open. It would seem that a h/c changing room would be in order, but then I know it would be an outrageous wait for all the non h/c people to finish up. His Uncle stepped up to help, but he is not used to handleing DS and it was awkward to say the least.