Just thought I'd post about my trip...and a couple of questions...

[m!ssemmx0]

I just thought I'd post about my trip...even though it'll be two years since I was there this coming October, I thought some of you would like to hear about it. I've talked about my experiences before on the boards, but never really went into detail. Okay, here's pretty much the entire story...

I'm 14, and both my twin sister and I have CP. We're both pretty independent - my sister moreso since I use a walker at home and used a wheelchair on the trip - and we like to be as "normal" as we possibly can, but my parents really didn't know what to expect, since it was our first time. The trip was six full days, and we were staying at POR with a bunch of family (15 people in all). When we first went to the hotel to check in (our rooms were in the Alligator Bayou so we could have the extra bed), my grandma found out that my family's room was on the top floor of one of the buildings. I knew I could be able to use the stairs with a little help, but being the crazy lady she is (JK ), she went straight back to the check in and asked if we could be moved to a different room on the ground level. Without a problem, we were able to change rooms.
Since I was using a wheelchair to get around on the trip, we needed to use buses with lifts. I didn't expect the bus drivers to be so nice! They didn't have a single problem with having to put the lift out for me, and my dad didn't even have to ask for their help strapping the chair down; they were really corteous (sp?).
I have to say, the CMs were even more amazing than I expected. I was in the POFQ gift shop with my mom one morning, and a lady came up to me and gave me a button for my pin lanyard. She even told me "Have a magical day princess!" Another CM, this time at AK, started talking to me while I waited for Expedition Everest. I told her I'd rode it 4 times that day (which I did, and LOVED it - it was my favorite ride), and I could tell she was impressed. I love the way they make everybody feel special, even if you're in a wheelchair like I was.

Okay, enough of my rambling. I have a few questions, since we might be going back in August of 2010 for my 16th birthday. Would it be too much for me to do, since it's so hot there during the summer, and I'll have to use a wheelchair? Also, would Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon be too much for me? I can do stairs, but since it would be crowded I'd need help.

I had A LOT to say, so if you took the time to read the whole thing, thanks! And if you answered my questions, thanks even more!

~Emily

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to both DisBoards and disABILITIES!

Happy to hear you had a good time and were treated so well.

At the water parks all of the paths are paved and wide. A lot will depend on your mobility and needs for assistance. At TL there is an elevator to the entry of Crush 'n Gusher so you can avoid stairs. At BB the ski lift will take you most of the way up Mount Gushmore for Summit Plummet and the two other major slides. The stairs do have railings and are wide enough so you can have a person on one side to help you.

I work at the gate at TL and not really inside the park, so I am not that familiar with all the accessible features but I do see many people coming into the park with wheelchairs or ECVs and they appear to have had a good time when they leave.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks for the report.

If you look in post #3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, there are links to the Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities for each park, including the water parks. They don't have a lot of details, but do have some basic information about each park.