Need help for a person who is part blind and doing a solo trip to DL.

[disneym2m]

Okay, all you Disneyland lovers, I need some informational help. I will be at Disneyland starting Aug. 30, 2009 and leaving either Sept. 2 or 3. A friend of mine was suppose to tour Disneyland and CA with me, but it is looking like she may not be able to spend all day with me. So I need some help and info. Yes I am an adult in my late 30s. And yes I am doing DL solo. But here is my problem. I am blind in one eye, so walking around is okay in the day, but the evening tends to be tricky. Also any rides that has a dark que (mispelled?) line may also be tricky. I am staying at a Good Neighbor hotel.

So:
1. Can anyone tell me about the ART bus? Where it drops off and picks up?
2. Rides that have a dark entrance line. I will have a small flashlight, so I hope I don't take away from other guests experience when I use it.
3. Reading menu boards at quick serve restaurants will be tricky...any suggestions.
4. Is the DL area well lit? I really want to see the Electric Light Parade, but I will have to catch the ART bus back to my hotel. Again walking by my self isn't exactly safe.

Any other suggestions, would be welcomed. I am a little nervous to be on my own. But this may be my only chance to to DL.

 

[pixiewings71]

What hotel are you staying at? That will help with your ART question.
Use your little flashlight, if anyone says anything just mention your blindness. I highly doubt anyone will tho, my DBF has a small flashlight on his lanyard (we pin trade and when it's dark it's hard to see pins and he got screwed once on a trade because the pin he got was very damaged while the pin he gave was near perfect) anyway, we "charge" his glow in the dark pins before we go on dark rides a lot. lol Well, it's the kids who charge them really but we use our flashlight for that and don't have issues with it.
I don't have any suggestions as to reading menu boards, sorry, would the flashlight help with that at all? Most restaurants have the menus posted outside so you could view it there and then order inside.
DL is well lit, so is DCA, you should be ok.

Is there another friend who can go with you to help?

 

[JeannieNM]

Maybe there is a Diser going the same time and staying at the hotel that you could walk with. Post your dates and hotel.

The areas for the buses and taxis are lit as I recall. I went to DL once for the day with my DD 8 at the time. I had to get a cab back to Long Beach. I am a paraplegic so I was a little concerned so I left at 11 PM which was an hour before the park closed. It worked out fine.
Also the DisAbilities board may also help.

 

[blackjackdelta]

If you let the CM's at the ride entrances know that you have partial blindness they will help you with your limitations. You may want to look into a GAC to use when you need it. Just some thoughts,

Jack

 

[Canyon girl]

As for the menus, look them up on www.allearsnet.com before you go. Choose DLR, then dining, then menus. Sorry I can't post a direct link because I am on my iPod. Pick out where you might want to eat and print out the menus to take with you. Sometimes the menus change and may not always be totally accurate, but the menus from allears should give you an idea. When you go to order, just explain you situation. The cashier should be able to look at you printouts and tell you about any changes.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Hey guys! I'm actually the one she's meeting. She's at on of the hotels right there on Manchester - I think the quality inn. I think our plans might include staying over one night at least. Good AP rate at the PP. I'm going to call today.