Need help planning trip for disabled child...

[moopdog]

My Sis-in-law has a disabled child (heart disease and hearing impaired) and they have just had a strong desire to go to disney - and go NOW because his disease is so unpredictable (high mortality rate).

They are driving since he can't fly and will arrive on 4/9 and leave disney for home on 4/14. They want to stay in the ASmovies since he's only 3 and Toy Story is his whole world! They don't want to schedule a lot and I will try to convice her to plan one character meal so they don't have to deal with lines & autographs, etc. It will be both parents, a 12 year old girl and 3 year old boy.

I was just wondering a few things:

*any specials going on with the meal plan or certain hotels (on site only) at the time they're going?

*what "benefits"/if any can they get because of his disabilities?

*Is this week going to absolutely CRAZY? (I think it's the week before Easter)

*Any other tidbits I need to pass along to her? She's not a big planner like me!

Thanks!!

 

[Bob P]

Hi Danielle,

Try posting this over on the "DIS-abilities" board and I'm sure you'll get some great replies there!

Bob

 

[challada]

Yes, it will be busy as many folks will have spring break that week. Check the park hours and you can see they are expanding the hours that week which is usually a sign of how many people they think will be there.

That said, yes, he can go in the fast pass lines of some rides w/ a disability identification (go to City hall, I think, as that is where you go in DL). Many lines, now, though, are accessible so there will be plenty of chances to stand in line.

If possible, my suggestion would be that the family gets out the door early in the morning and does what they can before noon and rest in the afternoon. A Disney vacation is not a laid-back vacation, so they should plan on being pretty active during their time there.

Good luck!

 

[orljustin]

I don't know the polices on a disability pass, but it doesn't particularly sound like the ailments will affect the ability to stand in lines, and especially with fastpass, you can work your own benefit. Going early and leaving to take breaks sounds like a good plan though, as it is for any child. Some attractions do have reflective reading equipment or headphones, so you should check into that.

 

[MEM]

Definitely go over to the disABILITIES board. We can explain to you about the Guest Assistance Card (not a pass at all or head of the line privilege). The GAC can be obtained at Guest Services at any park. Since he has heart disease, endurance is likely to be a problem and his family may want to have the GAC just in case the lines are long and make it impossible for him. This is the special consideration given to disabled persons. My son is disabled and a visit to WDW is like a tonic to him - each visit advances his development. Also, your S-I-L should make as many ADRs (dining reservations) as early as possible. They can always be cancelled, but hard to get once you are there. Staying on site is a great idea because they can rest between park visits.

 

[moopdog]

I don't know the polices on a disability pass, but it doesn't particularly sound like the ailments will affect the ability to stand in linesQUOTE]


Thanks for all the advice so far. I found out LOTS on the Disabilities board FAQ. Just wanted to mention that with his heart condition, he gets exhausted extremely easy and wouldn't be able to stand for any long period of time. The heat will probably add to that too. I don't think his hearing problem will be an issue (just have to turn the hearing aids OFF at times I guess), but the heart will be a big issue! Thanks!