Opinion of Treatment of Persons with Disabilities

[jshal8]

I just wanted to leave a message about our trip to WDW this past week. My SIL is wheelchair bound and cannot be transfered. She has Retts Syndrome and CP.

I give Disney an 11 out of 10 for her treatment during our stay. We had special access to all shows, parades, fireworks, so she could see. All of the characters were just fabulous with her.

All Cast members were fantastic with supporting us and helping with any of my SIL's needs.

So, those of you going with a person with any type of Disability, please don't fret too much. I can't say enough about the wonderful treatment my SIL received.

If anyone has any specific questions, don't hesitate to ask. I will answer what I can based on our trip.

 

[bidnow5]

Disney is by far the best place to go for vacation if you have a disability they do the best job of trying to accommodate special needs

 

[SueM in MN]

Most of the people who are regular posters on this board go back to WDW repeatedly because it a very accessible place.
Most are not expecting ( and don't want) special treatment, just treatment that allows them to experience things that people without disabilities experience and may take for granted.

My family goes back to WDW often because we can count on things being accessible. Even though we can lift our daughter out of her wheelchair to transfer her, there are many attractions where that is not necessary and many even have wheelchair accessible ride cars that let her have the same experience as other guests without having to move out of her wheelchair.

If you (or people planning trips) have not checked out the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of this board, I'd suggest checking it out. It's full of helpful information for planning a trip to Disney, no matter what the disability or special need.

 

[lakohls]

Our DS13 is in a wheelchair with CP. We have taken 3 trips to WDW in the last 5 years with another planned for this fall .

No question - Disney is the best vacation we have ever taken in regards to access and accommodating physical, eating, and other challenges for DS and the rest of the family. Each and every trip there is at least 1 CM that goes out of their way to try to do something extra special. And honestly, it is the smallest things that can make the difference, here are some examples:

Drum player at Kidani entrance offering DS opportunity to play the drum with him.
Star Tours operator noticing that DS had really enjoyed the ride & offering a chance to stay on for a 2nd go around (almost no line that day).
Chef at Tusker House coming out to discuss dietary needs & pureeing the meal for us.
The characters taking an extra minute to wait for the hug.

Frankly, one of the big factors in buying into DVC was we feel that we will be able to take our whole family many many times and have each trip be incredible and a time when the disability is not something that we have to change plans to work around.

Kudos to Disney for making the magic for everyone.

 

[ppony]

SO happy to read that OP!!! I agree w/ the others too. Our last trip was our first experience needing help and accommodations. My DH said it was the BEST Disney trip he had ever had. EVER. Disney really know how to smooth out the bumps in life for the time you are there. I just don't look at people so I don't see the "looks" we're getting. They're ignorant and not worth worrying about. This coming from someone that is usually hyper-sensative to bothering anyone else.

 

[OrthoDad]

It's so great to hear that the Magic lives on!

We agree with all of the posters here....we go to WDW and DL (2 sons with CP) because of the great way they make a magical experience for folks with disabilities.

W