PARTIALLY SIGHTED

[shalnica]

I am patrially sighted and this will be my first trip to WDW in Sept. I am fine whilst the sun is shining and bright, problems are usually can't read any small print, sometimes normal print can be a problem, darkness is a nightmare. Can hardly see in front of me,I needs lots of light Am I going to have too many problems, reading restaurant menus? Seeing parades/fireworks at night? Any rides in near darkness? Are the streets well lit at night, any advice /tips would be great?
Thankyou

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcom, shalnica.
We have had some questions form blind and partially sighted people before, but you have come up with new questions.
WDW publishes a "Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities" for each park. The only thing it says about visual disabilities is that you can get Braille information at each park. Not too helpful to you.
Many restaurants in the US have large print versions of their menus available. I have never seen thse offered at WDW, but you could ask. The counter service restaurants are gen erally well lit, but their menus are posted on the wall above where you order. The sit down restaurants are sometimes fairly dim for atmosphere. Have you ever tried a small, portable book light? That might help with those restaurants. Most of the sit down restaurants also have their menu posted on a board outside. They usually use an actual copy of their menu, which may be hard to read.
CLICK HERE for a link to menus. If you scroll toward the bottom, you can click on the restaurants you are interested in. Some of the menus are not totally up to date, but it's a start.
You could also try calling WDW Special Reservations at (407) 939-7807 to see what answers you can get.

SueM in MN
Co-Moderator of disABILITIES
B

[This message was edited by SueM in MN on 04-23-01 at 10:19 AM.]

 

[lu]

Good questions.......
I think from what you've described, the greatest problem will be dealing with the darkness in a lot of the rides. Particularly the wait to get to the ride can be dark and because the paths can be uneven, it can be difficult. I don't know if this would work for you or not, but....I remember years ago getting a flashlight that would hang around my neck for when I was camping. My hands would be free to hold things, but The light was designed to shine down at my feet so it illuminated the path. I wonder too about the different passes that are mention in the FAQ section of this discussion board. Maybe having one would help out in terms of accessing the rides safely and more comfortably.

 

[SueM in MN]

Good comments, lu.
Another poster, teri will be along with some links to FAQs about Guest Assistance Cards. If you search for "Blind" on this board, you will find some threads that talk about GACs and visitors who are blind. I'm not able to look for them right now, but I will find some links for you and post them later.

SueM in MN
Co-Moderator of disABILITIES

 

[shalnica]

thanks for your help, yes might be a good idea about getting a torch, as getting around in dark is v difficult. will look for the other threads regarding the passes, hadn't heard of them.