Rest locations for big crawlers in the parks?

[jackrabbitsden]

My 14 year old son is blind/deaf and cannot walk so he is confined to a wheelchair. During the course of a normal day at home/school he has opportunities to get out of his chair and crawl around but when our family visits the parks at Disney World he ends up remaining in his chair all day long. We have another Disney World trip coming up at the end of October and this time we are wanting to be more intentional about finding opportunities for him to get down out of his wheelchair and exercise his joints and muscles throughout the day. He doesn't need a ton of time out of the chair--just a few minutes here and there--so dragging the entire family out of the park and back to the resort for a few minutes of floor-time isn't entirely practical.

I'm wondering if anyone can think of areas in any of the four parks where we could let him get down and crawl around and "stretch his legs." It could be anything from an out-of-the-way grassy area to an indoor lounge. We would be grateful for any ideas!

 

[Mrsjvb]

what about Rafiki's Planet watch in AK? very quiet area.

I will be there Friday through Monday next and I can keep an eye out for spots that aren't going to be in the middle of everything or overrun with toddlers blowing off steam.

 

[geek+nerd]

Would any of the first aid areas work?

 

[Mommee]

The baby care centers? My youngest is 7 now but if I remember right there was some open areas in some of those. Though I don't remember what type of flooring. ..

 

[ladyjubilee]

My 14 year old son is blind/deaf and cannot walk so he is confined to a wheelchair. During the course of a normal day at home/school he has opportunities to get out of his chair and crawl around but when our family visits the parks at Disney World he ends up remaining in his chair all day long. We have another Disney World trip coming up at the end of October and this time we are wanting to be more intentional about finding opportunities for him to get down out of his wheelchair and exercise his joints and muscles throughout the day. He doesn't need a ton of time out of the chair--just a few minutes here and there--so dragging the entire family out of the park and back to the resort for a few minutes of floor-time isn't entirely practical.

I'm wondering if anyone can think of areas in any of the four parks where we could let him get down and crawl around and "stretch his legs." It could be anything from an out-of-the-way grassy area to an indoor lounge. We would be grateful for any ideas!

I'm pretty lazy, so I plop down just about everywhere and its been a few years since we were there..... anyhow, there were some nice 'cobblestones' on the side street where the opera lesson windows and sorcerers game. It was traffic free when we were there and several different textures in one small area.

. My son crushed leaves with a CM at the Merida meet and greet. They sat in the dirt just off to the side, not in anyone's way.

The water fountains in Morocco were a nice break area too. My son enjoyed the texture of the water and the coolness of the tiles.

The manatee exhibit-a little off to the side.

Oh what about the open air buildings in Asia at AK. The cool marble is a need sensation.

We also found that few folks go look at the fish at AK. We spent a lot of tome just sitting there watching the fish, sifting dirt and crushing leaves on the ground.

Also at AK we say sifting sand on the ground, though I can't remember exactly where at, I do remember being near a bridge.

I haven't been to Tom Sayers island but I would think that would have space too.

 

[Schmeck]

Animal Kingdom - the bone yard play area, but I'm not sure if you can get across to the sand area on the other side?

Magic Kingdom - adventureland had an area down by jungle cruise that was pretty open, but it was all paved.

EPCOT - grassy area behind innoventions - back exit headed towards the land pavilion near club cool.

HS - the backlot streets have some open areas, but not any grass. It's tough to be a bug play area may work though?

Be careful of biting ants and ground dwelling yellow jackets, as well as poisonous snakes in the bushes. Most of the grassy areas, if not fenced off, should be ok, but I don't know what type of pesticides they spray. Make sure to wash off hands after they touch the grass.

 

[Schmeck]

Also, at MK, or outside of MK, is that long walkway towards Grand Floridian that goes to a certain point and stops - not sure if the walkway is fenced, may be grassy areas over there?

 

[jackrabbitsden]

These are all great suggestions! You all are helping me think outside of the box!