Some CM do understand disAbilities!!!

[teresadisney]

On our first trip to Disney World in 2009 we took our then six year old son, who was undergoing assessment at that time. He did not have a diagnosis at that time, (now he has been diagnosed with Autism). We also did not know anything about the GAC. We were standing outside of the Under the Sea ride at HS, when he proceeded to have complete melt down. An amazing cast member moved nosy onlookers out of the way, told me I was handing things well and just not worry about others. After his tantrum, she told me not to worry Disney deals with lots of children with Autism. While some people may have taken offence and she probably should not have assumed she was so helpful and so nice, I felt like someone did understand!

 

[Mom2six]

I agree that Disney employs many wonderful Cast Members who understand disabilities and are very compassionate. It is really easy to only talk about the CMs who are not as helpful, so it's great to take a moment and think about all the CMs that do try hard to make you/your child/your family feel comfortable.

 

[Cassandy]

We've had such amazing experiences with CMs at Disney World! I'll write a couple here:

- Getting on the bus from DD during a rainy evening in June, Stanley the Bus Driver brought out a giant bag, proceeded to blow up a ton of balloons, and drove us around as we all had the most amazing, fun balloon fight. When a girl in a wheelchair with sensory issues came on the bus, we all put the balloons away (so the popping wouldn't startle her) and brought out bubbles, which we blew all around the bus. It was amazing!

- On the boat from Wilderness Lodge to MK one morning, the CM gave my son a boat collectable card and a pirate bandana for his birthday. My son wore the bandana for the rest of the trip, calling, "Yo ho, yo ho, pirate life fo' me!!" every time he saw a boat.

- The first time my son met Pluto, back in 2011, he was afraid. But Pluto stuck by our table (at Chef Mickey's) until my son felt comfortable with him, pointing out how Pluto had ears and he had ears, and then taught my son how to give a character an autograph book. It's my favourite memory!

We have so many more precious moments from the CMs. Thank you, WDW Cast Members!

And thanks OP for starting this happy thread

 

[jmartinez1895]

There are many wonderful CMs. If it where not for them I don't think WDW would be as much fun or enjoyable. One of our favorite moments was when my son was looking forward to seeing Sleeping Beauty in EPCOT. We had asked where she would be and we got told by a CM to wait at a certain spot and she would be right out. While waiting we started talking a man who worked there, but was off that day. A few minutes later a photographer came out in a different spot and a long line formed. The off duty CM told us not to go anywhere and went inside of a gate. A minute later he came out and behind him was the princess and her handler. He told her that our son had been waiting and she said " how splendid, I was just lokking for a prince to escort me through the garden." and she held his hand and they took a long walk through the rose garden and talked.

 

[Kellykins1218]

A few years ago my autistic 5 yr old & I went back to MK for EMH while my husband & youngest stayed in the room. We only had our double stroller so I left it at the hotel. We were having a great time but my son ran out of steam. We were in Tomorrowland and thanks to the Electrical Parade there was no way we could get to the stroller rental at the front of the park. I stopped at a toy kiosk by the Tomorrowland Speedway and asked the CMs if there was another place to rent one. Audrey, now my favorite cast member of all time, took us over to one of the large gift shops so she could talk to her supervisor. Then she took us in to the exit for Buzz Lightyear and told another CM we needed a stroller. They had me wait while they went behind the building to get one. I had my credit card out but they just asked what my son's name was, wrote it on a card, attached it to the stroller and told me to have fun. It was awesome! I made sure to write to Disney as soon as we got home to tell them what a great CM they had. She went out of her way to help us & it made our night.