Some interesting info for visually impaired WDW guests...

[kimmar067]

FEATURE ARTICLE

Visiting Walt Disney World with a Visual Impairment

by

Tim Sullivan
ALL EARS® Guest Columnist

I consider myself a fairly experienced traveler to Walt Disney World, visiting nearly every year with my family, but it was only after a recent trip to Europe, and the very in-depth research I did for that trip, that I finally realized that I've never really done any research into Walt Disney World traveling, especially regarding anything special that I should know regarding my being a visually impaired traveler... I've always just relied on my wife and the "kindness of strangers" to get by.

Knowing all the great hints and tips I gleaned before my Europe trip, I did my research to find out what I might have been missing at Walt Disney World. I got great tips on dining, hotel accommodation, what attractions to see where and when, but in all the great guide books, websites and other places for tips that I read, none of them answered my biggest question. What should I know as a visually impaired traveler?

Here is a little background into my visual impairment -- I have Retinitis Pigmentosa, which is basically tunnel vision, coupled with no low-light vision. Straight ahead I'm fine, but to the sides, and in dark attractions/at night I have difficulty. This gives me the most problems in crowds, where I simply do not see all the people, especially when they are moving across my visual field, and more importantly, crowds seem to confuse my vision. There is so much to look at I almost get sensory overload and have a hard time finding what I am looking for. Also, when a ride is dark, I see little to none of it -- my eyes just will not process everything.

====================
WHAT DISNEY DOES...
AND DOESN'T DO
====================

By and large, Walt Disney World tries hard to do the best they can to accommodate visually impaired, as well as other guests with disabilities, but they do have some work to do. The biggest problem is with consistency. Not everyone is familiar with, or can recognize blindness as a disability like they can a person in a wheelchair. Not everyone will understand what a white cane means, and guests as well as Disney Cast Members can sometimes be insensitive or unresponsive to the special needs of a visually impaired person.

I have encountered some fabulous Cast Members, and even park guests, who have taken the initiative to go out of their way to come up to me, ask if my family and I need any help finding the entrance to an attraction or help getting on the attraction, or if we need general information about the park. These types of Cast Members really help you feel that Walt Disney World is the "Most Magical Place on Earth."

Unfortunately, I have found that you also have to be prepared to do A LOT of digging and legwork to get a straight answer out of Walt Disney World regarding what exactly they offer for guests with visual impairments. First off, if you are unsure or have a question about anything, ask one of the Cast Members. They are usually a great source of information about everything park-related. If they can't give you an answer, politely escalate it to a higher level. Eventually someone will be able to answer your questions.


Your first stop on your first day in the parks should be Guest Relations. When you are there the most important thing to do is to make sure you get an official WDW document called the Guest Assistance Card. It is approximately 3x5 in size and is good for your entire visit to Walt Disney World. The card outlines any assistance you may need while visiting the park, but more importantly, identifies that you in fact have some special needs that require attention. The card is not mentioned on Disney's website designed for people with disabilities, but know that it is there.

I believe the card was originally intended for guests who could not use the regular queue lines (such as people in wheelchairs), and outlined the special assistance they may need. Speaking from experience, a visual impairment is a mobility concern that requires just as much special attention from Cast Members as someone in a wheelchair, so make sure you get this card!

While there also make sure you pick up the "Guide for Guests with Disabilities," which is filled with information aimed at disabled travelers. There are also several guides available to visually impaired travelers, including Braille guides and audiotape guides to the parks. At Guest Relations you can also find a large Braille map of the park you're in. As I only have a visual impairment, rather than complete blindness, I have not used any of these guides, but on my next trip to the parks I am traveling with my brother-in-law who is completely blind, so I'll get him to take them for a spin and will update accordingly.

WDW also provides a website for guests with disabilities at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdwi/en_CA/common/Plain?id=PlainHomePage, but to be honest with you I didn't find the information very helpful. But it does outline the official Disney guidelines and policies, and does seem to be formatted for screen reader, low vision etc., so it is easy for those with visual impairments to use.

I've read somewhere that someone suggested a person with a visual impairment should leave his or her cane at home, but for me that is the LAST thing I'd want to do (and I don't always use my cane while at home). I think it's a matter of personal preference. I do not have an obvious visual impairment -- my eyesight, in normal everyday conditions, appears "normal" to anyone who is not paying close attention, so often the only warning someone will get that I do have a visual impairment is the big white stick that I carry wherever I go. Not only that, it can also help your relations with other park guests. I'm fond of using the analogy that with my cane when I run into someone, instead of thinking I'm a jerk, they'll think I'm a blind jerk! Not only that, but having the cane is also an identifier that there is something "special" about you, which, as much as I hate to admit it, can get some of the assistance required moving before even having to ask for it, and also saves some explanation once you do talk to a Cast Member. They can immediately see that you have some sort of disability so will move a bit faster to help.

Most importantly, know that with a visual impairment you will be slowed down more than an able-bodied person, so please do not expect to "see" as much, nor do as much. Pick what is most important to you, and make sure you enjoy those things. Take your time moving around the parks and stop and smell the roses. I've had better days at the parks when I've taken my time getting around and spending quality time at various attractions, rather than running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to get as much in as I can. Definitely go for quality over quantity.

====================
HOW TO ENJOY THE PARKS
====================

It is not hard to enjoy yourself while spending the day at one of the theme parks at Walt Disney World, so here are a few hints and tips I can give to hopefully make your visit as a visually-impaired park guest easier:

One of the things that Disney does so fabulously with their attractions is the general setting of their rides, so rather than waiting in a regular old queue line, Disney starts to immerse you in the experience to help build the excitement. Make sure that you take your time to "look" at as much as you can while you are waiting. Cast Members usually don't mind visually impaired people touching and feeling various aspects of the "set dressings" for rides, and I know from experience that my blind brother-in-law gets the biggest kick out of some of that stuff. With anything though, be sure to check with a Cast Member before fondling everything... there might be something they do not want you to touch, so better safe than sorry.

Most every live show, movie or other entertainment attraction (including the parades) have special seating areas set aside for disabled travelers and their guests. Once again they are oriented toward people in wheelchairs, but are also available to a visually impaired guest and their travelling party.

Also, if you are choosing to go to any of the shows, arrive a little early and ask the Cast Members present if you can be pre-seated prior to the general admission of the rest of the crowd. This will help alleviate some of the craziness that ensues when the masses stampede to get the best seats, but will also ensure that you get the best seating that you will need to suit your visual impairment. I have had the pleasure of this service at shows across WDW, including PhilharMagic at the Magic Kingdom, the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular at Disney-MGM Studios, not to mention the Biergarten Restaurant in the Germany Pavilion, which has a great live show.

One other note about show-type attractions, make sure you inquire about any movie-type performances, as there are several that use more than just your sense of sight, but also touch and smell. Two of the greatest are Mickey's PhilharMagic (which should not be missed) in the Magic Kingdom, but also It's Tough to be a Bug at Animal Kingdom. They are both 3-D movies (whose effect is mostly lost on me), but also include the other senses, so of course make sure you do not miss a movie just because you don't think there will be enough to entertain because of a lack of vision.

Some people suggest taking the afternoon off to go back to your hotel to rest and relax, which can be a decent tip for some. But for the amount of trouble it is for me to head out of the park and all the way back to the hotel to relax, a trip of at least a half hour just to get to the hotel, I don't really think it's worth it. For the hour wasted in travel time, time you are NOT relaxing, I find it easier to just sit and relax in a quiet neck of the parks. They ALL have some nice spots for you to relax. Half the fun of the parks is exploring them to find these quiet areas. If you cannot find anything to your liking, ask a Cast Member where you can find a quiet spot, and I'm sure they can direct you to a perfect area.


I have lots more to share, but that should give you a good overview of touring Walt Disney World with a vision impairment.

For more indepth information, visit: http://allearsnet.com/pl/vision2.htm

 

[Charlie_Y]

Thanks for posting this. We are going to DLR in April, and my husband has a visual impairment. Hopefully most of the general information will help a lot. There isn't really a lot of info out there regarding visual impairments, and this article has answered so many of my questions.

Thanks again

Charlie

 

[SueM in MN]

It is a very good article.
AllEarsnet does have some very good information.

 

[kimmar067]

...so glad to have been able to help you somewhat....

 

[seashoreCM]

For those with limited field of vision and going into attractions with wide screen movies, you might try going twice, the first time concentrating on the left half of the screen, the second time concentrating on the right half.

For those circle 360 movies, you might want to see it four times, center, left, right, and rear.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[SeptBride]

Thank you for posting this article. My father has been visually impaired most of his life, and we just learned that he is expected to lose his remaining sight to an aggressive form of glaucoma.
We vacation together every year in WDW. We get close seats for shows so he can get what he can out of them, but we have not looked into a GAC yet. My mother holds his hand to guide him through the parks and reads menus to him at restaurants. On our last trip I was able to snag a front row seat to Illuminations, and to watch it right on the water was amazing for him.
On our trip later this year he will either see very little or nothing at all. We'll get a GAC, and I'd love suggestions on how to make his experience more enjoyable. Thanks.

 

[Nie0214]

I'm doing research for the next time I travel with my mother, and this helps so much! Thank you!

 

[Aerorea]

Thank you so much for this post! I, too, have Retinitis Pigmentosa. I've been to WDW several times, but never bothered to get a GAC since I was always with someone else. I have your typical RP symptoms of tunnel vision (5 & 10 degrees), night blindness, etc. I'm fortunate enough that I don't yet require a cane, though I have used one in the past for certain situations (like a crowded downtown convention). It certainly does help with "awareness" though. People are often more understanding when I'm slow on the stairs or when I bump into them when they see that white cane. Usually.

 

[Nie0214]

I'm fortunate enough that I don't yet require a cane, though I have used one in the past for certain situations (like a crowded downtown convention). It certainly does help with "awareness" though. People are often more understanding when I'm slow on the stairs or when I bump into them when they see that white cane. Usually.

This is probably the worst part of my mother's RP too. Many of the queues are dimly lightly, and she has no cane to distinguish herself as "different" so the muttered comments behind her of "Could you walk any slower" etc. are hurtful. She's 44, and doesn't look any different than any other 44 year old. I have lost my temper a time or two when it's happened near me, especially when she bumps into someone and says "Oh, I'm so sorry!" and the person sneers back "What? Are you blind or something?"

If anyone should happen to read this thread and has never encounter a blind-yet-not-blind person, I really hope they are more understanding in the future.

 

[kimmar067]

I'm doing research for the next time I travel with my mother, and this helps so much! Thank you!

...you're welcome....

 

[kimmar067]

This is probably the worst part of my mother's RP too. Many of the queues are dimly lightly, and she has no cane to distinguish herself as "different" so the muttered comments behind her of "Could you walk any slower" etc. are hurtful. She's 44, and doesn't look any different than any other 44 year old. I have lost my temper a time or two when it's happened near me, especially when she bumps into someone and says "Oh, I'm so sorry!" and the person sneers back "What? Are you blind or something?"

 

[Shock13]

Thank you so much kimmar for this info. I will be going to WDW for the first time next week. I also have RP along with cataracts. I have been to DLR many times but this will be my first theme park visit with a white cane and am pretty nervous since I only use the cane at the mall or the grocery store. I have created an itinerary so most of my park visiting is during the day except for those couple nights to see Spectro or Illuminations as it will be easier for me to get around.
Interesting note about the GAC. I had been visually impaired since a child and every year have gone to DLR and never knew they even offered the GAC. I couldn't see much of the shows as my family didn't want to wait in line extra early. It wasn't until two years ago that while trying to find a spot for Fantasmic that my sister asked a CM if I could sit in the handicap section since I was visually imparied. The CM said I had to have a GAC and directed us to guest services. What a difference that card make! I didn't get it in enough time to see FAntasmic but I was able to sit before everyone piled in for Aladdin at CA and it was like watching an entirely different show! I could finally see the detail of the costumes and sets and the facial expressions of the performers. Since then, I have only used the GAC for shows and to bypass the queue area for the Indiana Jones ride as that is just long, winding and dark. The CM's have always been very accomodating.

 

[kimmar067]

Thank you so much kimmar for this info.....I couldn't see much of the shows as my family didn't want to wait in line extra early. It wasn't until two years ago that while trying to find a spot for Fantasmic that my sister asked a CM if I could sit in the handicap section since I was visually imparied. The CM said I had to have a GAC and directed us to guest services. What a difference that card make! I didn't get it in enough time to see FAntasmic but I was able to sit before everyone piled in for Aladdin at CA and it was like watching an entirely different show! I could finally see the detail of the costumes and sets and the facial expressions of the performers. Since then, I have only used the GAC for shows and to bypass the queue area for the Indiana Jones ride as that is just long, winding and dark. The CM's have always been very accomodating.

....well, good for you!

 

[SueM in MN]

First, I want to point out that there is more information about Guest Assistance Cards (GACs) in post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of this board. (There is also a link to that thread in my signature).

This is probably the worst part of my mother's RP too. Many of the queues are dimly lightly,

I also want to point out that there is an Epcot FAQs thread near the top of this board. I have completed sort of fact sheets for some attractions, with pictures and information, including things like whether the attraction queue is dim/dark.
I don't have fact sheets done for all attractions, but that is coming as I have time.
Also, right now, the information is only available in a jpg file, so it is not able to read by a screen reader. When I have time, I intend to put the written information and some extra descriptions into the actual post, so it will be available for people who can't see the jpg.

 

[Nie0214]

Thank you so much Sue, it really really helps! If you ever want some help transposing it from .jpg to text, let me know!

I felt so bad when I booked us a Coral Reef reservation (with a diver) and my mom could not see very well inside the restaurant. Heck, I couldn't see all that well. I had no idea it was so dark.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thank you so much Sue, it really really helps! If you ever want some help transposing it from .jpg to text, let me know!

I felt so bad when I booked us a Coral Reef reservation (with a diver) and my mom could not see very well inside the restaurant. Heck, I couldn't see all that well. I had no idea it was so dark.

Thanks for the offer. When I transpose it, I'll just go back to my power point files and cut and paste.

One thing that would be VERY helpful would be any insight you have into which attractions were a problem in terms of the light. I have some ideas because my FIL had severe problems with accomodation when moving from a dark area to a bright one or the other way around. So, some of what I've written so far is from things I know that caused him problems.
Any help you could give on that sort of thing would be helpful and make the FAQs threads for the parks more helpful. (I plan one for each park, although they are taking a long time since I need to do them in between 'real life').

 

[Shock13]

I felt so bad when I booked us a Coral Reef reservation (with a diver) and my mom could not see very well inside the restaurant. Heck, I couldn't see all that well. I had no idea it was so dark.

Did this take away from her enjoying her meal? I have scheduled a lunch there and I don't care for really dark restaurants since a) can't read the menu and b) difficult for me to see what I'm eating. I do carry a small flashlight to read menus and such but I'd rather not eat there if it will just get me frustrated.

 

[Nie0214]

Did this take away from her enjoying her meal? I have scheduled a lunch there and I don't care for really dark restaurants since a) can't read the menu and b) difficult for me to see what I'm eating. I do carry a small flashlight to read menus and such but I'd rather not eat there if it will just get me frustrated.

We had a seat at the aquarium level, and I booked her a diver to hold up a sign that said "Thanks for everything Mom! We love you!". She enjoyed the food and the atmosphere very much, but we wouldn't go back because of the lighting, and it was very noisy. It's definitely very cool to encounter once, I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the diver, so that probably added to the excitement!

She was able to read the menu just fine, and I think I did read the note the diver held up for her, but mostly because I wasn't sure if she could make it or not. You can see some video/pictures of it in my review of Coral Reef here: http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1948898. The pictures are with flash on, if that gives you indication for how dark it can be.

When I have some time this weekend I'll pull up maps of the different parks and note which queues and rides I remember giving us some navigation issues on and which ones you should skip with RP.

 

[kimmar067]

We had a seat at the aquarium level, and I booked her a diver to hold up a sign that said "Thanks for everything Mom! We love you!". She enjoyed the food and the atmosphere very much, but we wouldn't go back because of the lighting, and it was very noisy. It's definitely very cool to encounter once, I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the diver, so that probably added to the excitement!

....wa-a-a-a-y kewl!

 

[pudge the fish]

IMO -
Tom Saywers Island has many dark / low light places- not a good place for people with impared vision. ( it's not good for me inside the "tunnels"- I was stumbling ALL over-

Haunted mansion is a tough line after the stretching room and pirates can be hard too. I have trouble at night seeing curbs- poor hubby has to say step up and I have apologized more than once for bumping into people. and I have had the what are you blind? remarks and I say almost blind- not quite yet. maybe one day.

I have an idea for a t-shirt with Mickey wearing shades
but I don't want to say something rude like -"as a matter of fact I didn't see you"- I will come up with a snappy but not rude tag line for it one day