Special Needs Child

[Jester6]

I am wondering what DW policy is on older children with severe special needs. My DD will be 3 when we would like to come. She has Cerebral Palsy and is blind. She is strictly tube fed and can not walk or even sit up. We are very excited to bring her, but honestly, she really had no idea what is going on. Will they still make me pay for a ticket for her? TIA!

 

[SirDuff]

Everyone who enters the park (over the age of two) needs to pay full admission - there are no discounts.

I'd check out the DISabilities forum for some really great advice about travelling to WDW/DL with someone with special needs - some really helpful people over there!

ETA - I had the wrong age for when tickets need to be purchased.

 

[aaarcher86]

Everyone who enters the park (over the age of three) needs to pay full admission - there are no discounts.

I'd check out the DISabilities forum for some really great advice about travelling to WDW/DL with someone with special needs - some really helpful people over there!

Just adding that tickets INCLUDE 3 year olds. I think Duff meant over the age if 2 So you'll be paying the full price child's ticket price.

You'll have to decide if you think the cost is worth it for your daughter.

 

[Jester6]

Thank-you both for your responses!

 

[SirDuff]

Just adding that tickets INCLUDE 3 year olds. I think Duff meant over the age if 2 So you'll be paying the full price child's ticket price.

You'll have to decide if you think the cost is worth it for your daughter.

Apparently, Sir Duff is a bit of a moron and, in her brain, 3 years and 1 minute is "over the age of three". At least, that's the story I'm going with. I'll update my post (not to pretend I didn't have an error, but just in case anyone stops reading after the first post).

 

[powellrj]

I know you you didn't ask about character buffets, but unless you get a major pixie dusting, everyone even those who can't eat will pay for a meal. It's considered an entertainment fee.

 

[Amanda999]

Hi! I'd highly recommend the disAbilities forum of the disboards. Many helpful stickies, and many people with disabilities or who travel with someone with disabilities to WDW alot. You'll get better advice from that group than by calling Disney itself! (As an example, I've seen your exact question - at least as to the expensive character meals - discussed by a dad of a tube fed DD - i.e., their recent experience (they had to pay full price).)

HTH and have a great trip!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

another recommending the disAbilities forum but I will add make sure you get the tag for stroller as a wheelchair so you can bring stroller in lines and building where most strollers can not go

 

[lanejudy]

I agree with other posters -- WDW requires a ticket for every guest once they reach 3 yrs old regardless of the guest's cognitive abilities. Your child may still enjoy character interactions, shows, and maybe some rides where you can hold her. I wouldn't rule out her ability to experience and enjoy such things in her own way (maybe not how you and I think of it). Unless she will be using a wheelchair, the stroller-as-wheelchair will be important for you. Just stop by Guest Relations to request it. On the disABILITIES Forum we have a disABILITIES FAQ thread that you might find helpful, and several people who have experienced WDW in similar situations. Feel free to ask questions.

Enjoy your vacation!