Virgin & Disabilitys?

[mushumadness]

Hiya

We are taking my niece with us to wdw in november 07, now she has down syndrome, which in its self does not cause a great deal of problems, just dietry needs.

But she also has problems with mobility ie walking long distances, standing in the shower etc.

I was wondering if anybody has travelled with a disabeled child? and what there experiances have been?

I have already called and theyre sending me a form to fill out. I cant seem to be able to book us a preffered room though (if we were in a preffered room from experiance she would be able to walk the short distance to the pool and save getting her chair wet). I mean of course I would pay what ver they wanted as it gives her a little independance from being sat all day.

Also how have you found serves and characters at meals to be? Jordan is very friendly to other people, hugs etc I just dont know how the servers etc would react

I know I am far in advance but I am in planning mode

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Joshua is Autistic, and although physically fully mobile he cannot walk long distances either.
Up to now we have taken an over-size stroller with us, mainly for using round the parks (we have a small wheelchair also) although we never use either at home in the UK - you will certainly need something similar for your niece, unless you are taking a stroller/wheelchair also?

That would be the main priority, transport around the parks.

You should be able to get a Guest Assistance Card (GAC) around the parks too, and generally the CMs are extremely helpful to people with disABILITIES, a GAC is useful to have and whilst you may not necessarily use it much it is a nice comfort to have it, especially if a particular ride is busy and you need help in getting on quicker, or like often happens in our case if Josh wants to go on a ride several times.

I wouldn't worry at all about servers/restaurants etc , you will find everyone goes out of their way to be helpful and they encourage any type of interraction, handshakes/hugs , I guess you would have to decide whether a quieter restaurant may be more suitable perhaps.

It's the little things , that many families take for granted, that we enjoy with Josh , even a smile as we enter Magic Kingdom (remembering it from a previous visit) or excitement as he goes on a ride he enjoys , you will see similar things with your niece too I am sure.