Differences for disabilities in the different parks? - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Differences for disabilities in the different parks?
Laurie had a wonderful suggestion to start a thread comparing the differences between all the Disney Parks when it comes to access or issues for guests with disabilities.
So, here is the thread! I imagine, because Disneyland is the oldest park, it would have the most issues, but since I've never been there, I await your comments!
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I go to Disneyland alot... almost every Saturday. The only issues at Disneyland itself are knowing where the ramps are. Avoiding the horsecar tracks on Main Street. Knowing where to enter at various attractions. People wise... watching out for those who step in front of you. People just stopping right in their tracks to do something, etc. That would be at both DL and WDW.
Disney World: learning how to board the busses and parallel park on them. People issues... see above
We were just at WDW in December and had a great experience using an ECV there. CM's were more than willing to help out. One bus driver even parked my scooter for me... I guess he was in a rush to load the bus. We ate at several CS and the CM's were more than happy to carry my tray to our table.
All I can say is I have always been treated great at all parks in WDW and every resort that i stayed . I think you will always find someone who is a jerk. Once at AK I had twisted my knee we had reservations at tusker House The CM's went out of thier way to get me a wheelchair and after dinner made sure my family and I were able to return to our resort with the wheelchair. This is just one example of Disney doing everything they can to make your visit magical. I use a cane to get help me get around. Epcot CM's told me about the GAC.
I only know WDW, but there are differences in the parks there for wheelchair/scooter users. The uneven surfaces at Animal Kingdom are great theming, but a day of bumping along in my scooter makes my back and hips very sore. The surfaces in the other parks are nice and smooth.
I am making my first trip to Disneyland in February, so if anyone has specific questions or concerns let me know. I'm making a list of things i want to know (and note) while i'm there!
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My father rode motorcycles for a long time so I learned how to cross tracks with a wheelchair. He told me that he would take a motorcycle straight across the tracks. I do that with the wheelchair and my scooter so I never get stuck in the tracks.
I have not tried to get a GAC at DLR for autism, shade or anything besides stairs. They are trying to mainstream DLR but some places that is not possible. There are a lot of narrow areas like New Orleans Square, Adventureland, and Main Street shops. Some doorways are a tight squeeze for a wheelchair.
What do you feel is the difference in GACs for WDW and DLR?
Which park is easiest for you to get around in?
What park gives you a full day?
For me DCA has more rides I avoid like the roller coasters but it is easier to get around in. Epcot has lots of shows, atmosphere, and things to do even if someone is unable to leave their chair.
DLR foods are not able to deal with special needs like WDW. I have never seen iskadoodle and divvies at DLR. I do not recall ever seeing soy or rice milk either. Special diet friendly, YES, but they cannot compete with WDW that has room for a bakery and storing special items.
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Mom calls to check on me and reminded me to pay the gardener. I love her so much.
Disneyland was fun with flag retreat and pickles. I have a home here, thank you. GAC is NOT a "front of the line pass".
She is gone but keeping signature. Laundry is getting done. My purpose in life is to help poor people in FL. Farewell, will miss you.
I am beginning to get a bit worried about getting a GAC for DS Benji for DL.
He was just diagnosed as being on the Autism Spectrum with PDD-NOS so a GAC could help us in different areas.
At times he doesn't do well with crowds, at times he does.
Sometimes he can freak out at the slightest thing, sometimes what I expect to set him off won't.
He barely eats anything - and I mean ANYTHING - I can count on TWO HANDS the things he will eat. I am concerned about attempting to book any kind of table service when I know that he HAS to have mac and cheese off the kids' menu.
I know he does well at WDW. I know that he made it through DL for two days this past March, but we are doing FIVE this time and he's changed alot with what he tolerates and what he doesn't. He blurts things out that people don't understand - he doesn't comphrehend others. I really need to find out HOW TOLERANT people really are in regarding to handling an autistic child.
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DL's alternate entry lines can be just as crowded as their regular lines I have discovered. DCA is different, but there are almost no lines that have FP in DL park. I discovered this is the most common alternate entry location for WDW, but that is rarely an option for DL. I use a wheelchair, so I have to use the accessible entrance no matter what, but there are times I have seen kids have a bit of a hard time with things like Peter Pan. CMs, however, are wonderful at listening to you, so if a situation is not working for you, just speak to a CM and they will usually do what they can to fix the situation.
Also, the park is a LOT smaller, so it is VERY easy to return to a resort or get to a quiet location, unlike WDW where you can easily be a 1/2 hr walk from the first aid center!
Quote:
Originally Posted by TroianRae
I am beginning to get a bit worried about getting a GAC for DS Benji for DL.
He was just diagnosed as being on the Autism Spectrum with PDD-NOS so a GAC could help us in different areas.
At times he doesn't do well with crowds, at times he does.
Sometimes he can freak out at the slightest thing, sometimes what I expect to set him off won't.
He barely eats anything - and I mean ANYTHING - I can count on TWO HANDS the things he will eat. I am concerned about attempting to book any kind of table service when I know that he HAS to have mac and cheese off the kids' menu.
I know he does well at WDW. I know that he made it through DL for two days this past March, but we are doing FIVE this time and he's changed alot with what he tolerates and what he doesn't. He blurts things out that people don't understand - he doesn't comphrehend others. I really need to find out HOW TOLERANT people really are in regarding to handling an autistic child.
I have never been to DL but I have been to WDW many times and I have a child with multiple disabilities and does not do well in public. As far as Cast Members at WDW we were treated wonderfully by all. They looked to help in any way possible. As far as other guests they were not always as nice to us because my daughters disabilities are invisible to most people. The GAC was wonderful to have and I wouldn't want to be without it in the parks.
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We ate at several CS and the CM's were more than happy to carry my tray to our table.
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