Guests with Special Needs

[Disney Vacation Planner]

Generally having some form of disability, shouldn't spoil a holiday at the Walt Disney World resort, althouh for obvious reasons there may be some rides that are off-limits to people with some disabilities, particularly some of the more violent thrill rides, although most disabiliites can be catered for on the majority of rides.

Disney as a company is (as would be expected) very well geared up to assist guests that are wheelchair bound, or suffering from some other disability. The majority of the parks have no steps, or where there are steps an alternative ramp is also available. Most of the shows and attractions (including the parades) have preferred seating arrangements for the disabled and their accompanying families. Smiilarly there is usually an alternate queue for wheelchair bound guests, providing easier and quicker access to most attractions.

Most disabilities can be accommodated, though it is best to make sure that Disney cast members are made aware of any disability when booking (particularly when booking hotel rooms), since they will be able to ensure that a suitable room is available.

ECVs and Wheelchairs are both available for rental within the Disney theme parks, but the Disney rental facilities doesn't unfortunately extend out to the resort hotels. However that gap is amply filled by several other companies in the area that will rent Wheelchairs, ECVs and other items to disable guests for use during the entirity of their vacation. Most of these companies will also happily deliver and collect the rented items from any hotel or address in the area, including the Disney resort hotels.

For more information on Care Medical's services visit the Care Medical web site, or call them on (407)-856-2273.

Guests with Hearing Difficulties

Guests with hearing difficulties can now "borrow" small hand-held wireless electronic devices free of charge from theme park Guest Relations.

These provide closed-captioning and narration in six languages (English, French, German, Japanese, Portugese and Spanish) at more than 20 Walt Disney World attractions.

Tip for waiting in Character Greeting areas.

City Hall in the Magic Kingdom provide a special pass which is only available to guests with special needs, which shortens, or eliminates the need for waiting in line to greet the various Disney characters around the four major parks.

It is valid for the duration of the guest's stay at a Disney resort, and can be used in any of the four parks, allowing a kind of "Fast Pass" status for character greeting areas. ..When waiting to see Characters, just show the pass to the cast member present and the party will either have the wait time reduced, or will be moved us to another area to wait.