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Category Archives: Disabilities
Disney World Planning – Special Needs Tips for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing
Oscar winning Deaf actress Marlee Matlin has often said, “the only thing Deaf people can’t do is hear” and she proves it everyday. The sights and sounds of Walt Disney World aren’t only for hearing people, the Deaf and hard of hearing can experience all that Walt Disney World has to offer through a variety of communication devices.
If you have a family member who is Deaf or hard of hearing and haven’t experienced Disney destinations because of it, this should help you understand what Disney has to offer so you and your family can make the most of your magical vacation.
There are many mis-conceptions about what Deaf and hard of hearing people can do and not do, and what they can enjoy, and i’m sure there’s plenty of debate about whether a Walt Disney World vacation is “worth it” if someone in your travel party has hearing issues. As a student of American Sign Language and a person with Deaf friends, I won’t attempt to answer all the questions that us ignorant hearing people have; but I will tell you that Walt Disney World is a place that makes sure EVERYONE’s experience is as magical as it can be, whether you can hear or not.
Major experiences in Walt Disney World include the attractions and the stage shows. They are often everyone’s favorite parts of the trip and there’s no reason everyone can’t enjoy them.
- The first stop you should make at the parks is Guest Relations, this is where you can get information and pick up most of your hearing assistive devices. Some require a refundable deposit and for the device to be returned same day. You can also receive schedules of Sign Language interpreted performances in the parks that week.
- At the entrance of attractions and shows ask a cast member for a guest assistance packet. This includes things like a flashlight, pen and paper, and dialogue and narrations for the attractions within the park. Have patience, it may take a minute for the cast member to locate what you need but at least you will have those resources as a back up if all other communication fails.
- Basic communication needs are met with amplified headsets on pay phones, assistive listening devices (which require a $25 refundable deposit if returned same day) and TTY locations for information and to book your vacation (407-827-5141) or to request an interpreter.
- Most theater shows offer reflective captioning, ask a cast member for the device and for early entrance into the show to set up your captioning device properly. Reflective captioning allows you to attach a plexiglass sort of device to a chair in front of you that will reflect the captions from the back wall. It must be situated so that you can view the stage and see the words at the base of the stage. Shows with 3-D glasses may make the captions difficult to read.
- Handheld Captioning Units - These are wireless devices that give you a written version of scripts for certain attractions. These devices require a $100 refundable deposit, but have no other charge. Pick up your unit at Guest Services in your park; but if you are park hopping, your HCU can’t. You’ll have to turn it in and pick up another one at your next park. These units also serve as closed captioning activators for some attractions, if you are within 20 feet of the screen this function will work.
- Video Captioning and Closed Captioning - This remote requires a $25 refundable deposit and will activate closed captioning on tv monitors for attractions (like the pre-shows in the queue).
- ASL Interpreters are available for live shows on a rotating basis. Schedules for interpreters vary from week to week to ask Guest Relations in the park (or your lobby concierge) for an up-to-date schedule. If you would like to request free sign language interpretation for other live entertainment (such as Candlelight Processional) call 407-824-4321 or TTY 407-827-5141 at least two weeks in advance.
- Look for cast members with the “ASL” symbol on their name tag, these cast members are trained in sign language.
When you’re ready to end your time in the parks, your Disney resort also offers “Room Communication Kits” that include:
- Door knock and phone alerts
- Bed shaker alarm
- TTY (text typewriter)
- Strobe light fire alarm
- Phone amplifier
If you’re making your reservation online, there is a box to check if you need a room communication kit, if you are using a travel agent, let them know and they can note it on the reservation for you. While most travel arrangements can be made online and much agent-client communication is done via e-mail having someone who understands YOUR first language is a huge asset. American Sign Language and verbal speech don’t have the same subject/verb sentence structure and can be confusing for someone who isn’t trained in ASL and frustrating for you, the Deaf client. If you have questions about Disney travel, need more information about the services available for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people in the parks or would like a free quote, feel free to contact me.
There’s plenty of magic in Disney parks for everyone, including the Deaf and hard of hearing, remember…the only thing a Deaf person can’t do is hear.
Related articles
- Accessible Ride Vehicles at the Magic Kingdom (chipandco.com)
- The Complete Walt Disney World 2012 Guidebook (chipandco.com)
How To Tour the Parks – Visiting Epcot in a Wheelchair
Epcot is a great park to visit if you are a wheelchair user. Most of the attractions are accessible in some form and many allow you to stay in your wheelchair thanks to accessible ride vehicles. Here is a look at the accessibility of the major attractions.
Spaceship Earth
Spaceship Earth is one of the few attractions that you enter through the exit. When you arrive let the Cast Members know that you need the accessible ride vehicle. The ADA ride vehicle has a wider door. It was at the same level as my wheelchair so I was able to slide in and out pretty easily. The Cast Members can also slow down or stop the attraction if you need extra time entering or exiting.
Ellen’s Energy Adventure
Ellen’s Energy Adventure is located at the Universe of Energy. The pre show is in a theater but there is no seating. I recommend hanging out in the back since the floor is sloped. Once the movie is over you enter the room with the ride vehicles. The ones located in the back have a ramp that folds down so you can remain in your wheelchair. Cast Members will help you into the ride vehicle if you need assistance. Keep in mind that this attraction lasts about 45 minutes so plan accordingly.
Mission: Space
Mission: Space is another attraction that you have to transfer to experience. One of the simulators has a bench that makes transferring from your wheelchair a little easier. The bench rotates out allowing you to transfer onto it and then it rotates back into the simulator. Once the ride is over the bench will rotate back out allowing you to get into your wheelchair. I’ve tired it with and without the bench and using it really does make the process easier. Just alert a Cast Member that you need to use it before entering the pre show area where you see the safety instruction video.
Test Track
I don’t know if this information will change after the Test Track refurbishment but this is how it worked before. If you are unable to step in and out of the ride vehicle you can load in the seat belt check area. A Cast Member will take you to a small lift that will take you down to that area of the attraction. You can then pull your wheelchair up to the car, sit on the side, and then lower yourself into the seat. Getting out was a little more difficult but my husband just helped me up onto the side of the car and then I was able to get back into my wheelchair.
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
The Seas with Nemo & Friends has a wheelchair access vehicle so there is no need to transfer. Just let the Cast Members know when you get to the loading area that you would like to stay in your wheelchair. You will probably have to wait a few minutes for the accessible ride vehicle to cycle through. Once its there, a Cast Member will lower a ramp for you.
Living with the Land
Living with the Land has a separate wheelchair entrance that is to the right of the standard queue. There is a special boat that allows you to stay in your wheelchair. Loading and unloading is really easy.
Soarin’
You have to transfer to experience this attraction but it is pretty easy. Make sure to let the Cast Members know that you need to sit in the front row. The seats sit higher than my wheelchair so my husband usually helps me. There are arm rests on each side of the seat if you need to use them.
Journey Into the Imagination with Figment
Journey Into the Imagination has a wheelchair access vehicle. A Cast Member will lower the ramp for you and help you up if you need it.
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
The Gran Fiesta Tour has a wheelchair boat almost like the ones at it’s a small world. But on this boat your wheelchair sits higher than the seats next to you. Make sure your breaks are working properly on your chair because they don’t put any sort of bumper behind your tires.
Maelstrom
I haven’t ridden Maelstrom in a while. The disability guide says that a transfer device is available. I would just speak with Cast Members about the process. I am going to attempt to try out the transfer process in June. I’ll let you know what I find out.
If you have any questions or advice you would like to share just leave a me a comment below.
Related articles
- How to Tour the Parks – Visiting the Magic Kingdom in a Wheelchair Part 2 (chipandco.com)
- Accessible Attractions – The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (disneyonwheelsblog.com)
- Can you use a Stroller as a Wheelchair? (chipandco.com)
Keeping Diabetes Under Control at the Parks
As a Diabetic (or a parent of a diabetic child), you know that keeping a routine helps control blood sugar. But you may also know that any vacation is far from routine! And although you might be on vacation, it doesn’t mean you get a vacation from your Diabetes. In fact, you will need keep a closer eye on your blood sugar levels as Walt Disney World can wildly throw you out of your routine, which can cause major blood sugar upsets to occur. Here’s some helpful tips for Type 1 Diabetics on keeping blood sugar in good control (Type 2 Diabetics – most of these tips are applicable to you too!):
Test often and wear a CGM if you have one. Walking will lower your blood sugar, eating will obviously raise it, and sun exposure can lower your blood sugar, especially if you don’t typically live in a warm Florida-like climate. Testing more often is key! Carry your glucometer with you at the parks! Yes, it’s one more item weighing down your park bag, but it’s one of the most vital things to have! Pack twice as many lancets and test strips as you think you may need.
If you wear in insulin pump and have the Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), please WEAR this invaluable tool at Disney! A CGM will send blood sugar readings to your pump every 5 minutes and alert you if you’re going too high or too low. When you’re walking all over the parks and distracted by all of the excitement, it’s easy to not recognize the initial warning signs of going low. A CGM will alert you before you’re too low to help yourself.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Diabetics need MORE water than the average park tourist. Water helps insulin absorb and be distributed more evenly throughout the body. If a diabetic is dehydrated, or close to it, insulin absorption is touch and go. With all of that walking and being in the hot sun, dehydration can happen quickly! Carry a water bottle with you. Yes, it’s another item to weigh you down… but it will keep you going strong!
Always have a source of sugar WITH you (even at night!) Exercise (even just 30 minutes a day) can affect your blood sugar levels for 24 hours following physical activity. If you increase walking from 30 minutes a day, to suddenly walking for 6 – 10 hours a day, your blood sugar dropping is almost inevitable! Keep glucose tabs, juice boxes, or another source of sugary snack with you at all times. Your blood sugar can drop so quickly you may not have time to wait in line to purchase a sweet drink or snack to give you the boost you need.
Keep a source of sugar on your nightstand as well! Many times I’ve woken up with very low blood sugar during the night after having an active day in the parks. Having a juice box right there on the nightstand is easy access to a quick fix.
Consider setting a temp-basal on your Insulin Pump, or decreasing your insulin-carb ratio. To help avoid blood sugar lows, consider setting a temporary basal rate on your insulin pump, this may help you avoid going low too quickly, or may eliminate low blood sugars completely! If you’re not a pump wearer, consider decreasing your insulin-to-carb ratio, especially if you know you’re going to be doing a lot of walking. Consult with your Doctor on what your temp-basals or adjusted carb-ratios should be. If you feel comfortable adjusting your own settings, try it out. If you don’t feel comfortable adjusting your own pump settings – you can learn! Ask your Doctor’s office if they hold pump education seminars or know of a group that does. Many pump manufacturers will hold free classes on how to use the different functionalities on an Insulin Pump.
Try to Stick to your Diet! Disney if full of sweet treats, good food, and temptations left and right! But I’ll say it again, YOU may be on a Vacation, but your Diabetes is NOT. Type 1 Diabetics, if active in the parks, get a little bit more wiggle room here. Indulging in a treat here and there, combined with all the extra walking, may not affect your blood sugar much at all. Type 2 Diabetics may need stick to more closely to their prescribed diets, as they don’t typically have the blood sugar fluctuations that Type 1’s have.
When you keep your Diabetes under Control, you’ll have more control over your WDW Vacation! Keeping your blood sugar within Target Range is key on any vacation! If your blood sugar drops too low, you’ll need to stop everything for a quick snack or drink until you feel fully recovered. On the other hand, if you eat too much or stray from your diet, your blood sugar may rise too high, resulting in headaches, tiredness, crankiness, possibly nausea – who wants to feel that on vacation? Remember, it takes longer to recover from hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) as it does to recover from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar.)
Bottom Line: Test often, drink plenty of water, keep snacks with you for emergencies, and try to stick to your diet!
Terri is a Type 1 Diabetic, wears an insulin pump, and enjoys touring Disney World with little to no Diabetic “distractions.” The advice in this article is just that – advice. Please talk with your Doctor about making any insulin or medication adjustments that would best match-up with your specific needs. If you have any questions for Terri, feel free to contact her via her Facebook page WDW Hints.
Related articles
- Planning Ahead for Allergy-free Dining – Now more frustrating than ever – Or is it? (chipandco.com)
- Vacationing at Disney World with Special Needs: ASD/ADHD (chipandco.com)
How to Tour the Parks – Visiting the Magic Kingdom in a Wheelchair Part 2
Today we are looking at the attractions in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. If you missed part one you can find it here for information on Adventureland, Frontierland, and Liberty Square.
Fantasyland
it’s a small world
it’s a small world has a different entrance for wheelchair users. It is located next to the exit of the attraction. If you would like to stay in your wheelchair the attraction has accessible boats. You may have to wait for one of them to cycle through so your wait time will vary. Once the boat arrives you just roll on and then down to the front. There are seats on the side for members of your party. Cast Members will place a rubber bumper behind your tires to keep your wheelchair in place but make sure you have your brakes on as well.
Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
This attraction has a special ride vehicle that allows you to stay in your wheelchair. Once you go through the queue just let the Cast Members that you need to stay in your wheelchair. You may have to wait a little longer for the ride vehicle to cycle through but we didn’t have to wait very long. There is only room for your wheelchair and one other person so if you are with a bigger party they will have to ride in a different hunny pot.
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
This attraction is in a theater and has wheelchair seating in the back. Cast Members will point you towards a door to the far right of the waiting area that leads to the wheelchair seating.
The following attractions you must be able to transfer from your wheelchair to experience. I haven’t visited them in quite some time because the transition would just be too difficult for me. If you have an experience you would like to share about these attractions be sure to leave a comment below.
Mad Tea Party
Peter Pan’s Flight
Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel
Snow White’s Scary Adventures
Tomorrowland
Astro Orbiter
This is one of the few attractions at Walt Disney World that I haven’t experienced so I can’t really give any advice. The guidebook shows that you have to transfer from your wheelchair to ride. If you have any questions just ask a Cast Member.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
This is a very wheelchair friendly attraction. Once you go through the queue a Cast Member will ask you if you want to transfer or stay in your chair. If you are unable to walk a few steps it is easiest to stay in your wheelchair and use the wheelchair access vehicle. Once the access vehicle comes around the Cast Members will either slow down or stop the attraction for a few moments. There is a ramp on the vehicle that folds down and allows you to roll in easily. Make sure your brakes are on because there isn’t anything else that will keep you from moving in your wheelchair once the attraction starts.
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
This is one of my favorites. There is wheelchair seating in the front of the attraction. I prefer to sit toward the middle. Again, make sure your brakes are locked since it is a moving theater.
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
This is another attraction that takes place in a theater type setting. Wheelchair seating is located in the front. And don’t think that the Monsters in the show won’t call on you. I learned that lesson on a recent trip.
Stitch’s Great Escape!
This attraction has two parts. First you go through orientation. Cast Members will point you toward the middle door so you will be in the second row for the pre-show. There is a wheelchair viewing area there. After that you are taken into the holding area. There are seats in the back that allow you to stay in your wheelchair. Once the attraction is over a Cast Member will take you back through the entrance to a different exit.
Tomorrowland Speedway
This is another attraction that you have to transfer from your chair to experience. I haven’t ridden in years so I can’t remember how low the cars are. If you have any questions I am sure the Cast Members there can help you.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
This was always one of my favorite attractions. Unfortunately, if you are unable to walk a few steps there really isn’t an easy way to board.
Space Mountain
This is another attraction I haven’t ridden in a few years. The ride vehicles sit pretty low so it would be difficult for me to get in and out. But if you think you can transfer easily either obtain a FASTPASS and then enter through the the FASTPASS queue. If there aren’t any FASTPASSES available then you enter to the right.
Next time I will be discussing the wheelchair accessibility of the attractions at Epcot so stay tuned to Chip and Company!
Related articles
- Accessible Ride Vehicles at the Magic Kingdom (chipandco.com)
- How to Tour the Parks – Visiting the Magic Kingdom in a Wheelchair (chipandco.com)
Accessible Ride Vehicles at the Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World has made it possible for people with all kinds of abilities to visit and experience the magic. One of the things that makes my visits easier is that Disney has implemented ways for you to stay in your wheelchair to experience certain attractions if you are unable to transfer.
I have found the accessible ride vehicles very easy to use with minimal assistance. Below is a rundown of these attractions at the Magic Kingdom.
The Walt Disney World Railroad is accessible through either the Main Street or Frontierland stations. Just let the cast members know you need to use the ramp to board the train and they will lead you to the wheelchair seating. I love riding the train because you get to sit up front near the conductor.
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin has an accessible vehicle, just enter through the standard queue and let the cast members know you would like to stay in your wheelchair.
The Jungle Cruise has a boat with a ramp and a lift. Loading is really easy and you will have a great view since the lift keeps you higher than the other guests that are seated around you.
To ride the Liberty Square Riverboat enter through the exit. Once you are at the boat the cast members will place a ramp down for you to ride. We rode up at the front of the boat. Just be aware that its not flat so make sure your brakes are working properly.
It’s a small world has a separate wheelchair entrance and a boat that is just for wheelchairs. They place rubber bumpers in front of and behind your tires so you stay secure. Sometimes there is a wait for the wheelchair boat to cycle through but we are usually rewarded with a solo cruise through the attraction.
The Many Adventures of Winne the Pooh accessible vehicle lets you roll right in. You can also choose whether or not to bounce with Tigger, which moves the vehicle slightly but there are no major bumps or jerks.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin has a special ride vehicle with a ramp that you and one guest in your party can use. If the cast members are fast enough getting the ramp down the ride doesn’t even stop. And if you are lucky and there are no other wheelchairs waiting, you may even get to ride again.
Stitch’s Great Escape has special wheelchair seating in the back and you can still experience everything. Whether or not that is a good thing is up for debate but the cast members will help you lower the shoulder harness so you can hear and smell it all.
Shows like The Country Bear Jamboree, Monster’s Inc Laugh Floor, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, Mickey’s Philharmagic, The Hall of Presidents, and the Enchanted Tiki Room have special wheelchair seating. Just alert a cast member when you arrive. There is also special wheelchair seating at the Magic Kingdom parades. You can view my tips for parade viewing in a wheelchair here.
For more information for you can visit the Walt Disney World site for Guests with Mobility Disabilities and view the Guide for Guests with Disabilities for the Magic Kingdom online. You can also e-mail me at mel@chipandco.com
Related articles
- How to Tour the Parks – Visiting the Magic Kingdom in a Wheelchair (chipandco.com)
- My Top 5 Magic Kingdom Traditions (chipandco.com)
