I have a million questions....... help help ! About This Page:

[Disneylover18]

Hi everyone DBF and I are planning on taking his brother to WDW in march hopefully and I have a lot of questions
heres some back ground: his brother David is mentally challenged (27), and he is deaf, hes such a fun guy! he loves so many things especially animals, pipes, and lights and anything electrical so I kno spectro is a must so here are my questions
1.) David doesnt really have a lot of foods he likes he really just likes noodels in butter or in alfredo soo my question is will disney cater to this ?

2.) Since he is deaf what do I need to do I dont want him to miss out on anything ?

3.) he loves lights and I know theres probably some rides Ive never gone on that he would love so what would they be?

4.) what do I need to be aware?

I know im going to have many more questions between no and march so thank you all so so much im really excited to do this for david he hasnt been to wdw since 1993! and I know hell have alot of fun
thanks again

[iamgrumpy]

I would recommend when booking ADR's check out Deb's Unofficial Walt Disney World Vacation Information Guide - WDW Planning Guide - Walt Disney World and look at the menus and see if there is anything that is on there he'd like first. Then I would contact Disney's Food and Beverage line for those guests with Dietary needs. The phone number I have is 407-824-5967.

Speak with them about each restaurant you are wanting to dine at and see what their recommendation will be. I am guessing that if they have a pasta dish on the menu they can modify it to something he would enjoy but I am guessing that he does eat something other then that at home tell them what other things he enjoys and I am sure they can make suggestions.

In terms of his hearing disability there are many things that can be done to make sure he enjoys every attraction/show within reason. I know if you stop at Guest Services they do have device that will show the captioning for different attractions its $100 deposit to rent EACH Day. You get the Deposit back when you turn it back into Guest Services at the Park before you leave.

Make sure when booking the room if you need one that is accessible for those who are hearing impaired (lights flash in an emergency, beds will buzz etc) to contact Disney when booking the room so they can make sure they have an ADA room available for you and its set up with the right Kit for the disability.

In terms of what rides, I am thinking have him look at the passporter descriptions see which excite him and go with the flow but I'm thinking Soarin might be fun for him, Toy Story Mania, Buzz Lightyear, Any of the Moutains (space, splash, thunder or Everest) if he is a thrill ride type, Animal Kingdom would be a good park if he likes animals the safari would be the first thing I'd try, go back to Rafiki's Planet Watch so he can see where they do their check ups etc.

Disney makes it so accessible to everyone regardless of ability that I think he will have a great time regardless.

[Eeyore Tattoo]

You have questions, We have answers! Stay tuned for lots of help from all of us here...............

[Sandra Bostwick]

Hi there! THanks for your question! I am so happy to hear that you are going to be going to Disney!

About the noodles, I'd try one of the following:

Call ahead and ask which places have a supply of noodles on hand to cook up.

If there is a PARTICULAR type of noodle he will eat, call ahead and ask if you can bring a supply for them to cook up while they are making your meal. (There MAY be some legal restrictions about cooking outside food with that one, so don't be upset if they say no)

Go here to check which restaurants have noddles: Restaurant Dining Menus from Walt Disney World

Now, how hearing impaired is David? If he has mild to moderate hearing loss, there is a device for him. I'll link you again to AllEars for that.

Assistive Listening Devices

And, speaking of AllEars, I'd suggest picking up a copy of Open Mouse. PassPorter's Open Mouse for Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line THis book combines the expertise of AllEars (The two Debs) and PassPorter (A bunch of guides here) on the topic of Disney for special needs.

Hope this helps!

[Laughaholic]

Best of luck on your trip!

Spectromagic is definitely a must! I would also recommend the Electrical Water Pageant. There is also a petting zoo at Rafiki's Planet Watch.