More helpful in the present? About This Page:

[Laughaholic]

Here is a question for everyone:

Do you feel that you receive more help with your special need today at WDW, as opposed to the past?

I'm interested to hear your answers!

I think with all of the training programs and increased awareness of disabilities, this is definitely the time to visit WDW! What do you all think?

Any especially helpful attractions?

[Sandra Bostwick]

Great question!

Disney has made an impressive effort to accommodate guests and cast members with disabilities. It seems they keep trying to make things better, so I'm guessing it will keep getting better and better!

[Eeyore Tattoo]

I would say yes for the most part, But some CM's still need a little more training.. I learned that the hard way when a CM would not let me in a ride at the handicapped entrance without a GAC even though I was on my ECV & told them I had trouble navigating the very zig zaggy que.. I also was not allowed in another ride at the handicapped entrance, tried the que & gave up because of the same reason..
I had a GAC at the time too...
It was stamped "can use the handicapped entrance" but CM's still refused me..
So my answer, Some need to listen a little more & learn to read..

[Teresa]

Actually, no. I think because the CMs are tired of some of the same things we all are - people who rent the WDW wheelchairs and don't need them.
We've had a problem with CMs not allowing us the use of the entrance, even with a GAC and a woman in her own electric chair!!
And we have had a harder time with bus drivers refusing to take the chair, even when they don't have any wheelchairs on at the time. Also we've had a problem last time we were there with people forgetting we were on the mono-rail.
I think we had a better experience years ago.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by Teresa

Actually, no. I think because the CMs are tired of some of the same things we all are - people who rent the WDW wheelchairs and don't need them.
We've had a problem with CMs not allowing us the use of the entrance, even with a GAC and a woman in her own electric chair!!
And we have had a harder time with bus drivers refusing to take the chair, even when they don't have any wheelchairs on at the time. Also we've had a problem last time we were there with people forgetting we were on the mono-rail.
I think we had a better experience years ago.

I do know what you are talking about there. I'm so sorry to hear that you've had some problems, especially being forgotten on a monorail. How did the CMs handle it when they found out?

There are so many people taking advantage of the GAC as a fastpass, then those with invisible disabilities end up being put in the same category by guests and CMs alike. I can see where the transportation system is just being overloaded, also. If two objects can't occupy the same space, a bus driver can't accommodate an overload of ECVs on a bus.

It is a fact that many people who don't need a chair or an ECV for daily activity will need it to get around the parks. I'm always suggesting it for people who DON'T want it!

On too many occasions, though, I've heard people discussing who will be in the wheelchair today at the resorts. I've also had people ask me to write them a letter for a GAC when we both know there is no need.

That really upsets me because there are so many people who I know need that particular accommodation, and sometimes only a medical professional would understand why. I'll recommend the chair, but I feel bad because I know they will get stares when they take a break from the chair to walk and people see them stand up.

I'd like to see some system put into place to either allow ECVs/chairs to move through the main queuse OR have a system in place to equalize the wait time. Perhaps a queuse that has benches for those who honestly can't stand in one place for long periods with a timing mechanism so they move along at a similar pace would be helpful. Or, perhaps, a timing system to move ECVs/chairs forward at the same pace as the other guests.

What I find interesting is that the people who really require the chairs don't seem to have a problem with discussions about equalizing the wait times while still accommodating the disability, while those who don't really need it and want to use it as a fastpass get upset.

Know what? I think I am taking this thread off topic, so I'll move this post to another thread if anyone wants to discuss this. I've actually been curious about this and I'd love to hear some feedback. Here is my tangent!

Special Needs Sharing Question: Would you support Disney if they created a system to equalize waiting times for those with a GAC while still accommodating the disability?

I now return you to your previously scheduled topic!

[aurora_ca]

okay I do not know what GAC means? Can someone explain?

[bfth]

I say Yes AND No when it comes to food allergies.

Definitely a big improvement since my first couple of trips to WDW in the 90s. Even the CMs who take your ADRs are more aware.

As always you will get people who get it and those who don't. And those who are really good (and I could give you a list of chefs that I've met who really "GET IT" and care) make a big difference. There are still those who don't or who are just too tired, overwhelmed, whatever to care.

That said, I think things are WORSE for those with allergies during the free dining periods. Last trip I had more problems than ever with chefs/managers. After speaking with one and specifically going over my needs, I was presented with a meal which contained egg. If it were not for another chef (who happens to be a friend of mine and dropped by on her break specifically to see us) intervening, I would have ended up in the hospital on our last day (she recognized that what was being served had egg in it and took it back to the kitchen). The chef never even came back and/or apologized.

From my personal experience this was the WORST time I've ever had dining in WDW.

But it was also probably the time when I had the BEST meals (served by those who really cared).

Guess Charles Dickens had it right...it was the best of times, it was the worst of times...

[Eeyore Tattoo]

Originally Posted by aurora_ca

okay I do not know what GAC means? Can someone explain?

Guest assistance card.. It is a tool to help cast members know what assistance you may need..
For more info here's a place to learn..
Special Assistance Pass Tips- Information on Guest Assistance Cards

[mechurchlady]

I so want to go back and take my mom to WDW. It has been 11 years and I miss WDW. I read about the many new improvements and special dining that I never knew about back then. I have seen in DLR vast changes and have read about WDW having vast changes. I remember when the only way to ride was to transfer but now there are at both parks ways for people to stay in their chairs. OMG the changes in food over the years as they improve.

If I ever get back to WDW then you will know from me about the changes and I promise you I think they will be big.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by Laughaholic

Here is a question for everyone:



Any especially helpful attractions?

I think the helpfulness varied more from cast member to cast member than attractions. Some are very aware, while others clearly are not aware. Also, some people will go the distance to be kind or helpful, while others, even in WDW, do not have that in their nature.

[Ceara's mawmaw]

My dh and I took our trip right after his mild stroke in September. Our experience with GAC and CMs at the rides and shows was mostly good. The CM at guest services in Epcot was proud to let us know that most all of Epcot was ADA compliant. He let us know that the GAC card we got there was good for anywhere the rest of the trip so we didn't have to get one at each park. Had one CM that you could tell wasn't sure whether we were legit or just using a wheelchair until my Dh stood up and I was supporting him(he was still weak in his left leg and arm) CM just kind of stood there until my Dh almost fell and he couldn't react to try and catch himself and it was at that moment the CM realized that we were one of the ones that needed the chair and CM assistance. We had the most trouble at restaurants that even though it was on our ressie that a chair would be involved they hadn't preplanned our table location. But for the most part it is wonderful experience. Will do it again next year but hopefully he keeps improving and doesn't need it.

[Ceara's mawmaw]

Oh yeah and be prepared to actually wait longer for some shows or the bus. Shows and the bus can only accomodate a certain number of disabled. So there were a couple times we had to wait for the next show or the next bus when we would have gotten to if my Dh was not in his chair. One benefit was I got to see parts of WDW that I have never been given access to before. The alternate entrance at the HM in Mk things like that was interesting.

[Kynna]

I can't speak to the past because I wisened up to making my needs known only within the past couple of years but I have been really impressed with how accomodating they have been to mine. I do not have mobility issues so I can't comment on that but I have had to request special power cleaning of the room because of my suppressed immune system and found all too often that it wasn't done. I usually bring antibacterial wipes and lysol to clean upon arrival.

[mechurchlady]

What attractions have improved or are more helpful or more disabled friendly?
Sneak in another question?

WARNING: I am a west coast person from DLR. Strap your seat belts, pull down the lap bar, shake the lap bar, pull down the shoulder restraints and put on your helmets.

I have been going to DLR since 1960 so I will let you in on my view of Disney parks. I still have trouble getting through at least one door on the east side of Main Street in Disneyland. Magic Kingdom was built after over 2 decades of customer feedback form DLR. I come from a place where few disabled people got out of the house let alone go to amusement parks. Depends, portable oxygen, portable respirators, electric wheelchairs, rollators, and scooters were unheard of when I was a kid. There were no curb cut offs or disabled ramps let alone ride vehicles where a person could ride through a ride while in a wheelchair. THINGS HAVE CHANGED.

The stand, pivot and plop move for disabled persons works better when there are no arms or other things on the side of a seat. We have seen rides with sides that open up to make access easier. One roller coaster has a bar that pulls out so a disabled person can grab the bar. Screamin' at DCA has a transfer bench. Rides like Small World, Buzzl Lightyear, and Toy Story Mania on both coasts, the Mexico ride, Aladdin carpet ride, and the Safari allow guests to stay in their wheelchair. Trains allow guests to take their scooter onto the train.

I like having to wait in line like everyone else and that means there are now more lines where being disabled is not a free pass to the head of the line. At DLR there are days when my scooter gets me right on rides and that is not fair to others. Last night we got on in about 5 minutes because of disabilities on Big Thunder Railroad and that was NOT FAIR to others who waited 20 to 30 minutes.

At DLR it was so nice to take mom on rides and she did not believe she would be able to ride anything at all. It was not much but it was enough to give her a taste of the park rides. Small World, Tiki Room, Pooh, Jungle Cruise, Buzz Lightyear, and monorail made her day. West coast experience but WDW would be so much fun for her. I saw a pciture of her smiling and she never smiles. Both coasts have seen vast improvements in ride accessibility.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by mechurchlady

What attractions have improved or are more helpful or more disabled friendly?


.

It seems to me as if Disney goes to great lengths to make all the new attractions as accessible as possible, and it seems like, when they refurbish, the updates are often more accessible.

Some of the older ones, though, are tough to alter, I think.