Episode 19 Now Available
Episode 19 is now available for download.Main Feed
Mirrors: Mirror 1
Questions can be emailed to questions@wdwtoday.com or use this form
Show Notes
Hosts: Matt Hochberg, Mike Scopa, Len Testa, Debra Koma & Deb Wills
Topics:
- Visiting Walt Disney World with those with special needs
- Deb Wills and Debra Koma co-authored PassPorter's Guide to Walt Disney World for your Special Needs
- The book covers many different kinds of special needs such as mobility issues, dietary needs, ADHD, autism, vision and hearing impairments, pregnant travelers or going with an infant
- There's lot of info that those who may not have special needs can find useful
- Mike mentions that many, many experts and peer reviewers (over 30) contributed to the book and reminds us that the book covers a large spectrum of needs that affects many people
- Mike mentions that the book rates each resort based on each special need and which might be best depending on the special need you have
- People with mobility issues and size issues are the two largest groups of people affected according to the book's website but the book does a pretty good job of covering all of the needs
- Debra Koma feels that everyone should plan before leaving but those with special needs need some extra planning such as how to get to Walt Disney World (airplane, train, automobile, et al)
- Deb Wills mentions as an example for kids who might not be very verbal to use picture books and videos to prepare them for the trip
- Deb Wills says that many of the restaurants have gone to picture menus and the resort dining options now have video menus to help as well
- Disney has also expanded their menus to help those with dietary needs (i.e.Vegetarians or healthy meals)
- Deb Wills recommends calling Disney ahead of time and explain your dietary needs and they can help you plan your trip
- Debra Koma suggests reminding your wait staff about your dietary needs and often the chef will come out and talk with you directly to see what you can and can't eat
- Deb Wills also mentions the book also covers the Disney Cruise Line and how to best handle a cruise
- Deb Wills says that if you have dietary needs, mention it when booking and when you arrive on the ship, a chef will consult with you about your specific needs for the duration of the trip
- Deb Wills also recommends making sure your servers are reminded about your dietary needs
- Disney's Castaway Cay is very accesible for disabled folks as well
- Debra Koma says that any attraction that requires alot of walking or standing may not be good for those with certain special needs, such as the Swiss Family Treehouse in the Magic Kingdom or Pagani Trail (Animal Kingdom)
- Many attractions are wheelchair accessible that allow you to wheel wheelchairs right on
- Deb Wills notes that the Magic Kingdom might have the most problems since it was the first park built
- Deb Wills also notes you will never have to go through a turnstile if you can't due to a disability. Just mention to a castmember and you can take a different entrance/exit
- Animal Kingdom, the latest park built, is the most wheelchair accessible since it was built with disabled guests in mind
- Debra Koma mentions that in one example a visually impaired group helped them write the book by giving them examples of which attractions were good for those who are visually impaired
- Deb Wills says that boat rides in general are pretty accessible for those with wheelchairs. At Living with the Land (Epcot), you can wheel yourself right on
- At the Magic Kingdom, it's a little more difficult since often you have to "step in" to the boat
- The book features pictures of the entrances and the loading procedure so there are no surprises of how you actually get on the ride
- Debra Koma also mentions that the water based transportation are somewhat more difficult for those with mobility needs and recommends finding other modes of transportation
- Water parks are also covered in the book and there are some slides that have a zero entry, meaning you descend into the pool rather than stepping into it
- Debra Koma adds that there are water wheelchairs (they are wheelchairs that has larger wheels with an axle that's higher than the water line) available for free
- Some of the deluxe resorts have pools that offer water wheelchairs as well
- Some resorts are better than others depending on your special need
- Caribbean Beach Resort, which is quite large in size, would not be a good resort for those with mobility issues
- Deb Wills recommends staying in a preferred building at the value resorts if you have a mobility issue because it will put you closer to the buses and food court
- Deb Wills recommends the self-contained deluxe resorts (if you can afford it) because everything is right there and it has easy access to everything and in general are more self contained
- Every Disney resort can accomodate your special needs, but some are better than others
Running Time: 29:11
