Welcome!
Whether
you are dealing with a permanent disability or physical difference, a
developmental or mental disorder, or a temporary medical problem due
to recent illness or injury, there are ways to make your Disney
vacation more relaxing and enjoyable, so that you get the vacation
you really need.
Information in this FAQ has been
gathered over 11 years from many friends and castmembers.
This
site is a "Work of Heart" and is not official information,
but I hope that you will find it helpful. Information is subject to
change at any time, but at least this way you have an idea what to
ask for, and where you can ask. Many of the sites listed have
excellent discussion boards with people who are happy to help.
Welcome, Mousesavers.com
visitors! Have a great trip!
Purchases made through
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Relax!
Vacation is Therapy! Everything will be fine.
Where can we find General Information for Guests with Disabilities?
Official Disney information can be found at the
Disney.com website, if you know where to look. You can browse through
the website for information now, and print out the Guidebooks for
Guests With Disabilities by downloading the PDF-format files on your
computer, assuming that you have the appropriate free software to
read the files. The information in the Guidebooks will also be
available when you go to the parks - just ask for a copy at Guest
Services. These links will take you out of this site to the official
Disney sites.
Walt
Disney World - Official Information for Guests With Disabilities
Disneyland
Resort Guest Services - Official Information Page
This recommended book has
a wealth of information for families traveling with any kind of
special assistance needs:
PassPorter's Open Mouse for Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line: Easy Access Vacations for Travelers with Extra Challenges, by Deb Wills and Debra
Martin Koma - available at Amazon.com
Rental
Companies for Wheelchairs, scooters (ECVs), oxygen and medical
equipment in Orlando and Anaheim
Unofficial information sites also have
pages with information for guests with disabilities. In many cases
the information on the various sites is derived from the official
guidebooks, and may not include of all the information and tips you
will need. I don't have links to every page on the internet, but
these pages may be helpful to you. Again, these links will take you
out of this site.
DIS
(wdwinfo.com) - General Information for Walt Disney World visitors
with disabilities
AllEarsnet.com
- WDW Planning page
MousePlanet.com
- Disneyland Theme Park Access Guide
LaughingPlace.com
- Disneyland Disabled Access Guide
EmergingHorizons.com
- Excellent general travel information site for people with
disabilities
What about more information and tips than you will find in the
official and unofficial travel sites?
Does
someone in your party have serious mobility, medical, or endurance
issues? Is someone in your party deaf or hard of hearing?
Do you have a child with special needs who might not be able
to tolerate long lines? You should consider asking about the Guest
Assistance Card at Guest Services. This is NOT a front-of-the-line
pass, and there are etiquette issues associated with its use. Read
about it...
Please note that people with
endurance issues are advised to rent a wheelchair or ECV and use
mainstream lines. Do not expect front-of-line access. Get to know the
FastPass System.
The
Guest Assistance Card (GAC) or Special Assistance Pass (SAP)
Tips
for using the FastPass System
Will you need special
medical equipment, wheelchairs, or scooters? Some are available at
the resorts (usually for free) and parks (at a cost), but you might
want to consider renting from medical suppliers to help get to the
parks and around the resorts as well. Long-term rentals from medical
equipment companies is a more reliable and economical option.
Rental
Companies for Wheelchairs, scooters (ECVs), oxygen and medical
equipment in Orlando and Anaheim
Practical
tips for new wheelchair users
Wheelchair
abuse issues -- When is it "cheating" and when is it
appropriate to use a wheelchair or ECV?
Does someone in
your family have special needs or need special care?
Practical
Tips for special needs families
Helping
autistic, special needs and hypersensitive kids have a good
time
Practical
Tips for Fragile Elderly
Do
you have a medical condition that is not completely disabling, but
limits your mobility or endurance?
Tips
for people with Medical Conditions and Hidden Disabilities
Pacing
yourself for hidden disabilities, low energy or fatigue
Will
you be able to benefit from access to Sign Language Interpreters,
Closed Captioning, or Reflective Captioning?
Access
for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at Walt Disney World
This informational site is hosted by
PixieDustInn.com
e-mail:
admin@PixieDustInn.com
Last
revision December 30, 2007 Copyright 2002-2008 by
Teri Doolittle, PA-C, MHP, DHSc(c) All rights
reserved