I just now returned from having to cancel my own WDW trip short because I wasn’t able to get around the parks on my own power–
Don’t get me wrong, WDW’s fantastic on accessibility, but I’ll have to go next time with an electric power-wheel assist, as everything’s either uphill or on immersively rough-sidewalk terrain to fit the theming.
(And let’s not even talk about the MK and Epcot bus stops at the end of the day.)
And if someone’s complaining about rest areas, they’re missing the big picture that Disney is one of the few parks/resorts that DOES look out for the wheel riders.
Just try taking your chair on a few rides at Six Flags or Universal, or getting into a “luxury” bed at your local Marriott.
Since October of 2021 Walt Disney World does not offer DAS to people with a physical disability. They say that all their lines are ADA Compliant. You have to have a mental disorder to get the DAS. They will not give you DAS for Mobility concerns.
I was at Disneyland and DCA this June and was registered for the DAS pass. It made the day so much easier moving around with my own limitations. If you have a wheelchair you don’t need a DAS pass and are given appropriate accessibility. It makes no sense, why would you want more seating in viewing areas like Fantasmic. The show is for everyone to view. I have sat down on the floor to allow others to view and have also been to the wheelchair viewing area and that view is also appropriate given that the wheelchair block viewing. People with walker and canes are accommodated with viewing if they ask a cast member for help. I have seen them clear a table and bench for them to view the show but you have to ask. If anything Disney has made it much easier for people with a disability to visit . Try other theme parks and you don’t get same or nearly enough accommodations as Disney Parks.
Where do I even begin? One time I was going down Main Stteet about an hour before fireworks. The end of it was closed off for people sitting there. I was in my electric scooter and could not turn around or get out. I went and complained because I did not feel safe in that moment. I am a single mother with two autistic children. My daughter freaks out in lines so we cannot do character meet and greets cause I am told to leave someone in my party in line. Ya that is not happening. I have told representatives many times that they need to get in a scooter for a day and see how exhausting it is. But of course no one has taken me up on that challenge.
We’ve just got back from Disneyland Paris and I said the same thing to a cast member how they should have cast members use a wheelchair through the parks and see that not everything is as accessible as they think. We also
Had problems when it came to the fireworks and trying to get through the crowd as people just sit and block the slopes and just look at you like you have 2 heads if you ask can you get through, we go quite regular but this time was propbably the worst it’s been even the cast members where rude and unhelpful
Mike S. Many people do not have the Polyanna experiences you describe. I am willing to believe some do. I thought until about 8 years ago that Disneyland was doing pretty good, but then there seemed to an erosion of previous policies, places, etc that allowed accommodations. I’ve also been treated differently on different visits by employees who all tell me they’re following policy. It’s just not consistent.
I also agree with A Crumb and L–those scooters are exhausting. I can’t use my hands and shoulders for days afrewards like I used to have trouble with my legs and feet when I could still walk. It is a hard day–but I can’t walk anymore without help, so I must do that or ride a wheelchair. You need someone strong to push you in a wheelchair, and being so low to the ground when everything is regular height there is difficult and causes you to miss a lot. Disneyland now has a lot less scooters for rent, and I haven’t been there in time to get one for a couple years before the pandemic. I don’t have much else to do, and Disneyland was a welcoming and pleasurable place to forget all the problems. It’s scary to go now because I don’t know if I’ll get the good day where things go right–or the bad day when they don’t. I’m at their mercy.
Comments for Disney Parks Are Making It Tougher For Disabled Guests to Visit
EricJ
I just now returned from having to cancel my own WDW trip short because I wasn’t able to get around the parks on my own power–
Don’t get me wrong, WDW’s fantastic on accessibility, but I’ll have to go next time with an electric power-wheel assist, as everything’s either uphill or on immersively rough-sidewalk terrain to fit the theming.
(And let’s not even talk about the MK and Epcot bus stops at the end of the day.)
And if someone’s complaining about rest areas, they’re missing the big picture that Disney is one of the few parks/resorts that DOES look out for the wheel riders.
Just try taking your chair on a few rides at Six Flags or Universal, or getting into a “luxury” bed at your local Marriott.
Todd
Since October of 2021 Walt Disney World does not offer DAS to people with a physical disability. They say that all their lines are ADA Compliant. You have to have a mental disorder to get the DAS. They will not give you DAS for Mobility concerns.
Mike S.
I was at Disneyland and DCA this June and was registered for the DAS pass. It made the day so much easier moving around with my own limitations. If you have a wheelchair you don’t need a DAS pass and are given appropriate accessibility. It makes no sense, why would you want more seating in viewing areas like Fantasmic. The show is for everyone to view. I have sat down on the floor to allow others to view and have also been to the wheelchair viewing area and that view is also appropriate given that the wheelchair block viewing. People with walker and canes are accommodated with viewing if they ask a cast member for help. I have seen them clear a table and bench for them to view the show but you have to ask. If anything Disney has made it much easier for people with a disability to visit . Try other theme parks and you don’t get same or nearly enough accommodations as Disney Parks.
A Crumb
Where do I even begin? One time I was going down Main Stteet about an hour before fireworks. The end of it was closed off for people sitting there. I was in my electric scooter and could not turn around or get out. I went and complained because I did not feel safe in that moment. I am a single mother with two autistic children. My daughter freaks out in lines so we cannot do character meet and greets cause I am told to leave someone in my party in line. Ya that is not happening. I have told representatives many times that they need to get in a scooter for a day and see how exhausting it is. But of course no one has taken me up on that challenge.
L
We’ve just got back from Disneyland Paris and I said the same thing to a cast member how they should have cast members use a wheelchair through the parks and see that not everything is as accessible as they think. We also
Had problems when it came to the fireworks and trying to get through the crowd as people just sit and block the slopes and just look at you like you have 2 heads if you ask can you get through, we go quite regular but this time was propbably the worst it’s been even the cast members where rude and unhelpful
pattimarie
Mike S. Many people do not have the Polyanna experiences you describe. I am willing to believe some do. I thought until about 8 years ago that Disneyland was doing pretty good, but then there seemed to an erosion of previous policies, places, etc that allowed accommodations. I’ve also been treated differently on different visits by employees who all tell me they’re following policy. It’s just not consistent.
I also agree with A Crumb and L–those scooters are exhausting. I can’t use my hands and shoulders for days afrewards like I used to have trouble with my legs and feet when I could still walk. It is a hard day–but I can’t walk anymore without help, so I must do that or ride a wheelchair. You need someone strong to push you in a wheelchair, and being so low to the ground when everything is regular height there is difficult and causes you to miss a lot. Disneyland now has a lot less scooters for rent, and I haven’t been there in time to get one for a couple years before the pandemic. I don’t have much else to do, and Disneyland was a welcoming and pleasurable place to forget all the problems. It’s scary to go now because I don’t know if I’ll get the good day where things go right–or the bad day when they don’t. I’m at their mercy.
David Kinsman
I have for years been trying to get DISNEY TO CREATE wheelchair accessible attractione
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