6 replies to this topic

[rachieallen87]

Hi Guys,

I have booked a holiday to go to Miami and Orlando Florida in June. Im quite confident my brother (T4 paraplegic) will be able to get maximum enjoyment out of this trip as we travelled last year to Chicago and on to drive the California coast (his first time travelling since his accident). It couldn't have gone better for us. I am a bit concerned he might find Florida a bit boring due to all the rides. Myself and my boyfriend are travelling with him and would love to do the discovery cove to swim with dolphins. As this is a day trip its not something i'm willing to do if this means my brother can't accompany us, does anybody know wheather this is accessible as the site is very vague?

We have found a w/c accessible way to do the everglades, plan to do the florida keys aswell if any1 knows anything about that accessibilty? I was just wondering if anyone could share any experiences they've had in Florida? Want to know how to make the most of our time and for all of us to get the best out of our holiday. We are also staying in Miami for 3 nights so would appreciate any feedback on that.

If anyone has been wondering we flew with Virgin Atlantic last year and found them to be more than accommadating, he has bad back problems though so would really appreciate upgrades if possible as they are no where near affordable to us, anyone know of a good way to achieve this? or just luck of the draw?!

Would appreciate any advice anyone can offer, Thank You, Rachael.

[mellowgator]

hi rachael,

i live in fl and we vacation in the keys most every year. the keys are accessible and lots of the beaches are hard packed. where are you going are you going all the way to key west? i dive and love loo key for their gorgeous reef.

i also like the upper keys. i have swum with dolphins in key largo and it was so fun. i recommend taking a boat out. the upper keys has some glass bottom boats that will take you to the christ of the deep statue and other beautiful reefs.

islomarado has my favorite resort the cheeca lodge. it is very swanky and worth every penny. they also have a boat that will take you snorkeling or diving. it's great set up.

i've never been to discovery cove but know many who have been there. if you brother can swim i'm sure he can participate. the attractions are accessible. some of the rides require you to transfer. i love the coasters and like universal studios they have some of the best ones. sea world has a couple of new coasters as well. i usually just have someone in my party but me on the ride. it's so fun.

one thing about florida it's flat and for the most part easy to get around.

i haven' spent much time in miami. but if i were you i'd book a resort on the beach.

hope this helps.

mellowgator

[Django]

I went to Discovery Cove about 1 month ago and it was a once in a lifetime experience. My injury is at T12 but there were many levels of ability there. They have beach wheelchairs and life jackets and float noodles so he can swim and snorkel all day liesurely. We swam with the dolphins and I got help from two lifeguards each time I wanted to get out of the water. When I go to a place like this I wear spandex like pants and water shoes so I don't scrape up my legs (I look silly but not worrying about cuts is worth it). We stayed in a hotel that had a pool lift in Kissimmee (but they don't advetise the lift). The htoel was 10 miles from DC. The hotel is Royale Parc Suites 5876 W Irlo Bronson Way and they have accessible suites. There were even companion sized showers at DC. They thought of everything.

[rachieallen87]

Hi

Thank You so much for your feedback on this, really appreciate it. Sorry for the late reply have had broadband issues! after the best part of three weeks I have located the dolphin research centre in the florida keys that actually have access to an aqua chair lift! enabling my brother to get in and out of the water with ease! Something I have found when booking my last 2 holidays in the unbelievable lack of information available to disabled travellers! I am now trying to get together a website to change the way people with these difficulties book there trips and holidays. I am currently putting together a survey to find what the main concerns are for people when booking a break away or even day trips, starting with London (very difficult to navigate around). I don't know what other people feel but I don't think travel companies can continue not to cater for the disabled! any views on this would be appreciated. Will definately post a summary of our holiday when we return and test out the dolphin encounter! Thanks again

[Siv]

Hi, I'm going to Orlando in two months and I'd love some info on places to go/things to do.

I have a C4 injury and am paralysed from neck down which I believe will restrict me from going on most rides. Outwith the main themeparks where should I be going??

[airart1]

i went in 92 and it was great reguardless, and they have a ton of new stuff now, u'll be fine, enjoy yourself, go to all the parks and be happy, its great for all........going back as soon as the neices all get old enough to enjoy it and remember it!

[Bill Forrester]

I have posted a couple of these links before but if you haven't found them
Kennedy Space Centre
Everglades
Sebastian Street Beach Fort Lauderdale

A couple of photo gallery links
Coconut Drive Miami
John Pennecamp Coral Reef State Park Key Largo They do have accessible snorking