21 replies to this topic

[Para-pal]

Has anyone done Disney and is it worth the money if you can only go on some of the rides?
My friend is t-4 para and can transfer pretty well. Also we we would like to tour the kennedy space center... any input would be great.

[Tim13]

Kennedy Space Center is fantastic!

I hear Disney is good too but have no intention of going there to find out.

[Doug]

how old is your friend? Disney is more a kids thing, sea world is awsome, down town disney, universal city walk, and we also have dinner show called medevil times
http://www.medievaltimes.com/

I also know a place to skydive

[kashley]

Para-pal, on Nov 19 2007, 08:42 AM, said:

Has anyone done Disney and is it worth the money if you can only go on some of the rides?
My friend is t-4 para and can transfer pretty well. Also we we would like to tour the kennedy space center... any input would be great.

We took our kids there in Jan of 2006. I think the park hopper is waste of money in orlando not in anneheim. In orlando parking was expense and the buses took too long to go between the parks. We thought it would have been better just to do one park a day. My husband loved the Ellen discovery ride. It is really kind of rough with a stroller and a wheelchair there were some steep ramps for the monorail and entrances. They all had wheelchair ramps even pirates but you much be able to transfer to one of those boats.

[russ1]

Did the whole Disney / Seaworld / Universal / Busch Gardens (Florida) thing with the kids this summer. Most of the rides were set up very well for chair users and many of them you enter via the exit ramp so skip the queue although all the parks seem to be tightening up on chair users skipping the queue completely which given that most of the chair users seemed to be either people with broken ankles/legs in plaster or overweight americans on mobility scooters is probably fair enough.

I didn't ride the water rides as didn't want to sit on wet cushion all day (value my skin too much). There were a few of the older coasters that I couldn't get into but all the modern ones were fine, (on most of them you sit in a seat and your legs just swing about in the air underneath you) needed a bit of a lift from my daughter on a couple of them to help with the transfer but I'm not exactly a paralympic athelete and my transfers could certainly be better. As a higher level I have low blood pressure - on the high G force bends my vision was going blurry as the blood is forced down to my feet but it soon comes back!

The only ride that they wouldn't let me on was Shikra in Busch Gardens quoting evacuation and needing to walk a few paces but I really couldn't see why it was any different to the other big coasters in the park. Definately the biggest challenge was the heat and pushing round the park in the heat.

I'd definately say go for it - you'll have a blast!

Best Parks were Busch Gardens / Universal / Sea World - Disney I could take or leave. Best Park was Islands of Adventure (Universal)

[HiltonP]

Doug, on Nov 19 2007, 05:29 PM, said:

Disney is more a kids thing

Me thinks you might have missed something! . . .
Disney is ALL about adults!

If you're looking for a first post-injury holiday destination WDW (and the other venues around it) is hard to beat, because access is easy and the whole experience is hassle free. It's a great primer, and will probably build the confidence to explore elsewhere.

[gustifer]

I'm a c6/7 quad with use of my left arm only n I'll tell you what. I've been to Six Flags in Southern Cali, Disney Land, California Adventures, & Busch Gardens here in Fl. I've always called ahead of time to check policies and accessibility issues and for the most part. It's all at your own risk just as long as you can either transfer yourself or have help to to get you on and off the rides. I've gone on some of the most extreme rides and I'll warn you ahead of time. If you have any weakness in breathing, be prepared to fight it out like a fighter pilot taking deep breathes and keeping the blood in your head so you don't black out. I came close last time at Busch Gardens riding Montu, where your feet dangle. The 1st loop caught me in an exhale n almost blacked out, but I made it. The only ride I couldn't get on was the main attraction, SheiKra, cause you had to be able to negotiate like 9 flights of stairs in an emergency. It's a blast. I love the rush. If they'll let me try, then I'm in. So far I've found Disney to be the most accessible but that was in Cali. I haven't been here in Orlando yet but I'd imagine them to be pretty comparable to Disney Land in Cali. I'd also suggest sticking to rides that have the shoulder harnesses as they will give you more stability n flat out hold you in better.

Good luck on your adventure and have fun. One more thing, try going during the weekdays and on off weekends. Holidays are a b%$ch! Anyone raises a stink, don't be affraid to take it to the manager. They hate conflict n will, I've found in most cases, accommodate for you. Have a blast!
Gus

[Para-pal]

Doug, on Nov 19 2007, 05:29 PM, said:

how old is your friend? Disney is more a kids thing, sea world is awsome, down town disney, universal city walk, and we also have dinner show called medevil times
http://www.medievaltimes.com/

I also know a place to skydive

We are in our 30s just a couple of big kids!! i dont know which parks we will do but after a year of ICU and being in the hospital I just want him to have a magical fun time (me toooo!) I was thinking Kennedy space center, animal kingdom and sea world. woukd also like to go over to dayton and do some deep sea fishing!

wow thank you all so much for the input!!! we went to niagra falls last year and it wasnt the most accessible spot. we had a blast anyway and got to go on a helicopter ride over the Falls!!!
One more question please as this is all new... what about flying? i know his chair wont fit down the aisle.

[Hotrodgimp]

Hi: I am also from Mass.(Boylston) and just returned from a trip out west. We flew Southwest out of Manchester to Las vegas and the airline and airports are extremely helpful. This was my first trip needing a wheelchair and I was pleasantly surprised at how well it went. They wheeled me to the plane door first and from there I was able to get to my seat using my forearm crutches. Otherwise they have chairs that fit down the aisles. Security check in takes a few more minutes but is no big deal. As for Disney and the space center, We were there years ago when I was still A.B. and I thought the space center was one of the best shows in Fla. but I wasn't really paying attention to handicap access back then. As for Disney being for kids it all depends which childhood your on (I think I am up to about my fifth or sixth). There is something for any age, I enjoyed Epcot my self. If you look back through previous psstings on this site I think you will find a lot of good info as I had which helped give me the confidence to take this last trip. Good luck Jim

[Para-pal]

disabledandbored, on Nov 20 2007, 10:29 PM, said:

Hi: I am also from Mass.(Boylston) and just returned from a trip out west. We flew Southwest out of Manchester to Las vegas and the airline and airports are extremely helpful. This was my first trip needing a wheelchair and I was pleasantly surprised at how well it went. They wheeled me to the plane door first and from there I was able to get to my seat using my forearm crutches. Otherwise they have chairs that fit down the aisles. Security check in takes a few more minutes but is no big deal. As for Disney and the space center, We were there years ago when I was still A.B. and I thought the space center was one of the best shows in Fla. but I wasn't really paying attention to handicap access back then. As for Disney being for kids it all depends which childhood your on (I think I am up to about my fifth or sixth). There is something for any age, I enjoyed Epcot my self. If you look back through previous psstings on this site I think you will find a lot of good info as I had which helped give me the confidence to take this last trip. Good luck Jim

awesome thanks!!!

[Jason S]

First off, I am from Orlando, so I have direct experience with this. Disney is magical for everyone, including those disabled. I recommend going to the front desk or calling ahead of time to tell them to expect you. You will be able to set your mind at ease and get all your questions answered. They will do everything in their power to make your experience the best it can be.

From my experience, the worst thing about Disney is usually the kids staring or the angry parents waiting in the line that you get to simply bypass. But then again, they aren't the ones in wheelchairs.

In all, just enjoy yourself! And depending on the time of year, it gets very hot and uncomfortable so dress accordingly. You also want to have a comfortable wheelchair or cane or whatever you use. Then again, that is pretty self-explanatory.

[Para-pal]

Jason S, on Nov 30 2007, 04:04 PM, said:

First off, I am from Orlando, so I have direct experience with this. Disney is magical for everyone, including those disabled. I recommend going to the front desk or calling ahead of time to tell them to expect you. You will be able to set your mind at ease and get all your questions answered. They will do everything in their power to make your experience the best it can be.

From my experience, the worst thing about Disney is usually the kids staring or the angry parents waiting in the line that you get to simply bypass. But then again, they aren't the ones in wheelchairs.

In all, just enjoy yourself! And depending on the time of year, it gets very hot and uncomfortable so dress accordingly. You also want to have a comfortable wheelchair or cane or whatever you use. Then again, that is pretty self-explanatory.

People staring isn't a problem... thats nothing new.I dont think we would go when its super hot...I sent away for some brochures that describe all of the rides in all of the park based upon"if you can transfer" or not. He is t4 para and can transfer by himself or with my help depending on the height of the seat(he hops in and out of the seats at the movie theater all the time) I thank you for the input!! I am actually hoping to plan the trip around one of the launches at kennedy space center because that would be amazing to see!!

[KVH]

Disney is a wonderfully magical place to go on vacation FOR ALL AGES, and they will definitely make your stay as comfortable as humanly possible.

We go to Disney once a year and we are ALWAYS very satisfied with our room, accommodations and staff,

You will have a WONDERFUL time and if anything goes out of whack just find someone that works there and they will do anything in their power to make you comfortable.

[Para-pal]

KVH, on Dec 3 2007, 01:23 PM, said:

Disney is a wonderfully magical place to go on vacation FOR ALL AGES, and they will definitely make your stay as comfortable as humanly possible.

We go to Disney once a year and we are ALWAYS very satisfied with our room, accommodations and staff,

You will have a WONDERFUL time and if anything goes out of whack just find someone that works there and they will do anything in their power to make you comfortable.

Thank you! WOOOHOOO! I wannnna go now!!! Its soooo cold here and we had our 1st snow in Boston yesterday!! yuck

[Motor]

Jame Cameron, on Jan 11 2008, 07:59 PM, said:

"When you are in the Orlando, Florida area for vacation, you will no doubt need a place to stay. Many people try to take their vacation on a shoestring budget while others go all out in order to have the best time possible. If you are on your first and possibly only trip to the Orlando, Florida area and you have brought along your family, you might want to look in to the Disney hotels Florida in order to have a great place to stay.

Disney is probably the vacation capital of the world. They really go all out in order to make sure that you are going to have the best time possible, not only in the hopes that you will come back, but also so that others will also come to enjoy themselves at Disney as well. Not only do they have fantastic theme parks and just about everything else that you can imagine, they also offer some great resorts and the Disney hotels Florida area as well.

Some of the resorts can get quite expensive, and many people are not able to afford to do both the theme parks and resorts as well. Disney hotels Florida offers these things at a bit of a discount in order to help you to enjoy the area without having to travel too much to and from the parks. Not only that, but you will also be able to use the Disney transportation which is free for anybody that is staying within the Disney properties.

So don't forget to look into Disney hotels Florida when you are coming to stay in the Orlando area. It will make staying at Disney and the entire Disney experience a little bit more fun for you and your family. It will become a vacation that none of you will ever forget.
"

James,

Weather is great here in South Florida right now. Disney is very good to the disabled. You usually go to the front of the line etc. All Star Sports Resorts is a good cheap in the park hotel. Good Luck!

[Tinbasher]

The parks are mostly accessible except for a few older rides. Also if you get the time spend some time to drive out into the old more traditional Fla like Mount Dora.

Some of the rides need a little thought if your paralysed and it might make sense to take a couple of straps or bungee cords. I loved the Tower of Terror but when it did the big drop me knees came up and cracked me on the chin

[hanguk]

went to Disneyworld 7 years ago and it was great. First of all I had a reservation for 5 people at one of their medium-priced hotels on the property. The room turned out to be kind of small for 5 people to share with 1 of them being in a chair, not enough room to move around well, and it was quite a distance to the transportation that moves you around to the parks (which bothered my cousin more than me because she does not like to walk far). So she got on the phone and they upgraded us to one of the deluxe hotels for free - I just paid for the moderate-priced room. This was the Polynesian hotel. The room easily fit 5 people and they had a great swimming pool which I wished we had more time to use. There were pool chairs and one end of the pool was a big ramp. As for the rides I went on most of the rides that the other people in my group did (none of them disabled). We went to all 4 of the theme parks, did not have time for the water parks. Some of the rides you can take your wheelchair on, the others you need to transfer. That is not a problem at all if you have people to help you, because the staff is not allowed to do it. I think Disneyworld is one of the best places for a disabled person to go on vacation. It's not just for kids.

[Para-pal]

thanks again everyone for all the advice and tips i think we are gonna go for it!!!!!!
its snowing again today in boston so i gotta get outta here!!!

[KVH]

On the whole flying thing, They have aisle chairs that he will need to transfer into to take him onto the plane, MOST airlines will upgrade you if the flight isn't full as long as you get the early enough and play the wheelchiar card. The flight Staff will also help put him in the plane seat if he can not do it himself.

Hope you have a great time!!!!!

I know I am jelous of you guys going to Disney, it is my favorite place to vacation.

Edited by KVH, 25 January 2008 - 08:51 PM.

[Para-pal]

one more question if anyone knows.... Has anyone done discovery cove??? we would love to swim with the dolphins but I know these places are careful about employees lifting people. We go to an accessible sports weekend in NH every year and there are always plenty of people there to lift him onto the waterskiis, the handcycles and into the fishing boat etc... but thats an adaptive sports place.
heres a link by the way if anyone is from or gonna be in new england they are wonderful!
www.nepassage.org

[Mike (c4-5) & Lorena]

Russ

How long where you in Disney World/etc?

What hotel did you all stay at? Was the bathroom wc-friendly?

How did you get around(transportation, etc)

Lorena

[russ1]

Mike (c4-5) & Lorena, on Apr 9 2008, 07:02 PM, said:

Russ

How long where you in Disney World/etc?

What hotel did you all stay at? Was the bathroom wc-friendly?

How did you get around(transportation, etc)

Lorena

We just hired a wheelchair adapted villa I found on the internet, the shower seat shown on the photo's had been removed so used a pool chair, other than that it was fine but then I need very little adaptation other than level access for the chait and a roll in shower or accessible bath. As for getting around we hired a huge 4x4 which my wife drove which was fun especially as it meant I always got to be the one on the beer :-)

Quote

one more question if anyone knows.... Has anyone done discovery cove??? we would love to swim with the dolphins but I know these places are careful about employees lifting people.

We (the family) did the discovery cove thing - I didn't do the dolphins thing but could have but I did swim/snorkel in the tropical lagoon they have these huge beach wheelchair thingies (not self propelling) .You won't officially get any help with the transfers and getting back into it from the water was awkward but we did get some help with at least one of the transfers - just so happened a couple of guys were walking past and it seemed easier to say yes than no when they offered.