[Hyway]

My Downs Syndrome son will turn 4 yo 2 weeks before we go to WDW in september. Normally I don't think of him as handicapped, but since WDW is making me pay a full childs rate for someone who is effectively between 1 and 1 1/2 years old I am wondering if there are any benefits to having a handicapped child at WDW.

He has great balance while crawling, climbing and sitting, but he has just started walking this month and is pretty unsteady. He is not speaking yet, and his hearing is suspect. We will have a "leash" for him, but I don't expect he will be doing very much walking due to the crowds and the distances between attractions.

He can't ride rides by himself unless the harness system prevents him from crawling out. What rides will be good for him to do alone? What rides can he enjoy with the family?

What issues should we be aware of? What advice can you offer?

Chuck

Thanks for any help we can get.

[DougiesMommy]

Since we took our son for his 1st Birthday last Dec I hope I can help answer some of your questions.

We used the stroller almost the entire time. I don't know if you have a stroller or wheelchair that you may use for your son since he just started walking as well. The only place that we gave him more free roam was in Fantasyland in MK cause the rides are grouped really close together.

Fantasyland was where we spent lots of time. Our son fell in love with Dumbo and rode it over and over again. As for putting him on rides himself ~ this is not something we did. Good thing about Disney is that there is always room for someone to ride with the child and in most cases room for both parents.

The shows didn't hold our little ones interest very long so those were out of the picture for us. He loved all the character greetings.

Playhouse Disney at MGM was another big hit on our list. As was AK with all the animals. Epcot didn't stand up to test of a 1yr old but he loved all the fountains to play in there.

Everything will work out just perfectly.

[alextina]

We were at WDW in May, DD was 17 months at the time and she could go on all rides with us except for the ones with height restrictions (there aren't very many with height restrictions). As far as rides that your child could go on by himself I can't really think of any that would keep a child who is determined to crawl out, in. So I would just go on all of the rides with him. Have a great trip.
:D

[DisneyTeacher]

Originally posted by Hyway
[BHe can't ride rides by himself unless the harness system prevents him from crawling out. What rides will be good for him to do alone? What rides can he enjoy with the family?
[/b]

We just went to WDW with my 5 year old DS in July and I don't think there is a ride at WDW that I would have let him go on alone. The great thing about WDW is that it is a family park and the rides are meant to be enjoyed with others so you can ride any ride with your son. Enjoy!!:)

[Hyway]

Thanks for the advice. I am happy to hear that Disney doesn't have a lot of kids only rides. We have gone to Kings Dominion, Carowinds and county fairs that had plenty of the rides that adults couldn't ride so he didn't get to ride much at those places.

[preidel24]

Chuck,

First welcome to DC. You didn't say if you were staying onsite or off-site. My DN is severely hanicapped from birth. Although she can walk her gait is very unsteady and for long distances she required a wheelchair. WDW was very accomdating to her and made her trip most magical. I would suggest that you contact guest services as they were very accomdating to my SIL and the needs of her child. Make yourself a list of things you want to ask/discuss with them regarding your visit. Like everthing else sometimes you get a good person and sometimes you need to make more than one call to get what you need so don't get discourage be persistant. Sometimes disney comes thru and make awesome things happen but even magical happenings sometimes need a boost from a well-prepared and inquiring parent.

Your DS will have many rides and attraction he can enjoy I'm sure in your case most will be as a family. In disney just the surrounding are magical and don't forget to stop and appreciate the small things like the fountains and playground areas.


Good Luck and I wish you and you family a very magical trip. Here is some info and # for you and the web site should you want to visit.

Paula

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/disabgeneral.htm

DISABILITY INFORMATION

This section outlines information for individuals with disabilities. This information was provided to me by Guest Services at the Magic Kingdom. I think it should be fairly accurate, but again, not having experienced everything at the theme park with a disabled guest, I can not really speak from first hand experience.
If you have anything to add here, please send me feedback.

The DIS also maintains an excellent discussion forum for visitors with disabilities. CLICK HERE to ask your questions or get helpful hints!

General Info for guests with disabilities:

GUIDEBOOK FOR GUESTS WITH DISABILITIES

There is a guidebook available at all guest service locations that give a complete list of all services available for guests with disabilities.


RESORTS/SPECIAL RESERVATIONS
Please call (407) 939-7807

The following is a rather complete list of all services available at all Disney resorts for guests with disabilities:

Wheelchairs
Buses with wheelchair lifts
Bed and bathroom rails
Wider bath doors
Roll-in showers
Shower benches
Hand-held shower heads
Accessible vanities
Rubber bed pads
Lower beds
Refrigerators
Closed-captioned televisions
Knock and phone alerts
Strobe-light smoke detectors
Double peep holes in doors
TTY's
Braille on signs and elevators
Portable commodes
Lower-level kitchen appliances
and cupboards (where applicable)
ACCESSIBLE PARKING

All locations at Walt Disney World (theme parks and resorts) have available parking for guests with disabilities. You must have a valid parking permit displayed in order to park in these areas.

RESTROOMS
Most restrooms at Walt Disney World have wheelchair access. Additionally, several restrooms throughout Disney World have companion assisted restrooms. These can be found at all first aid stations as well as:
Magic Kingdom-- the lower level of Cinderella’s Royal Table, Splash Mountain, and the Transportation and Ticket Center East Block
Epcot -- near Canada, near Morocco, and Future World East Block opposite Test Track
Disney-MGM Studios -- opposite "The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror "
Animal Kingdom -- Safari Village opposite Flame Tree Barbecue and Harambe Village in the Mombasa Marketplace
FIRST AID

First Aid stations are located in the following locations:
Magic Kingdom -- Adjacent to the Crystal Palace off Main St. USA
Epcot -- Odyssey Center in Future World
Disney-MGM Studios -- Adjacent to the Guest Relations Building just past the Main Entrance
Animal Kingdom -- Behind Creature Comforts in Safari Village
These locations provide a place to store medications or receive assistance.

SERVICE ANIMALS
Service animals are welcome in most locations throughout the WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort. All service animals must remain on a leash or in a harness at all times. Guests should follow the same attraction entrance procedures as described for Guests using wheelchairs. Due to the nature of some attractions, service animals may not be permitted to ride. In those instances, a member of the Guest’s party must remain with the animal.

Designated "Break" Areas for Service Animals
Each Theme Park allows Guests to use backstage locations for service animal relief areas. Please consult the Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities for specific information.

[Hyway]

Thanks for the link. My wife will be real interested in seeing it. DN does that mean Disney/darling/dear(?) niece? How old is she?

We are staying at the Fort Wilderness cabins. There will be my wife and I plus our 2 daughters (9 & 7 yo) and our son. I want to stay at the cabins because they look like there is room for an rambuntious little boy who has been cooped up in a stroller/wheelchair for hours to play without having to worry about him everytime he gets 10 feet away from me.

Which would be more convenient - a wheel chair or a stroller. Our stroller has been through the ringer so we either have to buy a new one, rent one at the park or rent a wheelchair. Do they have child size wheelchairs?

BTW, we won't forget the fountains and playground areas since my son will probably like them more than the rides.

[preidel24]

Chuck,

My niece is now 16 years old. Her first trip to WDW she was about 8 years old. They have been every year since. They even did the cruise. She has a seizure dog (a guide dog that can detect seizures) his name is Simba. Simba also goes to WDW he even went on the cruise.

Disney did some really great things for my SIL and their family. They have three DD (21, 19 and 16). That's why they go back every year (me too for that fact). Disney does have strollers singles and doubles. Maybe you'd want to rent a double so you have room for extra stuff we all have when traveling with our DC. If your flying to WDW I'd probably rent one there.

One thing you DC might enjoy is at the Land Pavillion they have a booth (nestle) where you kids get a chef hat and they make tollhouse cookies and then they get to eat them.

I don't know if I mentioned this but my DS's are (15, 12 and our 8 year old will turn 9 in WDW). I truly hope that you have a wonderful vacation. I'll send lots of pixie dust your way. I hope your family and especially your DS have a unforgetable experience.

Paula

[tinkerbell]

Welcome to DC :)
I don't think I saw anyone suggest you get a GAC (Guest Assistance Card) So I would like to suggest you do this. You get them at Guest Relations at any of the Parks ( We got ours at MK)
Give them all the information you think they need or that you feel will be helpful. If you are using a stroller or w/c for your son this will help with going through the lines and might allow you to have access to fast pass return lines with out a fast pass. I know how hard it can be to keep any child in a line and it can be even more difficult with a special child :) The GAC will be good for the entire length of your stay.
as to the wheel chairs you might check in to getting a loaner from the resort before renting one. WDW just tested a "length of stay" for strollers / wheelchairs, but I dont know what the outcome of that test will be. The wheelchairs are all the same size from what I saw and the stroller/wheelchairs are the same amount in cost. you might also want to check with local medical rentals in the Orlando area there is a list of them in this thread

http://www.disneycentral.com/forum/s...&threadid=5116

I know your going to have a wonderful time :) but still I send you pixie dust and prayers for all the magic to be yours.

[noahsark45331]

I just have to say how much I love this site. Everyone here wants to help anyone make their Disney trip as magical as possible. What a relief it must be to be able to find out as much info before going. I just worry about the best time, prices, etc. But it is nice that folks can get help for special situtions. Thanks to all the DC'ers out there.:)

[Hyway]

Thanks Tinkerbell. I just booked our trip this morning and the agent said we can get a GAC at the resort when we check in. She is going to check on the "length of stay" stroller rental this afternoon.

[tinkerbell]

Originally posted by Hyway
Thanks Tinkerbell. I just booked our trip this morning and the agent said we can get a GAC at the resort when we check in. She is going to check on the "length of stay" stroller rental this afternoon.

I think you better recheck about the GAC at the resort. I am pretty sure you can only get the GAC at a park guest services. but it would be great the GAC even if you get it at the park they will ask how long your stay is and if you are staying at a WDW resort and the number of people in your party. you do not need anything from a dr. .. My DH wasnt even with me when I went in to get his.

[noahsark45331]

Originally posted by tinkerbell

I don't think I saw anyone suggest you get a GAC (Guest Assistance Card) The GAC will be good for the entire length of your stay.

Tinkerbell, What exactly are the benefits of getting a GAC? My mom has to use an EVC to get around. We have never heard of the GAC. Should we get one for our next trip? We always were able to use the wheelchair entrance to most rides and shows.

Thanks,
Cyndy

[tinkerbell]

the biggest benefit to us was that my husband wasnt left sitting in the heat for any lines, and we were allowed to stay together and not be seperated, him in to one line, and us in to another.
well there was one time that happen at Who wants to be a Millionare ..but the CM that did that got a good chewing out over it!!! We were allowed to use the FP return with out having FP's. When it worked properly (only 3 times did we have a problem because the CM was not reading the card and the jungle cruise CM's didnt explain to us there was a special boat they were waiting for even though my DH had said he could transfer to the boat) the CM made sure what assistance DH needed. for example when we went on the Buzz ride The CM wanted to make sure DH could get from the w/c to the ride from where we entered or did he need to take his w/c all the way to the moving walk way. If your mom needs to stay on the EVC till the last possible moment then yes you should get a GAC. your mom can also transfer to a wheelchair they have at the rides like POC and not have to walk that long walk from the entrance to the ride. they keep these just for that reason ..they fold up and go in the boat and you take an elevetor back up.

[noahsark45331]

Thanks Tinkerbell. I think we will make it a point of getting one for "just in case". We were treated pretty good on previous trips. We go in either Feb. or Nov. We weren't seperated but at the POC mom parked and walked all the way to the loading and it was a little difficult for her.