If you have a disability, of any kind, you don’t have to be afraid of Disney!
By Patricia Faber
As I said, I’m a Disney Fan and I am disablled. In the last 5 years, getting arpund traveling anywhere has become progressively more difficult for me. I have developed mobility and vision issues that complicate traveling. So in 2018 I thought my traveling days and in particular my trips to Walt Disney World had come to an end.
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But I’m a fighter not a quitter. I longed for time with Mickey and his friends and was determined to make it happen, if at all possible.
So I resorted to the internet. After reading the many discussions on travel and disabilities, I realized there were a lot of other travelers in the same predicament as I am. And, what is more, there were many Disney Fans out there who have limitations of all kinds. Limitations that may impact their ability to experience and enjoy Walt Disney World. Yet many of them continue to visit the Magic despite their limitations.
I decided if they could do it so could I!
So I started planning.
- I listed the issues and major obstacles to my traveling.
- I did a lot of research into traveling with disabilities.
- And came up with a workable plan for making a trip to Walt Disney World despite my limitations.
The first thing to know; Disney’s mission is to provide a place of magic for everyone no matter their age, abilities, or limitations. To fulfill that mission, Disney goes out of their way to accommodate everyone’s needs to the best of their ability.
SueM in MN Sep 24, 2011
The Research
There is plentout there about disabilities, laws that regulate requirements, available accomodatioons for accessibility for all disabilities, and the process for grtting the information and help you need to plan a successful trip.
Some resources that might be helpful and you should check out inclue:
- The CDC’s Yellobook – In Chapter 5 “Travelers with Additional Considerations” othe authors discuss traveling with disabilities and chronic illness.
“According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, a person has a disability if he or she has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits at least 1 major life activity. With proper preparation, many travelers with disabilities can travel internationally. Some travelers with disabilities, such as those with mobility limitations, vision or hearing loss, or cognitive disabilities may require special attention and adaptation of transportation services. The following recommendations may assist in ensuring safe, accessible travel for travelers with disabilities:
CDC Yellobook 2020 “Travel with Disabilities by Cynthia F. Hinton, John Eichwald , Deborah Nicolls Barbeau, Gail A. Rosselot, Sue Ann McDevitt.
Disabilities come in many forms:
All of these involve loss of some kind; loss of independence and/or control of ourselves, our bodies, or our environment. Despite these losses and limitations everyone should be able to take part in the Magic. Perhaps not all of it, that would be improbable, but enough to make any visit to Walt Disney World a magical experience.
For the most part Disney does a great job with this part of their mission. Are there things they could do better? Of course. Nothing is perfect in life, even the World of Disney. But they try, within the limitations posed by the environment, the weather, safety issues, and the sheer number of visitors, to make the Magic happen for each and every one of us.
I thought others might benefit from my experience. I intend sharing the process with you, so that you can enjoy the Magic without being afraid, even with a disability.
Remember, you don’t have to be afraid of a Disney vacation. Perhaps my experience will help those of you out there with similar issues, make your magical trip a reality.
I made a trip to WDW and on a Disney Cruise in 2018 and had a wonderful time. Have been back to Disney World in 2019 and 2021. And am currently planning a trip and cruise in May of this year.
If I can do it, so can you!!
Join me here next time for more information and tips on Doing Disney with Disabilities.
Patricia Faber
If you have a question or comment Please contact me
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Doing Disney with Disabilities 