first time driving in usa

[tinkeremma]

hi,
i am planning to come to wdw for my honeymoon for two weeks. i will be staying at all star resort and am wanting to mainly spend most of the time at wdw but will want to go to the other attracitons.
i no that all star has free buses but as a disabled person i was planning on using a free car hire we get when we book the hoilday. as i have never driven in a different country(from england) i am wondering how easy is it to get around(i am sure the people who live around the parks are used to non usa drives.)

just one more little thing does anyone no if my disabled driving pass (blue badge) works in wdw.

any help would help put my mind at rest.

thanks again

emma

 

[wdwmagic]

Hi Emma,

Welcome to WDWMAGIC!

I'm English, and I've driven in both places, so I'll try to help.

Driving around Florida is so much more relaxed than driving in England. There are no roundabouts, no crazy junctions, and the other drivers obey the speed limit much more than they do in England. The roads are wide, multiple lanes, and the signposting around WDW is very clear.

Nearly all the as are automatic, so it is as easy as go and stop.

Your biggest problem will be driving on the other side. It takes a while to get used to, but you'll get. At first I found it a good idea at junctions to watch the cars in front of you, to make sure you follow the road the right away.

One significant difference is that you can turn right on a red light, if it is clear.

Also, take note that at traffic lights, the actual line where you stop may be a long way in front of the actual traffic lights. So keep an eye out on the ground for the stop line, as well as looking for the lights.

I don't know the specifics on the permit, but all the parks have disabled parking areas, and there are always spaces available. The parking booth cast member will be able to help you - it won't be a problem.

Let us know if you have any specific questions.

Have a great trip!

 

[Monty]

I can answer about your disabled pass.

They will allow you to use your placard/pass anywhere in the USA. At Disney World, you will have access to the Handicap Parking area at the parks [you still have to pay unless you have annual pass or are a resort guest], if you're visiting a resort that has Valet Parking, the Valet service is free of charge [though a tip is usually a good idea]. Every parking area will have designated parking spots. All the resorts, shopping areas, restaurants, etc...

For future reference, the blue handicap parking placard displaying the international wheelchair symbol is accepted in any European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) countries as well as associated countries Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, New Zealand and United States by reciprocal agreement. Each jurisdiction will afford you the same privileges as their own citizens.

Have a great trip! :wave:

 

[tinkeremma]

thanks for the info. as a i will be staying at all star resort, dose that mean i can park for free in all 6 disney parks.

all your help has been great but just one more quick question dose downtown disney have the parking as the parks.

 

[Monty]

thanks for the info. as a i will be staying at all star resort, dose that mean i can park for free in all 6 disney parks.

all your help has been great but just one more quick question dose downtown disney have the parking as the parks.

Staying at All Star, you'll get a paper parking pass when you check in that gets you into the parking for all the parks for free.

DTD has handicap parking spots available closer to entranceways in each lot. There is no charge for DTD parking anyway.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

thanks for the info. as a i will be staying at all star resort, dose that mean i can park for free in all 6 disney parks.

all your help has been great but just one more quick question dose downtown disney have the parking as the parks.

You will see in the US that nearly all commercial parking lots have at least a few spots reserved for disabled persons with a placard.