Persons with disabilities...and Disney?

[Mommy2cooper]

My husband is a disabled combat vet. Being around large crowds is really uncomfortable for him. I talked with Disney before I made the reservations and they said no problem they'd work with us. Now I wonder how this will work? Any ideas?? I admire my husband for being so great and going because our little boy wants to go, but I really don't like the idea of him being uncomfortable or even having panic attacks and such...I'm really nervous about this as it is our first trip ever to Disney...

Also forgot to add my son really wants to see the Fantasmic show...and fireworks. Hubby however needs to be on an end isle...otherwise he starts having serious anxiety and that in combination with fireworks could be dangerous for panic attacks...how would this work?

 

[Disvillain63]

I can help with Fantasmic. When you go in, you can pretty much sit anywhere with the exception of the dinner package area or fastpass. Just find a row that has seating at the aisle. They don't tell you to go all the way to the end of your row. You can pick your spot and those coming in later will have to just excuse themselves around you.

If you're staying on property, you may want to make sure that your resort gives you a room that is not right by the elevators or a common area. It may be unnerving to be awaken as people are coming and going at various hours.

Hope you are able to have a nice trip.

 

[Mommy2cooper]

Thank you, I actually never thought about being near elevators or common areas. We are staying in All Star Sports. I need somewhere that's going to be more quiet and out of the way. Hubby is a super light sleeper and if there's a loud thump he could def be woken up and he'd be scared... fortunately he's pretty good with controlling it himself but there are just a few triggers that can't be helped I suppose.

 

[Disvillain63]

Make sure that they don't put you on the side by the big 'football' field or either swimming pool. They have a courtyard view which is usually quiet.

 

[Mommy2cooper]

where do you think would be the best place? I've already requested to be on the top floor. As he feels more secure that way...why I have no idea but hey whatever works, right? LOL. Thank you so much for your help. I sorta' feel helpless because I haven't ever been so I have no idea about any of it!

 

[Dwarful]

Since you are staying onsite it will be easier to go to the parks at rope drop and leave if it gets too crowded. that will give you a chance to go back to the resort, rest , regroup and then you can go back in the evening. Not sure when you are going or how long you are staying...but since its your first trip I'd try to focus on your 3FP+ and then a list of what you want to do at each park. Those are your goals...but if you don't achieve them all it's ok. The important thing is to enjoy your trip. Go at your own pace and keep your family safe and happy. THAT is what makes a trip to WDW magical. seeing it all and doing it all, esp. on your first trip can lead to melt downs, tears and bad memories. Have fun!

 

[Mommy2cooper]

Well unfortunately I didn't realize it whenever I made the reservations and now I can't really reschedule because of the work/school schedule, but it's during Easter. We check in April 19 leave the 23rd. I heard MK wouldn't be a good place over the weekend so on the day of check in we are visiting Hollywood Studios then the 20th on Easter we are going to be visiting Animal Kingdom. The 20th I made reservations at Chef Mickey's so I thought we'd do Magic Kingdom since it's close by, but really it doesn't matter which way I do Epcot and Magic Kingdom because we will be driving as DH can't do the buses and such. Our dinner reservation for the 22nd is in Downtown Disney at the Trex restaurant. I already told the family that we may not see everything but the most important thing is to have fun and be together. We can make other trips to see the rest. Disney CM's have told me that they will be doing some kind of set up to where we'll either get in line in the fast pass line so he doesn't have to stand in the lines for rides or they'll give us a time to come back to the line to ride the rides and such. I'm not sure how they do that, I am sure we'll find out soon .The biggest thing that is concerning is waiting in lines for the character greets, I was told they wont do anything to assist with that. Maybe I could stand in line while he goes else where and then when it's our turn he can return?? I just don't want to upset other people. I'm really excited! Seeing everyone elses experiences really makes it seem so magical. I can't wait.

 

[NiarrNDisney]

I agree with Disvillian63 that you should have no problem with seating at Fantasmic you may even be able to sit in the bleachers near the food stand which still has great views of all the action.
I can understand what your husband is feeling I too have Panic/Anxiety Disorder and can be overwhelmed with large groups and crowds even just standing in line. I have found that taking breaks when needed (leaving the parks and cooling of in my resort or a near by hotel lobby, even having a snack at a restaurant helps), I try to avoid the Parades or at least find an alcove where I can be comfortable and in some cases talking to a CM about other options verses lines or getting a GAC or a FP for certain attraction's has helped me get through my many trips with little to no issues. I suggest that you and your husband study the maps to find areas where if needed he can step away ( I have my favorites), also you might even want to get an idea of the rides and attractions effects that could even trigger a reaction so you can avoid an issue if one were to arise.
If you have any other question's feel free to ask here or PM me

 

[alissafalco]

They will give you a card that you keep with you all day, when you get to each attraction they will write the time down on the card of when you should come back to the attraction and you won't have a wait when you come back. If your husband is uncomfortable you can always leave wherever you are, and since you will be driving you won't have to wait around for any buses. WDW is very good with dealing with people with special needs. Have a great time!

 

[Mommy2cooper]

Sigh, you guys have made me feel a lot better about this. A while back I was on Yahoo! News and there was an article and people were all kinds of mean and saying mean things about people taking advantage of the situation in these circumstances. It was a very disturbing article. My big thing is while I am huge mama bear when it comes to DH and DS it's usually just a front. My feelings can be hurt super easy..and I don't want to ruin anyone elses time, we are all paying a pretty penny to be there...kwim? Thank you everyone for your lovely responses. Thank you NiarrDisney, I may take advantage of that.

 

[NiarrNDisney]

Sigh, you guys have made me feel a lot better about this. A while back I was on Yahoo! News and there was an article and people were all kinds of mean and saying mean things about people taking advantage of the situation in these circumstances. It was a very disturbing article. My big thing is while I am huge mama bear when it comes to DH and DS it's usually just a front. My feelings can be hurt super easy..and I don't want to ruin anyone elses time, we are all paying a pretty penny to be there...kwim? Thank you everyone for your lovely responses. Thank you NiarrDisney, I may take advantage of that.

I replied to your PM I hope the info and tips I post are useful!

 

[Disvillain63]

where do you think would be the best place? I've already requested to be on the top floor. As he feels more secure that way...why I have no idea but hey whatever works, right? LOL. Thank you so much for your help. I sorta' feel helpless because I haven't ever been so I have no idea about any of it!

We have found that one of the quietest areas at is in #10 Football in the section that makes a 'triangle' with #9 Homerun; there's a small parking lot near there, so you could be close to your car but not a lot of traffic. Between #3 Hoops and #4 Center Court are not bad either, no parking lot right there but quiet.

 

[MeffysMom]

In the parks, if you need to find a more quite, less crowded place, try the baby care centers. The lighting inside is a little dimmer, it tends to be quieter and less crowded than the rest of the park, and they are air conditioned. We have dropped in from time to time when we just need a break. There is one in each park and they should be labeled on the maps.

 

[3Caballeros]

First I want to say that I wish for a truly magical trip for you & your family. I see you have already received great advice here & speaking with CM's.
I like the advice from NiarrNDisney. I like a lot of rides but cannot stand spaceship earth. It is the slowest ride but the complete darkness at the beginning gives me a panic attack. So check out the rides too.
As far as the character meet & greets... there are several that allow him to stand away from the line & then rejoin you when you get to the front. Plus, there are a lot of outside meet & greets.
I think (& hope) you will be surprised at how accommodating people are.
There will be some rude people along the way, just don't let those few ruin your trip.

 

[Mommy2cooper]

Thank you! I've been you tubing rides LOL....I am going to look at the resort map and find the building and hopefully they'll allow me to request it. I hear they try to be more accommodating for disabilities even at the resorts...

 

[smk]

Well unfortunately I didn't realize it whenever I made the reservations and now I can't really reschedule because of the work/school schedule, but it's during Easter. We check in April 19 leave the 23rd. I heard MK wouldn't be a good place over the weekend so on the day of check in we are visiting Hollywood Studios then the 20th on Easter we are going to be visiting Animal Kingdom. The 20th I made reservations at Chef Mickey's so I thought we'd do Magic Kingdom since it's close by, but really it doesn't matter which way I do Epcot and Magic Kingdom because we will be driving as DH can't do the buses and such. Our dinner reservation for the 22nd is in Downtown Disney at the Trex restaurant. I already told the family that we may not see everything but the most important thing is to have fun and be together. We can make other trips to see the rest. Disney CM's have told me that they will be doing some kind of set up to where we'll either get in line in the fast pass line so he doesn't have to stand in the lines for rides or they'll give us a time to come back to the line to ride the rides and such. I'm not sure how they do that, I am sure we'll find out soon .The biggest thing that is concerning is waiting in lines for the character greets, I was told they wont do anything to assist with that. Maybe I could stand in line while he goes else where and then when it's our turn he can return?? I just don't want to upset other people. I'm really excited! Seeing everyone elses experiences really makes it seem so magical. I can't wait.

First, thanks to you husband for his service, it means a lot to us all.

Second, I have been to WDW a million times and I have never seen it all, so get the notion out of your head right now! THE most important thing, as you said is for everyone to be comfortable and enjoy themselves. It can and WILL be overwhelming if you try to pack in too much.

I LOVE all star sports! You will too. It is clean, quiet at night, they have security officers riding bikes thru the area but I have never seen anyone as much as step out of line there. I have stayed by the main pool, the back pool and found each area quiet. Even stayed right on the football field and had no issues at all. The field is mostly occupied by dads throwing balls to their own kids, having fun, not screaming teens, in my experience.

Standing in line to meet characters is way over rated for me, that is probably the last thing I would do at WDW with little time to ride rides and watch parades. If you want to do go for it! Just not my cup of tea, and thankfully not my kids either!

Have more fun than possible! I hope your trip is all you want it to be!

 

[Mommy2cooper]

How sweet. Thank you so much for your kind words. I am trying to put it in all of their heads we can def go back next year if we love it! We will see a lot and probably not everything, maybe not even ride everything. So far the kiddo seems to understand that. Let's hope he continues. He is anxious to meet some of the characters, so I'm hoping we can do the one's most important to him! I'm glad to hear from those who have stayed there. New things tend to be scary...and again (I know, I know I've said this 100 times but...) you guys are awesome and you make me feel so much more at ease taking this trip with the DH.

 

[Weather_Lady]

Well unfortunately I didn't realize it whenever I made the reservations and now I can't really reschedule because of the work/school schedule, but it's during Easter. We check in April 19 leave the 23rd. I heard MK wouldn't be a good place over the weekend so on the day of check in we are visiting Hollywood Studios then the 20th on Easter we are going to be visiting Animal Kingdom. The 20th I made reservations at Chef Mickey's so I thought we'd do Magic Kingdom since it's close by, but really it doesn't matter which way I do Epcot and Magic Kingdom because we will be driving as DH can't do the buses and such. Our dinner reservation for the 22nd is in Downtown Disney at the Trex restaurant. I already told the family that we may not see everything but the most important thing is to have fun and be together. We can make other trips to see the rest. Disney CM's have told me that they will be doing some kind of set up to where we'll either get in line in the fast pass line so he doesn't have to stand in the lines for rides or they'll give us a time to come back to the line to ride the rides and such. I'm not sure how they do that, I am sure we'll find out soon .The biggest thing that is concerning is waiting in lines for the character greets, I was told they wont do anything to assist with that. Maybe I could stand in line while he goes else where and then when it's our turn he can return?? I just don't want to upset other people. I'm really excited! Seeing everyone elses experiences really makes it seem so magical. I can't wait.

Given that you'll be there during a time of year with peak crowds, arriving at the parks at rope drop, when you'll have full access to attractions without a huge crowd, will be your best friend. Use morning/evening extra magic hours if you can, but otherwise be in line to get into a park at least 30 minutes before it opens, tour for a couple of hours with the lighter crowds, and then head back to the resort for a few hours to swim, get a nap, have a leisurely lunch, etc. Return to the parks no earlier than 4pm, when crowds start to diminish again. Use the DAS system to bypass waiting in crowded lines, if that's something that is a trigger for your DH. I hope you and your family have a wonderful time!

 

[docdebbi]

Sigh, you guys have made me feel a lot better about this. A while back I was on Yahoo! News and there was an article and people were all kinds of mean and saying mean things about people taking advantage of the situation in these circumstances. It was a very disturbing article. My big thing is while I am huge mama bear when it comes to DH and DS it's usually just a front. My feelings can be hurt super easy..and I don't want to ruin anyone elses time, we are all paying a pretty penny to be there...kwim? Thank you everyone for your lovely responses. Thank you NiarrDisney, I may take advantage of that.

you are right that people can be mean, but don't take that personally. these people are referring to the cheaters, and there were cheaters. when there is a loophole, people cheat. healthy folks were claiming disabilities and getting the old card to be able to cut the line. YOUR HUSBAND IS NOT A CHEATER!

sadly for those with real disabilities they had to cancel that system, but you still don't need to stand in lines. at guest services ask for the disability assistance system. they will take his picture and give him a card. this card allows you to go to the entry to the ride and they will write down on it what time to return (it will be the same as the standby time) and when you return, you will go right on the ride without standing in line.
this may be some help.
at shows also, this should help. show it to the CM and I am sure they will help you find a more isolated area to sit, tell them what his disability is, they will help!

you also can use the FP+ system, you can book these 60 days out since you are staying on property. i suggest getting a time for a ride using your disability card, then doing a FP+ ride between and then return for the first ride. you can accomplish more using both systems. one does not exclude the other.

and as said before, thank you, your children and your husband for your sacrifices to keep us safe. that can't be said enough!

 

[MOXOMUMD]

Being it's a holiday, take advantage of the quiet pool (baseball) at the resort. In the evening, the value resorts main pools tend to turn into kid central.