FROM: Remember The Magic Published As Needed

Why Walt Disney World Again? - Part 1 of 2

In part 1 of a 2 part series, Jeff talks from personal experience about the fantastic way that Walt Disney World interacts with disabled guests and how the company makes the Disney experience special for them and their family.

- by Jeff Holmes, December 19, 2011

 

 

            To many people, Disney World means a once in a lifetime experience. It has thought to have been the expensive vacation that you save up for over a long period of time, after you go you feel like you had done it all. As for others, like my wife and I, we are limited to what we consider a great vacation. My wife Erika has been fighting cancer for nearly two years, so as you can imagine there are times when we look at one another and say those famous words..."we need a vacation!" Erika is now wheelchair bound, and doesn't have the strength to maneuver herself around with a wheelchair, she also can't stand for more than a few minutes at a time. She also can't use means of an electric wheelchair or scooter because she is unable to process the means of driving and direction. The great thing about Walt Disney World and the relationship to each guests being treated like your part of their family, it applies to every guests! Even though my wife and I experience the attractions and wonderful shows differently, each Cast Member shows us the same enthusiasm as they do our little children! Over the years, The Walt Disney Company has projected a great value of higher standards in guest relations. Many companies strive for the great personality that all the Cast Members show through Walt Disney World and Disneyland. I feel that the legacy that Walt Disney and his family left for others to follow has been defined daily with the caring actions and beautiful smiles that are seen throughout the Disney Parks everyday!

            The very smallest of convenience has helped families like myself. Imagine yourself and your spouse in a situation were he or she is unable to stand on their own. Daily tasks such as going to the restroom in public places can be very difficult. There are limited places in the general public where you can find a family restroom. One of the major reasons why Disney World is such a wonderful place for families with disabilities is the concern by the company for those conveniences that others, I feel, take advantage of. When we are exploring the Disney Parks, I feel comfortable knowing that if we have to make a quick visit, I don't have to worry about bringing another person to help. I can truly enjoy the atmosphere and be mesmerized by the magic! We have come to enjoy our many visits to Disney and always looking forward to our return! In many cases, my wife may be disabled, but while she is enjoying the wonderful world of Disney, she feels like she is able to experience anything! That is a wonderful feeling to have and to see from your loved ones.

            One of the greatest approaches to caring and helping those who are disabled and are visiting any of the Disney Parks happens to be priority seating and loading! What this means is, if you and your party is traveling with a wheelchair or scooter, you will have priority on boarding any of the transportation provided by Disney! They have markers set throughout the queue lines at each bus stop, this gives each group a special lane to follow and bypass the lines. This is a wonderful contribution to those with special needs, because they sometimes find themselves to be overwhelmed with the waiting process of getting on and off the buses or monorail. We have only had one isolated incident where we found ourselves in line at Disney's Hollywood Studios and the wheelchair queue line had been removed. It was an incontinence and I had to report it to the management, but I feel since the communication took place, they have since replaced the issues.

            Be sure to return next week as I discuss how Disney puts guests with disabilities first when it come to enjoying the magic of most of the attractions! Until then, remember the magic!

                                                      

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