FROM: Remember The Magic Published As Needed
Why Walt Disney World Again? - Part 2 of 2
In part 2 of his 2 part series, Jeff continues taking us through the thought and design of Disney attractions and shows and how they affect the experience for disabled guests.
Welcome back readers, today I would like to continue on how the Walt Disney Company goes beyond others to help families with special needs and disabilities. Perhaps this is why the legacy of Disney is so commonly spoken about. Walt Disney himself was a man of great family character. I rather enjoy reading some of his quotes "A man should never neglect his family for business," by Walt Disney. It was his love for family that sparked the great idea of what it would be like to enjoy amusements together and not just watching your children have the time of their lives! It's great that every attraction at Walt Disney World has the engineering on behalf of not just young children, but those children who are in wheelchairs and aren't able to enjoy the smaller less ordinary things in life. We all sometimes take things for granted, such as bringing our children to the city park and letting them run as they please. Most children with disabilities have never enjoyed such happiness, but when they arrive to meet their pals at the Walt Disney World Resort they get to enjoy everything the other children get to. It's amazing how alike they are when they are exploring the fantasy! I know how my wife feels when she is there. She feels just like she did when she was able to walk and run, and enjoys that sensation and cherishes every moment of it!
On to our seat! The great benefit of having the extra support of the entire Disney Cast comes into play, especially when your trying to get from one place to another in the parks. In normal circumstances it is difficult to make the day on a set schedule, this principle is much harder with those with disabilities. Restroom breaks and transfers from chair to ride can often be time consuming. Disney has provided priority seating and staging for the attractions for those guests and up to five of their guests! It's in a form of a magical pass that you can get your first day at any of the Guest Relations Offices at any of the Disney Parks! This is simply a pass to be shown at each attraction and the Cast Member will then direct you and your group to an alternative entrance. One of our favorite things to do has to be watching the amazing shows! Being immersed with the magic is awesome. When we are watching the shows, it feels like we have stepped through our television and are living through the very stories we grew up reading! It's at this moment when you can turn to your family, look at all the happy faces! You can see in your child's eyes that their imagination is growing, the boundaries of real life and fairytale are transparent! This magical experience will take your breath away, and this is where I believe Disney traditions are created!
Be sure to check this column out next week to learn more about which attractions can be most difficult to board and how to make the best of each attraction! As always, remember those cameras, charge those batteries, and take every shot! Don't forget to remember the magic in each smile!
More: Remember The Magic