[Question] Allowances for Disability at DLP

[nathan detroit]

I think that we are all aware of the situation regarding wheelchair access in DLP and how a genuine wheelchair user can enjoy such 'perks' as skipping the queue to rides.

But do DLP (or any Disney theme park for that matter) have any other allowances for disabled guests?

The reason I ask may make my question more clear...

Around six months ago, NDJnr was diagnosed with a form of autism. His problems have become more apparent in the two years since we last visited DLP and he now has increasing difficulty in standing in queues for more than a short period of time. This obviously concerns me as we would like to revisit in the future and queues are an unavoidable issue.

Does anyone know whether this sort of disability can be taken into account by the resort? I would appreciate any feedback.

[davewasbaloo]

Re: Allowances for Disability at DLP

Hey ND, I will try to help, but others may have better examples. As far as I am aware, if you go to city hall with proof of your son's diagnosis, you can discuss his needs and they will give you a pass (after all, not all disability is about wheelchair users).

It does lead to different procedures for different attractions, so you may have to have a chat with the cast members at the entrance of each one.

Also, if you need some chill out time, there is a centre at first aid too.

I may give Disney a hard time, but I will say, they handle disability issues very well in the main.

Hope this helps. Have a great time.

[nathan detroit]

Re: Allowances for Disability at DLP

Thanks Dave - I appreciate that.

My concern is that I would like to know for definate before we book. I would hate to get all the way there and be told 'sorry' at City Hall. I may well contact resort management direct.

[davewasbaloo]

Re: Allowances for Disability at DLP

I think that is pretty wise to avoid disappointment.

[DLRP_bopazot]

Re: Allowances for Disability at DLP

Disneyland Paris has different safety requirement compare to the US. Why ? Disneyland Paris work hand in hand with WDI and Asociations to accomodate ride vehicles , boats ...... to a lot of people .

Now there is issues and laws that Disneyland Paris can"t pass and recently with Crush's Coaster and the safety retraint .

Some rides that a disable person can ride in the US may not be able to ride in DLP because the laws and rules are little stricter and some attractions require Fire Dept help to Evacuate some attractions from a certain level of safety .

If you can't stand in line just make sure to ask your doctor to write a letter that you'll show to City hall or Guest Relations . On this letter your doctor will notify that you can't stand in line .

Make sure you bring this letter with you then City Hall or Guest Relations won't say anything because there is a proof of disability .

Have a great time at DLP !!!!

[Disney_Dad]

Re: Allowances for Disability at DLP

Nathan,

My eight year old son is autistic and we visit DLP every year. Autistic people are entitled to a disabled pass in recognition of the problems they have standing in queues.

You are REQUIRED to obtain a letter from your doctor confirming that he is autistic and requesting that he be provided with a disabled pass. Our doctor writes us a new one each year. On arrival, go to City Hall on arrival and present the letter. The CMs will provide you with the pass and instructions on how to use it.

As davewasbaloo said, the proceedure for gaining entry varies from one attraction to another. Just speak to the CM at the entrance or exit of the attraction. For Pirates, Big Thunder and Buzz Lightyear you have to reserve a time in advance (owing to their popularity). See the CM at the entrance and he/she will allocate a time slot (usually 30 mins or so later). The arrangements for getting into Phantom Manor are interesting. You are sent up a stairway though the garden at the side of the house and told to knock on a door (not the usual one) and wait for the creepy CM to answer. On the negative side you occasionally miss out on important parts of the show (hotel lobby and TV room in ToT, Pirates queue etc.)

You are also entitled to view the parades from a designated area on the west side of Central Plaza, which means you don't have to get to the parade route early to reserve a good viewing spot. Just turn up 10 minutes or so in advance.

We don't use the pass gratuitously as we don't feel it would be fair to take advantage where it would be unnecessary to do so (i.e. where there is a very short or fast moving queue).

Have a great time and don't forget the letter!

[tloolgb]

Re: Allowances for Disability at DLP

I am glad to see DLP asks for proof. Disney is very good with handling disabilities...but too often in Florida it gets abused.

Which leads to contempt for the GAC cards...which isn't good for the people who actually need GAC cards. So that little step of not being afraid to refuse guests who don't need the GAC cards means you should have an easier time when using the GAC card.

Autism is a legitimate reason for a GAC card with Disney, so you shouldn't have an issue (other than the letter Disney_Dad talked about) at all.

[nathan detroit]

Re: Allowances for Disability at DLP

Nathan,

My eight year old son is autistic and we visit DLP every year. Autistic people are entitled to a disabled pass in recognition of the problems they have standing in queues.

You are REQUIRED to obtain a letter from your doctor confirming that he is autistic and requesting that he be provided with a disabled pass. Our doctor writes us a new one each year. On arrival, go to City Hall on arrival and present the letter. The CMs will provide you with the pass and instructions on how to use it.

As davewasbaloo said, the proceedure for gaining entry varies from one attraction to another. Just speak to the CM at the entrance or exit of the attraction. For Pirates, Big Thunder and Buzz Lightyear you have to reserve a time in advance (owing to their popularity). See the CM at the entrance and he/she will allocate a time slot (usually 30 mins or so later). The arrangements for getting into Phantom Manor are interesting. You are sent up a stairway though the garden at the side of the house and told to knock on a door (not the usual one) and wait for the creepy CM to answer. On the negative side you occasionally miss out on important parts of the show (hotel lobby and TV room in ToT, Pirates queue etc.)

You are also entitled to view the parades from a designated area on the west side of Central Plaza, which means you don't have to get to the parade route early to reserve a good viewing spot. Just turn up 10 minutes or so in advance.

We don't use the pass gratuitously as we don't feel it would be fair to take advantage where it would be unnecessary to do so (i.e. where there is a very short or fast moving queue).

Have a great time and don't forget the letter!

Many thanks for that. Our GP will have no issue in producing such a letter and I now feel confident that we could enjoy a trip to DLP with minimum fuss.