Disney World - The Online Guide

The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2003
(UK customers)

Disabilities - General Information

Guest Relations
Guest Relations, located inside each of the Theme Parks, provides a variety of services, including general information, priority seating for restaurants, ticket media information, Park guidemaps, entertainment schedules, and information on services for Guests with disabilities.

Resort/Special Reservations
Walt Disney World Resorts offer special equipment and facilities for Guests with disabilities. Features vary depending upon your selected Resort. For information specific to individual Resorts, please call Walt Disney World Resort Special Reservations at (407) 939-7807 (voice) or (407) 939-7670 (TTY). Accommodations for Guests with disabilities may include the following:

Restrooms -
Wider bathroom doors
Roll-in showers
Shower benches
Hand-held shower heads
Accessible vanities
Portable commodes
Bathroom grab bars

Bed Accessories -
Bed rails
Rubber bed pads
Open frame beds

Room Communication Kits -
Door knock and phone alerts
Bed shaker alarm
Text Typewriter (TTY)
Strobe light smoke detector
Phone amplifier

Other Features -
Buses with wheelchair lifts
Double peep holes in doors
Refrigerators (may include an additional charge)
Closed Captioned televisions
Braille on signage and elevators

Parking
Designated parking areas for Guests with disabilities are available throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. A valid disability parking permit is required.

Theme Park Parking (standard parking rates apply)
Guests with the ability to walk short distances and step up onto the courtesy trams should park in the main parking lot of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Parks. The courtesy tram will transport Guests to the Entrance Complex. Parking for Guests who are unable to use the courtesy trams, or who are traveling with personal wheelchairs, is available adjacent to the Entrance Complex at each of the four Parks. Guests should inquire at the Auto Plaza for directions on parking options.

Transportation
Many of the transportation systems at the Walt Disney World Resort are accessible to Guests with disabilities. All bus routes are serviced by buses equipped to accommodate various types of wheelchairs within the following guidelines: The wheelchair must fit the wheelchair lift without being forced (some motorized chairs and electric convenience vehicles are too wide or too long for the bus lift), and the wheelchair must be securely fastened in the wheelchair restraints. Watercraft access varies depending on the type of watercraft and the existing water levels and conditions. Please contact a host or hostess at the watercraft dock for information and assistance. Guests may access the Monorail system by proceeding up to the entrance ramps or using the elevators provided at Epcot, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Polynesian Resort, and Disney's Contemporary Resort.

Access
Most attractions, restaurants, shops, and shows are accessible to all our Guests. In some cases, however, Guests may need the assistance of a member of their party to fully utilize these areas. For example, some counter-service locations have narrow queues formed by railings that may be difficult for Guests using wheelchairs. At these locations we suggest that a member of the party order and transport the food, or contact a host or hostess for assistance. Also, at some attractions Guests using wheelchairs may need to transfer from their wheelchairs onto a ride system. Hosts and hostesses are not permitted to physically transfer Guests from wheelchairs. We therefore recommend that Guests plan to visit with someone who can physically assist them, when necessary.

Theme Park Shows & Parade Areas
Due to Guest demand, viewing spaces cannot be reserved or guaranteed. Parties larger than six may be asked to separate and reunite afterward. Guest Relations can provide information on show times and other special events on the day of each visit.

Restrooms
Most restrooms throughout the Walt Disney World Resort have facilities designed for access by Guests traveling in wheelchairs.

First Aid
At the Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks, First Aid Stations are located at the following locations:
Magic Kingdom - Adjacent to the Crystal Palace off Main Street, U.S.A.
Epcot - Located at Odyssey Center in Future World
Disney-MGM Studios - Adjacent to the Guest Relations Building just past the main entrance
Disney's Animal Kingdom - Behind Creature Comforts in Safari Village

Drinking Fountains
Guests can find accessible drinking fountains throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. Guests may also request cups from the nearest restaurant or refreshment facility.

Stamina or Endurance Concerns
Some Guests may be concerned that they do not have the stamina to wait in the queues. It is suggested that these Guests consider using a wheelchair or electric convenience vehicle, as the distance between th attractions is much greater than the length of the queues.

Safety Considerations
Disney works hard to offer a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable experience for everyone. Please assist them by showing common courtesy to fellow Park Guests. Please be respectful of others. Do not use profanity or engage in unsafe, illegal, or offensive behavior. Please abide by all safety warnings and notices. Proper attire, including shoes and shirts, must be worn at all times. For your safety while on attractions, please keep your hands, arms, and legs inside the vehicle at all times. Young children should be accompanied by an adult. Please honor designated viewing areas and crosswalks. Also, for the comfort of those around you, they request that there be no flash photography, eating, or drinking in any attraction.

Smoking Restrictions
For the comfort and safety of all Guests, smoking at the Walt Disney World Resort is permitted in designated areas only. Please refer to park guidmaps or signage for designated smoking locations, or ask a Cast Member for assistance.

Package Pick-Up/Shipping
This service is available at any of the Theme Parks. Purchases may be picked up as you exit the Park or delivered to your Walt Disney World Resort. This free service is available from noon until Park closing. You may also wish to inquire about shipping purchases directly to your home.

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Walt Disney World & it's theme parks, resorts, attractions & area names are trademarks of The Walt Disney Company. All information contained in Disney World - The Online Guide, including prices, dates, times, availability, is subject to change & not official. Joanne will not be held liable for any information (valid or invalid) presented on any page in this site, and will not be held responsible for anything that happens as a result of following advice or information on this site, and does not represent the Walt Disney Company in any manner.

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