|
When you have clients travelling to the theme parks with special needs or someone in the party has special needs, concerns can arise regarding experiences and attractions that are available. Each of the major theme parks offer ADA compliant access as well as additional accommodations for visitors in need of a more than just the basic compliance requirements. Below you will find information & relevant links on what each of the major theme parks offer for their guests with special needs & how to request the appropriate services. All four major amusement parks (Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld® Orlando and LEGOLAND® Florida) provide special assistance passes for guests with disabilities. At each of the theme parks clients can obtain the assistance passes at their respective Guest Relations or Guest Services offices as they enter the parks. Walt Disney World Resort Disney Parks have an unwavering commitment to providing a welcoming, inclusive environment and accessible experiences their guests. As part of this commitment, Disability Access Service (DAS) is a program offered at Walt Disney World theme parks to assist guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a conventional queue environment due to a disability. For more information on Walt Disney World Resort policies and procedures as they pertain to visual, cognitive, mobility and hearing challenges, please see: Services for Guests with Disabilities | Walt Disney World Resort (go.com) Universal Orlando Resort Universal Orlando Resort offers a return time system for visitors with cognitive disabilities. Universal Orlando Resort provides an Attraction Assistance Pass (AAP). To obtain an AAP clients will need to go to Guest Services at either Universal Studios Florida or Universal Islands of Adventure and speak with a team member about their needs. For more information on Universal's accessibility information visit: Accessibility Information | Universal Orlando Resort SeaWorld® Orlando SeaWorld® Orlando is committed to providing equal access to guests with disabilities. They will make every effort to accommodate all guests with special needs and ensure that they enjoy their visit. Ride Accessibility Pass (RAP) is similar to Universal Orlando Resort's and Walt Disney World Resort pass, as it is a return time pass system as well. Guests who require assistance will be provided one pass with the name of the individual requiring the accommodations on it. The back of the pass includes a list of the attractions that may require a return time in order to avoid the stand-by queue. Rides and attractions not listed on the back can be accessed through an alternate entrance upon arrival and do not require a comeback time. For more information on SeaWorld's policies, including their certified Autism centre, ride accessibility program and food allergies, please visit: SeaWorld Guest with Disabilities Accessibility Guide | SeaWorld Orlando LEGOLAND® Florida Keeping with the theme of a return time pass system, LEGOLAND® Florida also offers a similar system using their Hero Access Pass, HAP. One of the major differences with the Hero Access Pass from the other parks, even if your clients do not receive a comeback time because the standby queue is shorter than 20 minutes, the team member will have to sign off on their pass at the attraction. There is also a limited number of times they can visit the same attraction in one day with the HAP. For more information on LEGOLAND® Florida's accessibility information, including sensory guides at their Certified Autism Centre, please visit: Accessibility Information (legoland.com) Gatorland In January 2016, Gatorland announced their all new wheelchair accessible zip line, the Gator Gauntlet, an attraction accessible to park patrons with mobility challenges or other disabilities. The ride allows participants to travel 350 feet down a zip line, soaring over the park and its lake of giant alligators. Interested Gator Gauntlet riders must meet certain strength, coordination and size requirements to ride the accessible zip line. From flying over alligator infested waters to riding on an enchanted broomstick while being chased by a fire breathing dragon, to up close encounters with penguins, Kissimmee area theme parks and attractions make visiting accessible to everyone. Follow me/us:Facebook: Experience Kissimmee & Denise Graham – VoX, I’m always just a phone call or email away, so please feel free to reach out any time. Denise Graham Account Director – Canada P: 416-935-1896, ext. 232 [email protected] Until next time, friends … Denise
|
