We at INDATA are excited to announce a new “Travel Series” to our blog where we will feature accessibility information for major museums, institutions, airports, hotels and other attractions. To start, we’ve picked one of the most popular entertainment destinations in the county – Disney World.
Disney Parks: Disney explains that their engineers have been made aware of the need for sloped entrances and wheelchair accessible seating. Examples include their Jungle Cruise attraction, where a specific lift was built inside several boats to allow guests in wheelchair to remain in their wheelchair and not transfer out for the ride. Captioning is now available in areas where previously it would have been impossible to configure devices. Disney engineers developed a wireless communication system that allows for captioning on handheld devices that an individual could read in any Disney environment. The advancement in technology is so innovative that they are seeking ways to integrate it into other venues. They are also launching an audio description service to provide narrative information about key visual elements that someone with a visual impairment may not be able to receive otherwise.
- Rooms equipped with minimum 32-inch doorways
- Ramped bathroom thresholds, bathroom and shower handrails,Fold-down shower seats, hand-held shower seats and lowered towel bars
- Open Bed Frames
- Added phones in the bathroom and nightstand
- Emergency call buttons
- Special viewing areas at scheduled onboard activities are set aside for guests usingwheelchairs
- Assistive listening systems at theaters and other performance venues
- Guests may receive kits containing a base unit with alarm clock, bed shaker notification, door bell and phone alerts, phone amplifier, smoke detector with a strobe light and a TTY by contacting Guest Services
All transportation methods available in the Disney Parks are equipped to accommodate wheelchairs. For more information, read this detailed blog post of one family’s vacation to Disney World including tips for making your vacation an enjoyable one. Other related posts include MOMA Visitors with Disabilities and Accessible Paths at 100 Acres.