Tour Guide, Babysitter, or Sighted Guide??

[Turk82]

Ok...I'm braving Disney World. :-) I have my pre-cruise trip of 3 night/2 full park days at Disney. I am traveling with my parents (who are not exactly young) and I am a total Disney nut who wants to get in every ounce possible of Disney! I just have a little problem really, I am totally blind. I have lost my vision not-so-slowly since a soccer accident in January, but have recently decided that NO MATTER WHAT I am going to go on this vacation that I booked before all of this. So, I don't really think it will be possible for me to navigate the parks alone after my parents are tired (even with the help of my new guide dog...I think it would be a bit too hard). I know I once read about a babysitting service that allowed parents to have their children watched *in the parks* while they whatever...so my thought of hiring a "babysitter" for myself (yes, at 25 years old, it does seem a little weird) would allow me to continue to enjoy the park even after Mom and Dad were too tired. I also know that there are (were?) private tour guides available, but I seem to remember that the cost was prohibitive. Really all I need is just a sighted guide (meaning only someone who can see and is willing to talk to me and tell me where we're going basically....I'm really quite independent), do you have any suggestions at all??? I'm pretty open to ideas.

Thanks so much!

[Scar]

Megan,

First let me say how good it is that you have a positive attitude and have not let this get you down. I am blind in one eye since birth and have always thought that if something were to happen to my good eye, I would hope to have as good an attitude as you do.

The only thing I can think of is that you should post in the meets forum. I'm sure any Intercotee who may be there at that time would be more than happy to help you. Maybe even one of the intercot Cast Members on their night off. Good luck.

[Toodle]

I copied the info below from another thread under this discussion forum. You might want to contact Disney directly to see what they offer.


Have you tried speaking w/ Disney's Disability Specialist? This would be someone who would assist in answering accessibility questions. I pulled these phone numbers off the disneyworld.com website under disability access
General Information: Voice: 407-824-4321 TTY: 407-827-5141

Resort Reservations: 407-939-7807 (TTY: 407-939-7670

[MMouse6937]

Megan, you are awesome!! If I was going to be in WDW during the time you were there, I would be your sighted guide, it would be an absolute honor!! Since that's not happening, I will tell you from observation that Disney is very accomodating to anyone who needs some extra help inside the parks. There was a gentleman and his wife I observed while I was waiting for DH to finish his Segway tour where the husband was in a wheelchair with a guide dog. They actually checked in at guest services and had a gentleman walk around with them and let them in the back way through Spaceship Earth, etc. I saw them quite a few times that day and he was with them the whole time. As a side note, his dog was adorable, he had little Mickey ears on! Good luck to you and keep us posted, I think you are such an inspiration!!

[dlpmikki]

Megan, when in November are you going to be there? I will be there with my husband (who is registered blind in the UK but has a little vision) towards the end of the month. I am sure we would both be happy to help out if we are there at the right time.

[disneyfan328]

I wish I was going to be there as I would be more tha happy to lead you around the happies place on earth. I am sure that all of the info from the PP's will help so good luck regardless and have a wonderful trip. Your positive outlook in the face of adversity is a great testament to you as a person - Have a fantastic trip!!

[debandbub]

Megan, we are also going in November, and we're also from Rochester! We're a child-free couple, so we've got no kids to worry about keeping out late. Let me know what you need, and I'll try to help you out. When will you be there?

[Turk82]

Wow, thanks everyone for writing..sorry I'm so slow to get back to you all! I will be at WDW from Nov 12-14, then cruising on the Disney Magic from the 15-22, then back at Disney the 22-23. I am so impressed with y'alls willingness to be so helpful, makes me feel special or something! I am going to be leaving for California on MONDAY to get my precious new guide dog. I am so excited!

[ElenitaB]

Megan, congrats on the guide dog! I've heard of a few being brought on the Magic as part of their training. Wouldn't it be cool if yours was one of them? Sorry we won't be going until December... I would have loved to meet up with you and hang out. Of course, we would have had to avoid me running you over with my ECV (just joking).

[Turk82]

I just got my sweet baby girl yesterday!!! My guide dog puppy was born on December 14th, 2006. She is a little yellow lab weighing in at 57 pounds and is nearly 22 inches tall. My little princess' name is Jolene.

She is such a sweet girl...just maybe a bit too much of a princess...(mixed with a firecracker!!) ...I guess they did a good job matching my personality!!! :-)