Orlando Vacation - Disney-MGM Studios with Special Needs
 Walt Disney World has long been synonymous with family vacations. The sights, sounds, smells, and of course the rides and shows, all combine to create a truly magical experience. But for families dealing with a special need, the excitement of planning may be tempered by real-world concerns. What if my child gets overheated? I am not able to stand and walk long distances. How will we cope with the crowds?
Fortunately, at Walt Disney World, all of these concerns and more are easily and seamlessly handled. From ride vehicle designs that are above and beyond ADA requirements, to the legendary Cast Member guest service training, the Walt Disney World resort strives to give every guest, regardless of disability, a magical and stress-free experience.
I have had the opportunity to experience this first-hand on many occasions. I am the primary caregiver for my now-disabled father. I was raised in the parks as a child, and we continue to visit several times a month. I have found that with a bit of knowledge and planning, Walt Disney World is one of the best vacation destinations in the world for those facing special challenges.
Disney-MGM Studios takes the guest inside the heart and soul of movie magic. From the heart-stopping thrills of the Tower of Terror to a trip down the Yellow Brick Road, the park offers the chance to go inside the most beloved films and television of all time.
The parking lot is just outside the front gates. With a disabled parking permit, guests can park just a short walk from the main entrance. However, should you require one, courtesy wheelchairs are available free of charge in the disabled parking area. These chairs are marked with flags and are permitted only between the parking lot and the Stroller and Wheelchair rental area just inside the main gates.
Upon entering the park, make Stroller and Wheelchair Rental your first stop, should you need to rent a wheelchair, ECV, or stroller. For a nominal charge, you get a full day’s rental. If you leave and return to the park, or decide to park-hop, simply return the chair. Then take your receipt to Stroller and Wheelchair Rental at the next park and you will receive a new chair for no additional charge.
After renting your wheelchair or ECV, proceed to Guest Relations. Disney offers an array of adaptive devices and special accommodations designed to fit any disability. Simply describe your disability and needed accommodations to the Guest Relations representative and he or she will provide you with the appropriate assistance.
Disney-MGM Studios is subdivided into several themed areas—Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard, Echo Lake, Streets of America,/Commissary Lane, Mickey Avenue, and the Animation Courtyard. The park is fairly compact, yet the streets and public areas are wide enough to easily accommodate wheelchairs and scooters. Most of the land is fairly flat, so pushing a wheelchair is not inordinately difficult—with the exception of the pathway to Fantasmic, which will be discussed later.
Hollywood Boulevard
The main street which brings guests from the gates into the heart of the park, Hollywood Boulevard is a somewhat fantastical representation of the best of 1930s Hollywood glamour. Shops, Streetmosphere characters, and such restaurants as the legendary Hollywood Brown Derby invite guests to return to that magical time and place. The street leads to the iconic Chinese Theater, which houses the Great Movie Ride. This ride is fully accessible through transfer.
Sunset Boulevard
Home of the thrills, the ever-popular Rock’n’Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror. Both rides are of note to guests with special needs. Other attractions here are fully accessible, though some special considerations apply to Fantasmic, the evening spectacular.
Rock’n’Roller Coaster is an indoor dark roller coaster with a loud Aerosmith soundtrack. Health restrictions apply. Also, due to the darkness and noise, it may be inappropriate for some guests. This is also the only upside-down roller coaster on Disney property, which should be taken into consideration.
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is considered one of the most intense attractions on Disney property. Board a service elevator for a one-way trip into the Twilight Zone. This attraction involves multiple drops down an elevator shaft, faster than the speed of gravity. This ride has health restrictions that should be noted. Additionally, people with claustrophobia or a fear of darkness or loud noises may want to avoid this attraction.
 Fantasmic takes place nightly in the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater. The show is extremely popular, and two hours prior to showtime is not too early to arrive on crowded days. There are two locations for disabled seating: the front and the back of the theater. Both have their pros and cons, but I have found the back to be much more convenient. The theater has stadium seating and restrooms and food stands are in the back. This means a long trek back and forth while you wait for the show to begin, and the ramps are steep, with tight turns. Sitting in the back allows easy access to food, restrooms, and if you are so inclined, the smoking area. It also allows you to exit the theater quickly once the show ends, and avoid the bulk of the crowd.
Much of the one to two hour wait will be spent standing on the sloping path to the back of the theater. The ropes are dropped incrementally, as showtime approaches, and the crowd inches forward. This can lead to fatigue for those pushing wheelchairs. I have found that it is most effective to allow the wheelchair to rest against the pusher’s legs, rather than setting the brakes, as every time a rope is dropped the crowd surges quickly.
*Tip* On busy days, Fantasmic is often presented twice. The first show draws a larger crowd, so plan to visit popular attractions during this time. Then see the second Fantasmic performance with a smaller crowd and lower wait time.
Echo Lake
All attractions in this area are accessible. Star Tours, a flight simulator, requires transfer to the ride vehicle and has health restrictions, although in my experience this is a relatively mild simulator. However, claustrophobia, darkness, and noise warnings apply.
Streets of America/Commissary Lane
In this backlot area, all attractions are accessible. The Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground is an excellent place to let the kids in your party burn off energy while you take a short rest.
Mickey Avenue
This area is home to the production facilities and backlot tour. All attractions are accessible (some through transfer). No particular issues exist for guests with special needs.
Animation Courtyard
All attractions in this area are accessible, and no particular issues exist.
Disney-MGM Studios is a newer park. It was designed with ADA guidelines in mind, and all queues and attractions are accessible to guests with disabilities. The friendly Cast Members, zany Streetmosphere characters, and easily accessible rides and shows make this park a definite must for all guests, regardless of disability. |
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