[Blindtlk] Going to Cedar Point on August 23

[Mike Freeman]

I largely agree with Kendra. However, each amusement park has its own
challenges, common usage and advantages.

For example, I can assure Kendra and everyone else that navigating
Disneyland is surprisingly easy, even if one does not take advantage of the
audio aids provided for blind and visually impaired patrons (back in 1985
and again in 1996, I went to Disneyland, the first time alone and, back
then, one was handed a cassette player with the layout of the park and
interesting facts about the rides; it's probably something digital now).

Also, with respect to canes, for the most part, I handed the cane to a ride
operator. However, on the Matterhorn, the operators *insisted* that I keep
the cane with me, strapped into the seat along with me. Presumably, this was
to assist me if the coaster got stuck.

I couldn't believe how courteous Disneyland personnel were. The only thing I
wished I'd had was a 36oz beer while waiting for "Small world" for the
umpteenth time with my daughter!

Mike Freeman


-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Kendra.
Schaber via blindtlk
Sent: Sunday, August 10, 2014 3:09 AM
To: trising at sbcglobal.net; Blind Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Going to Cedar Point on August 23

Hi all! 
I have navagated a local immusement park called Oaks Park with other blind
people and have navagated my favorite ride, The Screaming Eagle by myself. I
am no expert but I can give some advise here. I am also a big fan of the
wild rides. The last time I went to Oaks Park, I road The Screaming Eagle 13
times and around half of them, I was by myself. Yes, amusement parks can be
crazy. I wouldn't want to explore Disneyland or Disneyworld by myself
because I wouldn't want to get lost. I would want to ride the rides. Knowing
the size of the park before you get there is a must for this reason. Next,
know the wildest rides, the ticket stands and the ride closest to the
bathroom's locations because they are important and can make great
landmarks. Learn how to identify a ride by sound because you can often find
the best rides that way. At Oaks Park, the Screaming Eagle is a great
landmark because you hear a lot of screaming and loud up beat music. I often
recamend it as a good meeting 
 spot. Ask questions and a voluntary wing if you get lost. Otherwise, follow
the sounds of the ride of interest. As for lines, feel free to ask where it
is, where the end is and is this the end? Use a combination of techniques to
get through it since each ride is a bit different even with the line. The
two best are following the chine that guides the line and follow it until
you bump a hand. The other is a volluntary wing is a good option when there
isn't a good line chine or rope or whenever it gets crazy and no other
option is good for the awesome rolarcoasters. The cane on back of shoe
method is O.K. but not the best at ammusement parks. Always listen to ride
announcements because they often tell you the rules of the ride. Always take
your cane in the line to help with getting through it faster. When you do
finally get up to the ride, ask the staff if they can hold onto your
belongings or where to set them and any other assistance that you need for
getting on and off the r
 ide. I hope this helps!!!! I hope that you get as much enjoyment as
possable!!! 
Kendra 


Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 8, 2014, at 5:23 PM, trising--- via blindtlk <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
wrote:
> 
> Hello Federation Family:
> 
>     Can someone who is blind and has successfully navigated an amusement
park email me? My husband and I are totally blind. We 
> adore roller coasters.  I have an opportunity to take a trip to Cedar
Point in a couple of weeks. My husband is unable to attend. I 
> would like to talk to other blind people who have successfully navigated
through amusement parks without relying on a sighted friend 
> to go with them to the rides. When I have been to the park, it sounds
pretty chaotic, but I want to reassure the drivers that I am 
> riding with that they will not have to take me around the park. I have
already been asked if I will bring an escort. Since I do not 
> have an escort, I am determined to do this alone. I want to spend most of
my time riding coasters, not getting lost and wishing I 
> was on coasters. If anyone has any ideas or expertise for me, please email
on or off list.
> 
> Sincerely,
> Terri Wilcox 
> 
> 
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