[blparent] Disney World

[Deborah Kent Stein]

I have been following this thread with intense interest and some concern. 
Many of us feel passionately about this issue, in one way or another, and as 
the discussion moves along we need to be careful and respectful of 
everyone's opinions and choices.  That said, I very much agree with 
Bridgit's post.  We went to Disneyland when my daughter was twelve.  Several 
times park officials told us that because of my blindness we could stand in 
a special short line.  To my daughter's dismay I explained repeatedly that I 
had no difficulty standing and that we would wait in line with everyone 
else.  Although my daughter was angry at me that day, she has come to 
appreciate why I made that choice.  She has mentioned the incident several 
times over the years as an example of how I try to live by what I believe. 
Our individual, moment to moment choices may or may not affect how the 
general public views us, but they matter in terms of what we model for our 
children.

Debbie

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bridgit Pollpeter" <bpollpeter at hotmail.com>
To: <blparent at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 11:13 PM
Subject: [blparent] Disney World


> Mary Jo,
>
> I'm so glad you brought this up. While I know this will open up a can of
> worms, and we will sadly never reach an agreement on this topic as a
> collective, I think it's important to address.
>
> I've never understood why, as a blind person, I can take, or in a few
> cases, be forced, to accept preferential treatment such as skipping to
> the beginning of a line.  As I always say, I just can't see, there's
> nothing wrong with my legs.  Why am I deserving of such treatment just
> because I happen to be disabled?  Which, by the way, is a term I hate.
> I choose to use differently able as I can do all the same things as
> sighted people, I just use different tools and methods at times.
>
> And I'd like to note that Mary Jo didn't say purchasing the fast pass
> for rides that any Disney guest can purchase is wrong, she only meant
> the passes specific to those with disabilities allowing them to use
> different entrances to rides and skipping to the front of lines is not a
> good decision.  It would be nice for list participants to read posts
> thoroughly and comment based on the context of a particular post.  This
> point was not debated in her post, yet replies use this as a part of an
> argument, which isn't fair since it was never stated as being wrong.
>
> As we all make the, "It's a personal decision," argument, I will say
> that for me, personally, I do not like feeling as though I'm "special"
> or less capable and therefore must skip to the front of a line, or
> whatever the issue is at hand.  Personally, I get sick and tired of
> being treated differently just because I'm blind, or having people think
> I'm amazing for doing everyday things, like standing and walking, just
> as other people do.
>
> This discussion addresses blindness only.  I wish people would
> understand the context of such post and not pull out arguments that
> bring other disabilities into the discussion.  Of course if a true
> physical condition keeps you from doing something like standing for
> extended periods, then you skip to the front of the line if it's an
> option.  No one is against this.  Blindness, itself though, is no reason
> to skip or take any preferential treatment.  And I don't believe
> blindness makes us slower or less able to navigate including at a theme
> park.
>
> I was sighted for 22 years, so I know what it's like to have vision as
> well.  Trust me, sighted people get just as confused and turned around
> at theme parks.  There's usually not a huge difference in the time it
> takes to navigate a space nonvisually from visually.  That we can't find
> things as quickly seems a flimsy argument and just an excuse to cut in a
> line with many other people who are just as eager to hop on a ride, and
> who are just as tired from walking about and standing in lines.
>
> Blindness is not a physical disability- we have nothing wrong
> physically; we are not impeded by the inability to use our physical
> being.  Blindness is just a sensory disability.
>
> I struggle with low blood pressure, and there are days when I can barely
> stand.  I understand the need to accept a seat, or a ride or not having
> to stand for long because I may be weak or dizzy, but when my BP is
> cooperating, I find no need to accept such treatment.
>
> I have to live my life the best I can making decisions leading me
> towards my goals and what brings me joy.  Every move I make can't be
> determined by what others think or might think.  However, it's important
> to me that we push to change the antiquated perceptions towards
> blindness that exist in abundance.  I'm a capable woman with good travel
> skills, competent in Braille and JAWS, which helped me to graduate
> university with honors, and very little assistance with a DSO,
> independently manage a home and family with my husband, who is also
> blind, participate in various  activities in our community as well as
> work, and yet I have random strangers see only my blindness, refusing to
> look beyond their perceptions, accepting this as truth.  Whether we like
> it or not, people do observe us and form opinions about blindness,
> usually negative in nature.
>
> It's not about judging or being condescending; it's about being as
> capable and independent as we can as people who are also blind.  I argue
> only my personal experience.  Having been sighted for 22 years, and only
> blind for 8, I know first-hand how little difference there is in
> accomplishing things when using proper tools and skills along with
> adopting a positive mindset to help problem solve when necessary.  I'm a
> totally blind person of average intelligence, so if I can do things, I'm
> pretty sure the average blind person can as well.
>
> Mary Jo's post is not a judgment on those who don't follow her actions;
> she, and I, simply want us blind people to live up to our full potential
> and realize we are the same as sighted people, we just can't see
> visually.  A part of this is doing what we can to change ideas and
> views.  We have a 70% unemployment rate among the blind; we are still
> fighting to raise our children on our own; students have to fight to
> learn Braille, and sadly only 10% of them are given this opportunity-
> why is this?  Because we are still viewed as less capable, and many of
> us cling to this perception too.  We not only have to demand equal
> rights, we have to live as equals.  This means not taking preferential
> treatment when it's not necessary.
>
> This went off in a completely different direction than I meant it too,
> but I get very passionate about this issue.  It's not about caring what
> others think, but doing things that demonstrate we are normal people who
> do normal things.  We're not discussing what type of cane to use, or if
> a service dog is better, or how to best pour liquid, or if talking
> devices should be used for tasks- these our matters of preference, but
> skipping to the front of a line for no reason other than your blind and
> people think any disability equates to physical fragility, this is not a
> preference, in my opinion, it's simply doing what's right.  I can stand;
> I have complete use of my feet and legs; why do I get to cut?  Others
> are in the same boat, they can just see.  I sincerely don't understand
> why we think it's okay, or necessary, to do something like this.
>
> Now for the fall out from this can of worms...
>
> Sincerely,
> Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter
> Read my blog for Live Well Nebraska.com at
> http://blogs.livewellnebraska.com/author/bpollpeter/
>
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:15:03 -0600
> From: "Veronica Smith" <madison_tewe at spinn.net>
> To: "'NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List'" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [blparent] meals and snacks
> Message-ID: <000601cc6801$862b6a70$92823f50$@net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> I love that as well, but like you, I wrap the whole nanner. Yum!
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org]
> On Behalf Of Pipi
> Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 8:52 AM
> To: NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [blparent] meals and snacks
>
> easy breakfast or snack.
> spread peanut butter on a whole wheat tortilla. then wrap a banana up in
> the
> shell. you can also slice the banana first if desired.
> Pipi
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Nikki" <daizies304 at comcast.net>
> To: "NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Saturday, August 27, 2011 2:34 PM
> Subject: Re: [blparent] meals and snacks
>
>
>>    well, both.
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Jo Elizabeth Pinto
>> Sent: Saturday, August 27, 2011 1:35 PM
>> To: NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List
>> Subject: Re: [blparent] meals and snacks
>>
>> Ideas for which?
>>
>> Jo Elizabeth
>>
>> "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself--nameless, unreasoning,
>
>> unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat
>> into advance."--Franklin D. Roosevelt
>>
>> --------------------------------------------------
>> From: "Nikki" <daizies304 at comcast.net>
>> Sent: Saturday, August 27, 2011 12:18 PM
>> To: <blparent at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: [blparent] meals and snacks
>>
>>>    Hi all.
>>> I know this is probably not the list to be talking about food, but it
>>> concerns kids.
>>> I?m wondering if any of you have any quick and easy ideas to share,
> that
>>> I could try?
>>> I?m not talking big and elaborate. Just simple.
>>> Thanks.
>>> _______________________________________________
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>
>>> blparent:
>>>
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/jopinto%40msn.
> com
>>>
>>
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>
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>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:07:31 -0700
> From: "Amanda Winkler" <awcactuscat1 at hotmail.com>
> To: "NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [blparent] Disney World
> Message-ID: <BLU156-ds6B31CE7789431C80A2A8D8D160 at phx.gbl>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> reply-type=response
>
> What are wish tripss?
>
> --------------------------------------------------
> From: "Leanne Merren" <leemer02 at gmail.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, August 30, 2011 7:21 PM
> To: "NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [blparent] Disney World
>
>> Hi Michael,
>> I have been there twice, both for wish trips for my kids.  Wish kids
>> get
>> to enter the rides and other attractions through the handicap and fast
>
>> pass entrances, so I know that there are separate entrances for people
>
>> with disabilities.  I would advise you to call guest services ahead of
>
>> time though and ask if you need a guest services card to use those
>> entrances. They are usually easy for me to navigate as they are ramps
> with
>> rails on the sides for most of them, so I don't think your wife would
> need
>> to go with you each time.  You might have to get someone's attention
> when
>> you get up there but I'm not sure.  Since my kids were given special
>> treatment we always got on everything quickly and without having to
> wait
>> much at all so it might be different in other cases.  I used a regular
>
>> folding cane but a telescoping one might be nice.  We'll be going
> again
>> this January so I will let you know if I notice any helpful
> information
>> for you.
>> Leanne
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "Michael Baldwin" <mbaldwin at gpcom.net>
>> To: "'NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List'" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Tuesday, August 30, 2011 8:01 PM
>> Subject: Re: [blparent] Disney World
>>
>>
>>> Not sure what benefits a GAC will offer a blind person. From what I
>>> can figure out, they are basically a card with instructions for a
>>> cast member for a  person who does not have a noticeable disability.
>>> Anyone blind get one of these and get any benefit from it?
>>>
>>> Michael
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org
>>> [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Neal Vestal
>>> Sent: Tuesday, August 30, 2011 16:41
>>> To: NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List
>>> Subject: Re: [blparent] Disney World
>>>
>>> Go to guest services on Day 1 and request a Guest Services Card. I
>>> would also suggest using a folding cane for the trip.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Aug 30, 2011, at 11:00 AM, "Michael Baldwin" <mbaldwin at gpcom.net>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hi,
>>>> I know some of you have been to DW on here, and we are planning a
>>>> trip for June 2012. My question isn't really parenting related,
>>>> because there will be 4 adults, and 3 kids, so the kids should not
>>>> create an issue for 1 blind dad.
>>>>
>>>> What is the best kind of cane to take. I was thinking the
>>>> telescoping
>>> kind.
>>>> Easy to collapse before getting on rides, and it will be small
>>>> enough I can just put it in the stroller with a kid if I don't feel
>>>> like using it at the time.
>>>>
>>>> if I am the only one who wants to go on a ride, will the Cast
>>>> Members assist, or will my wife need to go to help me get on, but
>>>> then she not get on herself.
>>>>
>>>> Other tips for a blind adult at DW?
>>>>
>>>> I know of the Braille maps and guides, but those don't interest me
>>>> much, unless I can get them ahead of time. I don't want to take time
>
>>>> away from the kids' play to read a guide.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks,
>>>> Michael
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> blparent mailing list
>>>> blparent at nfbnet.org
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>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>>> for
>>> blparent:
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/jnvestal%4
>>>> 0y
>>>> ahoo.com
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
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>>> blparent:
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>>> gpcom.n
>>> et
>>>
>>>
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>>> blparent:
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> il.com
>>
>>
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>>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:33:51 -0400
> From: jan wright <jan.wrightfamily5 at gmail.com>
> To: blparent <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: [blparent] thoughts about food
> Message-ID:
>
> <CAAGY-FVbppW9BGH--7745DvdWSFyAB3khDiWLZVe2=me-N5wCw at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>
> I like Bridgit's suggestions and think that they ring true for families
> with picky eaters. Sometimes, it is fun to shop at international markets
> so that you can see all of the fruits and vegetables available. Your
> child can say: "Hey Mommy, what is that, maybe that would be good." You
> buy it and find some way to fix it. We have found many favorites this
> way. Even talking about healthy food and/or playing games about food
> helps. When my children were young, I lived in a very small town and
> did not get out much. I felt closed in and wanted my children to be
> exposed to **something. So, each time we went to the store, we would
> pick something that we had never eaten and try it out. Sure, sometimes
> it was an eclair or bacon wrapped scallops. But, sometimes it was a new
> fruit or vegetable. Also, when/if you go to a restaurant, try eating
> different things and letting your child try different things. Encourage
> fruits and veggies before desserts in the buffet. I think that there are
> picture books out of different kinds of vegetables and fruits. You could
> read about them and that might spark your child's interest. Also, if you
> go to ethnic festivals, your child might be willing to try a new food.
> Sure, some are fried and sweetened, but some arent and it is about
> expanding your child's pallet. Try organic honey (but not with infants
> or tots under two) instead of sugars. i stay away from the artificial
> stuff and the fructos. i would rather do natural sugar. i had to learn
> the hard way to spice your food up, but without all the salt. Salt
> tastes good, but sometimes other spices such as garlic, turmeric, basil,
> oregano, cardamom and/or  thyme can add some flavor and you don't need
> to add as much salt. i am hoping that my baby won't be hooked on salty
> foods as i was. And, yes, we use seasalt when i cook, but you don't need
> to use nearly as much.
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:35:53 -0400
> From: jan wright <jan.wrightfamily5 at gmail.com>
> To: blparent <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: [blparent] knitting
> Message-ID:
>
> <CAAGY-FUk4Gu3te7Mp=NU+ypF_MyxwUR8LTkdo5d=32-5RaQ__w at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>
> Hi Erin,
> I wanted to respond to the knitting question.
> Yes, the NFB does have a crafters group and they talk about knitting
> lots. I am trying to knit a scarf and had to put it on hold. the concept
> is easiest if you have a loom, but i don't know if you can do a blanket
> with one. i have had to put it on hold, but will get back to it soon.
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 15:25:27 -0400
> From: "Mary Jo Hartle" <mjhartle23 at gmail.com>
> To: "'NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List'" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: "'Hartle, Jesse'" <JHartle at nfb.org>
> Subject: Re: [blparent] [blaring] Disney World
> Message-ID: <000f01cc68dc$e8886b10$b9994130$@com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> HI,
> I wanted to share some insights with the list on this topic.  My
> husband Jesse, who also is blind, and I have been to Disney World every
> year for the last six years.  WE love it and are big fans.  Of course
> our navigation of the park has improved some since we have been there a
> few times and learned the ropes of navigating it so to speak, but we've
> found each of the four parks to be fairly easy to map out and the
> accommodations offered to be quite useful.  I should also mention that
> it wasn't until about our third or fourth trip there that we went with
> anyone who was sighted and even then, we were leading them around for
> the most part since we had been there before.  Here are a few tips I
> would offer.
> We usually go in the off peak times as the parks are less crowded than
> during the summer months and the lines are not as long either.  We've
> been at different times of the year too, including peak times like
> spring break and Christmas, but the off-season times are definitely the
> best and still just as "magical". .  The rooms to stay at the Disney
> resorts or on Disney property are also less expensive and often Disney
> throws in the meal plan for free for resort guests during the off
> season.  So, basically you get to eat great meals at nearly every
> restaurant and counter top service in any of the parks and only have to
> pay the gratuities at the restaurants.  So,  your food is basically paid
> for which ends up being a huge savings.  Another advantage to staying on
> the property is the access to the buses that run to and from the
> property hotels to the main entrances of each of the main parks and
> Downtown Disney(closer than you can get if you drive or if you take some
> kind of transportation outside of Disney property).  This is great for
> us since we can't drive ourselves there, and we don't need to pay for
> transportation to and from the park.  The routes getting from the bus
> drop offs to the park entrance gates are very easy to navigate and there
> are always a lot of cast members (Disney employees) or other people
> around to ask directions from if need be.
> I know one of the big perks a lot of people think about when it
> comes to being a blind person and going to Disney World is skipping the
> long lines.  I'll admit that this is a nice and tempting perk, , but one
> thing that Jesse and I have thought about is the kind of perception this
> gives the public about blind people.  For example, if we are willing to
> take a discount or take a pass to the front of the line, we are helping
> to perpetuate the public view that blind people are dependent and need
> to be cared for, or need special treatment, or that we cannot be
> independent.  I know that other blind people may feel like cutting to
> the front of a line isn't that big of a deal and you should use your
> blindness to get benefits when you can, or feel justified in taking some
> of these extra perks, but for the two of us, we'd like to just be seen
> as regular people who don't need any special favors.  This is not to say
> that we don't accept help or use some of the accessible services offered
> at places like the descriptive headsets, or that we don't have a cast
> member help us find things in a shop, but we try to minimize the
> free-bee or special privilege aspect of things. A lot of people think we
> are crazy when we say things like that we will wait in the regular line
> and don't want to cut to the front, but again, we are trying to just be
> normal and really don't need any special treatment.  The lines for
> getting on rides are pretty easy to navigate since you're basically only
> moving a few steps at a time and there are rails or chains along the
> side which you can follow with your cane as you make the switch backs
> through the line chutes so there really isn't any way you can get lost
> or go the wrong way when getting onto a ride.  We can also tell when
> people move up because our canes will feel the open space when they
> move, we hear them step forward, or because the people in front or
> behind us will let us know . So, there really is no physical reason that
> we as active, healthy people who just happen to be blind really need to
> go through a different line or skip the line all together.  I will say
> though that we've been directed a number of times to the disability
> entrance or to the fast pass line even though we weren't looking for it
> and while it's nice to get n the ride faster, we always feel a little
> guilty because the skip really isn't necessary.
> What generally happens if you get a guest card from the service
> counter when you arrive (we know b/c we had to get one one time when
> Jesse's mom was with us and in a scooter which couldn't go through the
> regular line) -----is that the guest pass allows you to go through a
> different way and basically cut the line.  Most of the time, this is the
> same line as the fast pass line which is offered to everyone and where
> you just get a time stamped ticket to go on the most popular rides.
> I'll explain fast passes in a few minutes as they are a really good tip.
> When you have one of those guest passes, you do get extra assistance
> with getting on the rides, but this is more designed for people with
> physical mobility issues who need to transfer from a wheelchair or a
> scooter.  We've found that the rides are easy to get on with the use of
> our cane and the attendants are always very helpful no matter which line
> we came through.  The only time we found we needed any real extra
> assistance was on the rides that have a moving track you have to step
> onto.  The only reason for this was that you jump on a little faster b/c
> the cart comes up and wisks you away, so with these, we dind't have as
> much time to find the place to stand with our cane and get lined up
> before the cart came so the attendants can help you move there quicker
> and get ready for the moving cart to come.  This is for rides like the
> Peter Pan one in Fantasy land, or the Nemo ride in Epcot or the Cali
> River Rapids ride in Animal Kingdom that have moving platforms for you
> to walk on when getting in the car or tram.  It is also interesting to
> note that if you use the guest pass card (which basically lets the cast
> member operating the ride know you have a disability), we found
> ourselves having to wait for a special car or train for the ride to go
> in, not just getting to cut in front of the other riders who were
> waiting in the regular line because you are put in the cue for a special
> car that is more accessible for those with mobility issues so you don't
> always get right on the ride as most think.  Sometimes when waiting in
> this line, it took just as long as if we'd stood in the regular line.
> As I said, we've had people direct us to this line without us knowing
> when we've gone by ourselves and we've also gone in this line with
> Jesse's mom because of some physical issues she has.  Again, we don't
> really feel that we need any special treatment by skipping the line.  If
> anyone needs to be allowed to skip the line, it's the family who is back
> there waiting with two small kids having a meltdown rather than us no
> less capable blind guys who are just doing it because we can.
> Whether or not you want to take some of the perks like cutting to the
> front of a line because of blindness is a personal decision, but keep in
> mind the kind of perception this gives to the public about the
> capabilities of blind people and whether or not it's really a necessity
> that you get help getting on at a different spot than the rest of the
> riders or makes that big of a difference in your ability to get on and
> off a ride. I also caution against doing something like this because we
> feel entitled as blind people so we deserve this kind of perk as again,
> it doesn't send a great message to the public about our capabilities as
> blind people to be independent.  So, just some food for thought which
> you can take or leave.
> NO one wants to wait in a long line, so here are some other
> alternatives you can try if you don't want to skip lines just because
> you are blind.  WE have found that going in the off peak times is great
> b/c the lines are so much shorter and the parks are easier to navigate
> because they are not as crowded.  The longest line we've ever stood in
> during the off peak time was a half hour which by Disney standards is
> great.  There is also an ap on the iphone that can tell you ride wait
> times too.  Even when we've gone through the line with the guest card or
> had a cast member put us at the front b/c we were blind, we still waited
> for about twenty to thirty mins. So it's about the same.
> I mentioned the fast passes above.  These are passes you get in
> the morning at each ride that print you a receipt telling you when to
> come back and ride that ride .  Then, when you come back, you skip the
> main line and go through the fast pass line which reduces your wait
> time.  Its best to get to the parks early and get these early so you can
> plan out your day and where you'll go and when, but they really help the
> ride waiting process. ,Another advantage to staying on property is that
> the parks offer extended hours at different parks each night.  This
> means that because you are staying at a Disney hotel, you can stay up to
> three hours at the parks either before the parks open or after they
> close at night depending on what that park offers for the days of your
> stay.  This cuts down the crowd size too so you are more able to walk on
> rides.  Also, if you are going on a ride that another member of your
> party isn't going on, they can still wait in line with you and then once
> you get on the ride, they can exit and meet you where you will get off.
> When we went last year, I was pregnant and unable to go on many of the
> rides, so I waited for Jesse and our friends (also
> blind) and became the designated cane holder.  But this allowed me still
> to hang out and chat in line with them during our trip.  Disney also has
> a ride swap deal for families which is great so if one parent goes on
> with a child, the other parent can wait with a child or other individual
> who can't go on the ride and then when the first person comes back, the
> second one can go without having to go back and wait in line again.
> Both Jesse and I use straight canes, so when we get on rides, we
> use our canes up until we get in the car or train for the ride and then
> hand our canes to the ride operator when he or she comes to check the
> seatbelts and lap bars.  They put our canes right on the wall so when we
> come back, they are right there to hand to us.  IN the cases where the
> ride ends up at a different place than it starts, they've sent the canes
> down so they are there when we get off the ride. For the most part, we
> haven't had any trouble with this, except one time they forgot to bring
> our canes down, so we had to wait a couple of minutes for them after we
> got off the ride.  A folding cane really could be useful though because
> then you wouldn't have to worry about where your cane was since it could
> collapse down.  We've been thinking we should start taking a folding
> cane with us to make this process a little easier and also to have a
> backup in case the straight cane breaks
> while on the trip.
>
> My last piece of advice for this novel has to do with navigating
> the park in general and the use of the descriptive headsets.  Both Jesse
> and I have really good travel skills.  WE both graduated from the
> Louisiana Center for the Blind, have traveled in lots of different
> environments, and are pretty good problem solvers.  I'm also a certified
> o and m specialist.  So, we are not afraid of getting out there and
> doing a little  discovery learning.  Yes, we've been turned around and
> disoriented at the parks, and had to have cast members or other people
> show us the way to things before, but we didn't feel like we couldn't go
> or needed a sighted person to go with us for us to have a successful
> trip.  We just learned to ask questions, pay attention for audio cues or
> land marks, and figured things out.  The parks really are pretty easy to
> navigate and people are usually very helpful, though asking a cast
> member at a food stand or ride for direction is always best b/c they
> really know the parks. One really great thing we discovered is the new
> descriptive headsets.  These are great and gave us so much information.
> We still had to know how to travel around ourselves, but the devices
> gave us info as we passed by things b/c they work on GPS.  WE would get
> info like what we were passing, if a rest room was close by,
> descriptions of decor at a ride, and a description of the scenery while
> on the ride so we would know what was happening.  For example, on the
> Pirates of the Caribbean ride, it describes the little scenes as you
> enter each room so even though we knew from the dialog or music of the
> ride that we were in a village, the description would point out how the
> figures were dressed or some of the actions and scenery.  It was so
> great because we really got more out of the ride.  It works on the rides
> much like a descriptive movie.  Each device has a menu option too which
> you can select which tells you what is around in each area or sub park
> of the Disney park such as Frontier land or Adventure land in Magic
> Kingdom.  This menu gives you a listing of all the eateries in that
> part, with description, all the rides, and all the shops. Then, as you
> pass by them, it will tell you the name.  Also, as you pass by
> something, you can select to hear a brief description of that attraction
> again.  We really enjoyed using these and found them pretty easy once we
> got the hang of it.  It really helped us map out our routes better too.
> You do have to pay a deposit when you get them, but you get it back when
> you return the device.  You get these from the customer service building
> at the front of the park.  Unfortunately you have to check out a new one
> at each park--Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, or Hollywood
> Studios, so if you are park hopping , or going to more than one park a
> day, you have to take time to return them and get new ones, but they are
> definitely worth it. Just be sure they set it for audio description and
> not amplified listening which is for people who have some hearing loss.
> This happened to us at Animal Kingdom and we couldn't switch it back b/c
> the cast members have to do that.  Apparently they see something that
> says audio and assume it's the right one b/c it's happened to others we
> know.  Once we were already up at the back of the park where we wanted
> to start when we realized this, and didn't have much time before the
> park closed, so we didn't take it back and change it.  By the way,
> another savvy Disney travel tip, start at the back of a park early b/c
> most people will go to the first ride they see in the front and work
> their way back, so you can beat some of the crowd and line rush this
> way.  Anyway, the descriptive devices are really neat and I highly
> recommend you use them.  I would also recommend bringing your own
> headphones as the ones that come with the devices are a little bulky and
> you will be wearing them as you walk around and go on rides, so you
> still want to be able to carry other things and hear out one ear while
> you're traveling.  The devices look like a stream or old walkman and
> have a lanyard so you can wear them around your neck or shoulder.
> So, there you have it.  These are some of my tips we've learned
> as a blind couple navigating Disney World, for what it's worth.  We love
> it and will continue to go for years to come I'm sure.  Its definitely
> possible to get around as a blind person there too if you have good
> travel skills and a sense of adventure to learn your way around.  Please
> feel free to email me for more info or with any questions.  Also, Pam
> and Roland Allen, a blind couple from Louisiana,  go almost every year
> too  so if you know them, you should talk to them too. Feel free to
> email me if you have other questions
> for me about this.
> Thanks.
> Mary JO Hartle
>
>
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