[blindkid] Disney, Behind-the-Scenes Tours

[Peter Donahue]

Hello everyone,

    Another exciting service Disney offers to any park guest is their 
"Behind-the-Scenes Tours." If there's an attraction of particular interest 
you can contact them prior to your trip to arrange one of these tours 
particularly if it will benefit blind kids.

 One attraction at Epcot Center that comes to mind is "The Land." This is 
the pavilion where futuristic gardening methods are showcase. Normally one 
travels through a series of greenhouses in a boat to view such exhibits as 
tomato plants growing up-side-down and being supported arroponically. This 
would be more meaningful if a blind child or adult can physically examine 
the tomato plants and the structure that holds them in position and the 
touch the plant roots during the misting process. Likewise if blind people 
can be given the chance to touch the hydroponic gardening exhibits and other 
attractions throughout the Disney Parks on behind-the-scenes tours the 
experience could be unforgettable. I'm not sure if there are extra fees for 
these tours but you can find out by contacting the Disney Parks. Enjoy your 
time in the happiest place on Earth.

Peter Donahue


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "holly miller" <hollym12 at gmail.com>
To: "NFBnet Blind Kid Mailing List,(for parents of blind children)" 
<blindkid at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, December 18, 2009 9:57 AM
Subject: Re: [blindkid] Trip to Disney need tips


Fun!!!
I love Disney!
IMHO, this is the best website for planning a trip.
http://allears.net/pl/planning.htm
You will find out every last little detail, all the way down to menus for
the restaurants and maps of the hotels.


If you scroll down the left sidebar, there is a section on doing Disney with
special needs including VI.  Seems to be more from an adult point of view
though.

My main advice for doing Disney with any child is take your time.  Don't
feel like you have to do EVERYTHING.  Better to enjoy what you get to do
even if it means missing some things than doing every last inch of the parks
but being miserable.  Take breaks.  I always enjoy going back to the hotel
mid-day for a swim and/or nap and then re-storming the castle in the
evening.  Even though it's the happiest place on earth, being out of your
element can wear anybody down.  Be aware when your son (or yourself!) is
hitting maximum overload and don't be afraid to bail out.

Not sure if your son is still using a stroller at 3 1/2 but if not, don't be
afraid to use one for the trip!  They rent them there though it's probably
easier to pick up a cheap umbrella stroller.  A not-tired kid is a happy kid
and there is a lot of walking to do.

Bring small snacks into the park.  Yes, it's allowed.  Even though there is
food all over the place, it's expensive and sometimes the lines are long.
Another rule is a not-hungry kid is a happy kid.  There is a lot to be said
for being able to immediately boost the blood sugar!

Have a great trip!
Holly
aka Hank's mom

On Fri, Dec 18, 2009 at 10:26 AM, Susan Harper <
sueharper at firstchurchgriswold.org> wrote:

> Hi All,'
>     We are going to Disney and Florida for three weeks, leaving on 
> Chrismas
> Eve in our RV.  So Excited!
>
>     Are there any tips that any of you have for negotiating with a blind
> child and things that were more interesting than others.  I want to take
> full advantage of this family adventure.  My son is 3 1/2.
>
> Merry Christmas and Blessings,
> Sue H.
> ____________
>
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