I never noticed, not being handicapped myself or having anyone like that in the family. But on vacation over winter break, my bro hurt his foot in Japan and was stuck in a wheelchair for most of vacation. Our tour stopped by DisneySea, and I was amazed at how well the park was built to accomodate those in wheelchairs.
I don't know if the parks in the US are similar, because I never noticed, but man I was amazed at DisneySea. There was always a ramp-ALWAYS. I don't think it's a law in Japan to make everything handicapped-accessible like it is in America. But they always had ramps and elevators, and you know how complex Disney makes their themeparks. Additionally, my brother recieved this card that allowed him to check in at a ride, then wander off and explore until the current wait time for when he checked in was up. Then he could return to the ride and board with no waiting time. This made it a lot easier for him to get around the park, since wheelchairs are already much, much slower and more inconvenient than walking.
Nor did we have to ask for these services either. Disney employees would see us standing in line and offer my brother and our family the same service. I was especially amazed when, before the closing fireworks, a Disney employee asked if we would like to be ushered to a wheelchair-only viewing area. It was obvious that this area was built for that specific need in mind, because even the fences had hinges that allowed the top to fold down to eye-level of a person in a wheelchair.
Anyhow, I just wanted to let you all know that Disney seems to take great thought with its handicapped visitors - much more so than I have ever seen at any similar facility. I'm not saying that Disney is able to completely make up for somebody's disabilities, but they tried their best to give my brother a good time and it definitely made a difference.
I don't know if the parks in the US are similar, because I never noticed, but man I was amazed at DisneySea. There was always a ramp-ALWAYS. I don't think it's a law in Japan to make everything handicapped-accessible like it is in America. But they always had ramps and elevators, and you know how complex Disney makes their themeparks. Additionally, my brother recieved this card that allowed him to check in at a ride, then wander off and explore until the current wait time for when he checked in was up. Then he could return to the ride and board with no waiting time. This made it a lot easier for him to get around the park, since wheelchairs are already much, much slower and more inconvenient than walking.
Nor did we have to ask for these services either. Disney employees would see us standing in line and offer my brother and our family the same service. I was especially amazed when, before the closing fireworks, a Disney employee asked if we would like to be ushered to a wheelchair-only viewing area. It was obvious that this area was built for that specific need in mind, because even the fences had hinges that allowed the top to fold down to eye-level of a person in a wheelchair.
Anyhow, I just wanted to let you all know that Disney seems to take great thought with its handicapped visitors - much more so than I have ever seen at any similar facility. I'm not saying that Disney is able to completely make up for somebody's disabilities, but they tried their best to give my brother a good time and it definitely made a difference.