would it be out of the question for a CM to walk me from guest relations to the bus stop at epcot?

[disney world dreamer]

i'm visually impaired and its difficult to navigate in the dark especially when its a wide open area.

i'm going solo in april and i've planned to leave HS and MK prior to it getting dark but i love watching illuminations at epcot which for me of course is the most difficult park to navigate at night and will be hard to find the POP bus stop.

i will have my cane which i use just for identifying purposes and i will have a couple of small flash lights.

if i go to guest relations during the day and let them know my situation do you think they would allow me to come back right after illumminations and assist me to the POP bus stop?

or is this asking way too much?

i wish they had more assistance available for the visually impaired so that a service like this was already in place and i wouldn't have to wonder if they would do it for me or not.

i was thinking that if southwest airlines will have an employee assist the visually impaired through the airport then why not disney ya know?

i'm sure that even if specifically requesting this type of service is unreasonable that if i am lost and in the dark i can ask someone and they will help me but of course i'd rather not get into that situation to begin with if i can help it.

in fear of having to ask for help from a stranger and feel stressed out i've considered not staying to see illuminations but its really one of my absolute favorite things at WDW so its hard to give it up.

 

[SueM in MN]

My guess is that the answer would be no, but you never know without asking.
You could also try contacting the Special Needs a Department ahead of time.
Getting to the bus would be one part of the situation. Would you also need help getting from the bus stop to your room in the dark?
That might be as much of an issue

I also started wondering whether there are any way finding smartphone apps that might help. Here was one I found that might be useful:
Ariadne GPS by Giovanni Ciaffoni
https://appsto.re/us/GAHsA.i

 

[disney world dreamer]

My guess is that the answer would be no, but you never know without asking.
You could also try contacting the Special Needs a Department ahead of time.
Getting to the bus would be one part of the situation. Would you also need help getting from the bus stop to your room in the dark?
That might be as much of an issue

I also started wondering whether there are any way finding smartphone apps that might help. Here was one I found that might be useful:
Ariadne GPS by Giovanni Ciaffoni
https://appsto.re/us/GAHsA.i

i would not need help getting back to my room at POP since its well lit and i'm VERY familiar with it.

i don't think THAT specific gps app would be of assistance since it seems like its made for urban settings not walt disney world specifically.

there are a few gps apps for the disney world parks but only one i saw for MK has turn by turn "directions".
apps for the other parks just seem to show where you are and a line drawn to where you want to go.

i guess i'm not quite as concerned with getting myself to the bus area as i am getting in the correct bus stop line and at epcot the buses face you and the brightness of the headlights vs the darkness around me makes it hard for me to see where i'm walking.

 

[SueM in MN]

It's hard to tell from the description of the app, but it sounded like it could take you from a spot you marked previously back to that spot, which was why I thought it might be helpful. It also sounded like it works with the maps and GPS that are built into the iPhone, not with a separate map like the MK one sounds like it does.
If you can get to the bus area, there is usually a bus CM at the board that tells which bus is at which stop. That CM could probably get you to your stop or get another CM who could get you To your stop. Every time we are leaving, there have been multiple Transportation CMs in the area. You could try calling the transportation Service from your resort to find out if that would be an option for you.
I think that would be a higher likelihood of workng since the CM is already outside of the park and it would be a transportation CM assisting with transportation.

 

[nikkislaght]

could you take a more powerful flash light with you? we take out own glow sticks to wrap round the kids in the dark. maybe attach some glow sticks to the end of your cane too ?

 

[disney world dreamer]

i'm not sure if glow sticks would really light my way.

i was looking into a more powerful flashlight but most of them are larger than pocket size and i'd feel a little awkward not to mention it would be a pain to carry around a big flash light.

while i was looking i did come across hat flash lights.

you clip it on a baseball cap and they seem quite bright.
i'm more of a floppy hat kind of girl but i could certainly deal with a baseball cap when its dark to help me see better.

the only thing i'm concerned about with that is it might be in somebody's eyes. (although the ECV's have a head light that brighter than the hat light would be and that apparently doesn't bother people other than me so maybe the hat light wouldn't bother people so much).

here's a link to what i'm talking about:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Rothco-Rothco-11-LED-hands-Free-Light-for-Baseball-Cap/38080296

 

[kaytieeldr]

If you can get to the general bus area, there should be CMs as you approach - either standing out, or in an office with a huge window. There are plenty of lights.

 

[gismo1554]

i'm not sure if glow sticks would really light my way.

i was looking into a more powerful flashlight but most of them are larger than pocket size and i'd feel a little awkward not to mention it would be a pain to carry around a big flash light.

while i was looking i did come across hat flash lights.

you clip it on a baseball cap and they seem quite bright.
i'm more of a floppy hat kind of girl but i could certainly deal with a baseball cap when its dark to help me see better.

the only thing i'm concerned about with that is it might be in somebody's eyes. (although the ECV's have a head light that brighter than the hat light would be and that apparently doesn't bother people other than me so maybe the hat light wouldn't bother people so much) .

Hi

I have similar issues and I use a Magnalite Mini as I find them very bright and a nice weight and size. Also just as an additional, there are some rides that have very dark entrance ways. On Living Seas with Nemo I asked at the entrance and was escorted around to the back entrance so didn't have to go through the walk section and on Haunted Mansion I asked and they sent me around to a different entrance there too - although actually it still sent me through the dark loading area that I was trying to avoid but meant I avoided getting caught in the crowd as they come out of the shrinking room.

With everything I would definitely ask as you just never know. There is usually someone down near the bus stops in a high vis vest that will direct you to the stop number if you are not sure anyway. I used my torch where needed and on the most part had no problems (although a rude man did have a go at me in one area until I rudely back pointed out I was disabled and if he had a problem he could go get a Disney CM). I had no issue with the bus areas themselves and found them better lite than some of the areas in the park

 

[SueM in MN]

We have some of the hat lights for walking our dogs and I don't exactly like them on hats because they are heavy. Most can be clipped somewhere else; we actually clip one on our dog's collar. Because of how they are 'bent' to fit on a hat, most work best clipped to something rounded.
Besides the hat lights, there are other types that might be helpful.
as gismo mentioned, the Maglight minis are very small, but also very bright. I also agree that the path getting to the bus area in general is pretty bright, so your biggest issue may be just finding the bus.

We've also had flexible lights like this:
http://www.amazon.com/MyLight-HL000...d=1424787363&sr=8-1&keywords=Hands+free+light

there are many kinds on Amazon. Most are designed for around the neck, but because they are flexible, they can soldo be put in other places. You can find others by searching for Flexible Work Light, Snake Light, Hands Free Light or Clip Light.

This is another that can be worn multiple ways - around the neck, clipped to something like a belt, etc.
http://www.amazon.com/NekLight-9944...d=1424787363&sr=8-9&keywords=Hands+free+light

We also have these - they are small, have a carabiner to clip to things and they recharge by cranking them, so you don't have to worry about running out of power.
http://www.amazon.com/Energizer-Wea...d=1424787980&sr=8-1&keywords=Crank+flashlight

You might also want to look at bicycle lights - those can attach to round things and you may find one that you can attach directly to your cane.

 

[rjthkids]

My oldest dd is blind and we have likewise had the opportunity to watch a variety of techniques of blind/visually impaired adult travelers to see what has worked/not worked for them. Are you involved in the NFB or ACB? I know a ton of adults in those organizations that are experienced disney travelers ( & the NFB has hosted their national convention in orlando and it is going to be in orlando this year as well) and would be able to give you very extensive practical advice in traveling solo to Disney as an adult. They will also probably have the best reviews for specific gps software; their functionality and how well they work at the parks. Are you a member of any of their email listservs? The NFB also has a travel specific section and email listserv. If you contact the travel and tourism division not only do I know they will be thrilled to help you, but I know the president has traveled to Disney and owns a travel agency that focuses on disability travel.

The last time we were at Disney and came across two blind adults traveling solo to Disney, they both relied (successfully it appeared) on asking other guests at the parks for a point in the right direction or temporary escort from Point A to Point B.

I hope you have a great time!

 

[disney world dreamer]

My oldest dd is blind and we have likewise had the opportunity to watch a variety of techniques of blind/visually impaired adult travelers to see what has worked/not worked for them. Are you involved in the NFB or ACB? I know a ton of adults in those organizations that are experienced disney travelers ( & the NFB has hosted their national convention in orlando and it is going to be in orlando this year as well) and would be able to give you very extensive practical advice in traveling solo to Disney as an adult. They will also probably have the best reviews for specific gps software; their functionality and how well they work at the parks. Are you a member of any of their email listservs? The NFB also has a travel specific section and email listserv. If you contact the travel and tourism division not only do I know they will be thrilled to help you, but I know the president has traveled to Disney and owns a travel agency that focuses on disability travel.

The last time we were at Disney and came across two blind adults traveling solo to Disney, they both relied (successfully it appeared) on asking other guests at the parks for a point in the right direction or temporary escort from Point A to Point B.

I hope you have a great time!

i'm not a member of those organizations.
its probably because western new york has several organizations itself that i've been involved with since birth like the commission for the blind and visually handicapped, the olmsted center for sight, and attached to that the statler center.
the best place for me to contact out of those places would be the olmsted center but they only do mobility training exercises in the specific location you want to venture into and obviously they aren't going to disney world with me and they no nothing about disney world so i don't expect they could give me many tips for my specific situation.

i will have a look at the website of the organization you said has lots of disney travelers and try to email them about my situation and see what tips they can give me.

 

[bookgirl]

Would taking a cab back for that one evening be easier than navigating the bus areas?

 

[kaytieeldr]

Would taking a cab back for that one evening be easier than navigating the bus areas?

Maybe a teeny tiny bit easier. The cab stand at Epcot is in the center of the first bus loop.

i was thinking that if southwest airlines will have an employee assist the visually impaired through the airport then why not disney ya know?

While arranged through passenger-to-airline contact, this service is actually provided by the airlines. The terminals are a set area, unlike needing an escort from a point in a park to some point outside the park.

 

[aaarcher86]

If you can get to the general bus area, there should be CMs as you approach - either standing out, or in an office with a huge window. There are plenty of lights.

I was going to say the same thing.

There are CMs all over the bus area and usually one by the sign that shows what bus goes to what number. I don't think they could leave their post, but they could definitely assist.

 

[disney david]

Another option is to talk to disney security at bag check as you exit. They have the ability to escort guest to their car if they don't feel safe so they should be able to help you to the bus stop or at least get you someone to help you. Not saying guest relations won't but they might not be able to leave their post so you will have to wait for them to get you someone also as other said their drivers by the bus stops and the info Booths. They will be more then happy to help you to your bus stop.

Or as you exit ask a cm their they will be able to help you or get you someone to help you. Guest relations on the outside is in the way to the bus stops so if you make it their your half way their your better off keeping on the path getting to the sign and asking one of the drivers for help. It also give the drivers a good chance to recurit more guest for their new marvel bus leagues. And to get the latest bus driver rumors and happenings at wdw they know what coming before Bob iger dose. Joking aside well maybe bad jokes sorry disney will help when they can and if a cm can leave their post they will or they will get someone to help you. The buses are the best at wdw so your in good hands they won't let you get hurt getting to the bus.

 

[disney world dreamer]

Hi

I have similar issues and I use a Magnalite Mini as I find them very bright and a nice weight and size. Also just as an additional, there are some rides that have very dark entrance ways. On Living Seas with Nemo I asked at the entrance and was escorted around to the back entrance so didn't have to go through the walk section and on Haunted Mansion I asked and they sent me around to a different entrance there too - although actually it still sent me through the dark loading area that I was trying to avoid but meant I avoided getting caught in the crowd as they come out of the shrinking room.

With everything I would definitely ask as you just never know. There is usually someone down near the bus stops in a high vis vest that will direct you to the stop number if you are not sure anyway. I used my torch where needed and on the most part had no problems (although a rude man did have a go at me in one area until I rudely back pointed out I was disabled and if he had a problem he could go get a Disney CM). I had no issue with the bus areas themselves and found them better lite than some of the areas in the park

could you tell me the exact model of your flashlight?
maybe provide a link so i could look into buying one?

 

[kaytieeldr]

I couldn't find Magnalite, but I found two Maglite minis http://www.rei.com/CompareProduct/User

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I couldn't find Magnalite, but I found two Maglite minis http://www.rei.com/CompareProduct/User

I'm sure that poster meant Maglite, not Magnalite, flashlights.

 

[gismo1554]

I'm sure that poster meant Maglite, not Magnalite, flashlights.

I did sorry yes that's what I meant! I find them very good!

http://www.amazon.com/Maglite-M2A01...8&qid=1425238729&sr=8-1&keywords=maglite+mini

 

[TheRustyScupper]

My guess is that the answer would be no . . .

1) Correct.
2) This is an accident waiting-to-happen.
3) And, permanent-employment-for-lawyers.
4) Can you imagine the fake (OK, and maybe real) trips-and-falls.
5) The, since guided by a CM, the CM gets the blame and WDW a lawsuit.
.
.