Best dates to visit in 2012 for handicapped

by Linda

We will be in Orlando 12/9/12 thru 12/23/12. Which are the best dates to attend? My husband may need a wheelchair....what do we need to do?

We have 2 mini doxies that are 'companion animals', as assigned by our doctor for my husband's mental health. Per Federal law. we should be able to take them. We don't know how Disney World deals with this issue. If Disney World will not allow them, is there a place we can board them for the day?

If you could reply, I would appreciate it.

We are SW Florida permanent Residents.
The even advertise on ...
Photo by Many Cats 4 Me

Dad's they'll take real good care of you Answer

Linda, I must say, you're on the ball planning a trip more than a year in advance - good for you! All your research will help you and your family to have the most magical vacation possible at Dad's favorite time of year at Walt Disney World - Christmas. Don't worry, the folks at Disney will help accommodate any special needs your family may have and the magic will extend all the way down to your companion animals.

First let's talk about wheelchairs and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) at Walt Disney World. You're in luck! They're everywhere and easily available to rent for $12-50 per day (plus a refundable deposit). There are wheelchair and ECV rentals alongside stroller rentals at each park, plus Downtown Disney and all the resort hotels. You can also arrange for a length of stay wheelchair rental ticket for only $10 per day.

Unfortunately, you won't be able to take the wheelchair with you between parks, but you can get a ticket so you don't have to pay a second time each day if you park hop or decide to take a break at your hotel for the afternoon. Aren't they nice?

If you bring your own wheelchair, you will of course be able to transfer from park to park, and to and from your hotel. All Walt Disney World buses are wheelchair accessible, as is the Monorail (except at the Magic Kingdom stop), and many of the watercraft are accessible as well. In addition, special rooms are available for the comfort of guests with disabilities - all the information you need is located here.

Next we should discuss companion animals. Trained service animals are welcome throughout Walt Disney World (including the parks, hotels, and transportation system), up to and including experiencing many of the attractions along with their owner. You can even access special back stage areas for service animal relief as required. More specific information can be found here.

Alternatively, your furry friends can spend the day in the lap of luxury being pampered at Best Friends Pet Care - a full service pet resort with grooming, activities, amenities and more. Seriously, you should see the photos of their facility - it's amazing! It's located across from Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort which is a little tricky to get to, but this is why Dad suggests having a car at Disney World!

Enough of the practicalities, let's get on to the FUN stuff! Let's talk about the PARKS!

Since you're going in over a year, Dad's crowd calendars are not yet updated to include your dates.

Wait, a minute ... Hold the phone ... Attention K-Mart Shoppers ... Now arriving on aisle 3 you'll find Dad's Brand Spankin' new 2012 December Disney World Crowd page.

Dad's Dad's December 2012 Disney World Crowd page

Right off the bat, I'm going to suggest you head over to Touringplans.com to get a subscription for the next year - it'll only cost a few bucks and the insight you'll get will be well worth it! Day by day (even hour by hour!) crowd projections for each park, touring plans to make the most of your time, and more!

Dad's Touringplans.com page

Now that the new calendar is out my Dad-ly wisdom (not a real word, I know) tells me to suggest visiting Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom as early in your trip as possible. The closer to Christmas, the worse the crowds.

Dad's Christmas at Walt Disney World Page

Ideally the weekdays during the first week of your trip should be considered prime visiting days. Either weekend will be crowded, but not as bad as December 20-23! Depending on where you stay and how many days you plan for the parks, you'll want to consider your specific plan of attack a little closer to your trip time. And don't forget to make any restaurant reservations you'd like 180 days in advance!

Dad's Bottom Line

Linda, the folks at Walt Disney World will take real good care of everyone in your party - you're going to have a blast! Family, Christmas, Walt Disney World - what could be better than that?

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