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  • On Apr 9, 2012
    Dawn from MO Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hi - I have a 16 yr old son who is physically disabled and uses a wheelchair but loves to swim and is pretty good too. My question is which of the two waterparks are more accomodating for wheelchair guests (attractions without stairs) at WDW. thanks

    Hi Dawn! This is a tough question to rate and decide which water park might be more fun for your son.  Certainly Typhoon Lagoon tends to appeal to the teenagers with the fast slides and surfing and sharks.  But Blizzard Beach would be my choice in general and also for a fun day for your son.



    There is a large wave pool where he can get as daring and brave as he wants with the waves coming at you in different degrees depending on where you are. Typhoon Lagoon has a large wave pool in that park so you will find some of the great things duplicated but themed differently. The big draw in the water parks is the Lazy River (Typhoon Lagoon has one as well) which is huge and goes around the entire park making this the best way to take a restful break but still enjoy the water. A huge added plus for Blizzard Beach is the Mt Gushmore chairlift. There are special gondola cars that are equipped to take wheelchairs up to the top to enjoy those thrill rides. You will need to transfer to a water wheelchair as the only way down is via the slide or stairs! Enter to the right of the main queue and ask a cast member to assist you to transfer to a water wheelchair. Both parks have lots of stairs to navigate and you can't avoid them by going to one park over the other unfortunately.



    Make sure you take plenty of sun screen and apply often. Another great tip is to take a covering of some sort for the wheel chair as the seat will become quite hot when in the sun. A great resource for you is worth buying in the bookstore and it is called the PassPorter's Open Mouse for Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line by Deb Wills and Debra Martin Koma.  This is the ultimate resource book for those with special needs and challenges.



    Both parks will have water wheelchairs available so check on these as you enter the parks. It is good to use these as the water can wreck havoc with the mechanisms of a regular chair.

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Meet the Panelist: Kay, Indiana

Hello Adventurers and travelers! I am Kay and a past Adventures By Disney mom for the panel. But now I am excited to share vacation planning tips for those heading out for an incredible vacation to Walt Disney World. Learn More About Kay

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