Disney World and Disabilities

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Posted by Lisa | Posted in General Travel | Posted on 09-12-2009

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Even if you are confined to a wheelchair or on crutches, you can still enjoy Disneyworld. If you are on crutches, you should consider renting a Disneyland Scooter to get around the park. The rental fee is $35 per day, with a $20 deposit. A valid driver’s license is required, and you must be eighteen years old or older. 

You can also choose to rent a wheelchair, which is not electronic. The rental fee for a wheelchair is $8 per day, with a $20 deposit. You do not have to rent your wheelchair or Scooter from Disney World. You can choose to rent the apparatus from a private company, and have the wheelchair or scooter delivered to your hotel room. You may find that it is cheaper to rent from a private company, as opposed to renting from Disney World.

All of the restaurants and shops are wheelchair accessible, as are the entertainment areas. When it comes to wheelchairs, your problem will be accessing some of the rides. Some rides are not appropriate for people who are in wheelchairs, while others are perfectly suitable. For instance, you will not be able to enjoy Donald’s Boat, Sailing Ship, or Tarzan’s Tree house. 

However, there are many attractions that you can enjoy, such as The Disney Gallery, Disneyland Monorail, the Disneyworld Railroad, the Tiki Room, The Golden Horseshoe, It’s A Small World, Mark Twain Riverboat, and Tom Sawyer Island. Some attractions will require you to be transferred from your wheelchair, such as Alice in Wonderland, Indiana Jones, and the King Arthur Carrousel. 

Cast members and service personnel will be happy to help with Guest wheelchair transfers, and if you should lose a wheelchair or scooter that you’ve rented from Disneyland, simply show the ticket for the wheelchair or scooter, and Disneyland will happily supply you with another one. However, if you lose a wheelchair or scooter that was rented from an outside company, Disneyland will not be able to help you replace it, and you may have to pay the rental company the full value of the chair. This is something to consider when you are trying to decide whether to rent from Disney World or a private company.

Whether you can enjoy a ride in your wheelchair, or you must be transferred from your wheelchair to the ride, you can actually enjoy most of the rides at Disneyworld. Do not allow the fact that you can’t walk around the park keep you from planning a Disneyland Vacation. Again, Disneyland was designed with everyone in mind!

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Isle of Wight adventure for school kids

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Posted by Lisa | Posted in Family Vacations | Posted on 01-12-2009

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Next summer as part of the classes ongoing work, I will be accompanying a group of teachers and kids to the Isle of Wight. I am assured that I have visited the island before, although I have no recollection myself.

It is going to be a special visit for us to the island, especially for my little girl, who as yet, has not experienced travel on a large vessel. Nearly all of the children in her class are the same, and have only seen the boats in pictures or on the tv. We will start the journey at Portsmouth and cross over the channel to Ryde pier on the ferry to Isle of Wight. It is probable that we will cross the Solent on one of the new Catamarans that are being used by the ferry company. I was quite excited by the prospect of the crossing as the vessels eat up the distance swiftly in about 12 minutes pier to pier.

Another big first for me will be acting as a helper for a group of kids belonging to someone else. Managing your own kids is one task, but it is nothing compared to looking after a bigger group. Our stay is for 3 nights, and we are hoping to visit some of the many attractions that are available on the island. Some of the places that have been recommended for us to visit during the stay include:

1. Dinosaurisle

Dinosaurisle is a purpose built interactive museum that was built in 2001 on the site of the old Museum of Isle of Wight, which housed the island’s geology and fossil collection. The new site resembles a giant pterodactyl in flight and was designed by a local architect by the name of Rainey Petri. They have fossils dating from the Ice Age all the way back to the Cretaceous period when the Earth was still dominated by the dinosaurs who are represented by life sized electrical models. You can find lots of excellent guided tours and many things to excite and stimulate the children.

2. Steam railway

Sadly most of the line was closed by 1966 having covered nearly 54 miles of island territory. What is left of the original line is now maintained by a volunteer group, who have been in place since 1971. Some of the oldest of the trains date back to 1876 when Queen Victoria was still on the throne. Full trip return tickets normally allow unlimited amounts of travel on the day that the tickei is issued to you (subject to their availability).

3. Sandown

Sandown looks an interesting place to visit, with its lovely bay and sheltered golden sands. Walking on the wide promenade is a very nice experience, created during the reign of Queen Victoria over a century ago. Here stands one of the last remaining piers of the latter part of Queen Victoria’s reign, which allows you some wonderful views out over the bay. There is an indoor swimming pool and a pitch and putt course, tennis facilities and plenty of shops and restaurants.

4. Bestival

Although Bestival is a fun packed fantastic adventure, I don’t think they are quite old enough for that yet, and unfortunately the teachers won’t let me slip off to experience it again for myself!

Western rural Andalusia Spain

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Posted by Lisa | Posted in General Travel | Posted on 01-12-2009

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Andalucia is probably one of Spain’s most sundry areas with its mountainous regions leading down to the Costa del Sol, Costa Tropical, Costa de Almeria and to the far west neighboring Portugal, the pretty Costa de la Luz.  It is excellent for a holiday in winter as well as summer as there’s skiing in the Sierra Nevada.

An Andalucia vacation has much to supply from its countrywide Parks to a trip to Jerez for some sherry tasting.  Also not to be missed are a day out to the fantastic town of Granada with its Alhambra Palace, Jaen or similarly Cordoba which also has much Moorish history.

The white towns ( pueblos blancos ) named thanks to the Moorish practice of whitewashing the buildings are a glance back in time to traditional Spain.  Towns such as Ronda, Gaucin and Jimena de la Frontera to name just a few.

Inland, rural Andalusia has three excellent cities to explore, namely Cordoba, Granada and the capital of the region – Seville.  In addition to these historic cities with their Moorish past, there are many conventional and quaint whitewashed villages to visit, as well as nature reserves or simply walking or hiking in the scenic countryside.

Western rural Andalusia is home to the excellent town of Ronda.  It has got a impressive setting being located on a massive outcrop of rock.  It is also renowned for its bullring, which is the oldest in the country.  The Punte Nuevo – ‘the New Bridge’ spans the gorge and links the old part of Ronda with the new.  This part of Andalusia is also home to the whitewashed hamlets – pueblos blancos – of Gaucin, Jimena de la Frontera as well as pretty towns and villages such as Alhaurin el Grande, Alhaurin de la Torre and Coin.  Also in this area near the town of El Chorro is the geographical wonder of the Garganta del Chorro, a massive natural chasm in the limestone mountain.  The national park of El Torcal is also favored by hikers, hikers and nature lovers.

In the east of the Malaga region Antequera is a busy market town inside reach of Malaga for a short break.  It is a more conventional town and is well known for manufacturing olive oil.  It is feasible to walk round the walls of the 13th century hilltop castle from where there are wonderful breathtaking views over the encompassing area.

Some of the smaller rustic hamlets in this area are Villanueva de la Concepcion, Alcaucin and the pretty white hamlet of Competa.  Here and in similar villages you will find a treasure house of culture and a taste of real Spain.  We have many vacation fincas and cortijos to lease as well as interesting hamlet houses all set in agricultural andalucian locations, yet the sea in most cases is inside an hours drive.  If you are looking for a vacation rental to escape from it all, then this is the area of choice.

Where do you want to travel in the world? For an idea of where to go on your next vacation, visit famouswonders.com. While you are on the site, also take a look at places to see in Spain.

The winter break perfect for everyone

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Posted by Lisa | Posted in General Travel | Posted on 01-12-2009

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If you’re looking for an action-packed holiday, hit the slopes this winter. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned pro or have never set foot (or ski) on snow before. Heading to the mountains is the perfect winter getaway whether you’re looking to book with friends, have a romantic retreat, or take the entire family along.

People of all ages love to ski and snowboard. Now is the perfect time to learn how to ski if you haven’t already. Don’t worry if you’re not in the best physical shape, as long as you’re reasonably fit you’ll be just fine! Cheap hotels across Europe make a winter break possible. Book a couple of months in advance and you will be sure to find a great deal. Rates on accommodation can be found for as little at £15 per night with a little research.

Group bookings are a great way to save money. Group rates are a great way to save on cheap hotels. You’ll have a ball on the slopes, and spending the après ski with all your mates will be just as fun. If you’re looking for something to do après ski, you can enjoy the resort’s night-time hotspots are just relax with your mates after a long day.

There is little more romantic then a few days of skiing in the mountains. The gorgeous snow-covered mountains are the epitome of a romantic setting. Spend the day making your way down the slopes together then head back for a couples après ski – a nice meal followed by a well-deserved soak in the hot tub.

Skiing is a great holiday that the entire family will enjoy. Enjoy a family breakfast before heading off in your own direction according to your experience. Then you can arrange to meet-up for a midday day meal, get some more time on the slopes in and then regroup for an evening of family fun. By mixing family time with skiing time, you’ll enjoy the memories you do make without wanting an individual holiday at the end of it. With various cheap hotels at skiing resorts across Europe, you’ll want to return to the slope again next year.

 

Enjoy the sun and sea on the French Riviera

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Posted by Lisa | Posted in General Travel | Posted on 01-12-2009

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Travel to the Cote d’Azur for a splendid holiday by the seaside. With its warm Mediterranean climate, it is a great Autumnal escape. Nicknamed the French Riviera, the Cote d’Azur is a top destination if you want to live the high-life, or at least appear to. This gorgeous destination is fit for a king, but can be experience on the budget of a pauper. With its fabulous seafood, splendid shopping and excellent nightlife you won’t worry for lack of things to do. With its various cafes and scenic landscapes, you’ll also enjoy just sitting back and taking in the great atmosphere.

The French Riviera is made up of several cities and towns along France’s Southern coast. If you want to see them all, it’s a good idea to base yourself in Nice as it offers a great railway service to other destinations. An array of cheap hotels also makes this a great place to stay. A walk down the historic Promenade des Anglais and you’ll understand what Nice is really about. From the sea stretching out on one side to the snow-capped peaks of the Alps on the other, it’s hard not to be impressed.

For a more luxurious break, head to Cannes. It truly is a playground for the rich and famous with its stylish designer shopping district and trendy nightclubs. Sun-worshippers will enjoy spending the day soaking up the sun on the beach and with lunch at one of the many cafes that stud the seaside. If you want to fit in with the locals, be sure you get dressed to the nines when you’re out in the evening. You’ll be able to find a wide range of cheap hotels if you visit in the shoulder or off season.

Visit Menton if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly getaway. Since it once belonged to Genoa, you’ll be able to see a strong Italian influence in this small town. Tourists love its charming cobbled streets and medieval architecture. Holiday-goers will enjoy the town’s shops, gardens and museums. If you’re going to be travelling between the French and Italian coasts, Menton has several cheap hotels, making it a great base.