We had been eagerly anticipating this trip, particularly because it was a special occasion for us to spend quality time together and create lasting memories. However, our excitement quickly turned into frustration and sadness due to the treatment we received from one of your guest services representatives, Lou.
Despite prior communication with the park via email, where we were assured that bringing in a wagon for our disabled daughter would not be a problem, Lou gave us an incredibly hard time at the entrance. We tried to present him with the necessary paperwork regarding our daughter's diagnosis and the emails confirming our arrangement, but he adamantly refused to listen and insisted that we were not permitted to bring the wagon inside.
His solution of offering us a free stroller was not only impractical but also insensitive to our daughter's needs. As we attempted to explain that she wouldn't fit in a standard stroller due to her height and leg braces, Lou remained dismissive and unyielding.
After entering the park, we approached the stroller area to explore alternative options, only to find that the provided stroller was completely inadequate for our daughter's needs, as we stated, and as clearly depicted in the attached photo. The response from the staff member in the stroller area was equally disheartening, as she seemed to trivialize our concerns.
At this point, my wife was on the verge of tears, feeling utterly defeated and contemplating the possibility of canceling our trip altogether. It was only after requesting to speak with a supervisor that we were finally connected with Ansley, who demonstrated empathy and understanding towards our situation.
Ansley promptly directed us to guest relations (something I am now aware Lou knew he could do, but refused), where we met Rocky. Upon seeing our daughter's leg braces worn for cerebral palsy and understanding her mobility requirements along with her BDP diagnosis, Rocky immediately acknowledged the necessity of the wagon for her to navigate comfortably throughout the park. We were relieved to finally receive our park pass for the wagon and proceed with our visit.
However, despite the issue being eventually resolved, the damage had already been done. Our family endured approximately two hours of distress and several dismissive interactions, particularly from Lou. Consequently, our overall experience at the park was far from enjoyable, and the memory of this ordeal continues to linger, leaving a bitter taste in our mouths even over a month later.
I understand that you likely receive feedback of this nature on a regular basis, and it may be tempting to dismiss it as standard procedure. However, I felt it was important to convey to you the profound disappointment and frustration that my family and I experienced during our visit. We hold Disneyworld in high regard and had expected a more accommodating and compassionate approach to addressing our daughter's needs on her very first visit.
I must emphasize that our experience contradicted Disney's claim of being "the most wonderful place on earth." As a parent, I had hoped that families with disabled children would be treated with the utmost respect and compassion, yet our ordeal left us feeling marginalized and disheartened. Considering the significant financial investment required to take a trip to Disneyworld, we expected a level of service and accommodation that aligned with the cost of our visit.
I trust that you will take our feedback seriously and endeavor to implement changes that ensure all guests, regardless of their abilities, can truly experience the magic of Disneyworld.
Update - Disney's Pitiful canned (probably automated) Response below (SEE PIC). Once again, no apology, empathy, or sincerity.
NEVER AGAIN.....