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Travel Agent Newsletter – August 2011

August 2011

 
 

 

THEME PARKS IN THE OFF-SEASON: AN EASIER TIME TO NAVIGATE
 
Summer is practically over, the lines are shorter, and it’s a great time to visit a theme park. For individuals with special needs, the off-season is a prime time to enjoy theme parks to the fullest, as small crowds equal easier navigation. 
 
Whereas in the past, even in the off-season, many individuals and families with children with special needs skipped theme park vacations because they didn’t feel comfortable with the facilities and services; today, there are many more options for them. Thanks to the American Disabilities Act in 1990, many theme parks around the country are more accessible than ever, and just as fun for individuals with special needs as they are for everyone else. In fact, the major parks such as Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Studios, etc. are very accessible.

Although many attractions do provide additional facilities and services for those with special needs, it’s very important for individuals and families to properly prepare and ask many questions to ensure they experience a pleasurable trip. Following are a few tips:

 
– Bring a doctor’s note or certificate of medical necessity. At some parks, it’s required to have this to acquire special assistance passes. Read More.
   
   

  

CITY OF HIGHLIGHT: ORLANDO, FLORIDA

Orlando is one of the world’s premier travel destinations. More than 50 million people visit the area every year as over 100 attractions lure visitors and keep them coming back for more. Although best known for its theme parks, Orlando also has a lot to offer in terms of museums, beaches, shopping, shows and unique events that make the city a great place to visit. Because Orlando brings visitors from all over the world of many backgrounds and abilities, many places in Orlando are accessible and welcoming to visitors with special needs.
Walt Disney World
The famous Disney World – including Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom – needs no introduction. What does need recognition is Disney World’s same impressive level of hospitality and services to guests with special needs as to every other guest who visits the parks. Guides for guests with disabilities and park guide maps are especially helpful to ensure that individuals with special needs enjoy a magical visit. Also available is a Guest Assistance Card (GAC) for guests with hidden disabilities which let the Disney cast members know of one’s disability. Guests should ask for it at the Guest Relations window. Many Disney attractions, restaurants, shops and shows are accessible to all guests. In some cases, guests may need to transfer from their wheelchairs onto an attraction vehicle. Individuals with disabilities get prime seats (first-come, first-served) on all parade routes, and some show areas have designated viewing places for guests with disabilities. Many of the transportation systems at the Disney parks are accessible to guests with disabilities. Read More.    

Interesting Fact: Orange County – the county in which Orlando is in – was formerly called Mosquito County. In 1945, when Florida became a state, Orange County was renamed from Mosquito County for the fruit that constituted the county’s main product.

 
 
 

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Quote of the Month:
"All the world is full of suffering. It is also full of overcoming."
– Helen Keller


   

 

EARN MONEY WHILE YOU SLEEP!
Our Travel Agent Portal, Starboard, has Web Link icons to place on your website. When your clients book through the link, you earn commission! Find this and many other useful items on Starboard.  


  

UPCOMING WEBINARS

How to Make More Money Tapping Into the Special Needs and Slow Walker Travel Niche
Learn about a lucrative market segment virtually untapped by travel agents:
– The importance of the disabled, elderly and slow walker market
– Strategies for assisting the special needs market
– Special needs equipment information

Wednesday, August 24 at 2:00 PM EST
– OR – 
Tuesday, September 6 at 3:00 PM EST

 


 

Travel Agents Earn Commission on Every Rental.

Toll Free: 1-800-513-4515 | International: 954-585-0575

2860 West State Road 84, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
www.SpecialNeedsGroup.com

 
About Special Needs at Sea and Special Needs Group…

Special Needs Group, Inc. is a one-stop resource for special needs travel around the world. We offer a broad range of special needs equipment for purchase and rental including wheelchairs, scooters, power chairs with capabilities to support 500 pound or more; oxygen (liquid, cylinder, and concentrator); hearing impaired equipment, Braille printing, baby cribs and more. Recommended by the world’s major cruise lines and hotels for superior service and value, we also provide consultation services regarding special needs policy and new-build design. Special Needs Group, a U.S. company, is not a travel agency; we do not compete in any way with travel agents.

 

 

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