UK Blue Badge in Orlando

[Scrooge]

Hi this will be the first time (next week 18th Aug) with my son whom has a Blue disabled badge.
Do we use this as normal as we would in the UK for Parking in general around International Drive and shopping malls etc?
Also I believe that the badge is supposed to be suspended from the rear view mirror? How should we do this?

[Whitequeen]

Yes, you can use it as you would here at home. Keep it in view on the dash or just show it as you enter the car parks.

[Scrooge]

Thanks Lesley

[Whitequeen]

You're welcome.:)

[tajainaz]

When you're in a public parking lot (other than WDW), keep the card visible so the information can be read. Preference is suspended from the mirror, if that's the style of the card, but on the dash on the driver's side is fine.

Haven't had to use one at WDW yet. Queenie is...well, the Queen of blue cards!

[PaulaK]

My mum uses hers and just places it on the dashboard. Flash your badge and they tell you to follow the blue line into the disabled lots at the parks.

[Catherine]

My mum uses hers and just places it on the dashboard. Flash your badge and they tell you to follow the blue line into the disabled lots at the parks.


I can second that, its so easy, just follow the blue line.:)

[triciacarole]

where is the disabled parking in relation to MK. Do we still have to go to the monorail?

[Whitequeen]

Yes, you do. It's right at the front of the MK parking lot.:thumbs:

[triciacarole]

So its still a bit of a walk then? Last year we got the bus and found large queues to the monorail, we don't usually pick up a wheelchair until we get to the park.

[Whitequeen]

Yes, it is I'm afraid. Disney started having transfer wheelchairs in the parking lots so you can get to the park entrance. They have blue flags on them. Perhaps someone could have a look next time they go.
You get out of the car use the wheelchair and leave it at MK entrance.:thumbs:

[triciacarole]

Oh that sounds better, last time I asked a CM who told me we would get one at the entrance. I obviously did not see them as we were on the bus :)

[Whitequeen]

I'll be there before you, so I'll make sure they are still doing them, tricia.:thumbs:

[triciacarole]

Thanks, do you have to transfer on to the tram?

[Whitequeen]

We don't use the trams, we walk to the monorail. You can't take wheelchairs on unless they fold up and DH has a scooter, so we just walk it. It's not far.:thumbs:

[triciacarole]

Thats not good is it, DD can walk very slowly and experiences pain after a short while, you think that Disney would give people with mobility issues more consideration.

[Whitequeen]

If the transfer wheelchair is there she won't have to walk. I'll check the whole journey for you when I'm there, then I can give you exact answers.:thumbs:

[triciacarole]

Thanks :D

[katie]

You could punch a couple of holes in the badge (where there is no info printed on it) & tie some string through the holes to suspend it from the mirror. I have seen these around in the car-parks. Just take the string back off when you get back home.

Katie :)

[triciacarole]

Good idea, but I'm not sure I'd want people see DD's photo.

[Johnie]

You have photos on your card? Hmm that's an interesting idea to keep people from abusing the system. The ones here don't have photos, just the person's name and birthdate.

[PaulaK]

you could look into hiring a wheelchair from an offsite company then you have one all the time and i'm sure it works out cheaper than hiring by the day.

[katie]

The info needed on UK badges (i.e. the issuing Authority) is on the opposite to the photo. You would have the badge hanging so the photo is facing the inside of the car, not outwards. It wouldn't be very easy for anyone to see the photo in this way.

Katie :)

[triciacarole]

Thanks Paula, that sounds a good idea, especially as we may be staying at BCVs that way we can walk to Epcot :)

[triciacarole]

You have photos on your card? Hmm that's an interesting idea to keep people from abusing the system. The ones here don't have photos, just the person's name and birthdate.

Yes Johnie, photo and signature, and if you are caught abusing it there are large fines and you may have to go to court, it just annoys me the number of people who park in disabled bays and don't even have a card :(


Never thought of that Katie, blonde moment I guess :D

[PaulaK]

Queenie uses an off-site company i'm sure she'll be along with the name soon! :thumbs:

[Whitequeen]

Well, if I direct you here (http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk/disababout.html), tricia. There's a list of companies. We've used Randy's and Walkers. Both good.:thumbs:

[triciacarole]

Thanks, I have just added them to my bookmarks, will they deliver and collect from the hotel? :)

[Whitequeen]

Yes they will. With Randy's you have to be there to take delivery and with Walker's they'll leave it a the hotel for you. :thumbs:

[triciacarole]

I think Walkers were the cheaper, unfortunate name though :)

[Whitequeen]

:lol: Yeah, I said that last time we used them.

[Johnie]

Yes Johnie, photo and signature, and if you are caught abusing it there are large fines and you may have to go to court, it just annoys me the number of people who park in disabled bays and don't even have a card :(



That happens here too. I've even seen family members use the placard when the person with a disability isn't with them. That's why I think the photo idea is great.

[katie]

Johnie - In the UK, we leave the badge on the dash or in the windscreen with the photo side down and not showing. If a traffic warden was around when people are leaving or returning to the car and suspects the badge is being abused, then he can ask to see the photo and check whether the correct person is using it. Both the blue badges and disabled bays do seem to be abused quite a lot in the UK, which is very unfortunate for disabled people. The USA does cater much better for the disabled in general in their building/shop layouts, sidewalks with drop pavements, restrooms etc.

Katie :)