From the Castle to the Galaxy: The Florida Rental Redefining Accessible Travel
According to Vermont’s Short Term Rental Alliance, over 40% of all travelers prefer to use platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com for accommodation versus looking for a traditional hotel. Unfortunately, even with the rise in preference, accessibility tends to lag behind. Short term renters are often leery of mislabeling their home as accessible, or they don’t understand what that label should mean. The result is an extreme deficit in the availability of accessible short term rentals. Finding an accessible home can feel like wishing upon a star, but this Disney-themed fully accessible Florida home is where the wish actually comes true.
WarHorse by FunStay Homes at Windsor Hills is the perfect destination for all families, especially those seeking affordable, handicap-accessible accommodations for a group of 8 or fewer. Less than three miles from Disney World, and filled with fun surprises like a Star Wars laser tag and game room and a Mickey bathroom, the home is fully wheelchair accessible and includes amenities like:
• Wheelchair ramp into game room
• Custom-built laser tag games designed to accessible standards
• Private, heated pool/spa (equipped with ADA Scout 2 lift and pool lift chair)
• ADA-compliant concrete ramp leading to the 36” front door
• ADA wet bath with roll-in shower
• ADA-height oblong toilet with two drop-down grab rails
• ADA bathroom sink
• 36” swinging “butler” door for bedroom access (from hall)
• 36” swinging “butler” door for bathroom access (from bedroom)
• Tile floor in accessible bedroom
• Flexabed 185 Hi-Low Series SL twin beds – fully adjustable bed with head, foot, and hi-lo height adjustability from 16.5” to 27”
• Threshold ramp for outside access to pool area
• Scout 2 ADA pool/spa lift
• Golden Technologies Cloud PR-515 MaxiComfort with Twilight infinite position lift chair
• Battery-operated Hoyer Advance e340 patient lift (must bring own sling)
• 36” doors for garage access
• Threshold ramp for access to garage Star Wars arena
Even better than accessible magic? All of this information is available right on their website, along with plenty of pictures to help you determine if the accessible amenities meet your needs.
Sweet Home Alabama: Discovering Wheelchair Accessible Gulf Shores
When I arrived in Gulf Shores for the Alabama Governor’s Conference on Tourism, I knew I’d be talking about accessibility — but what I didn’t realize was how much Alabama itself would teach me about hospitality, community, and joy.
From start to finish, this trip was an incredible blend of meaningful conversation and unforgettable coastal adventure.
The Heart Behind Alabama Tourism
It’s impossible to talk about this trip without mentioning Patti Culp, whose warmth and leadership set the tone for the entire conference. Patti embodies Southern hospitality — thoughtful, genuine, and deeply committed to moving Alabama tourism forward in a way that includes everyone.
And then there’s Kay Maghan from Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, who created an itinerary that showcased the very best of the Gulf Coast. Every stop was intentional — not just beautiful, but accessible and inclusive. You can see our full itinerary here.
The Lodge at Gulf State Park: Where Accessibility Meets Sustainability
Our home for the week, The Lodge at Gulf State Park, is more than a hotel — it’s a model for what modern, accessible, and sustainable travel can be. Wide pathways, accessible rooms, and thoughtful beach access meant I could fully participate in every experience.
There’s something special about watching the sunrise from a place that feels designed with everyone in mind.
Accessible Adventures in the Sand
One of my favorite parts of the trip was exploring the beach with my Freedom Trax, and of course, my service dog, Gulliver, by my side. We built sand sculptures, made new friends, and even tried our hand at fishing (Gulliver was very interested in the catch!).
These moments capture what accessibility is really about — participation, joy, and choice. It’s not just being there; it’s being part of it all.
Creative Inspiration at The Hot Shop
Another highlight was our visit to The Hot Shop in Orange Beach — a glassblowing studio where we got to design and create our own pieces. Accessibility here wasn’t just physical; it was creative. Everyone was welcomed, encouraged, and guided through the artistic process. Watching my son, Timothy, focus intently on his colorful creation was one of those proud mom moments I’ll treasure.
Wild Encounters and Wonderful People
At the Coastal Alabama Center for Ecotourism, Timothy met an owl — and judging by the smile on his face, I’m pretty sure that moment made his whole trip. Experiences like these make travel not only educational, but transformative.
I had the chance to meet Miss America during the conference! Her grace and kindness were the perfect reminder that leadership and advocacy come in all forms — and that inclusion is beautiful at every level.
Reflecting on an Accessible Gulf Coast
This trip reminded me that accessibility doesn’t take away from the experience — it enhances it. When destinations make inclusion a priority, they don’t just open doors for travelers with disabilities; they enrich the entire community.
Thank you, Alabama, for showing what’s possible when hospitality meets heart.
Thank you, Patti, Kay, and everyone who made this trip unforgettable.
And thank you, Gulf Shores — for the sunshine, the memories, and the hope that every beach can be for everybody.
INNOVATEAble Winner, BoardSafe Docks, Is Making Waves with Its Adaptive Kayak Launch
BoardSafe Docks, a first place winner in TravelAbility’s 2025 INNOVATEAble Pitchfest, has built its reputation on designing and manufacturing specialized, accessible waterfront products. Among its most notable accessible innovations is the Adaptive Kayak Launch, first developed in 2014 at Leaser Lake in Kempton, PA.
Watch project video here:
Today, BoardSafe offers a full range of customized products, including adaptive kayak launches, courtesy boat docks, accessible fishing piers, gangways, pedestrian bridges, and rowing centers. With more than 20 years of experience, the company is recognized as a trusted leader in the commercial dock-building industry, providing turnkey solutions from design through manufacturing and installation for projects nationwide.
BoardSafe’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its craftsmanship, customer service, and ability to solve complex accessibility challenges.
The Adaptive Kayak Launch was born out of collaboration. In 2014, the Kempton Area Lions Club, Leaser Lake Heritage Foundation, and Team River Runner, an adaptive paddling organization, approached BoardSafe seeking a safer, more accessible way to get paddlers with mobility challenges onto the water. Their group was growing, their needs were becoming more diverse, and they were challenged in finding a safe way to access the water for paddling.
Working closely with paddlers in wheelchairs, BoardSafe’s engineering and manufacturing team refined design features, tested ideas, and eliminated barriers. The result was an innovative launch system that made safe, independent, and inclusive access possible. That project set the foundation for BoardSafe’s line of ADA-compliant gangways and universally accessible products.
The Problem a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch Solves
Traditional docks and launches often present barriers for people with mobility challenges. BoardSafe’s Accessible and Adaptive Kayak Launch addresses these obstacles with features such as:
- ADA-compliant aluminum gangway
- Parallel boat slide for stable entry
- Tiered boarding bench with pull-out seat
- Roll cage with overhead grab bar and hand straps, and pull bars
- A cradle that keeps the kayak steady when entering and exiting
These elements ensure safe, independent, and universal access for all paddlers, including those who use wheelchairs, older adults, children, and beginners. The inclusive design makes it possible for everyone to enjoy the freedom and recreation of paddling.
Common Uses
BoardSafe works with landscape architects, city planners, and engineers to create or enhance access to lakes, rivers, streams, and coastal areas. Their primary customers include:
- Municipalities, counties, and state parks
- Water trail organizations
- Urban and commercial waterfront revitalization projects
Because the docks and gangways are floating systems, they adapt to fluctuating water levels caused by flooding or tides, making them well-suited for a wide variety of environments.
Factors That Influence Pricing
The cost of a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch depends on several variables:
- Size and complexity – Larger or more advanced systems require additional materials and labor.
- Materials – Durable, commercial-grade aluminum adds long-term value but increases upfront costs.
- Custom options – Adaptive features like grab bars, pull straps, or tiered benches are tailored to user needs.
- Gangway and chute length – Length depends on site conditions and ADA slope requirements; some reach 100 feet.
- Installation site – Geography, water conditions, and anchoring needs determine overall system design.
- Foundation requirements – Options range from precast foundations to poured concrete for high-current or tidal areas.
- Installation process – Labor, equipment, tools, and insurance are included in project costs.
BoardSafe offers a wide range of modular components that can be customized to site-specific conditions. Project costs vary greatly—from as little as $20,000 for a simple clip-a-launch to several hundred thousand dollars for complex, large-scale systems. Because of the many variables, precise pricing requires a site evaluation and engineering. Boardsafe offers an initial consultation free of charge.
Advice Line: Lessons with Kristy Durso Part Seven
Lesson 7: Measure What Matters
How can destinations effectively measure the impact of their accessibility efforts? Why does it matter?
Measurement is the next frontier for accessibility. For a long time, we simply haven’t been tracking it. And if we’re asking destinations to invest in accessibility, then we absolutely need to help them understand the return on that investment, both socially and financially.
I’ve started asking DMOs: If you’re spending money to improve accessibility, wouldn’t you want to know what kind of change it’s making in your destination? Until recently, most hadn’t even thought to ask that question. But that’s changing. There’s a growing awareness that you can’t improve what you don’t measure.
So what can you measure? Start with the basics: increased visitation from people with disabilities and their families. Look at whether those visitors are staying longer now that they know they’ll be supported. Track repeat visits—because when we find a destination that truly gets it, we come back and we bring others. Word-of-mouth is powerful in the disability community, especially in online travel groups. And don’t forget usage data:
- How often are sensory rooms or adaptive equipment being used?
- Are visitors using visual wayfinding tools or assistive services?
- Are people engaging with accessibility-focused web content?
You can also look at behavior online. Are visitors clicking into your accessibility pages? Are they spending time with content that features inclusive imagery or shows accessibility in action? These signals tell you what’s resonating—and what might still be missing.
But it’s not just about numbers. It’s about the stories behind them. I’ve seen guests in tears after attending a festival where they finally felt included. I’ve heard from families who were able to spend an entire day at an attraction, for the first time, because a sensory room gave them the space they needed. That’s impact. That’s what success looks like.
And here’s the thing: the data will follow the effort. When you invest in accessibility, when you prepare for guests instead of just meeting the legal minimum, your destination becomes more welcoming for everyone.
That builds loyalty. It drives revenue. And it creates a culture people want to be part of.
So yes, we absolutely need to measure it. When you can point to results like bookings, web traffic or transformed experiences, you give stakeholders and investors a reason to keep going. That’s how real, lasting change happens.
Check back next month for the final part! Noble Studios conducted a thorough interview with Kristy Durso going over the many facets of creating a destination that is truly for everyone. This series is pulled directly from the interview. Check out thearchives for the rest of the series.Click here for the full interview.
Featured public speaker, accessibilities advocate, entrepreneur, Army veteran, and military wife Kristy Durso is Travelability’s Ambassedor and owns and operates Incredible Memories Travel, a full-service travel agency that assists everyone, including those with accessibility needs. She has three children, one who has autoimmune issues and food allergies, another on the spectrum, and another with cognitive and intellectual disabilities.
You must be logged in to post a comment.