Disabled Disneyland: Here's Everything You Need to Know
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Disneyland, a place where dreams come to life and magic is around every corner, offers a world of enchantment for all its visitors, including those with disabilities. Recognizing the importance of accessibility and inclusivity, Disneyland has made significant strides in ensuring that people with disabilities can experience the joy and wonder of the park to the fullest. From wheelchair-accessible rides to accommodations that cater to a variety of needs, the park aims to be a welcoming space for everyone.
This guide is crafted to navigate the world of disabled Disneyland, offering insights into planning your visit, navigating the parks with ease, and making the most of the attractions and activities. It delves into the specifics of which rides you can enjoy, accessible restaurants within Disneyland, and how to take advantage of the park's accommodations for disabilities.
Planning Your Visit
Booking Tickets
Disneyland offers a plethora of ticket options to cater to the needs of every visitor. You have the choice between single-day tickets, multi-day tickets, and annual passes.
- Standard Park Ticket – Disneyland park for one day. Around $104 per person
- Park Hopper – Includes Disneyland + California Adventure for one day. Around $169 per person.
There is also the option to opt for an accessible bundle package, which provides tickets and accessible accommodation with the option for park transfers, too. Those options are:
- Package #1 – 2 nights/3 days (hotel + tickets)
- Package #2 – 2 nights/3 days (accommodation at the Disneyland Hotel + tickets + park transfers)
- Package #3 – 3 nights/4 days (hotel + tickets)
The hotels included in the packages are accessible, equipped with a roll-in shower, step-free entrance, and a pool with a lift. Learn more about accessible Disneyland package options.
Understanding the Disneyland App
In today's digital age, the Disneyland app emerges as an invaluable companion for navigating the vast world of Disneyland. This app is designed to enhance the visitor experience by offering features such as viewing park maps, checking ride wait times, and making dining reservations. To make the most out of your visit, downloading and familiarizing yourself with the app before your trip is advisable. This preparation will allow you to plan their day efficiently, ensuring they don't miss out on any of the magic that Disneyland has to offer.
Navigating the Park
Navigating Disneyland offers an inclusive and accessible experience for those with disabilities, ensuring that the magic of Disney is available to all. Below are detailed insights into wheelchair rentals and accessibility, the use of the Disability Access Service (DAS), and transportation options within the park.
Wheelchair Rentals and Accessibility
Visitors with disabilities or limited mobility can rent wheelchairs and ECVs (Electric Conveyance Vehicles) at the park's main entrance, for a fee. They're available on a first-come, first-served basis, and cannot be reserved in advance.
Using the Disability Access Service (DAS)
The Disability Access Service (DAS) is a program designed to accommodate visitors with disabilities who may find it challenging to wait in traditional queue lines. DAS is specifically for visitors with developmental disabilities, such as autism or similar. By allowing you to schedule return times for attractions—similar to FastPasses—DAS enables you to enjoy other areas of the park while waiting. Guests with DAS can obtain a return time for an attraction that is comparable to the current standby wait time, allowing them to plan their day efficiently and with ease. There is a similar program for physical disabilities which will be covered later in this article.
Accessible Rides, Attractions, and Activities at Disneyland
Disneyland offers a wide variety of rides, activities and attractions to choose from. There is ample information provided by the park that shows the rides and activities that require transfers and the ones that allow one to remain in their wheelchair. Lets get into some of the top things to do in Disneyland.
Accessible Disneyland Rides
Each ride has different entrances and line structures. It's important to research each ride you're interested in to see the specific protocol. There are a few rides that allow guests to remain in their wheelchairs, although many of them require transfers.
Here are some top rides to consider:
- Jungle Cruise - Guests may remain in wheelchair. Enter through exit. Wheelchair/ECV accessible boat available.
- "its a small world" - Guests must transfer from EVC to wheelchair. Enter using ramp. Wheelchair accessible boat available.
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters - Guests must transfer from EVC to wheelchair. Enter through standard queue. Wheelchair accessible vehicle available.
- Mark Twain Riverboat - Guests may remain in wheelchair. Enter through access gate to the right of turnstile. Lower-level access only.
- Disneyland Railroad - Guests may remain in wheelchair. Enter through exit.
- Pirates of the Caribbean - Guests must transfer from wheelchair. Enter through exit to the left of Blue Bayou Restaurant and proceed to the designated access gate on the left.
- Splash Mountain - Guest must transfer from wheelchair. Enter through exit, across from Pooh Corner. Transfer seat available.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Guest must transfer from wheelchair. Enter through the exit. Transfer access vehicle available.
- Enchanted Tiki Room - Guests may remain in wheelchair. Enter using lift to the right of stairs.
For more information, view this PDF map that shows rides and representing symbols for whether you can stay in their wheelchair or will need to transfer.
Can Guests with Disabilities Bypass Regular Lines at Disneyland?
For people with physical disabilities, the answer is generally no. However, there are a handful of programs that assist people with various disabilities to access lines. Here is a brief overview of two of those
- Disneyland offers a Disability Access Service (DAS) as mentioned earlier, is for people with autism or similar developmental disabilities, which makes it challenging for them to wait in traditional queues. This service allows the them and their accompanying party to receive a scheduled return time for attractions instead of waiting in line.
- A Location Return Time gives people who use mobility devices or have physical limitations the ability to return to the attraction instead of waiting in line. This is for many of the older lines that are often inaccessible with their narrow walkways, steep ramps, and obstacles.
- How to Use Location Return Times: Speak to a cast member at the attraction and they will assign a time to return that is comparable to the current wait times. They will give you directions on where to return to access the ride/attraction.
NOTE: Location Return Timed is limited to selected attractions. Check their Accessing Attraction Queues page for more information.
Accessible Entertainment Options in Disneyland
Beyond rides, Disneyland offer inclusive entertainment options available throughout the day. Disneyland has seasonal entertainment so make sure to check whats happening during the dates of your visit. Here are some top shows to consider:
- Disneyland Fireworks - Entertainment on selected nights. Guests may remain in wheelchair.
- The Dapper Dans - Barbershop quartet that plays on Main Street throughout the day. Guests may remain in wheelchair.
- Fantasmic! - Guests may remain in wheelchair.
- Disneyland Parades - Parades can came and go depending on the season. Guests may remain in wheelchair. Check out their official website for scheduling times.
Accessible Dining and Restroom Facilities
In ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone, Disneyland places a high emphasis on making dining and restroom facilities accessible to visitors with disabilities.
Accessible Restaurants and Food Options at Disneyland
There is no shortage of food and dining options in Disneyland. You can find nice, sit-down restaurants throughout the park when you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle, or grab a quick snack on your way to another attraction. Wheelchair-users should find little to no challenges navigating the food scene in Disneyland, as the restaurants are generally very accessible. Here are some top options to consider:
- Blue Bayou Restaurant - New Orleans Square
- Carnation Cafe - Main Street, U.S.A.
- Bengals Barbecue - Adventureland
- Cafe Orleans - New Orleans Square
- Tiki Juice Bar (try the legendary Dole Whip!) - Adventureland
- Churro Carts - located throughout the park
You will find endless options to indulge in something savory, sweet and everything in between. If you don't want to have a full table-service experience, you will find carts and quick-service establishments that serve food, snacks and drinks. Grab a delicious churro at one of the many carts, or the famous Dole Whip at Tiki Juice Bar!
TIP: You can make reservations on the Disney App.
Companion and Accessible Restrooms
These restrooms are designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities, featuring grab bars, lowered sinks, and enough space for a wheelchair to maneuver comfortably. Companion-care restrooms are large enough to accommodate a person using a wheelchair and a caregiver. Clear signage and strategic placement make these restrooms easy to find. You can locate these restroom locations in the park by checking this page or right on the Disney App.
Final Thoughts
It's clear that Disneyland's unwavering commitment to accessibility and inclusivity significantly enhances the experience for visitors with disabilities. Remember, Cast Members and staff are there for you, and the park goes above and beyond to accommodate every visitor to the fullest. Don't be afraid to speak up and notify staff if you need assistance or have a question. Get there early, ride all the rides you want, "meet" the characters, enjoy the entertainment, indulge in their food – and enjoy everything Disneyland has to offer.
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