Your Guide to Disney World for Disabled: What You Need to Know
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Discover the magic of Disney World, a place where every visitor is treated to spectacular shows, thrilling rides, and unforgettable experiences. However, visitors with disabilities might wonder how accessible this magical realm is for them. Ensuring a seamless, enjoyable experience for all, Disney World for disabled guests offers a variety of services and accommodations. Understanding the available resources and planning ahead can transform a trip from stressful to magical.
This guide is designed to navigate through the essential aspects of visiting Disney World for disabled visitors. It will cover everything from tips on navigating the parks with a disability, finding which rides are wheelchair accessible, and options for vacation packages.
Planning Your Trip
There are a variety of ways to plan your trip to Disney World. The most important aspects to consider are tickets, accommodation, and transportation.
Tickets Options: There are four parks that make up Walt Disney World – Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom, each providing unique attractions, shows, and experiences.
- Standard Tickets: One park, one day. Typically around $109 per person
- Park Hopper: includes access to all four parks for one day. Typically around $188 per person.
Bundle It: one of the best routes for planning an accessible vacation at Disney World is to opt for a vacation package that includes multi-day tickets, accommodation and park transfers. It provides peace-of-mind knowing that the main aspects are covered. Plus, due to the vast selection of attractions across all the parks, a bundle that includes 2-day tickets will give you more time to fully experience the richness of Disney World.
After a long day of exploring everything the parks have to offer, it's convenient to know you can take an accessible transfer back to your accommodation close to the parks. Check out accessible Disney World vacation packages.
If you plan on spending just one full day at the parks and exploring Orlando as whole, a vacation package might not interest you. In that case, there is a plethora of accessible hotels in Orlando to choose from, as well as accessible things to do.
Understanding the Disney World Accessibility Services
Disney World offers a range of services designed to enhance the experience for guests with all types of disabilities. The Walt Disney Company truly goes above and beyond, making it a wonderful option for an accessible vacation. Here is a general overview of the services provided.
Disney World Disability Programs for Accessing Ride and Attraction Lines
The following programs are designed to assist people with disabilities, mental or physical, to access attractions without having to necessarily wait in lines. While you can't bypass waiting times, there are options for returning without having to wait in line. It's important to note that these programs may only be an option at select locations.
- Disability Access Service (DAS) – This service is specifically for individuals who have a developmental disability, such as autism or similar, who have difficulty waiting in traditional lines for an extended period of time. Although this program doesn't allow eligible persons to bypass lines, it presents an opportunity to request a return time similar to the current wait time.
- Disney World DAS Registration: You will need to register for this program to present eligibility. This can be done via live video chat as early as 30 days prior to visiting. The Cast Member will give you additional steps to follow afterwards.
- Attraction Queue Re-Entry – This program allows you to step out of line and return later. Your party will need to remain in line, but this is a solid option to consider.
- How to Use Queue Re-entry: Notify a Cast Member who will then provide details about how to exit the queue and how to navigate back to your party. While the individual who leaves the line is briefly away, the rest of the party will remain in line and reunite with their party to ride the attraction.
- Keep in mind that this option has a specific process for each attraction, based on your disability, so it's important to notify cast members right away.
- Service Animals – service animals are allowed in all lines at Disney World park. Whether or not they can ride with you is dependent on the particular attraction. Speak to the cast member at the attractions to see what your options are.
These are a few of the options for people with disabilities. Learn more about accessing queue programs.
Physical Disability Services at Disney World
Walt Disney Company does everything they can to ensure visitors with physical disabilities can have convenient options for enjoying their park and attractions. Here are some services you can expect to find:
- Disability Parking – located throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Find specific parking locations and more details here.
- Wheelchair & ECV rentals – if you need a wheelchair or EVC during your time spent at Disney World, they have rentals available at an affordable price. It is $12 for the day, or $10 per day for a multi-day visit. Find location for rentals.
- Cushions on Attractions – if you use a cushion on your wheelchair, you are permitted to bring it with you on certain rides, provided that it fits without hindering any safety features.
- Accessible Transportation – most of the transportation options at Disney World are accessible. Here are some options for getting around:
- Walt Disney World Bus Service can accommodate two mobility devices (but it is recommended that you transfer to a bus seat during transit). In order to ride the bus with a wheelchair or ECV, the mobility device must fit the lift without being forced.
- Minnie Van™ Service is used through the Lyft app and doesn't require an accessibility selection as they are already equipped for mobility devices. Each van has enough space for two wheelchairs and you can remain in your wheelchair during transit.
- Watercraft transportation access can vary depending on the particular watercraft. Make sure to notify a cast member at the dock for information and assistance.
- Monorail access is available via elevator or ramps at the following locations: Transportation and Ticket Center, Magic Kingdom park, EPCOT, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Contemporary Resort.
- Disney Skyliner Access is an aerial gondola with a bird's eye view that connects Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway at EPCOT near many resort hotels. It is accessible for people who use mobility devices.
If you're planning on utilizing any of these options, click here for detailed information.
Navigating the Parks
When visiting Disney World, guests using a wheelchair or scooter will find the Disney World Accessibility Maps indispensable. These maps provide detailed information on entering queue lines, transfer requirements, and locations of accessible restrooms. Additionally, they cover Visual and Hearing amenities and Service Animal information, ensuring a comprehensive guide for navigation.
Accessibility Maps for Each Park:
You can also find printed copies at customer relations booths designated within each park.
Ride Accessibility
Some rides don't require visitors to transfer from their wheelchairs to the ride, however, some do. Although Cast Members cannot physically assist in the transfer, they are available to guide through the process.
What rides at Disney World are Wheelchair Accessible?
Below is a list of accessible rides available based on the park. As you will see Magic Kingdom Park has the most accessible rides available. The following are rides that allow you to stay in your wheelchair or ECV:
Magic Kingdom Park
- Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
- "it's a small world"
- Jungle Cruise
- Liberty Square Riverboat
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Walt Disney World Railroad - Frontierland
- Walt Disney World Railroad - Main Street, U.S.A.
EPCOT
- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
- Journey Into Imagination With Figment
- Living with the Land
- Remy's Ratatouille Adventure
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- TriceraTop Spin
- Wildlife Express Train
Disney's Hollywood Studios
- Toy Story Mania!
Accessible Attractions, Entertainment and Parades
Aside from rides, there are countless experiences to be had throughout the four parks that make up Walt Disney World.
Parades, live entertainment, character experiences, and more. There are far too many to list in this article. In fact, there are 165 options listed where you can remain in your mobility device!
Resources for Attractions That Require Transfers:
If you use a wheelchair or ECV, you will have plenty of non-transfer options. But, there are also additional opportunities to experience more of the parks. Here are some resources that will help you plan out the attractions you're interested in – if you're able to transfer:
- Attractions That Require Transfer from ECV to Wheelchair
- Must Transfer from Wheelchair/ECV to Ride Vehicle
- Note: you must transfer by yourself or with assistance from someone in your party.
- Attractions Where Guest Must Be Ambulatory
Parade and Show Viewing Areas
Disney World ensures that individuals with disabilities can enjoy parades and shows by providing designated viewing areas. These areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are designed to accommodate parties of up to six people. It is advised to arrive early as spaces are limited and cannot be reserved in advance. View this map to find where the designated areas are.
Dining and Rest Areas
There's no shortage of dining and food options at Walt Disney World. It can be relieving to step away from the hustle and bustle of the parks and enjoy a relaxing meal or quick snack.
Accessible Restaurants
Virtually all of the restaurants are accessible. Some more than others, but people with disabilities will find little to no problems navigating the restaurant scene at Disney World.
Disney World's Counter Service restaurants, also known as Quick Service restaurants, do not require reservations and are ideal for a quick bite to eat on the go. For full-service sit down restaurants, you can always make reservations through the My Disney Experience App to ensure you have a table ready for you. The app also allows you to mobile order food and beverages throughout the park, with filter options for "Allergy-Friendly" and dietary restrictions.
Restrooms and Break Areas
You will find that restrooms and break areas throughout Disney World are designed to be accessible, ensuring comfort and convenience for all visitors. These facilities are strategically located to be easily accessible from dining and activity areas, providing a seamless experience for people with disabilities.
You can view their interactive maps of the parks for locating accessible restrooms.
Start Planning Your Visit
The anticipation starts now. With the right planning and tips, every person, regardless of physical abilities, can have a wonderful time at Walt Disney World. Ready for your trip? Let's get started with the next steps:
- Find and book your tickets and accessible bundle options.
- If you opt for a package, your accessible hotel is included. If not, make sure to book an accessible hotel in Orland near the the parks if you can.
- Plan your transportation options to and from the parks. The vacation packages will include transfers, making it the most convenient way to discover Disney.
- Start planning the attractions, rides, and experiences you want to do. Figure out the routes to take so you can maximize your time spent at the park.
- Pro Tip: Download the My Disney Experience App which can help with planning, such as viewing interactive maps of the parks and reserving entertainment and dining options ahead of time. It will be beneficial to have during your visit, too, for locating accessible restrooms and providing directions to attractions if needed.
- Pack your bags and get excited!
Final Thoughts
Remember, Walt Disney World is dedicated to ensuring that everyone can have the best experience possible at their parks. Don't be afraid to speak with Cast Members if you need assistance – they are there for you. With the right accessible hotel, park transfers, and planning, you are going to have the vacation of a lifetime.
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