Need Wheelchair assistance for your Disney World Vacation?
Traveling to Disney World can be quite a feat for anyone, and for guests in wheelchairs, the thought may be downright intimidating. Rest assured, however, because Disney goes above and beyond to make sure the “most magical place on Earth” is indeed magical for all guests including visitors with limited mobility. From the specially trained cast members ready to assist you to the hundreds of accessible rides and attractions, Disney ensures that your wheelchair will not get in the way of your enchanting experience. Read on to discover important information for guests visiting Disney in wheelchairs.
How do I get to the parks?
You may drive your own vehicle, or if you are staying at a hotel on Disney property, there are four free modes of transportation to get to the theme parks: bus, ferry, Skyliner and monorail.
- Bus—All buses are equipped with a standard bus lift (32” x 48”). **Please note** Some motorized wheelchairs exceed these limits.
- Ferry—When you arrive at the dock, you can speak to a cast member who will help you board the boat.
- Monorail—Guests in wheelchairs may access the monorails by traveling up the entrance ramp. There are also elevators available at some of the monorail stops.
- Skyliner—Wired gondolas in the sky that come from certain hotels that take you to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
Where can I park?
If you and your party are driving to the theme parks, disability parking is available in specified lots that are much closer to the park entrance. Disney provides a complimentary wheelchair if needed for transportation from your vehicle to the Disney wheelchair rental station. There are also trams available that will take you to the park entrance.
Are wheelchair rentals available?
Wheelchair rentals are available inside each park for $12 a day. Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) are available for $50 a day plus a $20 refundable deposit. Daily rentals are NOT transferrable between parks and can only be used at the same park on the same day. If you leave the park during the day, your ECV will be held for you if you plan to return later during the same day.
If you plan to visit multiple parks over the course of several days, there is a reduced-priced rental option you may choose. You can purchase a length of stay rental, and you will be able to transfer your rentals to other parks in the Disney Resort throughout your stay.
**Please note** Wheelchairs and ECV rentals at Disney are subject to availability. Make sure you reserve your rental ahead of time.
Is there a special pass for guests with disabilities?
Disney Parks have made an unwavering commitment to provide a welcoming and inclusive experience for all their guests. For this reason, Disney has a Disability Access Service program, or DAS for short, that’s offered at the Walt Disney World theme parks. This is put in place to assist guests who have difficulty with extended waits in a queue line due to a disability.
Guests with DAS can go to an attraction and – while DAS doesn’t allow guests immediate access — guests are assigned a return time based on the current wait time for the queue. This means if you go to The Haunted Mansion and the wait time is 60 minutes, the cast member will be able to register you through DAS to come back in about an hour so you don’t have to wait in line. This is perfect for guests who have difficulty waiting in line for long periods of time and allows guests using DAS to enjoy other experiences the Disney parks have to offer while they wait. It’s important to note that guests can only use DAS for one attraction at a time as it does act as a placeholder spot for the standard queue line.
Guests that are eligible for this pass can pre–register for DAS Advance with a Cast Member anytime between 2 to 30 days prior to arrival. This is done so virtually through a live video chat with the Cast Member. Once registered, DAS is valid for up to 60 days. After 60 days, guests will need to re-register for the program. Guests registering for DAS Advance can pre-select up to 2 one-hour return windows for select experiences using Disney’s Advance planning option. These experiences include several rides from each park. These return windows are in addition to the return times you can request throughout your day at the parks.
If you are already at the park and are trying to sign up for DAS, that’s fine! Guests can go to Guest Relations and speak with a Cast Member about the DAS program. From there, they’ll be able to register either you or your guest.
It’s important to note that, before either you or your guest registers for DAS, you want to make sure your travel party is added to the Family & Friends list on My Disney Experience. You can do this online or on the app. This is so your whole group can be included with the DAS plan and everyone is still able to experience attractions together. This is especially important for the return times given.
You also want to make sure you’ve already linked your park tickets for each member of the party.
And of course — make sure that the guest who is requesting to use DAS is present during the registration process, regardless of whether you choose to register in advance or at Guest Relations.
Overall, Disney’s Disability Access Service is a great way for guests with a disability to fully experience Walt Disney World without any added discomfort from waiting in long queues.
Does Disney provide a special map that indicates wheelchair-accessible locations?
Disney provides a “Guide for Guests with Disabilities” available at the Guest Relations window inside each theme park. This guide includes a map as well as detailed information about each specific ride within a park and what is required for boarding. You will also find information about parking, restrooms, and transportation in this guide.
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Can I ride the rides?
You will be able to take your wheelchair or ECV on many of the rides at Disney. For some rides, you will need to transfer, and very few require walking. The “Guide for Guests with Disabilities” will let you know specifically which rides require a transfer.
Where can I keep my wheelchair if I do a transfer?
A Disney cast member will take your wheelchair to the ride exit. You will have it ready and waiting when you get off the ride.
What about the rest of my party?
If there is a ride that requires you to enter through the auxiliary entrance, you and up to 5 companions will be allowed to use this entrance.
How will I wait in the lines?
Many of the rides are accessible for a wheelchair using the regular line. In some cases, you will enter the attractions through a separate entrance. The cast member at the line entrance will let you know the most appropriate entrance for that particular ride. A Guest Assistance Card may also be used to bypass the regular line for a more accessible entry to the ride.
How will I see the shows and parades?
You may remain in your wheelchair or ECV to view any of the shows and parades. Each has specified viewing areas for guests in wheelchairs and their party. These areas are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Are the restrooms wheelchair accessible?
Most of the restrooms are accessible to guests with wheelchairs. In addition, there are several companion-assisted restrooms located throughout each park. The “Guide for Guests with Disabilities” will provide a specific list of these locations.
What about the restaurants in the parks?
Most restaurants within the park are wheelchair accessible. If you are looking for a quick snack at the counter service stations, many of these have narrow lines that may not be wide enough for some wheelchairs. In this case, you can find a Disney cast member to assist you or have another member of your party order for you.
In summary, Disney works hard to ensure that all parts are accessible to guests in wheelchairs. Do not hesitate to speak to a cast member at any time if you have any questions or concerns, and most importantly, enjoy the magic!