Disabled AT Disney
Disney World "The most magical place on earth" Every kid dreams of going, and every parent dreams of being able to afford the tickets. But what if you or your child is disabled? What kind of experience can you expect?
After a recent visit to Disney World, I got quite a few questions from others in the disability community who wanted to know what kind of accessibility accommodations would be available to them and how to best navigate a visit to the parks. With as much advertising, documentaries, and tv specials as Disney puts out for its parks, it's surprising that there is little to no mention of how the park accommodates those with disabilities. So after an unsuccessful call to the customer service line for more information, I took a chance and went to Epcot with a group of friends, hoping I could at least come up with more details on what was and was not available in terms of accessibility.
After being told that I would have to walk from the "guest with disabilities drop off zone" all the way to the scooter and wheelchair rentals center (an estimated 10-minute walk), I was pleasantly surprised to see wheelchairs lined up at the drop-off zone with instructions on how to get to the rental center where you could swap the chair out for a full day rental on a wheelchair or ECV/scooter. Why didn't customer service know about this? I couldn't help but think how many people would have canceled a trip over this alone. After arriving at the rental center, I chose an ECV for a flat rate of $50 per day- with a $20 refundable deposit. If I wanted to parkhop, I would need to repay the deposit at each park and check out a new ECV. Had I chosen a wheelchair rental, the cost would have been $12 per day. My opinion on these prices is a whole other topic I could go on about, but I digress. You will also need to arrive at the park early as all of these rentals are first come, first served, with no reservations available.
We made our way to Spaceship Earth (the ride inside the giant Epcot ball), and we were told I could enter the queue with my ECV but would have to transfer out of it once I reached the front of the line. A quick Google search -one I should not have had to make, led me to several websites - none of which were Disney.com - detailing which rides were wheelchair friendly and which queues could be entered with a wheelchair or ECV. I very much enjoyed my visit and the comfort and convenience of my ECV. The pavilions had ramps or elevators that allowed me to easily reach all of the shops, restaurants, and exhibits with ease. There were plenty of spots to park should I want to stop and explore any area on foot, and companion/accessible restrooms were plentiful throughout the park, with an attendant available to hold the door open for entry and exit with my ECV.
Because I wear a prosthesis and can walk short- moderate distances, I cannot speak to what the Disney experience would be like for someone unable to transfer out of a wheelchair. Still, I did my best to stick to my ECV so that I could provide as much info as possible. Ultimately, what I've concluded is that there is some magic to be felt by all at Disney, but it is far too difficult figuring out how to obtain it. No one should have to do hours of research and take huge leaps of faith to know if they can visit a theme park. We love seeing a girl in a wheelchair as a model for your mickey mouse shirt. But we want to know that if she chooses to visit one of your parks, she can easily find the information and resources she needs.
Below, I have provided links to non-Disney sites, with lists of accessible rides, queues, attractions, and other information you might find helpful when planning a Disney vacation. I have also linked a place to share your feedback directly with Disney. I have provided them with mine. If you have visited the parks or resorts as a member of the disability community, please feel free to share any thoughts you have via the link. Our voices are stronger together; perhaps, by sharing our own experiences, we can help spread a bit of inclusive pixie dust.
A full list, guide of wheelchair accessible rides at Disney World
Disney DAS Program for guests with cognitive disabilities
Leave your Disney feedback HERE
