Disney World can be the most magical, inspiring and wonderful place on earth! It can also be a daunting location to maneuver in a wheelchair, even in the best of times. For those guests who have limited mobility issues or use a wheelchair, visiting the Disney theme parks can be made easier with some planning and newly designed innovations that make entering an attraction much more simple.

“Easy” is the best word to describe visiting the new ride, “Toy Story Mania,” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Living and working in an electric wheelchair is a breeze for my 30-something friend, Michelle, however not all attractions at theme parks are accessible. This however was NOT the case here! As we entered the que, an enthusiastic Cast Member greeted us. We were instructed to continue in our line until we came to a gate, which would allow Michelle, and my self, to load into the car for the ride. The new ride has a separate area to the side of the track where, once loaded onto, the special car will rotate into the ride rotation without any interruption to the ride. Other visitors don’t have to wait while wheelchair guests get onto the ride at this location. Without much time or effort, we were off and ready to go! For us, the ride was a blast! The nostalgic touches and the tie-ins to the movie, by Pixar, were well done and Michelle was delighted that she got to ride the ride! Many guests, such as Michelle, are unable to transfer onto rides. Rides, such as "Toy Story Mania," allow those in wheelchairs to park their wheelchair on the ride, not having to be transferred, so that they also can see and experience the Disney Magic, which they would otherwise miss. Many rides such as “Buzz Lightyear” and “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, and “The Seas With Nemo and Friends” and “Ellen’s Energy Adventure” at Disney's Epcot, all have direct-loading onto a car available where guests can ride an attraction, just by moving their wheelchair or ECV into the allotted space in the car.

Wheelchairs and ECV (Electric Convenience Vehicles) are available for rent at a variety of locations throughout Disney Theme Parks, Disney Water Parks, and Downtown Disney. Wheelchairs are also available for rent in Disney Resort locations, but ECV’s are not. Quantities are limited and subject to availability. Assistive Listening Receivers, which amplify the audio throughout the parks, may be used at several locations. Handheld Captioning is available at many attractions, as well. Guests can visit Guest Relations to obtain these devices.

When entering any of the Theme parks, ask for the Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities. These guide books give a description of all of the rides that are available to those with limited mobility. The maps show which attractions can accommodate a wheelchair or ECV and which attractions the guest would need to transfer into a seat in order to ride the attraction. Some rides, will have you enter where other riders are exiting. Just ask the nearest Cast Member for instructions. If you can transfer, most locations have only a few steps, thus if you can take a few steps, don’t miss out just because you have to transfer. In the World of Disney, dreams come true and magic happens all around us.

Thanks to Marilyn Emrick, one of our Customer Service Representatives, for this informative blog piece!

Labels: Disney Hollywood Studios, Downtown Disney, EPCOT attractions, Magic Kingdom Attractions, wheelchairs at Disney