7 reasons Walt Disney World is one of the most wheelchair accessible destinations
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Walt Disney World is one of the top wheelchair-accessible vacation destinations because almost every aspect of Disney World is at least somewhat accessible, giving all guests the opportunity to ride the rides, enjoy the shows, and travel via on-site transportation from park to park.
Here are seven aspects of Walt Disney World in Florida that make it a fantastic destination for wheelchair users.
Accessible rides in all four parks
Some of the major draws to Walt Disney World are the rides, and there are wheelchair-accessible rides at all four of Disney’s theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Animal Kingdom. Each of these parks has rides in which someone can remain in their own wheelchair throughout the duration of the ride. This is a great feature of the parks, as wheelchair users can board the ride in their manual or motorized wheelchair and enjoy it without having to transfer onto the ride and leave the wheelchair at the loading and unloading zone.
Related: Everything you need to know about visiting Walt Disney World Resort
Some of the most popular and fan-favorite wheelchair-accessible rides include Jungle Cruise, Toy Story Mania, Kilimanjaro Safari, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and it’s a small world.
Related: The most wheelchair-friendly theme parks in the US
The Walt Disney World website also makes it very easy to look up the accessibility of each ride, giving wheelchair users an opportunity to learn about the types of accessibility the rides provide before entering the park. This makes it easier to plan ahead and make choices during your day in the park.
Accessible shows throughout the parks
In addition to the rides, many people want to go to Walt Disney World for the magical atmosphere, which isn’t complete without a show or four.
Most of the Disney shows, both inside and out, are wheelchair accessible with designated spaces to give wheelchair users a proper vantage point to view the show. This goes for the parades (currently being replaced with pop-up cavalcades) and street shows as well. With a little planning and getting a good spot, the shows and parades are a great way to enjoy the magic of Disney.
The accessibility of these shows extends beyond physical access: the parks offer options for audio and visual accessibility or assistance as well. Shows are specific to the theme park you’re visiting and are typically welcome for all ages.
Accessible modes of transportation
Wheelchair users may know that when they’re traveling, public transportation is often a very wheelchair accessible option compared to finding accessible taxis or rental cars, and Walt Disney World follows a similar approach.
Related: 7 air travel tips for wheelchair users
The modes of transportation Disney provides include the Monorail, buses, ferries, and the Skyliner, all of which are wheelchair accessible. All of these modes of transportation are easy to access for wheelchair users, with an almost seamless boarding process, allowing wheelchair users to remain in their wheelchair throughout the duration of the ride.
This is great because it gives everyone the same space to navigate across parks, to and from a vehicle or resort, and makes it easy for families and groups to travel together throughout the day.
Accessible Disney resorts
Beyond the parks, Disney resorts are noteworthy because they extend the magical experience from the park directly to your room. Offering more on-site fun, from the pools and dining to scavenger hunts and other activities, Disney resorts, in general, have fantastic accessibility — whether you want to splurge and stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort or choose one of the more budget-friendly resorts, like Disney’s Pop Century Resort.
Related: These are the most wheelchair-accessible cities around the world
Wheelchair users consistently find that Disney resorts deliver an excellent experience. Pool access lifts are available at resorts, giving wheelchair users a way to enter and enjoy the pool quickly. The rooms themselves have accessible amenities like roll-in showers and easy-to-navigate floor space with smart layouts, making it simple to enjoy your stay and have room for your luggage, guests and at-home necessities.
Related: 7 of the best national parks for wheelchair users
Companion care restrooms throughout the parks
Everybody needs to take a break at some point and Walt Disney World offers a host of restrooms throughout the parks, both standard restrooms and companion care restrooms.
Companion care restrooms are placed throughout the parks and offer a more private and larger space to take care of your needs, either as an individual or with a caregiver, family member or friend. This feature throughout each of the four theme parks makes Disney optimal for wheelchair users, as it’s fairly easy to locate a restroom to take care of your needs no matter where or when you’re in the park.
Disability Access Service for ride queues
Another reason why Walt Disney World is a great wheelchair-accessible destination is because of their Disability Access Service (DAS). This service is for guests who cannot tolerate long lines and gives them the option to visit an attraction at a later time. This service is a very specific option that is not solely tied to the guest’s need for a wheelchair or mobility device, as some wheelchair-using guests can tolerate the standard ride queue.
To use DAS, guests must visit Guest Relations at the main entrance of the park on the day of your park visit to register for the service. Guests who use DAS are given a time or appointment with a ride, which takes the current wait time into consideration, giving them the opportunity to explore the park and take a turn on the ride without waiting in the ride line.
Related: Your guide to visiting Disney World with a child on the autism spectrum
This is a great service because it allows all guests the opportunity to enjoy the rides in the park and works with guests to offer an alternative to the sometimes long and hot lines.
Accessible parking
For those who are driving to the parks, either with a rental vehicle or their own personal vehicle, Walt Disney World does offer accessible parking at each theme park.
Disney has specific Disability Parking Lots, which are a short distance from the main entrances of each park. This provides wheelchair users with a parking spot closer to the entrance for a shorter distance to cover between the car and the park itself. The courtesy tram does not stop at these parking lots, as the tram requires guests to step on and off, and the tram is not wheelchair accessible.
To park in the disability parking lot, the vehicle must have a valid disability parking permit and the standard parking rate applies to these lots as well.
Choosing to park in these specific lots gives wheelchair users access to conveniently located parking for easy use of paved pathways, elevators, and security checkpoints. This is a great option to reduce the time it takes to enter the park, giving you more time inside for fun.
Related: 5 tips for going on a cruise as a wheelchair user
Related: 10 wheelchair-accessible tour companies that are changing the travel industry
Related: The most wheelchair-accessible beach destinations in the U.S.
All images courtesy of the author
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.