Planning next year's vacation? Looking for a truly accessible, disability-friendly destination? Consider visiting the House That Mickey Built.
Located in Lake Buena Vista (about 20 miles south of Orlando) in the heart of central Florida, Walt Disney World is one of the world’s most popular and most accessible tourist destinations. You can travel through the countries of the world, explore the oceans, take a trip through the history of cinema and safari through an African savannah. And you can do it all, plus much more, from the comfort of your own wheelchair.
Visit Disney’s website to get started planning your vacation. The user-friendly website lets you customize a package that is right for you. Choose several combinations of hotels, meal plans, park tickets and any other amenities that you may want while on the site to compare different prices for different packages before making any decisions.
Hotel Accommodations
After comparing prices and deciding on a package that is right for you and your family, you will need to call the WDW reservation line to book an accessible room as they can’t be booked online. The accessible rooms at the Disney resort hotels are spacious and comfortable. There is ample space to maneuver a wheelchair around the bed(s) and the bathrooms are large with roll-in showers with built-in benches.
Transportation
When making your reservations, ask about Disney’s Magical Express to make your arrival and departure easier. Employees from your resort will pick up your luggage at the airport and deliver it to your room (a very handy service if you are traveling alone and have a disability). A chartered bus will pick you up and take you to your hotel. Not all Magical Express buses are equipped with lifts, however, so be sure to let them know when you make your reservations that you will need accessible transportation.
All buses within the regular Disney transportation system – those that travel from hotels to the parks – are equipped with lifts or ramps. The buses are also equipped with tie-downs and all drivers are trained in the proper use of the tie-downs and other wheelchair-locking systems. All monorails traveling between parks are also accessible.
Inside Walt Disney World Parks
The accessibility of Disney doesn’t end when you enter the parks. There are a number of companion bathrooms scattered throughout the parks. All restaurants, shops, show and attractions are also accessible and there is always a Disney cast member close by to help you with anything you need.
Contrary to a popular myth, a person in a wheelchair does not automatically get bumped to the front of the line for rides. Most rides are, however, accessible in that they will stop the ride in order to allow your companion/attendant ample time to help you transfer onto the ride. There are a few rides, however, that will accommodate your wheelchair or scooter.
Wheelchair-Friendly Rides
By park, a few of these rides are:
Magic Kingdom
- It's A Small World
Epcot
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- Universe of Energy
Disney's Hollywood Studios
- The Great American Movie Ride
Animal Kingdom
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
**While it is possible to ride Kilimanjaro Safaris while remaining in your chair, the terrain is very rough. If you do not wear a seatbelt while in your chair, transfer to a seat.**
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