Special Assistance from
A to Z
This page provides lots more details (listed
in alphabetical order, for your convenience) best understand the
issues of park touring when you (or someone in your party) needs!
ABC's
of Walt Disney World Special Assistance | Accommodations
Issues | Animal
Kingdom Attractions | Assistive
Listening Systems | Disney
/ MGM Studios Attractions | Epcot
Attractions | First Aid
| General Accessibility
| Guest Relations |
Hearing Disabilities |
How
Much of Walt Disney World is Really Accessible to folks in wheelchairs
or ECVs? | Magic
Kingdom Attractions | Other
Information on Special Assistance at Walt Disney World
| Parades / Fireworks
| Parking | Reflective
Captioning | Restaurants
| Restrooms | Service
Animals | Sign Language
Services | Telephones
| Video Captioning |
Visual Disabilities |
Walt Disney World
| Wheelchair and ECVs
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Walt Disney World offers a lot of help to folks that need special
assistance during their vacation. Most of the information here
is for folks that have accessibility concerns, but folks with hearing
and visual disabilities will find some assistance is available at
Walt Disney World for them, too. |
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All of the Walt Disney World Resorts offer accommodations for folks
with disabilities. Features vary depending from resort to resort
and from building to building. For information specific to
individual Resorts, please call the Walt Disney World Resort Special
Reservations hotline at (407) 939-7807 (voice) or (407) 939-7670
(TTY).
Accommodations for folks with disabilities may include the following
(you'll want to make sure that the room you
reserve has any special features that you rely upon):
- Wider bathroom doors
- Roll-in showers
- Shower benches
- Hand-held shower heads
- Accessible vanities
- Portable commodes
- Bathroom grab bars
- Bed rails
- Rubber bed pads
- Open frame beds
- Door knock and phone alerts
- Bed shaker alarm
- Text Typewriter (TTY)
- Strobe light smoke detector
- Phone amplifier
Plus, the following
- Buses with wheelchair lifts
- Double peep holes in doors
- Refrigerators (may include an additional charge)
- Closed Captioned televisions
- Braille on signage and elevators
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Discovery Island (formerly Safari Village)
It's Tough to be a Bug
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance. Upon exiting the theater, you'll need to turn
left to reach the exit ramp.
Tree of Life Garden
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the main
pathway.
Camp Minnie-Mickey
"Festival of The Lion King" at Lion King
Theater
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter
through the standard queue entrance.
"Pocahontas and her Forest Friends" at
Grandmother Willow's Grove
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter
through the standard queue entrance.
Dinoland USA
The Boneyard
People using wheelchairs should enter through
the designated access gate. This attraction is difficult to
move around in when using a wheelchair. The upper level and
many of the play pieces are available to those who are able
to leave their wheelchairs. Not recommended for ECVs.
Dinosaur
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter
through the standard queue entrance where a cast member will
provide further directions. In the event evacuation from this
ride is necessary, you must walk short distances or wait to
be evacuated.
Official WDW policy states, "For safety and
comfort, guests should be in good health and free from heart,
back, or neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions
that could be aggravated by this ride."
Cretaceous Trail
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the main
pathway.
Triceratop Spin
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the designated
entrance gate next to the attraction entrance where a cast member
will provide entry to the attraction. People may need the assistance
of a member of their party to board.
Primeval Whirl
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance where a cast member will provide further directions.
Official WDW policy states, "For safety and comfort, guests
should be in good health and free from heart, back, or neck
problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be
aggravated by this ride."
"Tarzan Rocks" at Theater in the Wild
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance and you'll be directed by a cast member to the
designated viewing area.
Africa
Kilimanjaro Safari
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter
through the standard queue entrance, then follow the signs to
the designated loading area, where a cast member will provide
further directions. If you're an ECV, you'll need to transfer
to a ride vehicle seat or to an available attraction wheelchair.
In the event evacuation from this ride is necessary, you must
walk short distances or wait to be evacuated.
A view of wheelchair accessibility
on the safari ride vehicle.
Official WDW policy states, "For safety and comfort,
guests should be in good health and free from heart, back, or
neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could
be aggravated by this ride."
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
People enter through the main pathway.
Wildlife Express to Rifiki's Planet Watch
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance. A cast member at the load platform will direct
boarding.
Rifiki's Planet Watch
Affection Section
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
entrance. Note, too, that animals like wheelchairs since they
can scratch themselves against the wheels. Be prepared, in the
affection section, to be treated rather "affectionately."
Also, you may want to remove (or stow) any blankets, books,
or other items that the animals (particularly the goats) may
try to chew on.
Planet Watch Pavilion
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the
standard entrance.
Asia
"Flights of Wonder" at Caravan Stage
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance and go down the far left aisle to the designated
viewing area.
Kali River Rapids
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter
through the standard queue entrance, where a cast member will
direct them to the appropriate boarding dock just before the
turntable. In the event evacuation from this ride is necessary,
folks must walk short distances or wait to be evacuated.
Official WDW policy states, "For safety and comfort,
guests should be in good health and free from heart, back, or
neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could
be aggravated by this ride."
Maharajah Jungle Trek
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
pathway.
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If you have mild hearing loss, you may find an assistive listening
system (a light weight infrared sound amplifier which can receive
signals from transmitters that are installed in certain locations
in the parks) to be helpful. They are available (a refundable,
$25 deposit is required) at Guest Relations in each park.
They operate at the following attractions:
- Magic Kingdom
- Castle Forecourt Stage
- Mickey's Toontown Fair - Judges' Tent
- Country Bear Jamboree
- Diamond Horseshoe Saloon
- Sunny Eclipse at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe
- The Hall of Presidents
- Legend of the Lion King
- Alien Encounter
- TimeKeeper
- Carousel of Progress
- Galaxy Palace Theater
- The Enchanted Tiki Room
- Epcot
- Ellen's Energy Adventure
- Wonders of Life: Cranium Command; The Making of Me; Goofy
About Health
- Test Track: Briefing Rooms; Demonstration Area
- The Living Seas: Theaters
- The Land: The Circle of Life; Food Rocks
- Honey, I Shrunk the Audience
- O Canada!
- Impressions de France
- The American Adventure; America Gardens Theatre
- Biergarten
- Wonders of China
- Maelstrom: Theater
- Innoventions: Certain Attractions
- Disney / MGM Studios
- Theater of the Stars
- The Magic of Disney Animation
- Voyage of the Little Mermaid
- Backlot Theater
- Muppet*Vision 3D
- Indiana Jones™ Epic Stunt Spectacular!
- Sounds Dangerous
- Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
- Fantasmic
- The Great Movie Ride (preshow only)
- Animal Kingdom
- It's Tough to Be a Bug
- Lion King Theater
- Grandmother Willow's Grove
- Kilamanjaro Safaris
- Wildlife Express
- Theater in the Wild
- Caravan Stage
- Conservation Station
- Dinosaur (pre-show only)
- Kali River Rapids (queue entrance only)
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Hollywood Boulevard Area
The Great Movie Ride
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance. A cast member will direct folks in the preshow
area. People using ECVs will need to transfer to the ride vehicle
or a standard wheelchair that will be provided upon request
by the cast member at the boarding area.
A view of the standard
Great Movie Ride vehicle.
Echo Lake Area
Star Tours
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance. Wheelchairs may be brought into the Star Tours
vehicle where you will be required to make a diagonal transfer
to the vehicle seat. People using ECVs will need to transfer
to a wheelchair that will be provided upon request by the cast
member at the beginning of the queue entrance.
Official WDW policy states, "For safety and comfort, guests
should be in good health and free from heart, back, or neck
problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be
aggravated by this ride."
Sounds Dangerous
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance. A cast member will direct folks in wheelchairs
or ECVs. This attraction contains segments in total darkness
and requires that you wear headphones to fully experience the
binaural audio effects.
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Contact a cast member before entering the attraction or waiting
in line. Recommended arrival time is at least 20 minutes before
the scheduled start of the show.
Sunset Boulevard Area
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter
through the standard queue entrance. A cast member will direct
folks in boarding. People using ECVs will need to transfer to
a standard wheelchair that will be provided by the cast member
at the attraction entrance. You will be required to transfer
from the wheelchair into the ride vehicle within a 30-second
timeframe. If evacuation of this ride is needed, you must negotiate
stairs and walk through narrow passages or wait to be evacuated.
A view of the standard
Rock 'n' roller Coaster ride vehicle.
Official WDW policy states, "For safety and comfort, guests
should be in good health and free from heart, back, or neck
problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be
aggravated by this ride."
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance.
Official WDW policy states, "For safety and comfort, guests
should be in good health and free from heart, back, or neck
problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be
aggravated by this ride."
Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should access the theater
via the ramp located on the left of the attraction. Recommended
arrival time is at least 20 minutes before the scheduled start
of the show.
Fantasmic
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance keeping to the far right side.
Mickey Avenue / Backlot Area
One Man's Dream
Contact a cast member at attraction entrance for instructions.
Backstage Pass
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance. People using wheelchairs or ECVs should stay
to the right while entering the attraction. Because of the nature
of the experience, this attraction can only accommodate a limited
number of folks using wheelchairs or ECVs per tour.
Backlot Tour
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance then stay to the far right when entering the
attraction and enter to the designated entrance gate. Notify
a cast member for boarding instructions. People may leave their
wheelchairs or ECVs (which will be folded and loaded onto the
shuttle) or ride in a wheelchair- accessible vehicle.
Official WDW policy states, "For safety and comfort, guests
should be in good health and free from heart, back, or neck
problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be
aggravated by this ride."
The Magic of Disney Animation
People should enter through the standard queue entrance. People
utilizing ECVs will need to transfer to a standard wheelchair
that will be provided by the cast member at the building entrance.
Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance.
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance.
Who Wants to be a Millionaire - Play It!
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance.
New York Street Area
Jim Henson's MuppetVision 3-D
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance.
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure
People using wheelchairs should enter through
the designated access gate. This attraction is difficult to
move around in when using a wheelchair. The upper level and
many of the play pieces are available to those who are able
to leave their wheelchairs. Not recommended for ECVs.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame -- A Musical Adventure
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter
through the standard queue entrance. A cast member will direct
you to designated seating areas. Recommended arrival time is
at least 20 minutes before the scheduled start of the show.
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Future World
Spaceship Earth
Enter at the exit of this attraction where a cast member will
give you boarding directions. In this attraction, folks move
forward in slow-moving vehicles up an incline, and later turn-around
to ride backward for a slow return down a very steep incline.
If an evacuation of this ride is required, you must be able
to walk down (possibly many) flights of stairs or else wait
to be evacuated.
Innoventions
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
entrance.
Ellen's Energy Adventure (Universe of Energy)
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance. People using ECVs will need to transfer to a
standard wheelchair that will be provided by the cast member
at the building entrance. At the conclusion of the pre-show,
you should enter the "theater" with everyone else.
However, instead of entering up the carpeted ramps to access
seating, stay to the right of the carpeted ramp and wait for
a cast member to provide boarding instructions. This attraction
can accommodate up to six wheelchairs per show. Due to limited
seating, folks using wheelchairs and up to three members of
their party can be accommodated in reserved seating.
The Wonders of Life
Body Wars
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter
through the standard queue entrance. People using ECVs will
need to transfer to a standard wheelchair that will be provided
by the cast member at the beginning of the queue entrance.
Wheelchairs may be brought into the Body Wars vehicle where
folks will be required to make a diagonal transfer to the
vehicle seat.
Official WDW policy states, "For safety and
comfort, guests should be in good health and free from heart,
back, or neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions
that could be aggravated by this ride."
Cranium Command
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter
through the standard queue entrance where a cast member will
direct you to designated seating areas.
"Goofy About Health"
People using wheelchairs or ECVs and their group
should simply gather around the theater area. A cast member
will direct you to designated seating areas.
AnaComical Players
People using wheelchairs or ECVs and their group
should simply gather around the theater area. A cast member
will direct you to designated seating areas.
The Making of Me
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter
through the standard queue entrance where a cast member will
direct you to designated seating areas.
Test Track
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance. When you exit the briefing room, a cast member
will direct you to the loading area. People will be required
to transfer from their wheelchairs or ECVs to the test vehicles
to experience this attraction. There is a stationary vehicle
available in a private area of you wish to practice getting
in and out of the vehicle. If an evacuation of this ride is
required, you must be able to walk down flights of stairs and
walk through narrow passages or else wait to be evacuated.
Official WDW policy states, "For safety and comfort, guests
should be in good health and free from heart, back, or neck
problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be
aggravated by this ride."
Journey into Imagination
Journey into Your Imagination
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the
standard queue entrance and follow the signs when you reach
the boarding area where a cast member will provide further
directions.
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience
People should enter through the standard queue entrance.
People using ECVs will need to transfer to a standard wheelchair
that will be provided by the cast member at the building entrance.
Due to limited seating, folks using wheelchairs and only one
member of their party can be seated next to each other. All
additional members of the party will be seated in the row
immediately in front. This theater can accommodate eight wheelchairs
per show.
The Land
Note: The lower level of the building can be accessed by using
the elevator to the left of the Garden Grill Restaurant.
Living With the Land
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter
directly to the wheelchair loading area located behind the
staircase. People using ECVs will need to transfer to a standard
wheelchair that will be provided at the boarding area.
"Behind the Seeds" (Greenhouse Tour)
People using ECVs will be required to transfer to a standard
wheelchair that will be provided at the beginning of the tour.
Food Rocks
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter
through the standard queue entrance where a cast member will
direct you to designated seating areas.
The Circle of Life
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter
through the standard queue entrance where a cast member will
direct you to designated seating areas.
The Living Seas
Caribbean Coral Reef Ride / Sea Base Alpha
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the
standard queue entrance. People using ECVs are encouraged
to park them outside or transfer to an available wheelchair.
World Showcase
O Canada
Access to the theater is via the path through Victoria Gardens
(past the Le Cellier Steakhouse.) A cast member will provide
directions on viewing areas in the theater. Because of the unique
360-degree format of this presentation, you may experience the
sensation of movement.
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the left
side of the entrance hallway where a cast member will provide
further directions.
The American Adventure
The cast member at the entrance will give you directions to
an elevator to go up to the second floor. This theater can accommodate
14 wheelchairs or ECVs per show.
Wonders of China: Land of Beauty, Land of Time
A cast member will provide directions on viewing areas in the
theater. Because of the unique 360-degree format of this presentation,
folks may experience the sensation of movement.
Maelstrom
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance where a cast member will provide further directions.
In this attraction, folks must be able to walk up two steps
to board and exit the boat. During the ride, the boat will move
rapidly up a steep incline and will then move backwards briefly
before turning and facing forward again to go down a short,
but steep drop. If an evacuation of this ride is required, you
must be able to walk down (possibly many) flights of stairs
or else wait to be evacuated.
El Rio Del Tiempo: The River of Time
People using wheelchairs or ECVs can enter the Mexico Pavilion
through the side door located to the far right of the main entrance.
Then, go through the exit of the attraction where a cast member
at the dock will provide further directions. People utilizing
ECVs will need to transfer to a standard wheelchair that will
be provided by the cast member at the boarding area.
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First Aid is available in each park as follows:
- Magic Kingdom - on the West side and at the end of main street
(nestled midway between Casey's and the Crystal Palace Restaurant).
- Epcot - on the World Showcase side of the Odyssey Center between
Test Track and the Mexico Pavilion, you'll find the facility at
the top of the walkway closest to Mexico. There are signs
to direct you, but you have to keep your eyes open.
- Disney / MGM Studios - located in the guest services building,
just to the left as you enter the gate (next to Sid Cuehuenga's
One-of-a-Kind Shop).
- Animal Kingdom - located way to the West side of the
Oasis, just past the Pizzafari Restaurant as you walk in from
the entrance of the park.
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There are several different categories of attractions at Walt
Disney World. Knowing a bit more about those types of attractions
can really make it easier to understand how to deal with your particular
disability with regard to each attraction.:
- Shows that are presented in theaters. These
shows may be Broadway-like stage shows, films (or movies), multi-
- Wheelchair Access Rides (like It's a Small World
which has wheelchair accessible boats) that folks can get into
without getting out of the wheelchair at all.
- Static Loading, Easy Access Rides (like the Great
Movie Ride) that folks can get into without the ride vehicle moving.
- Static Loading, Difficult Access Rides (like Space Mountain)
that folks can get into without the ride vehicle moving, but with
ride vehicles that require significant physical dexterity to get
in and out of.
- Continuous Loading Rides (like Spaceship Earth, Peter
Pan, etc.) that require that folks get onto a moving platform
to get onto the ride vehicle.
These designations are used throughout this page to describe the
attractions.
Here are a few more comments:
- For most rides, the guest in the wheelchair will have to be
able to get out of the chair and walk a short distance to get
into the ride vehicle. If the guest is completely unable
to get out of the chair without significant help or has a very
difficult time walking, then the number of attractions that that
guest can enjoy drops significantly.
- Due to insurance requirements and legal issues, Walt Disney
World cast members are not permitted to physically transfer folks
to and from wheelchairs or ECVs.
- Most rides have a separate entrance for wheelchairs or ECVs
(sometimes the exit, where you enter "backwards" and
go up to the loading area). These separate entrances are
not intended to be a means for bypassing the queue entrances,
but simply an easier means of access to the loading area.
Walt Disney World's standard policy is that up to five members
of a disabled guest's party may go along through the separate
entrance.
- Some attractions, such as Alien Encounter, just have you wait
in the regular queue entrance.
- Many attractions, Voyage of the Little Mermaid for example,
have a separate waiting area for wheelchairs or ECVs but only
allow a limited number per show.
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Guest Relations at each of the theme parks provides several services,
including providing general park information, helping folks with
priority seating arrangements for restaurants, help with park admission
media, guidemaps, entertainment schedules, and information on services
for folks with disabilities.
Guest relations is located as follows:
- Magic Kingdom - located in City Hall on main street's square.
- Epcot - located in Innoventions East (to the far left of Spaceship
Earth as you enter the park) in Future World.
- Disney / MGM Studios - to the left, just past the main entrance
of the park near Sid Cahuenga's One-Of-A-Kind Store.
- Animal Kingdom - to the left, just past the main entrance of
the park.
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Paper and writing implements are available throughout the park
if you need to communicate with a cast member for any reason.
Also, packets containing show dialogue and narrations, flashlights,
and pen and paper are available for many shows and attractions.
Cast members trained in sign language can be identified by the
appropriate language pin.
Also, note that assistive listening systems, pay telephones
equipped with amplified handsets and TTY sets, sign
language services, reflective
Captioning, and video captioning
are available at the parks as well.
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A commonly asked question about accessibility at Walt
Disney World is, "How Much of Walt Disney World is Really Accessible
to folks in wheelchairs or ECVs?"
Like many trip planning issues, the question is an
easy one, but the answer is a bit more complicated. Of course,
the entire park itself (the walkways, various "lands"
or pavilions, restaurants, etc.) is accessible to wheelchairs or
ECVs. However, the various attractions are the complicated
part.
Attractions, as you know, are broken up into several types (I
did a quick count of the attractions at the major parks of each
type, but I may be off by a couple here or there as I didn't double
check... there is a total of 83):
- (28) Shows (like the Beauty & the Beast stage show)
in theaters.
- (9) Wheelchair access rides (like the Great Movie Ride)
that folks can get into without getting out of the wheelchair
at all.
- (26) Static loading, easy access rides (like the Great
Movie Ride) that folks can get into without the ride vehicle moving.
- (14) Static loading, difficult access rides (like Space Mountain)
that folks can get into without the ride vehicle moving, but with
ride vehicles that require significant physical dexterity to get
in and out of.
- (6) Continuous loading rides (like Spaceship Earth, Peter Pan,
etc.) that require that folks get onto a moving platform to get
onto the ride vehicle.
So to answer the question, "How much of the park including
rides, etc., is accessible by customers in wheel chairs?"...
If we just go by the number of attractions (knowing, of course,
that the vast majority of the parks -- including restaurants and
so on -- is at least "accessible" via wheelchair),
and if we assume that the guest is completely unable to get out
of the wheelchair, then I'd say the answer is (28+9)/83=45%.
If the guest can get out of the wheelchair and walk for short distances
and deal with easy access, then I'd say the answer is (28+9+26)/83=76%.
If the guest can get out of the wheelchair and walk for short distances
and deal with more difficult access including moving platforms,
and so on, then the answer is 100%.
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Main Street
Click here
to take a great photo tour of Main Street!
Walt Disney World Railroad
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter up the ramp located
next to the Main Street Gallery where a cast member will provide
further directions. Note that the Railroad cannot accommodate
ECVs.
Main Street Vehicles
Boarding locations may be found throughout Town Square and
in front of Cinderella Castle. Folding wheelchairs or ECVs may
be placed in most of the vehicles for the one-way trip.
Adventureland
Click here
to take a great photo tour of Adventureland!
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the designated
entrance gate next to the attraction entrance where a cast member
will provide entry to the attraction. People may need the assistance
of a member of their party to board.
Tropical Serenade - Under New Management!
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter the pre-show
area through the designated gate on the right side of the turnstiles.
A cast member will then direct your party.
Pirates of the Caribbean
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance. A cast member will assist your party at the
turnstiles. You then then wind your way through a "cave"
to the loading area. Folding wheelchairs may be lifted into
the boat (nonfolding wheelchairs and ECVs may be exchanged for
folding wheelchairs at the entrance.) A limited number of the
folding wheelchairs are available, so a brief wait may be necessary.
People must negotiate two steps as they board and exit the boat.
During the ride, the boats will accelerate rapidly down a short,
steep waterfall. An elevator is available at the unload area
to exit the attraction.
Swiss Family Treehouse
This attraction requires walking up and down many, many, many
(some say 128) stairs. Bottom line, if you need to be
in a wheelchair or ECV, you'd be best off to skip the Treehouse.
Jungle Cruise
People using wheelchairs or ECVs can enter using a ramped pathway.
A cast member at the unload area on the far left will provide
instructions for boarding. Because of the bobbing nature of
the boat at dockside, a member of the party may need to help
folks step down to board and exit the boat.
Frontierland
Diamond Horseshoe Saloon Revue
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should use the ramp to the
right of the Saloon to reach the entrance doors.
Frontierland Shootin' Arcade
Locate the ramp to the left of the arcade. There are a couple
of gun positions that can accommodate folks in wheelchairs or
ECVs.
Country Bear Jamboree
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter the attraction
through the designated door located on the far left side of
the main entrance. Notify a cast member for assistance.
Tom Sawyer Island
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the exit
and follow the path to the loading area.
NOTE: Tom Sawyer Island is not recommended for folks
using ECVs as there are many stairs, bridges, inclines, and
narrow caves that will make moving around very difficult.
Splash Mountain
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter
through the standard queue entrance until their party reaches
the designated access gate where a cast member will provide
boarding directions. If an evacuation of this ride is required,
you must be able to walk down flights of stairs and walk through
narrow passages or else wait to be evacuated.
Official WDW policy states, "For safety and comfort,
guests should be in good health and free from heart, back, or
neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could
be aggravated by this ride."
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should locate the two exits
at the far right of the attraction. Continue to the loading
area, staying along the wall area of the pathway. A cast member
will direct boarding. If evacuation from this attraction is
necessary, you must walk short distances or wait to be evacuated.
Official WDW policy states, "For safety and comfort, guests
should be in good health and free from heart, back, or neck
problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be
aggravated by this ride."
Liberty Square
The Hall of Presidents
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter the lobby through
the door on the right side of the turnstiles where a cast member
will provide further directions.
The Haunted Mansion
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance until their party reaches the designated access
gate where a cast member will provide further directions.
Liberty Belle Riverboat
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should locate the exit ramp
on the far left or right side of the landing and enter to the
dock area where a cast member will provide further directions.
Mickey's Toontown Fair
Goofy's Barnstormer
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance where a cast member will provide further directions.
Official WDW policy states, "For safety and comfort, guests
should be in good health and free from heart, back, or neck
problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be
aggravated by this ride."
Donald's Boat
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance.
Character Greetings
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance.
Fantasyland
Cinderella's Carousel
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should wait at the exit gate
located to the right of the entrance and notify a cast member
for further directions. People must be about to sit on one of
the carrousel horses or in the non-moving chariot to experience
this attraction.
Mad Tea Party
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should wait at the exit located
on the right of the operator's control booth where a cast member
will provide further directions.
NOTE: Because of the centrifugal force produced by the
spinning tea cups, individuals with difficulty maintaining an
upright-sitting posture should not ride this attraction.
Dumbo
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the designated
entrance gate next to the attraction entrance where a cast member
will provide entry to the attraction. People may need the assistance
of a member of their party to board.
Legend of the Lion King
This show is now closed. A new 3-D movie
attraction, staring Mickey Mouse, will be opening in 2003 in
this theater.
Peter Pan's Flight
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter
to the designated entrance to the left side of the queue entrance
where a cast member will provide further directions. People
must be able to step onto a moving walkway and board the moving
vehicle traveling at the same speed. The moving walkway cannot
be stopped at this attraction.
It's A Small World
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should contact
the attraction greeter for information on boarding options.
Boats that can accommodate wheelchairs are available at this
attraction.
A view of the wheel-chair
accessible vehicle.
Snow White's Scary Adventures
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter
to the designated entrance gate at the far right where a cast
member will provide further directions.
The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter
through the standard queue entrance where a cast member will
provide further directions. People with the ability to do so
will be asked to transfer to a standard vehicle. People who
remain in their wheelchairs may wait for an accessible vehicle.
Tommorrowland
Space Mountain
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance of this attraction where a cast member will provide
further directions. Be advised that folks must be able to step
down into the ride vehicle. In the event that evacuation from
this ride is necessary, you must maneuver across catwalks and
down a series of ladders or wait until you can be evacuated.
Official WDW policy states, "For safety and comfort, guests
should be in good health and free from heart, back, or neck
problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be
aggravated by this ride."
Astro Orbiter
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance where a cast member will admit you past the turnstiles
and direct your party in boarding the elevator. On the upper
level, a member of your party may need to assist you with boarding.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance. To experience this attraction, you must first
walk from a steeply ascending moving ramp to a moving turntable.
People then board a moving vehicle from a walkway traveling
at the same speed.
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter
through the standard queue entrance where a cast member will
provide further directions. Ramps are located at both the entrance
and exit of the attraction.
Tomorrowland Speedway
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance until your party reaches the designated entrance
gate where a cast member will provide further directions. To
ride this attraction, folks must have the ability to step up
to board and exit the race cars. Note that during the ride,
cars may be bumped from behind. To drive a vehicle, folks must
have adequate vision and ability to steer and depress the gas
pedal.
Official WDW policy states, "For safety and comfort, guests
should be in good health and free from heart, back, or neck
problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be
aggravated by this ride."
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance until your party reaches the designated entrance
gate where a cast member will provide further directions.
ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance where a cast member will provide further directions.
In this attraction, you will be confined by a restraint system
that applies pressure to the head and shoulders. Persons who
develop anxiety in dark places or those with neck or shoulder
conditions should not experience this attraction.
Official WDW policy states, "WARNING: Electromagnetic
fields in use. People using electronic medical devices that
could be affected are advised against entering this attraction."
The Timekeeper
People using wheelchairs or ECVs should enter through the standard
queue entrance where a cast member will provide further directions.
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I strongly recommend that you check out these sites for more information
on special assistance and accessibility:
- Disney.com's own "folks"
page, which is a tremendous resource with attraction access information
as well as tons of other helps.
- Deb Will's Walt
Disney World Information Guide and scroll down to the section
labeled, "Need Special Assistance?" (which is about
3/4ths of the way down the page)
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There are designated wheelchair areas for watching parades, fireworks,
IllumiNations, Fantasmic, etc. However, it's usually important
to grab a spot early because they do fill up quickly.
The official policy of Walt Disney World states that "viewing
spaces cannot be reserved or guaranteed. Parties larger than six
may be asked to separate and reunite afterward."
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There is designated handicapped parking throughout (at each resort,
Downtown Disney, the miniature golf courses, and so on) Walt Disney
World. Disability parking permit are required to ensure that
enough spaces are available for those visitors that need them.
If you are able to walk short distances, the Disney folks would
rather that you park in the main lot areas and ride the trams from
your car to the entrance. However, there is a limited amount
of designated handicapped parking in the theme park parking lots
for those folks that are unable to use the trams or who have their
own personal wheelchairs or ECVs.
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Reflective captioning using LED displays, are available free of
charge at some attractions. To use this system, you must contact
a cast member at the attraction. This service is currently available
at:
- Magic Kingdom
- Country Bear Jamboree
- The Hall of Presidents
- The TimeKeeper
- Epcot
- The Living Seas - Theaters
- The Land - "The Circle of Life"
- The Land - Food Rocks
- Imagination! - "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience"
- Wonders of Life - Cranium Command
- Wonders of Life - "The Making of Me"
- The American Adventure
- Canada - "O Canada!"
- China - "Wonders of China"
- France - "Impressions de France"
- Norway - Maelstrom Theater
- Disney / MGM Studios
- Jim Henson's Muppet*Vision 3D
- Voyage of the Little Mermaid
- The Magic of Disney Animation
- FANTASMIC!
- Animal Kingdom
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Without exception, all the restaurants are very accommodating when
it comes to accessibility. However, there are issues to be aware
of:
- In almost all restaurants you may have difficulty navigating
a wheelchair or ECV through narrow paths around tables (especially
at the counter service restaurants where walkways are not intentionally
made wider for the restaurant wait staff).
- It may be very difficult (or even impossible) to get through
the narrow queue entrances that are at most of the counter-service
locations. You may require assistance from another member of your
party (or else ask for help from a cast member, as they will provide
assistance as well.)
- Some restaurants, Yakitori House in the Japan Pavilion at Epcot
comes to mind, require that you go on a bit of a hunting trip
to find a path to the counter and seating areas, but once you
know your way around, it's not difficult to get there. (Incidentally,
the way up to Yakitori house is via a ramp that starts right in
front of the temple and winds through the Japanese garden directly
between the temple and Yakitori House up on the hill.)
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Most restrooms throughout the Walt Disney World Resort have facilities
designed for access by folks traveling in wheelchairs or ECVs.
In the theme parks, companion-assisted restroom facilities are
available at First Aid as well as at these locations:
- Magic Kingdom
- The lower level of Cinderella's Royal Table
- Splash Mountain
- Mickey's Toontown Fair
- Transportation and Ticket Center East Gate
- Epcot
- FutureWorld East Block opposite Test Track
- FutureWorld West Block opposite the Land
- Near Canada
- Near Morocco
- Near Spaceship Earth
- Disney / MGM Studios
- Opposite the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™
- Opposite Star Tours
- FANTASMIC!
- Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
- Animal Kingdom
- Safari Village opposite Flame Tree Barbecue
- Harambe Village in the Mombasa Marketplace
- Chester and Hester's Dinosaur Treasures in Dinoland
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Service animals are welcome throughout the parks with certain limitations.
First, service animals must remain on a leash or harness at all
times. Second, folks with service animals must follow the same attraction
entrance procedures as those for folks with wheelchairs or ECVs.
Service animals are not permitted to ride certain attractions in
which case, the animal must be attended to at all times. Those
attractions are:
- Magic Kingdom
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Splash Mountain
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Mad Tea Party
- Peter Pan's Flight
- The Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacres Farm
- Astro Orbiter
- Space Mountain
- Epcot
- Disney / MGM Studios
- Star Tours
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
- Animal Kingdom
- Dinosaur
- Affection Section at Conservation Station
- The aviary area of Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
- The aviary area of Maharajah Jungle Trek
- Kali River Rapids
Special procedures are in place for boarding the following attractions
if you have a service animal, so you should check with a cast member
for instructions at the following attractions:
- Magic Kingdom
- Cinderella's Golden Carrousel
- Snow White's Adventures
- Alien Encounter
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Epcot
- Spaceship Earth
- Honey, I Shrunk the Audience
- Maelstrom
- Innoventions
- Disney / MGM Studios
- Animal Kingdom
- It's Tough to Be a Bug
- Kilamanjaro Safaris
You can use specific backstage locations for service-animal relief
areas. You need to contact a cast member for assistance:
- Magic Kingdom
- Backstage behind the gates next to Tony's Town Square Restaurant
- Backstage behind the gates next to Pirates of the Caribbean
- Backstage behind the parade gates near Splash Mountain
- Backstage through the gate next to the restrooms at Pete's
Garage in Mickey's Toontown Fair
- Backstage between Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress and
Ursa's Major Minor Mart
- Epcot
- Main Entrance near the Kennel
- Near the Universe of Energy to the left
- Next to Imagination! by the gates to the right
- Next to Mexico on the right by the gates
- Near the American Adventure to the right
- International Gateway behind the World Traveler
- Disney / MGM Studios
- Main Entrance near the Kennel
- Backstage gate next to Star Tours
- Backstage between the Backlot Theater and the Courthouse
- Backstage behind Theater of the Stars
- Backstage gate near Soundstage 3
- Backstage near the restrooms at Animation Courtyard
- Animal Kingdom
- Main Entrance Kennel Area
- Backstage behind the gates near Chester and Hester's Dinosaur
Treasures
- Backstage behind the gates near Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Backstage behind the gates between Pizzafari and Creature
Comforts
- Backstage behind the gates to the right of Conservation
Station
- Backstage behind the gates near Maharajah Jungle Trek
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Walt Disney World Resort provides Sign Language translations for
live shows with a minimum of seven days notice on a rotating schedule:
- Magic Kingdom Park - Mondays, Thursdays
- Epcot - Tuesdays, Fridays
- Disney / MGM Studios - Sundays, Wednesdays
- Animal Kingdom - Saturdays
You can make reservations for this service by calling Walt Disney
World Resort Information at (407) 824-4321 (voice) or (407) 827-5141
(TTY). You will then be contacted prior to your trip a show schedule.
There is no cost to our folks for this service.
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For everyone's comfort and safety, smoking is prohibited in all
waiting areas, attractions, stores, dining areas, restrooms, and
locations designated for parade and show viewing.
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Pay phones equipped with amplified handsets are available throughout
Walt Disney World.
Pay phones equipped with a text typewriter (TTY) are available
at the following locations:
- Magic Kingdom
- Transportation and Ticket Center east gate
- Main St. Railroad Station lower level
- First Aid
- Frontierland/Adventureland breezeway (between The Diamond
Horseshoe and Island Supply)
- Splash Mountain
- Enchanted Grove
- Peter Pan
- Ursa's Major Minor Mart
- Epcot
- Bus parking
- Spaceship Earth - Global Neighborhood
- Innoventions East breezeway
- Innoventions West breezeway
- Odyssey Center
- China Plaza
- The American Adventure - Liberty Inn
- Morocco
- International Gateway
- Disney / MGM Studios
- The Hollywood Brown Derby
- Opposite Star Tours
- Kennel
- First Aid
- Opposite Studio Catering Company
- Opposite the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Animal Kingdom
- Main entrance next to Guest Relations
- Safari Village opposite Flame Tree Barbecue
- Restaurantosaurus
- Harambe Village in Tusker House
- Conservation Station
- Asia area restrooms
A TTY is also available at each Guest Relations location.
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Closed Caption-ready monitors, designated with a "CC"
Symbol, can be activated by remote controllers (a refundable, $25
deposit is required) that are available at the Guest Relations.
Video captioning is currently available at:
- Magic Kingdom
- Carousel of Progress (Pre-show only)
- TimeKeeper (Pre-show only)
- Alien Encounter (Pre-show only)
- Mickey's Toontown Fair - Judges Tent
- Space Mountain (Pre-show only)
- Epcot
- The Land - "The Circle of Life" (Pre-show only)
- The Living Seas - Sea Base Alpha
- Wonders of Life - Frontiers Exhibit Area
- Test Track (Pre-show only)
- Disney / MGM Studios
- The American Film Institute Showcase
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (Pre-show only)
- Backlot Tour (Prop Warehouse-Shuttles queue entrance only)
- MuppetVision 3D (Pre-show only)
- Star Tours (Boarding area only)
- ABC Commissary
- Backstage Pass
- The Magic of Disney Animation (Video wall only)
- Animal Kingdom
- Dinosaur (pre-show only)
- Conservation Station Interactive Area
- Kilamanjaro Safaris (queue area only)
- Pangani Forest Exploration Trail (designated exhibits)
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Braille guidebooks are available (a refundable, $25 deposit is
required) at Guest Relations in each park. Also, the parks
have audio cassette tapes and tape players available (again, a refundable,
$25 deposit is required) that provide a brief description of the
attractions.
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Most of Walt Disney World's transportation systems are accessible
to folks with disabilities.
All bus routes have buses that are equipped to accommodate various
types of wheelchairs or ECVs and ECVs. However, there are
a couple of things that you should be aware of regarding accessibility
on Walt Disney World's buses:
- The official "guidelines" for wheelchair/ECV access
requires that the wheelchair fit the lift without being forced
and that the wheelchair be securely fastened in the wheelchair
restraints when the bus is in motion.
- Getting the wheelchair on and off a bus is time consuming and
not all buses are handicapped accessible so you may have to wait
for one to arrive.
Accessibility on Walt Disney World's watercraft varies depending
on the type of watercraft and the existing water levels and conditions.
If the water level varies
too much, the distance between the boat's deck and the dock will
vary a great deal.
The monorails are fully accessible at the parks and resorts.
However, at some stations, portable ramps must be put in place for
wheelchair and ECV access.
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You are always permitted to bring you own wheelchair or ECV (or
a third-party rental) into the parks.
Alternatively, you can rent wheelchairs at the parks for $5.00
/ day (plus a $1.00 deposit.) They are available on a first-come,
first-served basis. Rental wheelchairs must be left in the
park in which they were rented. They may not be used in-between
parks.
Wheelchairs can be rented at the following locations:
- Magic Kingdom - right at the park entrance on the right-hand
side.
- Epcot - to the left of Spaceship Earth as you enter the main
entrance an at the International Gateway (Epcot's "back door.")
- Disney / MGM Studios - Oscar's Super Service, just inside main
entrance on the right as you enter.
- Animal Kingdom - two locations: Garden Gate Gifts (to the right
as you enter the park) and Outpost
Day visitors who are unable to reach the Magic Kingdom Park without
the aid of a wheelchair from the Transportation and Ticket Center
may rent one at Mickey's Gift Station to the right of the ticket
booths. Please note that there are only limited numbers available.
(Note, though, that ECVs are not available at the TTC.)
In addition, because wheelchairs sometimes have a habit of wandering
off by themselves, the folks at Walt Disney World have set up a
bunch of "replacement locations" where you can get a free
rental replacement (as long as you can show your paid receipt from
the same day, of course.) They are:
- Magic Kingdom
- Tinker Bell's Treasures
- Frontier Trading Post
- Ursa's Major Minor Mart
- Epcot
- Disney / MGM Studios
- Tatooine Traders
- The Writers Stop
- Animal Kingdom
- Creature Comforts
- Mombasa Marketplace
If you're planning to visit more than one park on the same day,
hold onto your receipt from the first park you visit. Then, you
can obtain a free replacement at no additional charge. Be
aware, though, that there is always risk that there won't be any
more wheelchairs available at the second park.
A limited number of Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) are also
available at the parks on a first-come, first-served basis at the
same locations as the wheelchair rental places. Cost for an ECV
rental is $30.00 / day with a $10.00 deposit. You must be 18 years
of age or older to rent an ECV, and quantities are limited (and
reservations are NOT accepted). ECVs are available only on a same-day
basis and may be used only in the Park where they are rented. However,
ECVs will be held if folks wish to leave and return to the same
Park.
Walt Disney World Resorts also offer wheelchair rentals to their
folks. Quantities may be limited. Please contact the front desk
for assistance.
One last thing... there are at least three third-party
companies that rent wheelchairs and/or ECVs in the Walt Disney World
area. You can contact them directly if you'd like to consider
renting for the duration of your trip:
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Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide
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