Disney parks proudly welcome Guests of all abilities and offer a number of services that make the magic accessible to all. If you or someone you’re traveling with is looking for information on wheelchairs, restrooms, break areas, maps and other resources, start here for some vacation planning tips. We’ve put together a guide to give you a quick overview on some key accessibility options, with links so you can learn more.
For Guests with Mobility Disabilities
Parking, transportation systems and attractions throughout the parks are accessible for Guests using wheelchairs and Electric Conveyance Vehicles (ECVs) or scooters. Just a few of the resources include:
- Daily rentals of manual wheelchairs and ECVs are available on a first-come, first-served basis; Guests are also invited to bring their own.
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Restrooms at the Disney parks are accessible for different abilities and include Companion Restrooms, which are larger in size and allow a Guest with a disability to be assisted by a member of their party.
- Some attractions allow Guests to stay in their wheelchair or ECV, and some require a transfer or walk. Learn more by visiting this online guide for Walt Disney World® Resort.
For Guests with Cognitive Disabilities
Guests with cognitive disabilities—including those on the Autism spectrum—and their families can maximize the Disney experience with these services available across the parks:
- For families with members of differing abilities, the Rider Switch program allows one parent to wait in line with Guests who are unable to ride the attraction and then switch roles to take their turn, all without having to wait in line again.
- Caring Cast Members are ready and able to direct you to the nearest break area when a loved one becomes over-stimulated and is in need of calm—just ask!
- Restaurants can accommodate most food allergies, intolerances and specific dietary needs, and advance requests can be made when booking a dining reservation or by speaking with the manager on duty at most table-service restaurants. You’re also welcome to bring your own food.
- If necessary, visit Guest Relations to receive a “stroller as wheelchair” tag that you can place on your stroller for easy identification by Cast Members.
- Download this printable resource guide for Walt Disney World® Resort to make planning a breeze.
For Guests with Hearing Disabilities
Guests with hearing disabilities can access the following services and devices to better enjoy Disney parks:
- Some live shows offer Sign Language interpretation on a rotating basis, and Guests may request interpretation for specific events and dinners with 14 days’ notice.
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Available at Guest Relations, Disney’s Handheld Device offers Handheld Captioning, which displays on-screen text, as well as Assistive Listening, which amplifies existing show audio at select theaters and attractions. The device requires a $25 fully refundable deposit.
- At many pre-show and exhibit areas, you’ll find monitors with open video captioning that are designated by a “CC” symbol.
- Those staying in a Resort hotel can request a room with amenities like bed shaker notifications, strobe light smoke detectors, Text Typewriter telephones and more.
- Get all of the information you need for a safe and magical experience by visiting this online access guide for Walt Disney World® Resort.
For Guests with Visual Disabilities
Here’s how to ensure a fun visit to the theme parks for Disney fans with visual disabilities:
- Disney’s Handheld Device provides supplemental audio descriptions and narration at specific attractions, entertainment venues and popular locations. It’s available at Guest Relations for a fully refundable $25 deposit.
- Braille guidebooks serve up helpful descriptions of attractions, restaurants and stores you won’t want to miss. Find them at Guest Relations for a fully refundable $25 deposit.
- Stationary Braille Maps guide Guests to key areas and attractions as well as important services such as First Aid, restrooms, Service Animal Relief Areas and more. Pick one up at Guest Relations for a fully refundable $25 deposit.
- At Walt Disney World® Resort, Portable Tactile Map Booklets feature a tactile representation of building boundaries, walkways and landmarks for each area of the theme parks.
- Find all of the information you need for planning a Disney visit for Guests with visual disabilities at Walt Disney World® Resort.
For Guests with Service Animals
Service animals are welcome at most locations throughout the Disney parks and Resort hotels. For full details on relief areas, restricted locations and more, visit the website for Walt Disney World® Resort.
Disability Access Service (DAS)
Disability Access Service (DAS) is a program offered at Disney parks to assist Guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a conventional queue environment due to a disability. While DAS doesn’t provide immediate access to experiences, it allows Guests to request a return time for a specific experience that is comparable to the current standby wait. This allows the Guest using DAS to enjoy other experiences in the park instead of physically waiting in the standby line.
Keep in mind, DAS is not needed for those whole disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair.
Guests who would like to register for DAS have two options:
- Pre-register virtually with a Cast Member via video chat between 2 to 30 days in advance of a park visit
- Register on-site at Guest Relations
Learn more about registering for DAS, requesting a return time and redeeming the return time at the official site for Walt Disney World® Resort.
Every visit to a Disney park should be an enchanting experience for all Guests. Visit the accessibility page for Walt Disney World® Resort to get all of the information you need to plan an unforgettable vacation. And when you’re ready to book, take advantage of special vacation financing with your Disney® Visa® Credit Card to help save on your dream getaway.1
