A Guide to Accessibility at Walt Disney World Parks
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.
- Every restroom at the Disney parks is accessible for different abilities, and many are marked as companion-assisted restrooms, meaning they’re large enough to accommodate a wheelchair and/or an assistant of any gender.
- 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:
- Visit Guest Relations to receive a “stroller as wheelchair” tag that you can place on your stroller for easy identification by Cast Members.
- 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.
- 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:
- Assistive Listening Systems are recommended for those with mild to moderate hearing loss and are available at Guest Relations for a fully refundable deposit of $25.
- Select theater-style attractions offer Reflective Captioning technology as an alternative to the Assistive Listening Systems.
- 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.
- Available at Guest Relations, Disney’s Handheld Devices are equipped with Handheld Captioning, a portable captioning system that displays on-screen text in locations at select theaters and attractions.
- 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.
- Braille guidebooks serve up helpful descriptions of attractions, restaurants and stores you won’t want to miss.
- 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.
- 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.
