Hey there, Alison!
I'm absolutely delighted to welcome you to planDisney! How exciting that you're planning a trip to The Most Magical Place on Earth! And how meaningful that you'll be sharing this adventure with your mother. I took a mother-daughter trip with my own mom last year, and we made so many favorite memories together, so I know just how magical and special this experience can be.
I've been navigating the parks in a wheelchair since I was a kid, so you're definitely in good hands when it comes to real-life experiences with
mobility needs. Since Disney park days can be long and physically demanding, I'd strongly recommend that your mom consider
renting an ECV for the day. My mom is currently undergoing cancer treatment and has been using an ECV in the parks, and she says it's made an incredible difference in her comfort and energy levels. ECV rentals are available in all four theme parks.
When it comes to attractions, most queues are fully accessible and can accommodate mobility devices. For the few that can't, a Cast Member will happily direct you to an alternate entrance designed specifically for accessibility. While you can find accessibility information at park entrances, I highly recommend reviewing the
EPCOT and
Animal Kingdom Guide Maps for Guests with Disabilities ahead of time. They're fantastic planning resources and can make navigating your day much smoother.
For
Frozen Ever After specifically, there is a transfer device available that can help guests move from a wheelchair to the ride vehicle. Based on my own experience, it does require a good amount of upper body strength. You'll need to request it from a Cast Member, and you can absolutely ask to see it first to decide if it feels like a good option for your mom.
Another great way to spend less time waiting in lines is by purchasing
Lightning Lane passes. If you're staying at a Disney Resort, you can book these up to 7 days before your check-in date. If you're staying off property, you can purchase them starting 3 days before your park visit.
Alison, I hope this gives you a good starting point as you continue planning your trip. If any other questions pop up, feel free to
reach out to me directly. I'm always happy to share tips and advice about accessibility in the parks. Thanks so much for stopping by planDisney!
Magical Wishes,
Kami