Hi Willie!
Thanks for stopping by planDisney with your question – I’m happy to help!
Disney Cast Members are trained to help with
accessibility needs, but they also encourage and welcome the assistance of companions and family members when transferring from a wheelchair or ECV to a ride vehicle. They understand that family members and companions often know best regarding transfers for their loved one's particular needs. As someone whose husband is in a wheelchair due to a recent stroke, I completely understand the importance of being able to assist a loved one with transfers, especially on rides at Walt Disney World. I’ve had experience with this on recent Disney vacations, and I can assure you that with my assistance, my husband felt very comfortable and secure during the transfers. Every time we visit, we conquer new challenges and experience more attractions! We are so thankful for Disney’s commitment to making the theme parks accessible to everyone - it takes a lot of the worry out of navigating the parks with a disability.
If you need assistance or additional time to board, let a Cast Member know. In many cases, they can pause the ride or provide a transfer device to make the process easier. Some rides may require a little extra time to board or disembark. One of the best pieces of advice I can give is to take your time. There’s no rush, and Cast Members are very understanding. They’ll make sure you have all the time you need to complete the transfer safely and comfortably.
Make sure to pick up a park map and accessibility guide at
Guest Relations or the park entrance. These guides provide valuable information about each attraction, including which rides are transfer accessible and any special boarding procedures. If you’re unsure about the transfer process for a particular attraction or need additional information, don’t hesitate to ask a Cast Member. They are always happy to help make your experience as smooth and magical as possible!
Remember, Disney is all about creating magical moments, and that includes accommodating guests with disabilities. Whether it’s a thrilling ride or an
entertaining show, there’s so much to enjoy together. Some of my favorite memories with my husband have been those small, joyful moments of successfully getting on a ride and enjoying the experience together.
I hope you have a pixie-dusted visit to Walt Disney World and make magical memories to last a lifetime!
Diane W.