Woman in wheelchair shopping with friends; Disney Springs
  • On Jan 5, 2026
    Julie from TN Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hello, I had a hip replacement and have a Disney trip planned in a month. I'm able to walk short periods at a time, but my physical therapist doesn't want me standing for more than 20 minutes. How can I enjoy Disney with limited mobility?

    Hi there, Julie! Thank you for stopping by planDisney, and congratulations on the new hip! Your trip to The Most Magical Place on Earth will be here before you know it, so let's get to your question!

    One of the many things I love about Walt Disney World is their accessibility and accommodations for people with many different types of bodies, abilities, and needs. For longer walks and waiting in queues, your best bet is likely going to be a mobility device. While Disney does have a Disability Access Service program that allows guests to register for a return time for an attraction, this is intended for guests who are unable to wait due to a developmental disability, like autism. Thankfully, there are options to rent a wheelchair or ECV in each of the major theme parks, and nearly all attraction queues can accommodate both.

    I have a daughter who has no problem walking but has difficulty standing for long periods of time, so we often rent a wheelchair for her just for the queues. If she doesn't need it, we park the wheelchair in stroller parking and return to pick it up later. It also comes in handy for parades.

    I visited the parks last year with a friend who struggles with standing and walking long distances. She opted to rent an ECV. The distance between attractions can vary greatly. She felt more at ease having the ECV and was able to better enjoy our trip. When we arrived at an attraction, she decided whether she would stay on the device or walk/stand, depending on the posted wait time and how she was feeling.

    If your vacation includes a visit to Disney's Hollywood Studios, I recommend you try my favorite snack - Bouncin' Mini Churros from Ice Cold Hydraulics. They are savory churros topped with Coca-Cola, bacon, and Sriracha Aioli. Don't worry, though, they aren't spicy!  I sure could go for an order of those right now!

    I hope this information is helpful, Julie! Now, it's time to get packing! Have the most magical time, and please come back to planDisney if you have any more questions!

    Always Dreaming -
    Elizabeth


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Meet the Panelist: Elizabeth, North Carolina

Hi, friends! I'm Elizabeth - a wife, mom of six, proud Gramma, and Walt Disney World Specialist!

I am terrible at piloting the Millennium Falcon, and I can't control my emotions during the Festival of Fantasy Parade, but I'm great at managing trips with kids of all ages and planning Disney vacations!

I am overjoyed to bring my decades of experience to planDisney!
Learn More About Elizabeth

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