Hiya, Molly!
I’m so happy to welcome you back to planDisney, and I appreciate you bringing your question our way! As a wheelchair user myself, I completely understand how important it is to plan ahead before visiting the Most Magical Place on Earth. The last thing you want is to spend your vacation worrying about accessibility when you should be focused on enjoying the magic. Thankfully, I’ve found Walt Disney World Resort to be incredibly accommodating for Guests of
all abilities, which is one of the many reasons my own family continues to visit year after year.
You’re absolutely correct that
Disability Access Service (DAS) is generally not intended for Guests whose primary need is related to mobility. However, there are still several accessibility accommodations available throughout Walt Disney World that I’ve personally found incredibly helpful. Since you’ll be traveling with your husband and two kids, I thought I’d mention that I typically visit with my husband and two kids as well, so I understand how important it is to make sure the whole family can enjoy the parks together.
For shows, there are designated accessible seating areas that you and your family can use. When you arrive at the entrance to a show, simply let a Cast Member know you need accessible seating, and they’ll direct your family to the appropriate area. It’s a very easy process!
You’ll also find designated viewing areas for parades and fireworks. Each of the four theme parks has its own Guide Map for Guests with Disabilities, which identifies these locations. You can find these
maps online or pick one up when you arrive at the park. If you have trouble locating a particular viewing area, just ask a Cast Member, and they’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.
When it comes to attractions,
most queues can accommodate Guests using mobility devices, but there are a few attractions where you’ll need to use an alternate entrance. For example, at Magic Kingdom, “it’s a small world” uses an alternate entrance, and on my most recent visit, I also used an alternate entrance at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.
If you arrive at an attraction where the regular queue can’t accommodate your mobility device, a Cast Member will explain where you should enter. Depending on the attraction and the current posted wait time, you may also be given a return time to come back and use the accessible entrance. I’ve found that Cast Members are always happy to explain the process and help make sure you know exactly where to go.
Before your visit, I recommend taking a look at the
Services for Guests with Mobility Disabilities section on the Walt Disney World website. You can also find helpful accessibility information right in the
My Disney Experience app, which is really convenient to have while you’re in the parks.
Molly, I hope these tips have helped you feel a little more prepared for your visit! If any other questions come up as you continue planning, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us again here at planDisney.
Magic Awaits,
Kami