FAQs About Disney With Disabilities

There are many reasons to love visiting Disney World, and among them is the fact that Disney does an exceptional job of making its parks accessible for everyone. However, as you plan your trip, there are a few questions you’re likely to have. Let’s cover the most frequently asked questions about heading to Disney World when you have special needs.

What do we do if we can’t handle long lines?

There are many special needs that may require unique accommodations, and many of them involve not being able to comfortably wait in line for long periods of time. The good news is that Disney offers a solution: the Disability Access Service Card.

This card allows the person with the card, as well as a certain number of people from their party, to go to a specific attraction and schedule a return time that’s roughly the same as the wait time when they arrive at that attraction. They can then go sit and wait comfortably until the time is up and skip the line. The Disability Access Service Card is available at all of the Guest Services booths, which are located at all 4 theme parks.

Can wheelchairs and ECVs be rented at Disney World?

Yes, you can rent both wheelchairs and electronic conveyance vehicles (ECVs) within the theme parks. If you’re visiting a Disney water park, you can rent a wheelchair free of charge by simply showing your valid ID at Guest Relations. You will of course need to return it when you leave the park.

If you plan to use a wheelchair or ECV for numerous days in a row, you may find the best bargain by renting from a third party. Generally, these companies will deliver the ECV or wheelchair to your resort hotel or Orlando vacation home and pick it up on the last day of your rental.

What are the options for guests with cognitive issues?

If you’re planning a trip with someone who has a cognitive disability, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, there are numerous accommodations available. Some of them include the Disability Access Service described above, and other options include Rider Switch, plus numerous quiet break areas throughout the park for guests who have become overstimulated.

Where can we get more information?

These are just a few of the questions people often have as they look for the best ways to tour Disney World with disabilities. You can also check out our complete planning guide for those with special needs, which includes not just Disney but the other theme parks in Orlando: SeaWorld and Universal Studios. A little planning can go a long way toward ensuring a successful, magical vacation.