April 27, 2024

Theme Park Mobility

Helpful information about mobility and independence

Animal Kingdom: A Symbol Guide For Guest Mobility Access At Attractions

4 min read
Featured Image For Blog Post on Disney's Animal Kingdom: Symbol Guide

Below is a revised version of the Disney symbol guide. It shows the accessibility of the attractions for Guests needing mobility access. In like manner, the pictorial meanings are the same. However, my version adds color and text to each symbol. Hopefully, it will make it easier to read and understand.

Let’s begin with this post about attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Additionally, I’ve created individual guides for the other Disney theme parks. These include the Magic KingdomHollywood Studios, and EPCOT. I hope you’ll find them helpful in improving your overall experience.

First, please review my symbol “Guide To WDW Attractions For Those Requiring Mobility Access.” Accordingly, make this your starting point. Then, begin to truly understand how to enjoy all that Disney World offers for guests regarding mobility access.

My Goal Is To Make This Symbol Guide Simple Plus Easier To View On A Mobile Device

Above all, my goal is to make this symbol guide simple. Attraction conditions constantly change, so what’s done today may change tomorrow. Therefore, Disney has included references relating to Mobility Access in most but not all attraction guide dialogs.

Thus, I will do the same but in a version that will be easier to view on a mobile device. For this reason, I’ll keep it brief and use a few abbreviations in my symbol guide. So, for example, Mobility Access: will be MA: and a Cast Member is CM. 

Accordingly, you’ll often notice MA: See a CM in my symbol guide. However, take heed because Cast Members may often suggest other options. For example, by offering a Transfer Device, Transfer Practice Vehicle, or Transfer Access Vehicle

Even stopping a moving walkway for safer access could be employed. As a result, these alternatives, when possible, may make it easier to experience the attractions at Animal Kingdom. But, most importantly, a Cast Member will get you where you should go safely and efficiently.

Guest Relations At Animal Kingdom Is Located On Your Left

There is only one Guest Relations location at the Animal Kingdom. However, that location is multi-purposed. Some services are accessed before the park entrance, while others after entering the park. It’s somewhat confusing, but they are on the LEFT side of the park entrance. You’ll need to be inside the park entrance for assistance with Disability Access Service (DAS).

I’ve Started Reviewing Some Of The Attractions In More Detail Regarding Mobility Access And The Symbol Guide

I’ve started reviewing some of the attractions in more detail and writing about them. The Magic Kingdom is the park I chose to begin with because it’s the park I first visited years ago. I have a sentimental attachment to it. Thus, I’ll be focusing my efforts there for now.

Click on any attraction link highlighted in blue, which designates those I’ve documented. Accordingly, it will direct you to a review of that attraction regarding mobility access and the symbol guide. Eventually, I plan to review all the attractions at the four Disney theme parks. However, it will take some time but keep checking my progress.

Abbreviations Listed Below For Each Section Of The Animal Kingdom Used In My Guide

  • Oasis (OA)
  • Discovery Island (DI)
  • Pandora – The World Of Avatar (PAN)
  • Africa (AF)
  • Asia (AS)
  • Dinoland U.S.A (DINO)

Must Be Ambulatory To Enter These Attractions (Mobility Access Symbol)

  • No attractions meet this criterion

May Remain In Wheelchair/ECV At These Attractions; However, You Can Get Out And Be Seated If You Prefer

  • Oasis Exhibits (OA)
  • Discovery Island Trails (DI)
  • It’s Tough To Be A Bug (DI)
  • Wilderness Explorers (DI)
  • Festival of the Lion King (AF)
  • Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail (AF)
  • Rafiki’s Planet Watch (AF)
    • MA: Easy to board directly with a wheelchair or ECV for a rustic train ride.
    • Affection Section (AF)
      • MA: Must transfer from an ECV to a wheelchair.
    • Animation Station (AF)
    • Conservation Station (AF)
  • Feathered Friends In Flight (AS)
  • Maharajah Jungle Trek (AS)
  • Disney KiteTails (DINO)
  • Fossil Fun Games (DINO)
    • MA: See a CM at each game location for placement.
  • The Boneyard (DINO)
    • MA: Enter through the designated gate.

You Must Transfer From Wheelchair/ECV And Then To Ride Vehicle

Mobility Access Symbol, "Must transfer from wheelchair/ECV."
  • Na’vi River Journey (PAN)
    • MA: See a CM/Transfer Device.
  • Kali River Rapids (PAN)
    • MA: See a CM/Transfer Device.
  • Expedition Everest (AS)
    • MA: See a CM/Both a Transfer Practice Vehicle & Transfer Access Vehicle are available.
  • Dinosaur (DINO)

Must Transfer To A Standard Wheelchair If Not Already In One. All ECV Riders Must Transfer To A Standard Wheelchair Or Be Ambulatory

Mobility Access Symbol for "Must transfer to a standard wheelchair if not already in one. ECV riders must transfer."
  • Kilimanjaro Safaris (AF)
    • MA: See a CM/There are provisions for wheelchair access directly onto a ride vehicle.
  • TriceraTop Spin (DINO)

You Must Transfer To A Standard Wheelchair, And Then To A Ride Vehicle (Mobility Access Symbol)

Mobility Access Symbol for "You must transfer to a standard wheelchair, and then to a ride vehicle."
  • Avatar Flight of Passage (PAN)
    • MA: See a CM/Both a Transfer Practice Vehicle & Transfer Device are available.

In Conclusion, I Will Continue Updating This Mobility Access Symbol Guide As Necessary

In conclusion, I will continue updating this mobility access symbol guide as necessary from this point forward. For instance, I’ll update the attractions list whenever a new attraction comes to Animal Kingdom. Similarly, I’ll remove it from the list when no longer relevant.

About Author

>