“Guide For Guests With Disabilities”
4 min read
Walt Disney World has a park-specific guide that’s free to guests. You can pick one up upon entering each of the theme parks. When you enter the park, they are located on a kiosk near the entrance. You can get them in several different languages other than English. For example, they are printed in German, Spanish, French, Japanese, and Portuguese. Similarly, there is a “Guide for Guests With Disabilities” for each park. However, English is the only language published for these specific guidebooks.
When fully closed, the guide measures about 4 by 9 inches. The five panels fold out with information printed on both sides. There is quite a bit of useful information in these. The data is relevant to each of the parks. For your reference, here is a picture of a folded Magic Kingdom “Guide for Guests With Disabilities.” You’ll notice that it has a different scene on the cover than the one in the featured image above. Evidently, cover pictures are changed frequently.
Information Contained In The “Guide For Guests With Disabilities”
A full-color map of the theme park is one of the most helpful features of the guides. For instance, it gives you perspective about your location by comparing it to landmarks. First, there are numbers assigned to each venue of interest. Then, it correlates to a directory or list. (I’m going to use either word in this blog post because they have the same meaning.) Then, you can cross-reference that particular ride, show, dining venue, or other places of interest within that directory.
The Magic Kingdom “Guide for Guests With Disabilities” features all the different areas of the park. Specifically, they are Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. Above all, I’m going to explain what information is available in the directory.
For instance, suppose you wanted to visit The Hall of Presidents. It is marked number 33 on the map and the list. The location is at Liberty Square. Here is a description of the attraction. “Behold all the U.S. Presidents on stage together. 22 minutes. Mobility Access: Enter through the door on RIGHT.” That description provides all the information that you need to know about the attraction. Using this reference source makes it easier for you.
The “Guide For Guests With Disabilities” Differs From The Standard Version
I just wanted you to know that the standard park guides are different than the “Guide for Guests With Disabilities” version. Refer back to The Hall of President’s example above. The wording is the same. The exception is the omission of the words, “Mobility Access: Enter through the door on RIGHT.” Subsequently, all of the handicap information is not in the regular park version of the guide.
The LEGEND Correlates To The Map And Directory
The LEGEND is beneath the directory. More specific information for each attraction is located here. For instance, in the description for The Hall of Presidents, I know that you “May remain in wheelchair/ECV” during your visit. I saw the symbol stating this. There are also symbols indicating that Assistive Listening, Handheld Captioning, and Audio Description are available. You can find these specific devices at Guest Relations. Guests can use these while in the park.
The information in the LEGEND is quite long. For example, the subheadings are “Symbols on Map” and “Symbols in List.” There is more detail that lists Amenities, Park Information, and Attraction/Show Considerations. Additionally, there are symbols for Dining, Shopping, and Devices Available at Guest Relations. Other information ranges from restroom locations, parade routes, ATM locations, and the list go on and on.
As you can see below, here is a copy of the LEGEND relating to wheelchair and ECV accessibility. I focused on this because that’s what my blog topics are all about. Other parts of the LEGEND refer to symbols for Parade and Fireworks Viewing for Guests with Disabilities.
I’ve edited the LEGEND portion into individual sections. For example, they are listed below. When I post something about a ride, show, etc., one of these symbols will appear at the top. I’ll also put symbols on transportation-related postings. It will provide quick information about wheelchair and ECV accessibility.
In summary, remember to pick up a “Guide for Guests With Disabilities” as you go into each park. As a result, I hope that this will make you better prepared for your adventures to come!
Other Maps Sources
Click on wdwinfo.com to see what is available. It contains images of all the Disney World maps. For instance, it covers Theme Park Maps, Event Maps, and Resort Maps. In conclusion, this site also includes additional topics and the ability to download maps in PDF form.
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