Guide To WDW Attractions For Those Requiring Mobility Access
5 min read
Here’s an easy-to-understand Disney World attraction guide for those requiring mobility access. The Disney versions, called Guidemaps, contain information about that specific park and are all-inclusive. They are available online, on the My Disney Experience app, and in print versions near the main entrance of each park. For example, they contain maps, restroom locations, food spots, and anything else you would need to know about the theme park.
However, I find them hard to read and interpret. Additionally, in my opinion, the print is way too small for comfortable reading. That is my reason for creating a much more straightforward and easy-to-understand guide. Thus, my focus will be on accessibility at attractions for guests with mobility disabilities. At this time, my guide will not include food locations, restrooms, and other areas. Maybe in the future, I’ll attempt to tackle that project.
The theme I’m using to create my blog can be optimally viewed on a computer, tablet, or mobile phone. Following are the disability symbols I’ll use throughout my online guide.
Must Be Ambulatory Disability Symbol
You must be able to move freely and easily to ride or participate in an attraction with this designation. For instance, you may have to deal with moving walkways or be required to step into a vehicle before sitting down. Then you’ll have to reverse the process when vacating the ride. If you’re not mobile or agile enough, you risk injury. So think twice before putting yourself into a challenging situation. If you don’t feel that you can do it, then don’t.
If an attraction is an absolute must-do for you, have someone else in your party do prior reconnaissance. Then, that person can experience that attraction beforehand and report to you with boarding details afterward. In that manner, you’d have advanced knowledge of what to expect. Thus, you’ll know what you’re physically able and unable to do before deciding.
May Remain In Wheelchair/ECV
Another name for a mobility scooter is an Electric Conveyance Vehicle or ECV. The symbol is self-explanatory and indicates what it means. You may remain seated in your mobility aid, at all times, without having to transfer out of it. However, you have another option. You can get out of your wheelchair or ECV to sit in a ride or show-provided seat if capable. That remains entirely at your discretion.
Must Transfer From Wheelchair/ECV
Remaining in your wheelchair or mobility scooter is the easiest way to get on a ride. The next best option is taking the ECV or wheelchair right up to the ride. Then, however, you must be able to transfer yourself into the ride vehicle. A Cast Member will remove your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the immediate area, though it will be waiting near you when leaving the ride. This process may include a little bit of walking but is unlikely for a long distance.
Must Transfer To Standard Wheelchair
You can go directly to the ride if you’re already in a manual/standard wheelchair. However, if you are riding a mobility scooter, you must transfer to a standard wheelchair before proceeding to the attraction. Usually, there are Disney-provided standard wheelchairs at these attractions to borrow until you are done at that ride and return to your wheelchair or ECV.
Some rides can accommodate a standard wheelchair, so you’ll be able to ride right into position. Once you arrive, a Cast Member will secure your mobility aid to prevent movement. Unfortunately, I haven’t had a chance to review and write about all rides yet. However, I know that the Jungle Cruise will allow an ECV onboard. At this time, only one of their boats has this feature, so you may have an extended wait time in the queue before it’s your turn. One of my future blog posts will detail this procedure.
Must Transfer To A Standard Wheelchair, And Then To Ride Vehicle
There aren’t too many attractions that display this symbol. However, two that come to mind are the Magic Kingdom’s Space Mountain and Pirates of The Caribbean. First, you must transfer out of your EVC and into a standard wheelchair. Disney should have these available for your temporary use at these attractions. Next, you’d move through the queue to the ride boarding point and transfer from the wheelchair to the ride vehicle or boat.
However, getting to these rides is more complex in reality. For example, on Space Mountain, you need to go up a steep incline queue. Once arriving at the ride car, you’d need to get out of the wheelchair, step into the vehicle, and sit down. It would be challenging unless you have someone who could push you to the ride vehicle and help you into the seating position.
Pirates of The Caribbean uses the same procedure, except you’d have to step down and back out and up of an unsteady boat. Again, you’d need good leg strength because the step-down and back-up are pretty considerable. I couldn’t do this unless someone from my family assisted me.
Click On One Of The Links Below For My Mobility Access Guide For That Park
Now that you’re aware of the mobility disability symbols, it’s time to go further. There are links below to all four of my Disney World theme parks guides. First, click on the park of your choice. It will link you to my comprehensive, easy-to-read mobility access guide for all the attractions at that specific park.
You Can Rely On Cast Members To Assist And Guide You, Plus Answer Questions Relating To Mobility Access
As has been noted, please use caution and follow ride protocols and suggestions. When in doubt, rely on Cast Members to assist and guide you. They’ll provide every consideration; however, they cannot offer physical assistance to any Guest due to liability concerns. Nevertheless, they are all wonderful at their jobs, ensuring that you’ll have a magical Disney day.
Hopefully, you’ll find this information helpful. Use it to plan your attractions and itineraries for your visit. Check back often as I expect to make periodic updates to keep the details current and relevant.
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