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GUIDE
FOR GUESTS WITH DISABILITIES AT WALT DISNEY WORLD® |
The Disney Guide for Guests with Disabilities
provides a detailed overview of services and facilities available
for Guests with disabilities. It is available at Guest Relations
locations within all four Disney Theme Parks, two Disney Water
Parks, front desk and concierge areas, and wheelchair rental
locations. Additionally, Guests with specific disability or
limitations
should visit Guest Relations at any of the Disney Theme Parks or
Disney Water Parks for additional information and assistance. The
Cast Member you speak with will be happy to discuss in greater
detail the available options to provide a memorable visit.
RIDER SWAP
Disney's Rider Swap option is available at select
attractions in all four Disney Theme Parks at Walt Disney World
Resort® in Florida.
Rider Swap is when Guests take turns waiting with
a person with disabilities
or limitations
that are unable to ride a certain attraction, then "swap" with
another adult Guest from their party to experience the ride without
standing in line twice.
Ask a Cast Member at an attraction for additional information on
Rider Swap. ACCESSIBLE PARKING
Designated parking areas for Guests with
disabilities are available throughout the Walt Disney World® Resort.
A valid disability parking permit is required.
Disney Theme Park Parking
Guests with the ability to walk short distances and step up onto
the courtesy trams should park in the main parking lots for:
General information
The courtesy tram will transport Guests to Disney Theme Park
entrances. Parking for Guests with mobility
disabilities or Guests who are traveling with personal
wheelchairs is available adjacent to the entrance at each of the
four Disney Theme Parks.
Standard parking
rates apply at Disney Theme Park main parking lots.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
We work hard to offer a comfortable, safe and enjoyable experience
for all our Guests. Please assist us by showing common courtesy to
fellow park Guests. Please be respectful of others. Do not use
profanity or engage in unsafe, illegal or offensive behavior. Please
abide by all safety warnings and notices. Proper attire, including
shoes and shirts, must be worn at all times.
For your safety while on attractions, please keep your hands, arms,
feet and legs inside the vehicle at all times. Supervise children at
all times.
Please honor designated viewing areas and crosswalks. Also, for the
comfort of those around you, we request that there be no flash
photography, eating or drinking in any attractions.
DINING AT THE WALT DISNEY WORLD® RESORT
Most dining and shopping locations in Disney theme parks are
accessible to Guests with disabilities or limitations. Cast Members are available
to assist Guests when necessary. Some counter-service locations have
narrow queues formed by railings which may be difficult for Guests
using wheelchairs. At these locations, we suggest that a member of
the Guest's party order and transport the food, or contact a host or
hostess for assistance Walt Disney World® dining offers quick-service options for fast
snacks, as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. The wide
spectrum of experiences ranges from casual to upscale, from dinner
shows to romantic atmospheres, from Character Dining to extravagant
evening meals.
RECREATION AT THE WALT DISNEY WORLD® RESORT
Recreation at The Walt Disney World® Resort includes more than
swimming, tennis and golf. Are you Interested in learning to surf?
How about taking laps around a race track? Whether you're an active
participant or an avid spectator, the sprawling landscape of Walt
Disney World® Resort hosts dozens of Guest pleasing outdoor and
indoor activities.
WALT DISNEY WORLD® RESORT HOTELS
The Walt Disney World® Resort offers more than twenty resorts hotels
and accommodations, and many additional benefits to Guests staying
at select Disney Resort hotels. The Disney Resort hotels are near
the four Disney Theme Parks, two Disney Water Parks and other Disney
destinations, all of which are accessible by the complimentary
transportation system.
SMOKING
For the comfort of all Walt Disney World® Guests, smoking is
permitted in designated areas only. Please refer to Park signage for
designated smoking locations.
STAMINA OR ENDURANCE CONCERNS
Some Guests may be concerned that they do not have the stamina to
wait in Walt Disney World® attraction queues. We strongly suggest
these Guests consider using a wheelchair, personal scooter or
Electric Convenience Vehicle (ECV), as the distance between the
attractions is much greater than the length of the queues.
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WALT DISNEY WORLD® GUESTS ASSISTANCE
CARD |
GUESTS ASSISTANCE CARD
The Guest Assistance Card is a
tool provided at all four Walt
Disney World® Resort Theme Parks to enhance the service
Disney provides to Guests with disabilities or limitations. It was designed to
alert Disney Cast Member about those Guests who may need additional
assistance. The intent of these cards is to keep Guests from having
to explain their service needs each time they visit an attraction.
The Guest Assistance Card is available to Disney's Guests with
non-apparent, special assistance needs (i.e., autism, heart
condition, etc.). Depending on a Guest's need, this card may provide
a variety of assistance such as allowing Guests to wait in a shaded
area, or providing admission to our attractions through auxiliary
entrances, where applicable. However, the intention of this card has
never been to bypass attraction wait times, or to be used by Guests
with a noticeable service need.
Guests with an apparent mobility concern, such as Guests using
wheelchairs, canes, crutches, etc., or Guests with service animals,
do NOT need a Guest Assistance Card. These Guests should be directed
to follow the attraction entrance procedures for Guests using
wheelchairs, as outlined in the Guidebook for Guests with
Disabilities.
A Guest with a specific need for assistance can request a Guest
Assistance Card at any Theme Park Guest Relations location. To
accommodate the individual needs of Disney's Guests, they ask that
all Guests discuss their assistance requests with a Guest Relations
Cast Member prior to the card being issued. The Guest Relations Cast
Member will discuss the available service options with the Guest and
provide written instructions for our cast on the Guest Assistance
Card.
The Guest will be directed to present the Guest
Assistance Card to the Greeter or first available Cast Member at the
attraction and await further directions for their experience.
If a Cast Member thinks the Guest may benefit
from additional assistance, they may recommend that they visit Guest
Relations if they have not done so already. In turn, Guest Relations
can discuss with you the types of assistance and services that are
available, achievable and appropriate.
Guest service is Disney's top priority. Cast Members are
expected to provide the best service possible at their locations. If
a Guest demonstrates a need for special assistance, the assistance
should be provided at the location. A card should not be required
for Guest assistance. But remember, "consistency of practice" is one
of the key requirements in providing quality Guest service. Using the GAC
Once parents have obtained the GAC, they
should keep it with them every day when they are attending any
of the six Disney parks in Orlando. Parents should also keep the
pass for future trips, since showing a previous pass is often a
good way to indicate the child’s needs upon subsequent visits to
Disney parks.
Upon arriving at a particular ride or
attraction, simply show the GAC and the cast member will
indicate what entrance may be used. The pass will generally
allow up to six family members to enter the ride or attraction
together.
Walt Disney World Resorts and Parks can
provide memories that last a lifetime. Disney is committed to
helping children and adults with disabilities or limitations to have an
enjoyable time at Walt Disney World, but it is incumbent upon
parents to let Disney know what they need.
One person can request a GAC for another, as
with parents and children. But the guest who needs the GAC needs
to be present during its distribution and whenever it is used.
Once issued, the GAC is valid for an entire trip or, for Annual
Passholders, three months.
Guests should be prepared to communicate with cast members about
their needs, as different attractions have different procedures
– and those procedures may vary with time of year, crowds,
queues, and so on.
What a Disney Guest Assistance Card Does Not Provide
A GAC is not a
front-of-the line pass or shortcut providing immediate access to
attractions. Further, most attraction entrances have “Mainstream
Lines,” meaning wheelchair accessible. Guests with a GAC for
strollers will wait in regular lines or use Disney's FastPass
entrances.
A GAC is not valid at Disney restaurants, for transportation,
parades, or fireworks viewing, or at water parks.
A GAC is not valid for outdoor character greeting areas,
although some indoor, permanent character greeting areas have
procedures for certain accommodations. Guests with GACs should
consult cast members at the entrance to an indoor character
greeting area.
Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts offer a range of
services for guests with disabilities and special needs – among
them accessible resort rooms, devices for sight- and
hearing-impaired guests, wheelchair and ECV rentals, and special
meals for those with allergies and dietary restrictions.
Disney’s Guest Assistance Card is yet another way Disney
considers all its guests, including those whose needs are too
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FIRST
AID STATIONS, RESTROOMS & DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
FIRST AID
First Aid stations at The Walt
Disney World® Resort provide a
place to store medications or receive assistance. First Aid
locations at Disney Theme Parks and Water Parks are as follows:
Magic Kingdom® Park
First Aid is located
adjacent to the Crystal Palace restaurant, off Main Street,
U.S.A.
Epcot®
First Aid is located at
the Odyssey Center near the bridge between the Future World
area and the World Showcase area.
Disney's Hollywood
Studios™
First Aid is located near
Guest Relations on Hollywood Boulevard, west of the Park
entrance.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Park
First Aid is located at
the behind Creature Comforts and near the Pizzafari
quick-service restaurant in the Discovery Island area.
Disney's Blizzard Beach
Water Park
First Aid is located
behind the Beach Haus shop.
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
Water Park
First Aid is located
behind the Leaning Palms quick-service restaurant
RESTROOMS
Most restrooms throughout the Walt Disney World®
Resort have facilities designed for access by Guests using
wheelchairs.
Companion-assisted restroom facilities are located at all First Aid
locations, as well as at:
Magic Kingdom® Park
Lower level of
Cinderella's Royal Table restaurant
Next to Space Mountain attraction
At the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction
At the Splash Mountain attraction
At the Transportation and Ticket Center near the East Gate
of the Theme Park
Next to Pinocchio Village Haus
Epcot®
On the East side of
Spaceship Earth attraction
Opposite Test Track attraction
Opposite Living with the Land attraction
Near the Canada Pavilion
Near the Germany Pavilion
Near the Morocco Pavilion
Near the Norway Pavilion opposite the Viking ship
Land Pavilion at Soarin entrance
Disney's Hollywood
Studios™
Fantasmic! theater on
Sunset Boulevard
Opposite Star Tours attraction in the Echo Lake area
Opposite The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction on
Sunset Boulevard
Rock 'N' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith attraction on
Sunset Boulevard
To the right of the entrance to Lights, Motors, Action!
Extreme Stunt Show
Toy Story Mania
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Park
Near Maharajah Jungle
Trek attraction in the Asia area
Chester and Hester's Dinosaur Treasures store in the
Dinoland U.S.A. area
Opposite Flame Tree Barbecue restaurant on Discovery Island
In the Mombasa Marketplace in Africa area
Near Expedition Everest attraction in the Asia area
Conservation Station attraction in the Rafiki's Planet Watch
area
Disney's Blizzard Beach
Water Park
To the rear of the locker
rental area at the entrance to the Park
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
Water Park
Near Guest Services at
the entrance of the Park
ESPN Wide World of Sports® Complex
At the Champion Stadium
At the Tennis Complex
Track and Field Restrooms
Jostens Center
DRINKING
FOUNTAINS FOR GUESTS WITH DISABILITIES
Drinking fountains throughout The Walt Disney World® Resort are accessible to Guests with needs. Guests
may request cups from the nearest restaurant or refreshment facility
to help while using drinking fountains.
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INFORMATION FOR GUESTS WITH MOBILITY DISABILITIES AND
SLOW WALKERS |
TRANSPORTATION
Many of the transportation
systems at the Walt Disney World®
Resort are accessible to Guests with mobility disabilities or
limitations. All bus routes
are serviced by buses which are equipped to accommodate various
types of wheelchairs within the following guidelines: The wheelchair
must fit the wheelchair lift without being forced (some motorized
chairs and electric convenience vehicles (ECVs) are too wide or too
long for the standard bus lift of 32" x 48"), and the wheelchair
must be securely fastened in the wheelchair restraints.
Watercraft access varies depending on the type of watercraft and the
existing water levels and conditions. Please contact a Disney Cast
Member at the watercraft dock for information and assistance.
Guests may access the Monorail system by proceeding up the entrance
ramps, or using the elevators provided at Epcot®
Theme Park, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's
Contemporary Resort, and Disney's Polynesian Resort.
Ask a Cast Member if you can ride up-front.
You may have to wait a bit, but it is well worth it!
WHEELCHAIRS
I recommend that you consider renting your
wheelchair or Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) from an outside
company. These companies will deliver your chair right to your
resort and you keep the chair for your entire length of stay.
Guests may bring their own
wheelchairs or rent one at any of the four Disney Theme Parks.
Wheelchair rentals at Walt Disney World®
Resort are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Rental
wheelchairs may not be transferred from Park to Park.
A limited number of ECVs are also available on a first-come,
first-served basis. Guests must be 18 years of age or older to rent
ECVs, and quantities are limited. Guests should plan to arrive
early. ECVs are designed to be single-rider and not to hold more
than one person.
ECVs are available only on a same-day basis and may only be used in
the Park where they are rented. ECVs will be held if Guests wish to
leave and return to the same Park.
Guests planning to visit more than one Disney Park on the same day
should retain their wheelchair deposit ticket from the first Disney
Park they visit. This will enable them to obtain a replacement
wheelchair or ECV on the same day, if available, at the next Park
with no additional charge.
COURTESY WHEELCHAIRS
Complimentary wheelchairs at
Walt Disney World® Resort are
available for Guests with limited mobility, to travel to and from
disability parking and the nearest wheelchair rental location. These
wheelchairs can be easily identified by their blue seats, backrests
and blue flags. Courtesy wheelchairs are not permitted for use
inside Disney Theme Parks.
WHEELCHAIR RENTAL AND REPLACEMENT
LOCATIONS Disney
Theme Parks and Water Parks
Price to Rent a Wheelchair
and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECV) at Disney Theme Parks
and Disney Water Parks:
Wheelchair: US
$12.00 per day rental
ECV: US $50.00 per day rental + US $20.00
deposit
Magic Kingdom® Theme Park
Frontier Trading Post
in Frontierland (replacement location)
Mickey's Gift Station at Ticket and Transportation Center
(limited quantities)
Stroller and Wheelchair shop inside Main Entrance (also
rents ECVs)
Tinkerbell's Treasures in Fantasyland (replacement location)
Tomorrowland Arcade (replacement location)
Epcot®
Gift Stop just outside
Main Entrance (limited quantities)
Glas und Porzellan in Germany Pavilion (replacement
location)
International Gateway (also rents ECVs)
Stroller and Wheelchair location inside Main Entrance (also
rents ECVs)
Disney's Hollywood
Studios™
Oscar's Super Service
inside Main Entrance (also rents ECVs)
Tatooine Traders at Star Tours (replacement location)
The Writer's Stop (replacement location)
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Park
Creature Comforts
(replacement location)
Garden Gate Gifts inside Main Entrance (also rents ECVs)
Mombasa Marketplace (replacement location)
Outpost (limited quantities)
Disney's Blizzard Beach
Water Park
A limited number of
wheelchairs are available at Guest Relations near the
entrance to the Park. Guest must leave valid ID. No
strollers or ECVs
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
Water Park
A limited number of
wheelchairs are available at Guest Relations near the
entrance to the Park. Guest must leave valid ID. No
strollers or ECVs.
Downtown Disney®
Area
Price to Rent a
Wheelchair and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECV) at
Downtown Disney® Area: Wheelchair: US $12.00 per day
rental + US $100.00 credit card deposit
ECV: US $50.00 per day rental + US $100.00
credit card deposit
ESPN Wide World of
Sports® Complex
A limited number of
wheelchairs are available at the turnstiles with "no
charge." No electric convenience vehicles are available to
rent at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels
Wheelchairs are
available in limited numbers for Walt Disney World® Resort Guests at each Resort hotel. Contact Guest
Services or the Front Desk for assistance. A $315 deposit
will be held on the Guest room account charged only if the
wheelchair is not returned. Guests wishing to guarantee the
use of a wheelchair throughout their stay should contact
local area rental companies to make arrangements.
ACCESS AND ENTRANCES
Walt Disney World® Resort strives to provide mainstream access to attractions, entertainment, sports & recreations and special events whenever possible; that is, all Guests use the main entrance.
However, accessibility for Guests with mobility disabilities or limitations varies within Disney Parks and may include:
- Auxiliary entrances for wheelchairs and Guests with service animals.
- Designated viewing on parades routes and show areas.
Methods of accessibility vary
from attraction to attraction within Walt Disney World® Resort. The Guide for Guests with Disabilities and
Park Guidemaps use symbols to indicate boarding procedures for each
Disney Theme Park and Disney Water Park attraction. In addition,
Guests should contact a Disney Cast Member at each attraction before
entering.
Certain attractions require Guests to transfer from their
wheelchairs to ride a system either by themselves or with the
assistance of a member of their party. Walt Disney World® Resort Disney Cast Members are not permitted to
physically lift Guests in transferring from their wheelchairs.
Auxiliary Entrance Limitations
Some attractions at Walt
Disney World® Resort have auxiliary
entrances for Guests with disabilities or limitations. These are intended to offer
Guests in wheelchairs or with trained service animals a more
convenient entrance to the attraction. Auxiliary entrances are not
intended to bypass waiting lines. Guests with disabilities or
limitations, and up to
five members of their party, may enter through these entrances. The
rest of the party should use the main entrance.
The Guide for Guests with Disabilities and Park Guide maps use the following symbols to indicate boarding procedures for each attraction. In addition, Guests should contact a Disney Cast Member at each attraction before entering.
Boarding
procedure
categories
and
symbols
include:
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Must Be Ambulatory |
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Wheelchair and ECV Accessible |
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Transfer from Wheelchair or ECV |
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Transfer from ECV to Wheelchair |
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Transfer from ECV or Wheelchair to Ride Vehicle |
Wheelchair
and ECV
Accessible
In
this
category,
Guests
are
allowed
to
remain
in their
wheelchair
or
Electric
Convenience
Vehicle
(ECV)
during
the
experience.
See all:
Transfer from Wheelchair or ECVSome attractions require Guests to transfer from their wheelchair or
Electric Convenience Vehicle (ECV) to a ride vehicle by themselves or transferred with help from a member of their party.
Sometimes a transfer access vehicle (a unique vehicle to assist in the transfer) or a transfer device (a portable bench or similar device to assist in the transfer) is used.
See all:
Transfer from ECV to Wheelchair
Some attractions require Guests to transfer from their Electric Convenience Vehicle (ECV) to an available wheelchair at the attraction. See all:
Auxiliary Entrances
Some attractions at Walt Disney World® Resort have auxiliary entrances for the convenience of Guests in wheelchairs or Guests with trained service animals.
Service animals are welcome in most locations throughout Walt Disney World® Resort and are allowed to access attractions via the standard queue. However, all service animals must remain on a leash or in a harness at all times and, please note, Cast Members are not permitted to handle service animals.
Auxiliary entrances are not intended to bypass waiting lines. Guests with disabilities and up to 5 members of their party may enter through these entrances. Any remaining members of the party should use the main entrance.
Parade Route and Show
Areas
Parade routes and some
show areas at Walt Disney World®
Resort have designated viewing areas for Guests with
disabilities. These areas are provided for Guest comforts
and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests
should plan to arrive early, as space is limited. Be advised
that most areas along our parade routes are accessible to
Guests with disabilities.
Due to Guest demand,
viewing spaces cannot be reserved or guaranteed. Parties
larger than six will be asked to separate and reunite
afterwards. Guest Relations can provide information on show
times and other special events on the day of each visit.
MAINSTREAM QUEUES
Walt Disney World® Resort strives to provide mainstream access whenever
possible; that is, all Guests utilize the main entrance to the
attraction. However, accessibility varies from attraction to
attraction within Disney Parks. The Guide for Guests with
Disabilities and Park Guidemaps use symbols to indicate boarding
procedures for each attraction. In addition, Guests should contact a
Disney Cast Member at each attraction before entering.
Mainstream queues can be found at these attractions at Walt Disney
World® Theme Parks:
Magic Kingdom®
Park
Astro Orbiter
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Mickey's PhilharMagic
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
Pirates of the Caribbean
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Stitch's Great Escape!
The Enchanted Tiki Room Under New Management
The Hall of Presidents
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Tomorrowland Indy Speedway
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress (seasonal)
Epcot® Theme Park
Energy: Ellen's Energy
Adventure
FriendShip Boats
Imagination!: All attractions
France: Impressions de France
Innoventions East
Innoventions West
Norway: Maelstrom
Mission: SPACE
China: Reflections of China
Test Track
The American Adventure theater
The Land area: All Attractions
The Seas with Nemo & Friends: All Attractions
Disney's Hollywood
Studios™
Disney's Hollywood
Studios™ Backlot Tour
Fantasmic!
Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
Muppet*Vision 3D
Disney Junior–Live On Stage!
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Sounds Dangerous - Starring Drew Carey
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
The Great Movie Ride
The Magic of Disney Animation
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Walt Disney: One Man's Dream
Toy Story Mania
The American Idol Experience
Disney's Animal Kingdom®
Theme Park
DINOSAUR
Expedition Everest
Festival of The Lion King
Finding Nemo - The Musical
Flights of Wonder
It's Tough To Be A Bug
Kali River Rapids
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Primeval Whirl
The Boneyard
TriceraTop Spin
Pangani Forest
Exploration Trail
Guests in a wheelchair or
electric convenience vehicle (ECV) may enter and enjoy these Disney
Theme Park attractions:
Magic Kingdom® Park
Country Bear Jamboree
Dream Along with Mickey in the Castle Forecourt Stage
Fairytale Garden
Frontierland Shooting Arcade
Jungle Cruise
Liberty Square Riverboat
Mickey's PhilharMagic
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
Shrunken Ned's Jungle Boats
The Enchanted Tiki Room Under New Management
The Hall of Presidents
Tomorrowland® Arcade
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress (seasonal)
Epcot®
Imagination: Journey
Into Your Imagination with Figment
Imagination: Honey, I Shrunk the Audience
Imagination: Journey Into Your Imagination with Figment
France: Impressions de France
Innoventions® East & West
Canada: O Canada!
China: Reflections of China
Norway: Stave Church Gallery
The American Adventure in The American Adventure Pavilion
The American Adventure: The America Gardens Theatre
The Land: The Circle of Life
The Seas with Nemo & Friends: All attractions
Disney's Hollywood
Studios™
Beauty and the Beast
at the Theater of the Stars
Studios Backlot Tour
Fantasmic!
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
Muppet*Vision 3D
Disney Junior&ndashLive On Stage!
The American Film Institute Showcase
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Walt Disney: One Man's Dream
The American Idol Experience
The Magic of Disney Animation
The Great Movie Ride
Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
Conservation Station
Cretaceous Trail
Discovery Island Trails
Festival of the Lion King show at Lion King Theater
Finding Nemo - The Musical
Flights of Wonder show at Caravan Stage
Fossil Fun Games
It's Tough To Be A Bug
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
The Boneyard
TriceraTop Spin
Wildlife Express Train
Guests in motorized vehicles
or electric convenience vehicles (ECVs) must transfer into an
available wheelchair at these Disney Theme Park attractions:
Magic Kingdom® Park
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
"it's a small world"
Stitch's Great Escape!
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Tom Sawyer Island Rafts
Walt Disney World® Railroad
Epcot®
Ellen's Energy Adventure in Universe of Energy Pavilion
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros in Mexico
Pavilion
Living with the Land in The Land area
Disney's Hollywood
Studios™ Toy
Story Mania
Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme
Park
Affection section in
Rafiki's Planet Watch
Kilimanjaro Safaris
TriceraTop Spin
Guests must transfer from
their wheelchair to board these Disney Theme Park attractions:
Magic Kingdom® Park
Astro Orbiter
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Cinderella's Golden Carousel
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Mad Tea Party
Main Street Vehicles
Mad Tea Party
Peter Pan's Flight
Pirates of the Caribbean
Snow White's Scary Adventures
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Swiss Family Treehouse - Guest must be ambulatory
The Haunted Mansion
Tomorrowland Indy Speedway
Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Epcot®
Maelstrom show in
Norway Pavilion
Mission: SPACE
Soarin' in The Land area
Spaceship Earth
Test Track
Disney's Hollywood Studios™
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster starring
Aerosmith
Star Tours &nash; The Adventures Continue
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Disney's Animal
Kingdom® Theme Park
DINOSAUR®
Expedition Everest
Kali River Rapids
Primeval Whirl
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INFORMATION FOR GUESTS WITH VISUAL DISABILITIES |
Audio Description devices,
Braille Guidebooks, stationary Braille maps and digital audio tours
are available to help Guests with visual disabilities at Walt Disney
World® Resort.
AUDIO
DESCRIPTION Walt
Disney World® Resort offers Audio
Description through Disney's Handheld Device, which provides
supplemental audio by describing visual elements such as actions,
settings and scene changes, and works with existing show audio at
specific theme park attractions.
A US $100.00 deposit is required and is fully
refunded when the device is returned on the same day. Devices are
available at Theme Park Guest Relations.
Audio Description is available for the following:
- Entertainment
- Sports & Recreation
- Tours & Experiences
- Special Events
BRAILLE GUIDEBOOKS Braille Guidebooks are available for each
of the four Disney theme parks and include attraction, restaurant
and store descriptions.
A limited number of Braille
Guidebooks are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis
at Guest Relations and require a US $25.00 refundable deposit.
(Refund is given when returned on the same day.) STATIONARY BRAILLE MAPS These maps use large print with a clear
Braille overlay and some additional raised graphics to highlight key
landmarks and attractions for easy orientation.
Braille Map can be found in
all 4 Disney theme parks, at or near the Guest Relations Lobby, and
in the Downtown Disney® area. SERVICE ANIMALS Trained service animals are welcome in
most locations throughout Walt Disney World®
Resort; however, all service animals must remain on a leash or in a
harness at all times and, please note, Cast Members are not
permitted to handle service animals.
LIGHTING
SENSITIVITY Should
you or any member of your party have a photosensitivity or seizure
disorder, we recommend that you check with your personal physician
for specific instructions before visiting Walt Disney World® Resort, as specialty show lighting effects and other
visual effects are used extensively. |
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INFORMATION FOR GUESTS WITH HEARING DISABILITIES OR
LIMITATIONS |
Assistive Listening Systems,
Handheld Captioning, Reflective Captioning, Video Captioning, Sign
Language interpretation, Text Typewriter Telephones and written aids
are available to help Guests with hearing disabilities enjoy Walt
Disney World® Resort. ASSISTIVE LISTENING
SYSTEMS Walt Disney
World® Resort offers Assistive
Listening through Disney's Handheld Device, which amplifies sound
through headphones or induction loop at specific theme park
attractions.
Assistive Listening Systems
are recommended for Guests with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Devices with headphones or induction loops are available through
Guest Relations and require a US $100.00 refundable deposit. (Refund
is given when device is returned on the same day as rental.)
One or more of these devices are available at the following:
- Attractions
- Entertainment
- Sports & Recreation
- Tours & Experiences
- Special Events
HANDHELD CAPTIONING Walt Disney World®
Resort offers Handheld Captioning through Disney's Handheld Device.
This portable captioning system uses a wireless handheld receiver to
display text in locations where fixed captioning systems are
impractical, such as moving attractions.
Receivers are available
through Guest Relations and require a US $100.00 refundable deposit.
(Refund is given when device is returned on the same day as rental.) REFLECTIVE CAPTIONING Available at select theater-type
attractions, this innovative technology uses a light-emitting diode
(LED display) to project desired captions onto an acrylic panel in
front of the user. To
use this system, please contact a Cast Member at the location or
attraction. VIDEO CAPTIONING
Caption-ready monitors are available in the
preshow area at select attractions. These monitors are designated by
a "CC" and can only be activated by remote control. Please see a
Cast Member at the attraction for assistance. Single button activators are available
through Guest Relations and require a US $25.00 refundable deposit.
Video Captioning can also be activated using Disney's Handheld
Device which requires a US $100.00 refundable deposit. (Refund is
given when device is returned on the same day as rental.) SIGN LANGUAGE
INTERPRETATION Walt
Disney World® Resort provides Sign
Language interpretation for our Guests at specific live theme park
shows on a rotating basis as follows:
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park:
Saturdays
Disney's Hollywood Studios Theme Park: Sundays, Wednesdays
Epcot Theme Park: Tuesdays, Fridays
Magic Kingdom Theme Park: Mondays,
Thursdays
Requests for
Interpretation:
Guests should request confirmation of our interpreted
performance schedule a minimum of 7 days in advance. With a minimum of 14 days advanced notice
, Sign Language interpretation can also be requested for other
special events and shows, such as:
Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue
Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage
Disney's Spirit of Aloha
To request performance
schedule confirmation or to request sign language interpretation
at a specific special event or show, call Walt Disney World® Resort Information:
Voice: (407) 824-4321
TTY: (407) 827-5141
Guests will be contacted
prior to their visit to verify arrangements and they will
receive an appropriate show schedule that lists the names, dates
and times of the interpreted performances. (Guests under age 18
must have parent or guardian permission to call.)
TEXT
TYPEWRITER (TTY) TELEPHONES
Pay phones marked with a Text Typewriter (TTY)
symbol are equipped with amplified handsets and are widely available
throughout the Walt Disney World®
Resort, including all four theme parks. Exact locations are listed
in the Guide for Guests with Disabilities.
WRITTEN AIDS Guest Assistance Packets containing
dialogue, flashlights, and pen and paper are available at or near
the performance areas or entrances for most shows and attractions.
Please inquire about availability prior to experiencing an
attraction or show. A
pad of paper and pens/pencils are readily accessible at each
location for Cast Members to use, if necessary, to communicate with
Guests with needs. Cast Members with abilities in Sign Language can
be identified with the appropriate language pin. |
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INFORMATION FOR GUESTS WITH SERVICE ANIMALS |
What Is
a Service Dog (Animal)?
Although you may consider your dog a service
animal she/he may not fit the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) definition and may be
denied entrance.
Under
revised 2010 guidelines, the ADA defines a service
animal as:
 “Service animal means any dog that is
individually trained
to do work or
perform tasks for
the benefit of an
individual with a
disability,
including a
physical, sensory,
psychiatric,
intellectual, or
other mental
disability. Other
species of animals,
whether wild or
domestic, trained or
untrained, are not
service animals for
the purposes of this
definition. The work
or tasks performed
by a service animal
must be directly
related to the
handler's
disability. Examples
of work or tasks
include, but are not
limited to,
assisting
individuals who are
blind or have low
vision with
navigation and other
tasks, alerting
individuals who are
deaf or hard of
hearing to the
presence of people
or sounds, providing
non-violent
protection or rescue
work, pulling a
wheelchair,
assisting an
individual during a
seizure, alerting
individuals to the
presence of
allergens,
retrieving items
such as medicine or
the telephone,
providing physical
support and
assistance with
balance and
stability to
individuals with
mobility
disabilities, and
helping persons with
psychiatric and
neurological
disabilities by
preventing or
interrupting
impulsive or
destructive
behaviors. The crime
deterrent effects of
an animal's presence
and the provision of
emotional support,
well-being, comfort,
or companionship do
not constitute work
or tasks for the
purposes of this
definition.”
To be considered a service animal, your dog
must be trained to perform tasks directly
related to the person's disability.
Example:
Gordon has a hearing disability and can't hear
sounds such as a smoke alarms, doorbells, sirens, or her name
being called. Gordon is otherwise able to function with no other
assistance. Gordon has a dog named Tasha. If Tasha is trained to
let Gordon know when a sound occurs (e.g., smoke alarm,
doorbell), Tasha is considered a service dog. On the other hand,
if Tasha is only trained to retrieve items around the house and
does not know how to alert Gordon to sounds, Tasha is not
considered a service dog for Gordon, because the task of
retrieving is not directly related to Gordon's disability.
Therapy animals, comfort animals,
emotional support animals, or companion animals may provide comfort
and emotional or social support; however, they do not have the legal
status that service animals do because they are not specifically
trained to perform an assistive task.
It is truly a
disservice to the disabled community, not to mention illegal,
for anyone to misrepresent their pet as a service animal, even
if it is a highly trained social or therapy animal. The
disabled community has worked hard to gain public acceptance and
access for their service animals. These efforts deserve respect
from all of us.
A trained service animal must be well behaved in
all
situations, and focus only on his handler's needs. Both
Tasha and myself have been trained under the American Kennel Club
and have received our "Canine Good Citizen" awards.
Service animals are permitted to accompany
the person with a disability in all public areas, including
dining venues, unless its behavior creates a
fundamental alteration or a direct threat to safety. Due to
health regulations, service animals are not permitted in pools,
whirlpools or spas.
Many service animals wear special identification vests, collars,
or harnesses; however, they are not required to do so, nor are
they required to be licensed or certified by any private or
governmental agency.
Help your service animal
keep cool by:
- Brushing its coat often
- Adding pedialyte
®
to water bowls to prevent dehydration
Putting freezer packs in the pockets of vests to cool
down the dog
Purchasing a "cooler" collar for the dog to wear
Purchasing dog booties to protect the dog's pads
Resources:
-
Delta Society (deltasociety.org)
-
Service Animal Central (servicedogcentral.org)
-
International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (iaadp.org)
-
U.S. Department of Justice (ada.gov)
Trained service animals are
welcome in most locations throughout Walt Disney World® Resort and are usually allowed to access attractions
via the standard queue. However, all service animals must remain on
a leash or in a harness at all times.
For attractions that provide an auxiliary
entrance, Guests should follow the same procedures as described for
wheelchairs and Guests with mobility disabilities.
Due to the nature of some
attractions, service animals may not be permitted to ride. In those
instances, a member of the Guest's party must remain with the
animal. Walt Disney World® Cast
Members are not permitted to take control of service animals at any
time.
SERVICE ANIMAL SAFETY
For the safety of the service animal and other
Guests, a little extra caution may be required on some attractions
due to:
Darkness or other lighting
effects
Sound effects
Special sensory effects
Ride vehicle movement
Other possible distractions
Service animals are permitted
on these attractions, but Guests may decide it would be best if
their animal did not ride. In this case, a member of the Guest's
party must remain with the animal.
Help your service animal
keep cool by:
- Brushing its coat often
- Adding pedialyte®
to water bowls to prevent dehydration
- Putting freezer packs in the pockets of vests to cool
down the dog
- Purchasing a "cooler" collar for the dog to wear
- Purchasing dog booties to protect the dog's pads
Guests with service animals should check with a
Cast Member for specific boarding instructions and additional
information at the following Walt Disney World®
attractions:
Magic Kingdom® Park
Prince Charming Regal
Carrousel
Stitch's Great Escape!
Epcot®
Innoventions East and
West
Spaceship Earth
Disney's Hollywood
Studios™
The Great Movie Ride
Toy Story Mania
Disney's Animal Kingdom® Park
"It's Tough To Be A
Bug!"
Kilimanjaro Safaris®
Aviary area of Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
Aviary area of Maharajah Jungle Trek
DESIGNATED
SERVICE ANIMAL BREAK AREAS
Each Walt Disney World®
theme park allows Guests to use backstage locations for service
animal relief areas.
Contact a host near the following backstage areas for directions and
assistance:
Behind the gates near
Restaurantosaurus
Behind the gates neat Kilimanjaro Safaris®
Located next to Creature Comforts at the entrance to First Aid
Behind the gates to the right of Conservation Station
Behind the gates near Maharajah Jungle Trek®
ASSISTANCE DOG
ETIQUETTE - DO'S AND DON'TS
The following list of recommendations is for when
meeting or interacting with an Assistance/Service Dog
team in public. This same etiquette applies to
Assistance/Service Puppies in training.
-
DON’T…distract the dog from their working
position by calling, clapping, or offering food.
-
DO…allow
the Assistance Dog to serve as a working partner
without distraction.
-
DON’T…attempt to pet or touch an Assistance
Dog…this also applies to your children and dogs;
-
DO…speak
to the person…not to the dog when greeting an
Assistance Dog team.
-
DON’T…be
insulted if your request to pet the Assistance
Dog is not granted;
-
DO…understand
that releasing the dog to greet you might
distract the dogs attentiveness to their
partner.
-
DON’T…automatically tell the person that there
are no dogs allowed.
-
DO…ask
if the dog with them is an Assistance/Service
Dog. If they say yes…no further access questions
are necessary.
-
DON’T…assume that the dog is not an Assistance
Dog because the person doesn’t look disabled;
-
DO…
observe the conduct and interaction between the
person and the dog. If the dog is being
attentive to his or her partner and functioning
close to them, you are looking at the main
characteristics of an Assistance/Service Dog.
SERVICE DOG
STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR
Public
Appropriateness:
- Dog
is clean and does not have a foul odor.
- Dog
does not urinate or defecate in inappropriate
locations.
- Dog does NOT jump on
people, except for it's handler
Behavior:
- Dog
shall not make unsolicited contact with members
of the general public.
- Dog's conduct does not disrupt the normal
course of business.
- Dog
works without unnecessary vocalization.
- Dog
shows no aggression toward people or other
animals.
- Dog does not solicit or steal food or other items
from the general public.
- Dog is specifically trained to perform more than one
task to mitigate (lessen) the effects of
its partner's disability; said disability being
any condition as described by and covered under
the
ADA that substantially impairs one or more major
life functions.
- Dog obeys the commands of its handler.
- Dog works calmly and quietly on a harness, leash or
other tether.
- Dog has been specifically trained to perform its
duties in public and is accustomed to being
out in public.
- Dog must be able to lie quietly beside the handler
without blocking aisles, doorways, etc.
- Dog is trained to urinate or defecate on command
- Dog stays within 24" of its handler at all times
unless the nature of a trained task requires it
to be working at a greater distance.
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INFORMATION FOR ACCESSIBLE ROOM ACCOMMODATIONS |
An accessible room is a hotel
room that accommodates wheelchair bound or other limitations.
Since the exact definition of an accessible room can vary from
location to location, I suggest calling ahead to ensure a hotel can
properly accommodate all of your needs. I would also suggest that
you request specifics about room sizes, door-widths, ramp access,
elevators and other important attributes of an accessible room.
If traveling with a large party to assist someone with disabilities
or limitations,
Disney Resort Hotels have spacious rooms for 5 Guests or more.
HOTEL ROOMS Please review the room descriptions at
your selected Resort hotel for more detailed information. Examples
of hotel room accommodations for Guests with disabilities include:
Bathrooms
Wider bathroom doors
Roll-in showers
Shower benches
Hand-held shower heads
Accessible vanities
Portable commodes
Bathroom rails
Bed Accessories
Bed rails
Lower beds and rubber bed pads
Open frame beds
Room Communication Kits
Door knock and phone alerts
Bed shaker alarm
Text Typewriter (TTY)
Strobe light fire alarm
Phone amplifier
Other Features:
Buses with wheelchair lifts
Refrigerators (may include an extra charge)
Closed Captioned television
Braille on signage and elevators
PARKING
Valet Parking Valet parking is available at select
locations. Vehicles displaying a valid disability parking permit
will not be required to pay the parking fee and will receive
complimentary service.
Accessible Parking
Parking for Guests with mobility disabilities
or Guests who are traveling with personal wheelchairs is
available adjacent to the entrance at each of the four Disney
Theme Parks. Guests
with the ability to walk short distances and step up onto the
courtesy trams, which will transport Guests to Disney Theme Park
entrances, should park in the main parking lots for:
Magic Kingdom Park
Epcot
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney's Animal Kingdom Park
Designated parking areas
for Guests with disabilities are available throughout the Walt
Disney World® Resort. A valid disability parking permit is required.
Standard parking rates apply at Disney Theme Park main parking
lots.
TRANSPORTATION Many
of the transportation systems at the Walt Disney World®
Resort are accessible to Guests with disabilities.
Buses All bus routes are
serviced by buses which are equipped to accommodate various types of
wheelchairs within the following guidelines: The wheelchair must fit the wheelchair
lift without being forced; the standard bus lift is 32 inches x 48
inches. The wheelchair must be securely fastened in the wheelchair
restraints.
Watercraft
Watercraft access varies depending on the type of watercraft and the
existing water levels and conditions. Please contact a Disney Cast
Member at the watercraft dock for information and assistance.
Monorail Guests may access the Monorail system by
proceeding up the entrance ramps, or using the elevators
provided at these locations:
Epcot® Theme Park
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Polynesian Resort
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GUEST
RELATIONS LOCATIONS |
A Guest Relations area is located inside each Disney
Theme Park and Disney Water Park and provides a variety of services
including:
Information concerning Guests with disabilities
Information for Guests with Disabilities
Guest Assistance Card (GAC)
Messages for separated parties
Lost Guests
Guidemaps available in French, German, Japanese, Spanish and
Portuguese
Disney Dollar exchange
Foreign currency exchange
Information on behind the scenes educational programs
Disney Resort Reservations and Advanced Reservations for Dining
Walt Disney World Gift Certificates
Ticket Media Info & Adjustments
Resort Activities Information
Guest Relations Locations at Downtown Disney Area
Guest Relations is located at the Downtown Disney® Marketplace and
Downtown Disney®
WestSide.
Downtown Disney® Marketplace
Guest Relations in Downtown Disney Marketplace
is located next to Team Mickey Athletic Club and Arribas
Brothers stores.
Hours:
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. Sunday through
Thursday
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. Friday through Saturday
Services:
Wheelchair/ECV and stroller rentals (must
have major credit card or Disney Resort ID)
Walt Disney World®
Theme Park tickets
Annual Passport and special-event ticket sales
Gift certificate sales
Lost and found
Reservation assistance for restaurants and accommodations
General information
Downtown Disney® WestSide
Guest Relations in Downtown Disney WestSide is located at
DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park.
Hours:
8:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. Sunday through
Thursday
9:00 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. Friday through Saturday
Services:
Wheelchair and stroller rentals (must have
major credit card or Disney Resort ID)
Annual Passport and special-event ticket sales
Gift certificate sales
Lost and found
Reservation assistance for restaurants and accommodations
General information
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GUEST
WITH DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS |
 Walt Disney World®
Resorts and Parks Food & Beverage
team is committed to offering a wide range of options to accommodate
Guests with food allergies or intolerances. Guests should notate
these food allergies and intolerances at the time of booking their
dining reservation. Guests are also welcome to speak to a chef or a
manager on duty when arriving at the dining location.
Whether dining at a table-service or quick-service restaurant, Guest
food allergy or intolerance requirements will be addressed when
brought to our attention.
General Information
Walt Disney World®
Resorts and Parks will use reasonable efforts to
prevent the introduction of the allergen of concern into the
food through close attention during our sourcing, preparation
and handling processes. However, it is ultimately up to the
Guest to use his or her individual discretion to make an
informed choice regarding whether to order any particular items.
The Walt Disney Company cannot guarantee that allergens may not
have been introduced during another stage of the food chain
process or, even inadvertently, during preparation. We do not
have separate kitchens to prepare allergen-free items or
separate dining areas for Guests with allergies or intolerances.
Guests with food allergies or intolerances are allowed to bring
food items into any Disney theme park. Please inform the
Security Cast Member at bag check that someone in the party has
a food allergy or intolerance.
For Guests staying at a Disney Resort who have items that need
to be refrigerated, they should ask the Front Desk Cast Member
to have a refrigerator placed in the room. There may be a charge
for the use of the refrigerator.
Cast Members are prohibited from storing, preparing, cooking or
reheating any food brought into our Resorts or theme parks by
Guests.
Talking to
the Cast Members about food
allergies
Before your trip (for best results)
Disney has a Special Diet
Team to make special
accommodations for your food
allergy.
- Phone: (407)
824-5967
- Email:
specialdiets@disneyworld.com
Be sure to make your
arrangements at least 72
hours in advance, as they
may need to special order
certain products.
During your trip while dining
Be sure to identify your
food allergies to the host
or hostess upon
arrival. Request to speak
with the chef or manager.
Tell the wait staff
immediately, making sure you
have their full attention as
you discuss it. Request to
speak with the chef or
manager, if they haven’t
already stopped by.
Discuss your meal with
the chef or manager. Ask
them to double-check food
labels if there are any
doubts about ingredients.
Thank everyone on your
way out, and leave a great
tip.
Reservations
For online reservations, visit
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/reservations/dining/
and indicate the food allergy or intolerance on the required
screen.
When making a phone reservation, please inform the reservation
Cast Member of the food allergy or intolerance and they will
notate the food allergy or intolerance on the reservation. You
can make a reservation by calling (407) WDW-DINE or (407)
939-3463. Guests under age 18 must have parent or guardian
permission to call.
Disney recommends Guests plan ahead, as many meal times at popular
Walt Disney World® Resort restaurants book quickly. Reservations
are accepted 180 days in advance at Walt Disney World Resort.
If you do not have a reservation, we are happy to discuss and
attempt to accommodate food allergy or intolerance requirements.
Guests should ask to speak to a chef or a manager upon arrival
to discuss the specific dietary need.
Table-Service Locations
Common Food Allergies
Table-service restaurants that accept reservations at Walt
Disney World® Resort can accommodate most food allergies or
intolerances.
Common Food Allergies include:
•gluten or wheat
•shellfish
•soy
•lactose or dairy
•peanuts and tree nuts
•fish
•eggs
•corn
Guests should notate these food allergies
and intolerances at the time of booking their dining
reservation. Guests are also welcome to speak to a chef or a
manager on duty when arriving at the dining location.
Most restaurants offer no sugar added, low fat, low sodium
or vegetarian options. Advance arrangements are not
necessary for Guests with lifestyle dietary requests. Guests
can discuss this with their server upon arrival at the
restaurant. Metabolic
Disorders/Multiple Allergies
Guests
with requests associated with the list below should contact
the Walt Disney World® Resort at
SpecialDiets@DisneyWorld.com
at least 14 days prior to arrival and after booking all
dining arrangements for the entire visit
•Allergy or intolerance not listed
above under Common Food Allergies
•PKU
•Metabolic disorders
•A single Guest with multiple allergies/intolerances or
multiple Guests with allergies/intolerances within the
same party
The restaurants will do their best to
accommodate Guest dietary requirements, but cannot guarantee
they will be able to meet all requests.
Kosher Meals
Kosher meals may be
requested 24 hours in advance by calling (407) WDW-DINE or
(407) 939-3463. Guests under age 18 must have parent or
guardian permission to call.
Buffets
Guests should ask to speak with a chef or a manager upon
arrival to discuss the food allergy or intolerance. Although
the chef can walk through the buffet and indicate what can
be eaten based on the specific allergy or intolerance, there
is always the potential for cross-contact by other Guests
since these are self-serve buffets.
Quick-Service Locations
The locations listed below have quick-service menu items or
products that, upon request, may accommodate Guests' common
food allergy or intolerance requirements.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park:
•Restaurantosaurus
•Flame Tree Barbecue
Disney's Hollywood Studios Theme Park:
•Backlot Express
•Studios Catering Co.
•ABC Commissary
•Toy Story Pizza Planet
Epcot Theme Park:
•Liberty Inn
•Sunshine Season
Magic Kingdom Theme Park:
•Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café
•Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café
•Main Street Bakery
•Columbia Harbor House
•The Pinocchio Village House
For prepackaged items, we recommend that
Guests read the ingredient list on the label before
purchasing any product.
Medications
Guests who require epi-pens,
medications or special food should inform the Security Cast
Member at bag check that someone in the party has a food
allergy or medical condition. Guests will be allowed to
bring these items in the park with them.
Nutritional Information
We are not
able to provide Guests with nutritional information.
However, we are happy to attempt to work within any dietary
requests and may suggest some menu alternatives that may
satisfy the request..
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GUEST
WITH DISABILITIES SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS |
Disney works hard to offer a comfortable, safe and
enjoyable experience for all their Guests. Please assist by showing
common courtesy to fellow Park Guests. Please be respectful of
others. Do not use profanity or engage in unsafe, illegal or
offensive behavior. Please abide by all safety warnings and notices.
Proper attire—including shoes and shirts—must be worn at all times.
For your safety while on attractions, please keep your hands, arms,
feet and legs inside the vehicle at all times. Supervise children at
all times.
Please honor designated viewing areas and crosswalks. Also, for the
comfort of those around you, we request that there be no flash
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GUEST
WITH AUTISM |
Disney Resorts, Parks and Cruise Line are known the
world over as a premier family destination. For most
Guests, planning is fairly easy and exciting. The
biggest questions are what to wear, what to see and
do and where to dine. However, for Guests dealing
with disabilities and special needs, the excitement
is mitigated by concerns. Autism is a difficult
disease to manage, and the crowds, noise, and change
of routine can cause the illness to flare.
Fortunately, Disney is well equipped to handle a
variety of Guest with disabilities. Disney’s Guest
service is legendary, and the Cast Members are well
trained and eager to assist in any way possible.
First and
most important: Speak with your child’s
physician and other specialists, and ask them for
recommendations on making the trip easier on
everyone. Get a signed
letter from your
physician on
letterhead, stating the diagnosis your child has and
what special accommodations are needed. When you arrive at the
parks, rent a stroller or wheelchair if needed, and
then proceed directly to Guest Relations. Take both
the physician’s note and the child with you. Due to
problems that Disney has experienced with disability
fraud, (one of my dad’s pet peeves), it is necessary
for Guest Relations to see the person with
disabilities, just to be certain that he or she
actually exists.
The Cast Member at Guest Relations will issue a
Guest Assistance Card (GAC) that is appropriate to
the disability and level of accommodation that you
need. GAC’s are
valid throughout your stay. With the Guest
Assistance Card, you still may have to wait just as
long, but you will provided with a secluded, out of
the way area to wait in. This card allows 6 people
(cardholder + 5) to wait in a special line.
If you need any sort of additional accommodation,
such as a waiting area out of the sun, be sure to
ask for those accommodations as well. With your
pass in hand, you are ready to experience the parks.
No matter what type of pass you are issued, it will
NOT grant the ability to be immediately seated on
the ride or attraction. Thus it is necessary to
entertain the child during the wait. Books, games,
and snacks may all be appropriate.
Prepare
your family prior to the trip. Make sure that you
are well rested and up to the challenge. Bring toys,
games, and snacks to distract your child, and have
plans in place for making a quick exit from the
parks should the child become over-stimulated.
Disney vacations include an overabundance of
stimulation, from strange noises to large crowds. be
sure to get information on the rides and shows in
advance. You know your child, and you know which
things will entertain him and which ones may startle
or terrify him. Watch Disney movies and talk to the
child about meeting the Disney characters, big
stuffed characters can be very intimidating, but if
the child recognizes those characters the transition
may be easier.
Purchasing a guidebook in advance and reading up on
all of the attractions is ideal. However, if you are
not able to do so, you can get a reasonable
description of the rides and shows from the guide
map or online at Disney.com. Ask
questions of the ride attendants. Most have at least
a passing familiarity with autism and related
disorders, and they will be able to answer most of
your questions. Be sure to check directly with
Disney reservations as changes are made at the
resorts on a daily basis.
A highly structured plan is required for a
successful Disney vacation for a family dealing with
autism. Also required is the flexibility to change
the plan at a moment’s notice. If you find yourself
without a plan, invent one on the fly, but do not
leave the child standing around for a protracted
time while the adults try to figure out what they
are doing. Do not try to pack too much into one
day. Too much sensory stimulation can and often
does lead to overload. At least for the first few
days, until you see how the child will react, take a
long afternoon break at the hotel or for shopping
and dining in a less crowded environment. If your
child is successful during the morning and evening,
then you can gradually add additional hours in the
parks.
Do not be afraid to ask specific or pointed
questions either, such as “Is this a dark ride?” or
“Are there unusually loud noises involved?” Should
you have any doubts as to the suitability of a
particular attraction for your child, experience it
yourself first. Cast Members are very understanding
of this, and will often issue a Rider Swap pass
which will allow one person to preview the
attraction, then the whole party to experience it
together, without needing to wait in line again.
Should the child suddenly go into a meltdown, ask
any available Cast Member for the nearest quiet
location. Family waiting rooms are available at some
attractions, and there are first aid stations and
nursing stations available in the parks, both of
which offer some amount of solitude Every day, hit
your child’s favorite ride in the park first. This
allows him to experience the ride multiple times
with little to no wait, and also sets the tone and
mood for a happy and successful day.
When making
your hotel reservations request a quiet room away
from noisy areas, if possible. The sandy
beaches and whirlpools provide deep pressure
stimulation that’s really good for children with
Autism.
Expect
small miracles. Many parents have reported that
their children have made some type of developmental
breakthrough while on their Disney vacation. Do not
be disappointed if a breakthrough does not come, but
enjoy it if it does.
Manage your expectations. Remember, it isn't about
how much you do, but about having a positive
experience with your child.
Disney offers excellent vacation destinations for
Guests with limitations or disabilities. Cast
Members truly go out of their way to create a
magical experience for all Guests. You may even find
your child the recipient of special recognition from
Cast Members and characters. Simply go with a plan
and a lot of patience, let your child set the pace,
and prepare yourself for the unexpected, and you
will discover why many families with an autistic
child return year after year to a Disney Resort.
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Special Needs
We are not
in any way affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way
officially connected with The Walt Disney Company, Disney
Enterprises, Inc., or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.
The official Disney web site is available at www.disney.com.
All Disney artwork, logos, parks, attractions, lands, shows,
event names, etc. are registered trademarks of The Walt Disney
Company.
