Our Experience with Disney’s Accessibility & Accommodations

By Duchess x Opulent Abilities  

Walt Disney World is often called The Most Magical Place on Earth, but for those of us with disabilities or sensory sensitivities, a truly magical experience comes down to one thing—accessibility. Thankfully, Disney has put a lot of effort into making its parks welcoming for all guests. From mobility-friendly attractions, allergy-friendly dining, to quiet spaces, My Disney Experience app, and provisions like Disability Access Service (DAS), our recent trip surprised us with just how many accommodations Disney offers. We hope our experiences can help you plan your family's own accessible Disney adventure!  

Wheelchair & Mobility Aid Accessibility

One of the most impressive aspects of Disney’s accessibility is how many rides allow guests to stay in their wheelchair or mobility device. Some attractions, like It’s a Small World, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and Jungle Cruise actually have designated wheelchair-accessible ride vehicles, making it easy to roll right on. For rides that required a transfer, we found that the Cast Members were kind, patient, and ready to assist. 

If you are unsure whether a ride is accessible to you, the My Disney Experience app provides detailed information on mobility requirements for each attraction. There is also a very helpful page on the Disney World website outlining specific Services for Guests with Mobility Disabilities.

Sensory-Friendly & Quiet Areas

For neurodivergent guests and others with sensory sensitivities, Disney has the potential to be an overwhelming place with its bright lights, loud noises, and constant crowds. Thankfully, there are quiet spots scattered throughout each park where you can take a break. Disney has a page on their website for Services for Guests Who Are Neurodivergent, including a list of these quiet spots. Some of our favorites include the Garden seating area in the Japan Pavilion at EPCOT and, the Discovery Island Trails near the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom.

Noise-canceling earplugs/headphones, sunglasses, and fidget toys can also help make the experience more comfortable. (Find some of our favorites linked here.) In addition, we found that planning breaks into our day was essential to avoid tiring out or sensory overload.

Allergy-Friendly Dining

Dining at Disney is another area where accessibility shines. Nearly every restaurant, whether quick service or table service, offers allergy-friendly menus. Once again the My Disney Experience app proves to be a valuable resource, as it provides full menus and detailed information on allergy options for each dining location. When ordering, you can request to speak with a chef or a special-diets trained Cast Member to ensure your meal meets your dietary needs. In our experience over the years, Disney has been very accommodating, patiently helping to ensure that we never went hungry.

From gluten-free Mickey waffles at breakfast to dairy-free snacks like Dole-Whip throughout the parks, Disney makes it easy to enjoy deliciousness throughout the day without needing to constantly worry about our food allergies/dietary restrictions. We particularly appreciated the customizable options at Satu’li Canteen in Animal Kingdom. We also enjoyed the gluten-friendly churros at Nomad Lounge at Animal Kingdom, gluten-free beignets at Scat Cat's Cafe at Port Orleans Resort, and lest we forget the amazing allergy-friendly Ronto Wrap now at Galaxy's Edge in Hollywood Studios - 10/10 recommend! It feels like there is always a new allergy-friendly treat we can look forward to enjoying on our next visit!

Water Park(s)

Despite going to Disney World for over ten years, this was actually our very first visit to a Disney water park! On the day we checked in to our resort, we went to Blizzard Beach. We were impressed that it also offered many accessibility features, ensuring that guests of all abilities can enjoy the fun. One of the standout accommodations is the special water-friendly wheelchair- designed to navigate the sandy areas and enter the water. The one we were given to use was occasionally a little difficult to maneuver, but perhaps it was just that particular wheelchair. This is a neat provision available for guests who need mobility support to help them enjoy the water park’s pools and attractions. 

Perhaps most impressively: Blizzard Beach features an accessible gondola system, which helps guests reach the top of Mount Gushmore without needing to climb stairs. This makes it easier for those with mobility challenges to access popular attractions like Teamboat Springs- one of the world’s longest family raft rides. Once we were at the top, the Cast Members loaded the wheelchair on a separate raft and sent it down ahead of us, so that it would be waiting for us when we got down. In our experience, Cast Members were always available to help with transfers and ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience. Whether we were floating down Cross Country Creek or splashing in Melt-Away Bay, we were delighted that Blizzard Beach offered accessible ways to enjoy the fun!

Staying On Property: Accessible Hotel Rooms

We stayed in two different accessible Disney resort rooms, and both exceeded our expectations. Our rooms were spacious, comfortable, and either on the ground floor or located near elevators for easy access to transportation.

Disney World offers a variety of accessible room types, including those with roll-in showers, hearing accessibility features, and additional space for mobility devices. If you are looking to book an accessible room, it might be best to call Disney directly to ensure you get the features you need.  

The resorts also provide accessible transportation, making it easy to travel between the resorts and the parks. Depending on which resort you stay at, there are options such as buses, boats, monorail, or the Disney Skyliner.

Disability Access Service (DAS)

For guests who struggle with extended wait times due to disabilities (including autism and other neurodivergent conditions), Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS) is extremely helpful. Instead of waiting in a physical queue, DAS allows you to request return times for attractions through the My Disney Experience app. This means you can enjoy other areas of the park while waiting for your turn.  

To register for DAS, you can complete a virtual video chat with a Cast Member up to 30 days before your visit. The process was smooth and stress-free for us, and once approved, we could book our rides right from the My Disney Experience app throughout the day. 

Please note, that there have been changes to the DAS policies over the past year. Qualifying for DAS in the past does not guarantee that you will qualify under the current policy. If you need accommodations beyond/instead of DAS, the Cast Members at Guest Relations are always available to help you have the best experience.

Blue Umbrellas

Disney’s Blue Umbrella Program is another helpful accessibility feature that enhances the guest experience for those needing extra assistance. These blue umbrella stations, located throughout the parks, are staffed with specially trained Guest Experience Team members who can help with Disability Access Service (DAS) questions, ride accessibility, and other accommodations. 

Whether you need help booking a DAS return time, locating a quiet space, or understanding mobility-friendly attractions, the Cast Members under the blue umbrellas are there to provide support. These stations serve as a great alternative to returning to the front of the park and waiting in line at Guest Relations. Spread conveniently throughout the parks, we found that these were often a quicker, more convenient way to get assistance during the park day. If you ever need guidance during your visit, simply look for the blue umbrellas- a sign that help is just a question away!

Final Thoughts

Disney does a wonderful job of providing accommodations for guests with disabilities and sensory needs. While every person’s experience is unique, we found that with planning ahead, using the My Disney Experience app, and taking advantage of services like DAS and quiet spaces helped to make our trip smooth and enjoyable.  

If you are considering a trip to Disney but are unsure about accessibility, we highly recommend their Accessibility Planning Guide, as well as the accessibility section of Disney’s website. These tools can help you plan your trip with added confidence. While you are at the parks, you always have the provision to speak to Guest Relations Cast Members, who can help you with any additional questions or concerns. With the right accommodations in place, you too can truly Live Limitlessly at the The Most Magical Place on Earth!