Guests With Disabilities

Guest with disability riding an ECV

I have gathered as much information as possible from multiple sources to this one page. You will find important information and page links to Walt Disney World’s site and Florida DMV handicap placard regulations below.

Cognitive Disabilities

Types of Services

Walt Disney World Resort offers a host of services to help Guests with cognitive disabilities including those on the Autism Spectrum and maximize their Resort experience.

Services include:

  • Advanced Ticket Purchase
  • Stroller and Wheelchair Rental
  • Strollers as Wheelchairs
  • Rider Switch
  • Accessing Attractions
  • Break Areas
  • Companion Restrooms
  • Helpful Guides for Attractions and your General Resort Experience
  • Dietary Accommodations

For more information, click here or please contact Disability Services at (407) 560-2547 or email  disability.services@disneyparks.com.

Disability Access Service

Top Things to Know about DAS

  • DAS is intended for Guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a conventional queue environment due to disability.
  • DAS doesn’t provide immediate access to experiences, but rather allows Guests to request a return time for a specific experience that is comparable to the current standby wait. This allows the Guest using DAS to experience other attractions in the park instead of physically waiting in the standby line.
  • The Guest who is requesting to use DAS must be present during registration and when redeeming a DAS return time at Walt Disney World theme parks, but doesn’t need to be present when a return time is requested at an attraction or any Guest Relations location.
  • Once registered, DAS is valid for up to 60 days.

In lieu of having to physically go to an experience or to a kiosk to obtain a return time from a Cast Member, Guests registered in the DAS program (and their party members) will be able to make return time selections right from the My Disney Experience app during the day of a park visit.

Once a return time is issued, Guests are free to enjoy other theme park offerings while they wait virtually for the return time to arrive, as opposed to waiting in the queue. As soon as the Guest redeems a return time, they can book another return time for the same or a different attraction.

DAS can also be used in addition to Disney’s Genie+ service and individual paid attraction selections.

Steps To Obtain A DAS Pass

Step 1: Register

There are 2 ways to register for DAS: (1) pre-arrival via live video chat or (2) on-site at Guest Relations.

Pre-register virtually with a Cast Member via live video chat between 2 to 30 days in advance of a park visit. Please note: at this time, live chat will be offered in English only.

If you haven’t pre-registered, you must proceed directly to Guest Relations to request assistance.

Locations at Walt Disney World Resort include:

If DAS is provided, you (or a parent/guardian) will participate in a registration process, which requires having a photo taken.

DAS is valid for up to 60 days.

Step 2: Request a Return Time

After you’ve registered, you can request your first return time.

Pre-Arrival
You can book up to 2 one-hour return windows for select experiences using our new DAS Advance planning option between 2 to 30 days prior to a park visit. These selections are in addition to the return times you can request throughout the day of your actual park visit.

On the Day of Your Park Visit

  • Recommended: Guests using DAS can make return time selections right from the My Disney Experience app on the day of their park visit (including for other members of their party).
  • If additional assistance is required: Guests can also obtain return times directly from a Cast Member at any theme park Guest Relations or Guest Experience Team location.

The return time will be comparable to the current standby wait.

Please keep in mind that DAS return times are valid until the park closes or an attraction closes for the day. And a party can only hold one active DAS return time at once (not counting DAS Advance ride times).

Interested in Riding Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure?
Guests are required to join the virtual queue to experience this attraction. Once your boarding group is called, see a Cast Member at the attraction for DAS assistance. Note that you may only enter one virtual queue at a time and the virtual queues are limited and subject to availability.

Step 3: Enjoy the Park

On the day of your visit, have fun exploring other aspects of the park until you can redeem your return time.

You may only have one active DAS return time at one time. After a return time has been redeemed, your party can request another one.

Other Considerations

A Guest whose disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter does not need DAS. Depending on the experience, Guests utilizing a wheelchair or scooter will either wait in the standard queue or receive a return time at the attraction that is comparable to the current standby wait. If you’re a Guest who has mobility questions or concerns, please view Services for Guests with Mobility Disabilities.

DAS Valid Time

DAS is valid for up to 60 days. Once the service has elapsed, Guests need to re-register for the program.

If Disney determines that any of the statements a Guest made in the process of obtaining DAS are not true, the Guest will be permanently barred from entering Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort, and any previously purchased annual passes, Magic Key passes, tickets and other park products and services will be forfeited and not refunded.

For more information, click here for more details and answers to most common questions.

Electric conveyance Vehicle (ECV) Rentals

Price

Walt Disney World Theme Parks

  • Daily: $50
  • A refundable $20 deposit is required at this location

Walt Disney World Water Parks and Disney Springs

  • Daily: $50
  • A refundable $100 deposit is required at this location

Daily Rentals are transferable between all locations. You pay just once for the day.

Length of Stay Rentals are not available for ECVs. However, vehicles can be held if Guests leave and return to the same park on the same day.

When Leaving Your Location

ECVs may not be removed from the destination where they were rented. When exiting your location, simply return your ECV to the rental counter to receive your deposit. If you’re at Disney Springs, your deposit will be returned at this time. If leaving one theme park and visiting another, present your rental receipt with your deposit to secure another ECV, if available.

Know Before You Go

  • ECVs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Reservations are not accepted, and quantities are limited. Please plan to arrive early.
  • Guests must be 18 years of age to rent and operate ECVs. A Photo ID is required.
  • The maximum weight is 450 pounds. ECVs are not designed to hold more than one person.
  • You are welcome to bring and use your own ECV throughout Walt Disney World Resort.
  • As a reminder, personal belongings such as luggage, strollers and ECVs may not be stored or left unattended in hotel corridors or hallways.

Wheelchairs are also available for rent throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney Featured Provider

Guests who use a stroller or mobility device when visiting Walt Disney World Resort have a variety of options including using a personally-owned stroller or mobility device, renting through ScooterBug—the Disney Featured Provider—or renting from another third-party company.

ScooterBug, a private mobility rental company in the Central Florida area, is the Disney Featured Provider to offer stroller, ECV and wheelchair rentals at Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and Disney Springs in addition to length-of-stay rentals for Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels. When Disney Resort hotel Guests choose to rent through ScooterBug, the Guest does not need to be present when the equipment is delivered to the Resort hotel. ScooterBug will work with Disney Resort Cast Members to manage deliveries and returns of rented strollers, ECVs and wheelchairs. Pre-orders and deliveries of mobility rentals through ScooterBug to Disney Resort hotels are available by visiting scooterbug.com/orlando or calling (800) 726-8284.

For more information, please view our frequently asked questions.

Guides for Guests with Disabilities

Available at Guest Relations, these guides can also be downloaded in a printable format for each theme park:

Hearing Disabilities

Types of Services

Walt Disney World Resort offers a variety of services to help Guests with hearing disabilities enjoy the Resort.

Services include:

  • Guest Room Amenities
  • Assistive Listening
  • Handheld Captioning
  • Video Captioning
  • Sign Language Interpretation

For more information, please contact Disability Services at (407) 560-2547 or email  disability.services@disneyparks.com.

Guest Room Amenities

Upon request, Guest Rooms at Walt Disney World Resort hotels can be equipped with door knock and phone alerts, phone amplifiers, bed shaker notification, a strobe light smoke detector and a Text Typewriter (TTY) telephone.

For more information or to request a Room Communication Kit, please call Walt Disney World Resort Information at (407) 824-4321. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Assistive Listening

Disney’s Handheld Devices feature Assistive Listening, which amplifies sound through headphones or an induction loop at specific theme park attractions. Recommended for Guests with mild to moderate hearing loss, Disney’s Handheld Devices are available from Guest Relations at all 4 theme parks on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a fully-refundable $25 daily deposit for use. It is recommended that you bring your own headphones or induction loop as the device has a standard headphone jack.

View locations where Assistive Listening is offered.

Handheld Captioning

Disney’s Handheld Devices feature Handheld Captioning, a portable captioning system which displays on-screen text in locations at select theaters and attractions. This service is available from Guest Relations at all 4 theme parks on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a fully-refundable $25 daily deposit for use.

View locations where Handheld Captioning is offered.

Video Captioning

Select monitors are available with open captioning in many pre-show and exhibit areas, and are designated by a “CC” symbol. If necessary, please see a Cast Member at the location for assistance.

Video Captioning can also be activated using Disney’s Handheld Devices—available from Guest Relations at all 4 theme parks on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a fully-refundable $25 daily deposit for use.

View locations where Video Captioning is offered.

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:

The schedule of interpreted performances is updated on a weekly basis. You can obtain a current schedule by e-mailing WDPRsignlanguageservices@disney.com. You can also obtain a copy of this schedule at a Walt Disney World Guest Relations location upon arrival.

Special Requests for Interpretation

With a minimum of 14 days advanced notice, Sign Language interpretation can also be requested for some special events and dinner shows, such as:

To request Sign Language interpretation at a specific special event or dinner show, please call Walt Disney World Resort Information at (407) 824-4321. You will be contacted prior to your visit to verify arrangements, and will receive a show schedule that lists the names, dates and times of the interpreted performances. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Other Services

Additional services are available upon request to assist Guests with hearing disabilities: Reflective Captioning is available at select theater-style attractions and serves as an alternate service to Handheld Captioning. Please inquire about availability prior to experiencing an attraction or show.

Service Animals

Trained service animals are welcome in most locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

View full details about service animals at Walt Disney World Resort.

Guide for Guests with Disabilities

Available at Guest Relations, the guides can also be downloaded in a printable format for each theme park:

Lighting Sensitivity

Should you or any member of your party have a photo sensitivity or seizure disorder, we recommend that you consult your physician for specific instructions before visiting Walt Disney World Resort, as specialty lighting effects and other visual effects are used extensively throughout our shows and attractions.

Magnetic Fields

Common equipment, such as electric motors and radios, that produce electric and magnetic fields are utilized extensively throughout the world and also within our Resorts. These fields are generally no greater than you would experience in any urban environment or may be exposed to through common household appliances such as vacuum cleaners and hair dryers.

If you or any member of your party has questions regarding the above, you may speak with a Guest Relations Cast Member for details.

Mobility Disabilities

Attraction Access Categories

Walt Disney World attractions offer access for Guests with mobility disabilities in the following categories:

  • Must transfer from wheelchair/ECV to ride vehicle
  • Need to transfer from ECV to wheelchair
  • Must transfer from ECV to wheelchair, and from wheelchair to ride vehicle

May Remain in Wheelchair/ECV

These attractions allow Guests to remain in their wheelchair or Electric Conveyance Vehicle (ECV) during the experience.

Magic Kingdom Park

Epcot

Hollywood Studios

Animal Kingdom Park

Blizzard Beach Water Park

Must Be Ambulatory

These attractions require Guests to walk by themselves or be assisted by members of their party.

Magic Kingdom Park

Blizzard Beach Water Park

Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Must Transfer from Wheelchair/ECV to Ride Vehicle

These attractions require Guests to transfer from their wheelchair or ECV by themselves or with assistance from their party to a ride vehicle.

Magic Kingdom Park

Epcot

Hollywood Studios

Animal Kingdom Park

Blizzard Beach

Typhoon Lagoon Park

Must Transfer from ECV to Wheelchair

Guests must transfer to a wheelchair provided at the attraction. At some attractions listed below, the transfer will occur at the entrance, while at other attractions, the transfer will occur within the building or queue.

Magic Kingdom Park

Epcot

Hollywood Studios

Animal Kingdom Park

Blizzard Beach Park

Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Must Transfer from ECV to Wheelchair and from Wheelchair to Ride Vehicle

The following attractions require Guests to transfer to an available wheelchair at the attraction, then to transfer from the wheelchair to the ride vehicle. At some attractions below, the transfer to an available wheelchair will occur at the entrance. At others, the transfer to an available wheelchair will occur within the building or queue.

Magic Kingdom Park

Epcot

Hollywood Studios

Animal Kingdom Park

Wheelchair and ECV Accessibility with Walt Disney World Transportation

Most of the transportation systems at the Walt Disney World Resort are accessible to Guests with disabilities.

Bus Access

All bus routes are serviced by buses equipped to accommodate various types of wheelchairs and ECVs/scooters within the following guidelines:

  • The mobility device must fit the lift without being forced.
  • The mobility device must be securely fastened in the onboard restraints.

Most buses can hold up to 2 mobility devices in the securement areas. It is recommended that Guests using an ECV/scooter transfer to a bus seat while onboard. Guests using canes, walkers, crutches or who have difficulty walking can board via the rear door. Guests should share their request to use the ramp or rear door with the bus driver before boarding.

Water Access

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 Access

Guests may access the Walt Disney World monorail system by using the elevators or ramps at the Transportation and Ticket Center, Magic Kingdom park, Epcot, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Disney’s Magical Express Access

Disney’s Magical Express motorcoaches accommodate most Guests in standard-size wheelchairs and ECVs. Please indicate if you will require a wheelchair lift to board the motorcoach when you book your Disney’s Magical Express reservation.

Disney’s Magical Express service will no longer be offered starting with arrivals January 1, 2022. The service will continue to operate for new and existing reservations made at Disney Resort hotels for arrivals throughout 2021.

Luggage delivery for those arriving to and departing from the airport and Resort Airline Check-In Service are no longer available. Guests who choose to use Disney’s Magical Express service will be responsible for picking up any of their checked luggage from the airport’s baggage claim area, so that it can be loaded onto the motorcoach to their Disney Resort hotel. Please know that your luggage will travel with you to your Disney Resort hotel.

Luggage assistance will be available at the front of your Disney Resort hotel, including luggage storage and/or transport to the room.

Wheelchair and ECV Rental

Wheelchairs and Electric Conveyance Vehicles (ECVs) are available to rent throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

Parking

Parking for Guests with disabilities is available throughout Walt Disney World Resort. A valid disability parking permit is required and standard parking rates apply.

Theme Park Parking

Guests with the ability to walk short distances and step onto courtesy trams should park in the main parking lots of Magic Kingdom park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. If necessary, Guests may ask for a space at the end of a row closest to the courtesy tram pick-up/drop-off location. Courtesy trams will then transport Guests to each theme park’s Main Entrance.

Theme Park Disability Parking Lots

Guests with mobility disabilities, including those traveling with personal wheelchairs, electric scooters or other mobility devices, should park in our Disability Parking Lots, located a short distance from the main entrance to each of the 4 theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort. Courtesy trams do not stop at these locations.

For further directions on parking options, Guests should inquire at the theme park Auto Plaza (there’s an Auto Plaza at the entrance to each Walt Disney World theme park). Or, call Guest Services at (407) 824-2222. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Parking

Parking for Guests with disabilities is available all throughout Walt Disney World Resort. A valid disability parking permit is required. Learn More.

Restrooms & Companion Restrooms

Restrooms at the theme parks offer facilities designed for access by Guests with mobility disabilities. Companion-assisted restroom facilities are also available at various locations in each theme park. Theme park First Aid locations have facilities with additional space and privacy for individuals who may need assistance from a member of their party with their personal care needs.

Service Animals

We welcome service animals at most locations throughout our theme parks and Resort hotels. At Walt Disney World Resort, a service animal is defined as any dog or miniature horse trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Guests who use service animals must retain control of their animals at all times and should keep them on a leash or harness while visiting. Learn More.

Services for Guests with Disabilities at Disney Resort Hotels

Accessibility Room Features

Disney Resort hotels offer accessible rooms with features for Guests with disabilities, including:

  • wheelchair accessible rooms
  • hearing accessible rooms

TTY equipment is available upon request at check-in.

Accessible Paths of Travel

All Disney Resort hotels include an accessible path of travel from arrival to the lobby area, as well as to accessible Guest rooms, restaurants, shops, meeting rooms, business centers, pools, exercise facilities and laundry facilities.

Convention spaces at Walt Disney World Resort offer accessible paths of travel, including:

  • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Service Animals

Service animals are welcome at Walt Disney World Resort and can use any open outdoor area for relief as long as the owner picks up after the animal and leaves the area clean. Relief areas include the theme parks, Disney Resort hotels and other Guest accessible areas.

Learn more about visiting Walt Disney World Resort with service animals.

Parking

Standard parking at Disney Resort hotels is complimentary for any Guest with a valid disability parking permit and a current room or dining reservation at that particular resort. Designated parking areas are available for Guests with disabilities at all Disney Resort hotels. A valid disability-parking permit is required.

Learn more about parking at Walt Disney World Resort.

How to Book an Accessible Room

Please select the “Accessible Rooms” checkbox when you book your vacation online to view available accessible rooms.

If you would prefer to book over the phone, please call (407) 939-1936. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Special Effects

Special effects, including theatrical smoke, fog, snow and bubbles, are used at select Walt Disney World Resort attractions, shows and events. All special effects are produced using products that have been proven to be safe in these applications.

For additional questions regarding the above, please contact a Guest Relations Cast Member for details.

Visual Disabilities

Types of Services

Walt Disney World Resort offers a variety of services to help Guests with visual disabilities enjoy their stay. These services include:

  • Audio Description
  • Braille Guidebooks
  • Portable Tactile Map Booklets
  • Stationary Braille Maps
  • Information About Service Animals

For more information, please contact Disability Services at (407) 560-2547 or email disability.services@disneyparks.com.

Audio Description

Walt Disney World Resort theme parks offer Audio Description through a Disney handheld device, which provides supplemental audio by describing visual elements such as actions, settings and scene changes. It works with existing show audio at specific theme park attractions, entertainment and other popular locations.

Disney handheld devices are available from Guest Relations at all 4 theme parks on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a fully refundable $25 daily deposit for use. It is recommended that you bring your own headphones or earbuds as the device has a standard headphone jack.

Audio Description is available at the following locations:

At Magic Kingdom Park:

At Epcot:

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park:

Braille Guidebooks

Walt Disney World theme parks offer Braille Guidebooks printed in large text as well as Braille and feature descriptions of attractions, restaurants and stores.

Printable versions of the park-specific Braille Guides are available and can be requested by emailing or by calling (407) 828-5005.

Portable Tactile Map Booklets

Walt Disney World theme parks offer Portable Tactile Map Booklets which feature a tactile representation of building boundaries, walkways and landmarks for each land/area of the theme parks.

Printable versions of the park-specific Tactile Map Booklets are available and can be requested by emailing or by calling (407) 828-5005.

Stationary Braille Maps

Walt Disney World theme parks, Disney Springs and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex offer Stationary Braille Maps featuring large print with a clear Braille overlay and raised graphics to highlight key landmarks and attractions. There are also listings for First Aid, restrooms, Service Animal Relief Areas and Guest Relations/Guest Services.

Braille Maps can be found at or near Guest Relations/Guest Services locations. Ask a Cast Member for additional locations as each theme park or property typically has 2 maps.

Service Animals

View information related to services animals at Walt Disney World Resort.

Other Useful Things to Know

Prior to your visit, please review information pertaining to Guests with visual disabilities, which includes the additional services below.

Braille Menus

Select table-service restaurants offer menus in Braille and ask a Cast Member about availability.

Guests with Light Sensitivity

Should you or any member of your party have a photosensitivity or seizure disorder, we recommend consulting your physician for specific instructions before visiting Walt Disney World Resort. Specialty lighting and other visual effects are used extensively throughout our shows and attractions.

Wheelchair Rentals

Take advantage of several convenient options when renting a wheelchair at Walt Disney World Resort. Learn More.

Guest Health Care Services Presented by AdventHealth

AdventHealth is here to help prepare for your family’s needs as you plan for an unforgettable Walt Disney World Resort vacation—including first aid, video visits and urgent care services.

Learn more about Health Care Services by AdventHealth.

Detailed Process To Obtain DAS Pass At The Parks

When you arrive at a park the first day, go to guest relations (outside the park) and ask for a DAS pass. (There are guest relations inside and outside the parks. If you end up going through the gates, simply go to guest relations inside the entrance.)

Be sure your entire vacation party is present at this time. All MB’s will be scanned. This will now be good for your stay. One of the people on the list will go to the attraction and ask for a return time. Their MB will be scanned. No one else needs to go, but the person with the disability must go on the attraction in order to use the DAS pass.

The CM will ask who will be going on the attraction and check them off on their iPad. They will tell you a return time. You can return any time after that time. There is no 1 hour limit. You cannot get another pass with DAS until that pass is used and the person with the DAS pass must go on the attraction.

Example: When we arrived at AK, we went directly to FOP to get a return time and then went about the rest of the park until we were ready to go back after our return time. The return time is based on as if you are standing in line. So, if there is a 90-minute wait, they will give you a return time in 90 minutes from that moment. ?

**For more information on the DAS process, please click here, which will bring you to Disney’s page.

Restrooms & Companion Restrooms


Restrooms at the theme parks offer facilities designed for access by Guests with mobility disabilities. Companion-assisted restroom facilities are also available at various locations in each theme park. Theme park First Aid locations have facilities with additional space and privacy for individuals who may need assistance from a member of their party with their personal care needs.

Handicap Automobile Placards

The following information was taken from DMV.org.

Handicap Placards for FL Visitors

If you are visiting Florida from another U.S. state, you can use your home state placard for disabled parking in Florida.

(FYI, you may want to consider bringing your auto registration from home, just in case.)

If you are visiting from another country, you can apply for a temporary placard. You will need:

  • A copy of your disabled parking permit from your home country.
  • A form of identification, such as your passport.
  • Payment for the $15 fee.


Take these items to the nearest Florida DHSMV tag office or tax collector’s office.