By Sinaiyouth 
Planning a theme park vacation is never easy, but adding traveling with a disabled person can be even more difficult. Especially as places like Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, are changing the rules governing who qualifies for disability access and what that access offers families who need it. In fact, disabled access at Disney is more difficult to obtain because the parks have revised who is eligible for the service.
As someone who has traveled with my grandparents to Walt Disney World several times a year, I understand that traveling in a wheelchair or other disability can be difficult. My grandmother was in a wheelchair and needed special accommodations. And even though this was before Disney changed its rules for handicapped service, it was never “just a walk in the park” to make sure she and the rest of my family had a good time.
If you’re taking a trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland, you’ll want to keep reading, especially if you have a family member with a disability. We break down each of the park’s rules for obtaining disability services, what other accommodations are available, and more.
How Disability Services Work at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World offers a range of disability services to meet a variety of needs.
Disabled access service
Walt Disney World’s Disability Access Service (DAS) is for guests who have developmental disabilities and are unable to wait in a regular line for an extended period of time. The service allows guests to request a return time for attractions through the My Disney Experience app. So instead of waiting in line, guests and their families can enjoy a different part of the park.
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To register for DAS, you must complete an online video chat. You can do this 60 days before your park visit. There is no in-person option at any of the theme parks. DAS is confirmed or denied during video chat and Cast Members determine eligibility. Party sizes are limited to the guest using DAS and three additional guests.
Guests in wheelchairs at Walt Disney World
Guests who use a wheelchair at Walt Disney World have several service options. If you are using Disney Transportation, all modes are wheelchair accessible. Those who drive to the parks can use the handicapped parking areas, which are closer to the front of the parking lots.
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Additionally, there are dedicated attraction areas for those who need more time. Some attractions, like Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and the Jungle Cruise at Magic Kingdom, allow guests to remain in their wheelchairs if necessary. A full list of attractions that allow guests to stay in wheelchairs is here.
Taking Service Animals to Walt Disney World
Service animals (miniature dogs or horses) are allowed at Walt Disney World. They must always remain on a leash. When it’s time to ride the attractions, you should talk to a Cast Member about the options available, including placing the pet in a portable kennel while you enjoy the ride.
Other Disability Services at Walt Disney World
There are a handful of other disability services at Walt Disney World. For the deaf and hard of hearing, sign language interpreters are available for live performances. Assistive listening devices can be used with headphones in attractions and entertainment. Sign language interpreters are available on certain days in each park. The schedule of performed performances is updated weekly and can be downloaded before your visit.
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Guests who are blind or visually impaired can use a Disney handheld device for audio descriptions of certain rides and entertainment. There are also braille guides, handheld tactile maps and fixed braille maps around the parks.
How Disability Services Work at Disneyland
If you’re traveling to Disneyland, you’ll want to know the variety of accommodations the resort offers for people with disabilities.
Disneyland Disability Access Service
The DAS system at Disneyland is essentially the same as Walt Disney World, but you can have an in-person conversation in addition to the virtual chat option. In-person consultations can be conducted on the day of your visit at the Accessibility Services kiosk. This one is located on the east side of the Esplanade, near Disney California Adventure. After entering Disneyland or Disney California Adventure park, you can set the return time from your first attraction in the Disneyland app.
Guests in wheelchairs at the Disneyland Resort
If someone in your party uses a wheelchair, there are options to ensure they can do as much as possible at the Disneyland Resort. There are dedicated loading and unloading areas on certain routes for those using a wheelchair. There is also a long list of attractions where guests can stay in their wheelchair without having to transfer. These include rides like the Disneyland Railroad and Toy Story Midway Mania.
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Bringing Service Animals to the Disneyland Resort
Service animals (dogs and miniature horses) are allowed at the Disneyland Resort. Service animal relief areas are located around both parks, the Downtown Disney District and all three Disneyland hotels.
Other Services for People with Disabilities at the Disneyland Resort
People who are deaf or hard of hearing visiting Disneyland can use Disney’s portable assistive listening and captioning devices. There are also American Sign Language interpreters who can translate shows, character encounters, and attractions. To ensure you can use this service, you must always download the list of performed performances from the Disneyland website. Schedules are published on the first of each month.
Families traveling with someone who is blind or visually impaired can view one of Disney’s handheld devices that provide audio descriptions of the parks, attractions and entertainment. Additionally, parks offer Braille manuals and portable tactile maps.