Walt Disney World doesn’t have to be inaccessible for guests who are visiting in a wheelchair or need to rent a wheelchair while on vacation. In fact, Disney makes it relatively easy for guests with mobility disabilities to have a great vacation.
Our full guide to Disney World in a wheelchair includes the best tips on bringing your own, wheelchair rentals, and how to navigate the parks in a wheelchair or scooter.
Bringing Your Own Disney World Wheelchair
Walt Disney World Resorts allows you to bring your own Wheelchair or Electric Conveyance Vehicle (ECV). This may be a better option because you are not required to leave your mobility vehicle at the park entrance and have access to it at the resorts, where rentals are not available.
Disney does not allow wheelchairs or ECVs to be stored or left unattended in hotel corridors or hallways, so you will need to ensure that you can fit your own mobility device in your hotel room.
However, if you find yourself not wanting to risk something happening to your personal mobility device, Disney offers rentals.
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Renting a Wheelchair or ECV
If you find yourself needing a wheelchair while at Disney World, each park and Disney Springs has rentals available. There are two types of rentals: a standard wheelchair or an Electronic Conveyance Vehicle (ECVs).
You may find yourself needing to rent a wheelchair or ECV if you get hurt while walking around, are pregnant, are sick, get tired easily or any other reason that would keep you from being able to walk long distances in the heat. Disney Parks Cast Members don’t require a reason to rent a wheelchair, but they are first come, first serve each day.
Wheelchair Cost and Specifics
Theme Parks
- Daily: $12
- Length of Stay (multi-day): $10 per day
Water Park and Disney Springs
- Daily: $12
- A refundable $100 deposit is required at these locations.
If you are visiting multiple parks or a park and Disney Springs, the daily rentals are transferable between all locations. You only pay once for the entire day. However, you are allowed to remove the wheelchair from the destination you rented the wheelchair from. When you arrive at your next location, present your rental receipt to secure another wheelchair.
If you plan on using a wheelchair through the entirety of your visit to the theme parks, you can save time and money by prepaying for all days at the first theme park you visit, called a Length of Stay rental ticket. However, during peak periods, these may not be available.
Reservations are not accepted, and quantities are limited. Guests must be 18 years of age to rent wheelchairs with a photo ID.
The maximum weight is 350 pounds. Wheelchairs are not designed to hold more than one person.
ECV Costs and Specifications
Theme Parks
- Daily: $50
- A refundable $20 deposit is required at this location
Water Parks and Disney Springs
- Daily: $50
- A refundable $100 deposit is required at this location
Like wheelchairs, Daily Rentals are transferable between all locations and you only pay once for the entire day. Unlike regular wheelchairs, Length of Stay Rentals are not available for ECVs.
ECVs may not be removed from the destination where they were rented. However, vehicles can be held if Guests leave and return to the same park on the same day.
When exiting your location, simply return your ECV to the rental counter to receive your deposit. If leaving one theme park and visiting another, present your rental receipt with your deposit to secure another ECV, if available.
ECVs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests must be 18 years of age to rent and operate ECVs and a Photo ID is required.
The maximum weight is 450 pounds, so more than a regular wheelchair. ECVs are not designed to hold more than one person.
Disney World Third Party Wheelchair/ ECV Rentals
If you don’t want to gamble that a wheelchair or ECV will be available on your park day, you are able to rent from an outside company. ScooterBug, a private mobility rental company in the Central Florida area, is the Disney Featured Provider. Cast members can accept your rental for you and you can pick it up from guest services whenever.
Other third-party rental companies are also able to be used. You will be required to meet the company at drop-off and pick-up if you choose another company. However, these companies may offer more options that provide the services you need or more comfort.
Regardless of which third-party option you choose, you have the ability to reserve the wheelchair/ ECV ahead of time, so you can control what type of mobility device you are getting, take it with you from the resort to the parks, and don’t have to take a chance during peak season that the rental you want is not available.
Disney World Wheel Chair Accessible Rooms
If staying on property, guests are able to request handicap-accessible rooms. It is important when requesting a handicap-accessible room that you let the travel agent or Cast Member know the extent of the mobility handicap so that you can be placed in the correct room. The biggest change in a handicap room is the bathroom which has roll-in showers and grab bars.
Handicap-accessible rooms may not be the best choice for all mobility-impacted guests. Regular rooms have plenty of room for ECVs at night. The regular bathroom can be more convenient and regular rooms have more storage space.
Modifications at resorts can include:
- First floor rooms
- Having the desk/ table removed from your room to sore the ECV
- Bathtub stools (available at request)
- Change out the regular shower head for a hand-held one (available at request)
It may be extremely beneficial to also request a room close to transportation if you are planning on renting your mobility device when you get to the parks instead of bringing it with you.
The pools at the resorts are also accessible using a special chair pool entry system. There are also pools that have zero entry, so a chair can be rolled right in.
Disney World Wheelchair Parking
Guests with disabilities are able to park in the handicap-accessible spots as long as they have a placard. Guests are still required to pay all standard parking fees at the parks ($25/ day), but parking at the resorts is free.
The designated lots that are handicap accessible are closest to the theme park entrances. These lots do not have access to any trams. Courtesy wheelchairs are typically left in the handicapped lots that can be used to get to the park entrance, but they are first come, first serve, so they can run out on busy days.
Using Disney World Transportation Wheelchairs
Walt Disney World is incredibly spread out and not everyone brings their own transportation on their Walt Disney World Vacation. Disney has accessible transportation options for guests who have mobility disabilities.
Buses
All Disney Resort buses are wheelchair and ECV-accessible as long as they meet the size limitation of 30” x 48”.
Bus drivers will lower a ramp in the middle of the bus for you to drive your ECV or have the wheelchair pushed up. When loading onto the bus, guests have the option to remain in the wheelchair or ECV or transfer to a bus seat. The wheelchair and ECV must be secured by the bus driver.
Most buses can only accommodate two mobility devices per ride. This means that sometimes you may have to wait slightly longer for another bus to your destination if there are more than one or two guests with mobility devices.
Boats
The ferry boat across Bay Lake is handicap accessible. The majority of the Friendship boats can accommodate mobility devices as well. Other boats on property may have limited accessibility.
Skyliner
The Skyliner cabins can accommodate wheelchairs and ECVs. When boarding the Skyliner, there is a cabin pulled to the mobility device section so that guests may board without the cabin moving (except at Riviera). Cast Members will place small chocks behind your wheels in order to prevent shifting.
Once your party (of up to 6 guests) is loaded into the cabin, the Skyliner pauses to let your cabin join the rest of the system.
Monorails
All Monorails on property are mobility accessible. Cast members will bring a detachable ramp to help load and exit the monorail car. There are no safety measures put around your mobility device on the monorail, unlike the Skyliner.
Disney World Wheelchair Restrooms
All public restrooms at Walt Disney World have wheelchair-accessible stalls. However, you may find these stalls are still small and hard to navigate.
Disney also provides companion restrooms around the parks that may be more accessible. The companion restrooms are single restrooms large enough to accommodate wheelchairs/ ECVs and another person in case help is needed.
All first-aid centers have companion restrooms. They can also be found in these locations around the parks.
Magic Kingdom
- Lower level of Cinderella’s Royal Table in the Castle
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Near Splash Mountain (near photo location)
- To the right of Space Mountain (Rockettower Plaza Stage)
- Pinocchio Village Haus
- Fantasyland Railroad Station
- Enchanted Forest (behind Gaston’s Tavern)
- City Hall
- Tangled Toilets near ‘it’s a small world’
- Transportation and Ticket Center East Gate
Animal Kingdom
- Discovery Island opposite Flame Tree Barbecue, just before DinoLand USA bridge on the right
- Africa near the Mombasa Marketplace
- Harambe Theater in Africa
- Expedition Everest
- Dinoland USA near Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures
- Near Maharajah Jungle Trek on the left before the entrance
- Inside Maharajah Jungle Trek to the right as you exit the Bat House
- Conservation Station at Rafiki’s Planet Watch
- Pandora — The World of Avatar
EPCOT
- Spaceship Earth (east) on left as you face SSE from Park entrance
- Future World West opposite The Land – Photo 1 — Photo 2
- Future World East opposite Test Track
- Rose Walk Restrooms
- Morocco on the right
- Germany on the right
- Norway on the left side
- Land Pavilion first floor
- World Showplace pavilion
Hollywood Studios
- Opposite Star Tours
- Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster
- Opposite The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Hollywood Hills (Fantasmic!) amphitheater
- Pixar Place (near Toy Story Mania)
- Near ABC Sound Studio
- Walt Disney Presents
- Toy Story Land
- Black Spire Outpost Market
- Black Spire Outpost Courtyard
Attractions at Walt Disney World Theme Parks
When visiting the theme parks each ride is going to have specifications for accessibility with your mobility device. There are four main categories of ride availability. Some rides allow guests to remain in the wheelchair or ECV for the entire length of the attraction but may have a special entrance or loading location. Another set of rides will allow for wheelchairs and ECVs in the lines but require guests to transfer to the specific ride vehicle for the duration of the attraction. There are some rides where EVCs are not able to be used so guests must use a standard wheelchair (these will be provided at the ride for you). The last set of rides requires guests to transfer from their ECV to a standard wheelchair for the line and then to the ride vehicle for the attraction.
Below is the list of rides by park for each type of mobility requirement.
May Remain in Wheelchair/ ECV for Attractions
Magic Kingdom
- Jungle Cruise
- Carousel of Progress
- Country Bear Jamboree
- Hall of Presidents
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
- Monster’s, Inc. Laugh Floor
- The Enchanted Tiki Room
Animal Kingdom
- The Boneyard Dig Site
- Conservation Station
- Discovery Island Trails
- Festival of the Lion King
- Finding Nemo- The Musical
- Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail Walking Tour
- It’s Tough to be a Bug!
- Maharajah Jungle Trek
- UP! A Great Bird Adventure
- Wildlife Express Train
EPCOT
- Journey into Imagination with Figment
- The American Adventure
- Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along Film
- Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360
- Impressions de France
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
- Reflections of China
- Turtle Talk with Crush
Hollywood Studios
- Beauty and the Beast- Live on Stage
- Disney Junior – Play and Dance
- Fantasmic!
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!
- Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple
- Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
- Muppet*Vision 3D
- Voyage of The Little Mermaid
Transfer from Wheelchair/ECV to Ride Vehicle
Magic Kingdom
- Astro Orbiter
- The Barnstormer
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Haunted Mansion
- Mad Tea Party
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Tomorrowland Speedway
Animal Kingdom
- Dinosaur
- Expedition Everest
- Kali River Rapids
- Na’vi River Journey
EPCOT
- Frozen Ever After
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
- Mission: Space
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Test Track
Hollywood Studios
- Alien Swirling Saucers
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Transfer from ECV to Wheelchair for Attractions
Magic Kingdom
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- “It’s a small world”
- Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Walt Disney World Railroad
- Enchanted Tales with Belle
- Tom Sawyer Island
Animal Kingdom
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- TriceraTop Spin
EPCOT
- Gran Fiesta Tour
- Living with the Land
- The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Hollywood Studios
- Toy Story Mania
Transfer from ECV to Wheelchair to Ride Vehicle
Magic Kingdom
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Space Mountain
Animal Kingdom
- Avatar Flight of Passage
EPCOT
- Spaceship Earth
Hollywood Studios
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Star Tours
- Tower of Terror
There are a few rides that have no wheelchair or ECV access and guests must walk by themselves or be assisted by members of the party.
- Peter Pan’s Flight – Magic Kingdom
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover- Magic Kingdom
Cushions
Guests who regularly use a cushion on their mobility device or for transfers are able to use their cushion on the following attractions.
Magic Kingdom
- Astro Orbiter
- Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Haunted Mansion
- “it's a small world”
- Jungle Cruise
- Liberty Square Riverboat
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Main Street Vehicles
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Peter Pan's Flight
- Prince Charming's Regal Carousel
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
- Under the Sea – The Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Walt Disney World Railroad
EPCOT
- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
- Journey into Imagination with Figment
- Living with the Land
- Remy's Ratatouille Adventure
- The Seas with Nemo and Friends
- Spaceship Earth
Hollywood Studios
- Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway
- Toy Story Midway Mania!
Animal Kingdom
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Na'vi River Journey
- TriceraTop Spin
- Wildlife Express Train
Mobility and DAS
Guests who have mobility issues do not qualify for the Disability Access Services (DAS) pass. DAS is intended for Guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a conventional queue environment due to a disability, but not mobility.
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.
Walt Disney World Tips & Tricks for Wheelchairs
- Decorate your Wheelchair or ECV so you know which one is yours!
- Bring a towel to help keep your chair clean and dry.
- There are special viewing areas for fireworks and parades so your party can see
- Guest Relations has maps for guests with disabilities
- Cast Members are there to help, so ask if you need something
- When you make an advanced dining reservation, mention or check the online box that you will have someone in a wheelchair so a wheelchair-friendly table can be saved.
- For young children, strollers can be used as wheelchairs with a special tag
- Know your limits and pace yourself
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