I’m In A Wheelchair/ECV. What Attractions Can I Ride At Walt Disney World?

Written By Kathryn Spoor

If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World with someone who uses a wheelchair or ECV to get around, you may be wondering about what attractions a person will be able to enjoy while at the parks. Today, we’re taking some time to talk about this topic by going over everything you want and need to know about enjoying the attractions at Walt Disney World theme parks if you need a little extra help getting around.

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Before we jump head first into today’s topic, let’s get something out of the way. . . . .

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World with someone who uses a wheelchair, ECV or other mobility device to get around can most definitely be a daunting task. Whether a wheelchair is a part of daily life or a temporary addition to your current routine due to a recent injury, navigating the parks can seem like an uphill battle. Fortunately, you’ve materialized to the right place! While the systems in place at Walt Disney World for guests in wheelchairs and ECVs isn’t perfect, it does a somewhat adequate job at helping most Guests enjoy their time at the most magical place on earth.

OK. . . . so let’s get into it!

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Accessibility Categories

Attractions at Walt Disney World are divided up into categories that help guests in wheelchairs and/or ECVs determine whether or not an attraction is right for them. Unfortunately, these categories don’t have any snappy names. . . so we’ll just have to make do with what Disney calls them:

  • Must Be Ambulatory [AKA Walking & Mobility Is Required] - Attractions that fall into this category require guests to walk, either unassisted or assisted by members of their party, for part or the majority of the attraction. These attractions do not accommodate in any way for wheelchair and/or ECV bound guests. [NOTE: Fortunately, this is a very small category. We’ll get more into the specifics later in the discussion.]

  • May Remain In Wheelchair/ECV - Attractions that fall into this category are capable of accommodating guests in wheelchairs and/or ECVs without any need to “transfer”. This could mean that there is a designated area for guests who are in a wheelchair/ECV, such as in the case of a show, or that the attraction is equipped with ride vehicles that are capable of accommodating wheelchair and/or ECVs. If you are traveling with a guest who is wheelchair or ECV bound, these are the attractions you’ll want to take note of. [IMPORTANT NOTE: While attractions may have ride vehicles that can accommodate ECVs, if you can safely transfer from your wheelchair or ECV to the ride vehicle you are welcome to do so. This not only frees up space for those who are unable to transfer, but it will also result in a shorter wait time as you won’t need to wait for a specific ride vehicle to become available.]

  • Must Transfer From Wheelchair/ECV To Ride Vehicle - Attractions that fall into this category have a queue or special entrance that wheelchairs and/or ECVs can use. However, once arriving at the loading platform, Guests will need to transfer from their wheelchair and/or ECV to the ride vehicle.

  • Must Transfer From ECV to Wheelchair - Attractions that fall into this category require that guests in an ECV transfer to a wheelchair, where they may remain for the duration of the attraction. For these attractions, Cast Members will provide a wheelchair for you to transfer into.

  • Must Transfer From ECV To Wheelchair & From Wheelchair To Ride Vehicle - Attractions that fall into this category require that guests in an ECV transfer to a wheelchair [either in the queue or when arriving in the show building] and then from the wheelchair to the ride vehicle. For these attractions, Cast Members will provide a wheelchair for you to transfer into.

No-Go Attractions For Guests In Wheelchairs/ECVs [Must Be Ambulatory]

As mentioned above, Walt Disney World is far from perfect when it comes to accommodating those who are in a wheelchair/ECV and unable to transfer. However, the list of what we’re going to call “No-Go Attractions” for guests in wheelchairs/ECVs is a short one. They include:

Magic Kingdom Park

  • Swiss Family Treehouse - This is a walk-through attraction that takes somewhere between 15 to 20 minutes to complete. It includes stairs and some uneven [wooden plank] surfaces. While it is a definite No-Go for Guests who are unable to leave their wheelchair/ECV, it may be a possibility for guests who are capable of walking for about 15 to 20 minutes while also taking a few sets of stairs.

  • Tom Sawyer Island - While wheelchairs [not ECVs] are permitted on the raft to Tom Sawyer Island, the activities on the island are not wheelchair accessible. This makes it a No-Go for Guests who are unable to leave their ECV, but for those who can transfer to a wheelchair [or are in one to begin with] it’s a ‘maybe’ in our opinion.

  • Peter Pan's Flight® - Peter Pan’s Flight is an attraction at Walt Disney World that requires guests to step onto a moving belt [moving sidewalk] in order to board a ride vehicle. While other attractions at Walt Disney World are capable of slowing or haunting the belt, Peter Pan’s Flight is not. This makes it not only a No-Go for guests who are unable to leave their wheelchair/ECV, but it’s also something you may want to think twice about if you’re unable to steady yourself on a moving sidewalk.

  • Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover - Similar to Peter Pan’s Flight, The PeopleMover requires guests to board a moving platform before boarding their ride vehicle. However, before arriving at the moving platform, guests must ascend to the platform via a steep moving belt. The combination not only makes this a No-Go for guests unable to leave their wheelchair/ECV, but it is one you might want to think twice about if you’re unsteady on moving belts or steep ramps.

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Wheelchair & ECV Friendly [May Remain In Wheelchair/ECV]

For the Happy Haunts out there who are unable to leave their wheelchair/ECV, we have our “Wheelchair/ECV Friendly” category. These attractions have queues that are capable of handling wheelchairs/ECVs or special entrances that will allow you easy access to the loading platform. They also have ride vehicles that are specifically designed to accommodate wheelchairs and ECVs so you will not need to transfer if you are unable to. These attractions include:

Magic Kingdom Park

Epcot

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

Taking a look at the list above, you’ll notice that some of these attractions are shows and others are rides. For the rides, it’s important to note that while there are attractions with ride vehicles that can accommodate wheelchairs and ECVs, those who can safely transfer to the ride vehicle can absolutely do so. In fact, we think that if you can transfer [safely] it’s a good idea. Not only does this leave the vehicle that can accommodate someone who can’t leave their wheelchair/ECV available for them, but it will more often than not mean that you experience a shorter wait time as you won’t have to wait for that particular vehicle.

Wheelchair Only [Must Transfer From ECV To Wheelchair]

This next category is one that you’ll definitely want to take note of if you’re debating whether to take a wheelchair or ECV to Walt Disney World during your next visit. The attractions in this category have ride vehicles capable of handling wheelchairs, but not ECVs. This means guests using ECVs will need to transfer to a wheelchair in order to enjoy the attraction. These attractions include:

Magic Kingdom Park

Epcot

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Park

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

It’s important to note that where the transfer from ECV to wheelchair takes place may differ depending on the attraction. In some cases, it may be at the entrance to the queue. In other cases you may be transferred once inside the building. Either way, a Cast Member will provide a wheelchair for you to transfer into. [NOTE: Wheelchairs might not be available immediately and you may need to wait for one to become available before you can transfer.]

Some Limited Mobility Required [Must Transfer From Wheelchair/ECV To Ride Vehicle]

Attractions falling into this next category have queues or special entrances that are capable of accommodating wheelchairs and ECVs. However, once arriving at the loading platform, Guests will need to transfer from their wheelchair/ECV to the ride vehicle. These attractions include:

Magic Kingdom Park

Epcot

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

Blizzard Beach

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Park

When looking at this list, you may notice that some attractions are listed as having a “transfer device” available. A “transfer device” is something that guests can use to board select attraction ride vehicles if they need extra assistance. This “transfer device” usually takes the form of a bench of ramp that can be used to minimize the distance and/or gaps when transferring from the wheelchair/ECV to the ride vehicle and back again.

Of course, just because an attraction doesn’t have a “transfer device” doesn’t mean it’s unable to accommodate guests in wheelchairs who may need to transfer. There are attractions throughout the Walt Disney World Theme Parks that have ride vehicles which open up to assist guest in Wheelchairs easier access when transferring. When these ride vehicles are available, Cast Members will be happy to guide you to them.

Multiple Transfers Required [Must Transfer From ECV To Wheelchair & From Wheelchair To Ride Vehicle]

In some cases, queues and/or loading platforms at Walt Disney World attractions are unable to accomodate ECVs. This means that guests using an ECV to get around will need to transfer from their ECV to a wheelchair and then from that wheelchair to the attraction’s ride vehicle. In these instances, like in others that we’ve described earlier, Cast Members will have wheelchairs available at the attractions for Guests in ECVs to transfer into. These attractions include:

Magic Kingdom Park

Epcot

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

As noticed above, you may notice that some attractions are listed as having a “transfer device” available. A “transfer device” is something that guests can use to board select attraction ride vehicles if they need extra assistance. This “transfer device” usually takes the form of a bench of ramp that can be used to minimize the distance and/or gaps when transferring from the wheelchair/ECV to the ride vehicle and back again.

Where To Find Accessibility Information At The Parks

Finding accessibility information about Walt Disney World attractions is fairly easy, especially if you know where to look. Whether you’re a fan of paper maps or just riding attractions as you pass them when strolling through the parks, the accessibility information you’re looking for is available to help aid you in deciding whether or not to ride an attraction. Where exactly can you find this information? Well, I’m glad you asked!

My Disney Experience App: My Disney Experience is a mobile app that covers a lot of ground when it comes to planning and experiencing your vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort. One of its many functions includes looking up information about attractions; including accessibility information. Whether you search for an attraction using the search function or click through to information about an attraction using the tip board, you will have the ability to expand on “Accessibility & Other Information” to learn about what accessibility category an attraction falls into and whether or not there are other resources available to you. [This may also include, but is not limited to, special health advisories about an attraction as well as whether or not other assistance is available; such as captioning for the hearing impaired.]

Park Maps: Those who are unable or unwilling to rely on a smartphone during their Walt Disney World vacation have the option of finding the same information that is available in the My Disney Experience App regarding accessibility in a paper park map. These paper park maps are available for all of the Walt Disney World theme parks at the entrance as well as various other locations throughout the parks. Not only are paper park maps a great free souvenir, but their also a good way to navigate the parks without having to rely on a mobile device or concern yourself with electronics in the case of inclement weather or water rides.

Signage At Attractions: If riding attractions as you come upon them is more your speed, rather than relying on maps [paper or otherwise], information about attraction accessibility can be found at the entrance of the attraction queue. While this signage can be easy to spot if you’re walking directly past the entrance of the attraction before getting in line, it can sometimes be easy to miss if the line extends well beyond that signage. If checking the signage is your method of choice, we recommend that making sure you pass by the queue prior to getting in line. . . especially if the line is particularly long.

Ask A Cast Member: While there are plenty of ways to find out the accessibility of an attraction, it can sometimes be confusing if the lines are well beyond the signage [as we discussed earlier] or if you’re unsure where to go. In that case, it never hurts to ask a Cast Member for more information or guidance. There are a few different ways to go about doing this, but based on our experience [and failures], the best route is to go straight to the Cast Members at the entrance of the attraction queue to inquire about where you need to go prior to getting in line. If the attraction queue is capable of accommodating your wheelchair/ECV, you’ll be directed towards the end of the line. In the case of an attraction that has a special entrance, the Cast Member will assist you in getting where you need to go.

Walt Disney World Transportation

We’ve been focusing most of our attention today on Walt Disney World attractions, but we can’t have a conversation about using wheelchairs and ECVs at Walt Disney World without talking about Walt Disney World Transportation. Used by guests to get around the Walt Disney World Resort, Walt Disney World Transportation consists of buses, boats, monorails and the Skyliner. Most every form of Walt Disney World Transportation is accessible and capable of accommodating Guests in wheelchairs and/or ECVs. This includes buses, monorails and the Skyliner. It also includes most watercraft. However, the Walt Disney World website states that “access varies depending on the type of watercraft and the existing water levels and conditions”. Guests are encouraged to contact a Cast Member at the watercraft dock for information and assistance. That said, in our experience, we’ve never seen or had a wheelchair party be denied entry on a Walt Disney World watercraft.

If you’re a Guest who uses a wheelchair/ECV to get around, or will be traveling with someone who does, the concept of boarding a vehicle with that wheelchair or ECV can be a bit stressful. We’ve been there! Rest assured though. Cast Members who operate the various forms of Walt Disney World Transportation help hundreds of guests just like you every day and will do their best to make your ride upon the Walt Disney World Transportation of your choice as smooth as possible. Of course, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind for each transportation option:

Buses: All of the Walt Disney World buses are equipped to accommodate various types of wheelchairs and ECVs as long as they are capable of fitting on the lift without being forced and are securely fastened in the onboard restraints once onboard. Using the Walt Disney World Transportation buses is easy. When you arrive at the bus stop, simply “park” your wheelchair in the designated spot. [This will be a painted square, similar to a handicap parking space, at the bus stop.] When a bus arrives, the driver will [more often than not] exit the bus and ask if you’d like to board. If you would like to board that bus, the driver will then shut the doors and meet you at the rear entrance of the bus. They will then open the rear doors, lower the ramp and assist you with boarding and securing your wheelchair or ECV. Once you are safely secured in the vehicle, the rest of your party will be invited to board at which time the ramp will be raised and rear doors will be closed. The driver will then proceed with allowing additional guests onboard the bus. Once arriving at your destination, the driver will open the doors for all guests to exit before closing the front doors so that they can assist you in the process of exiting before additional guests can board the bus. [IMPORTANT NOTE: During some more busy times of the year, it may be the case that there are no available spaces for wheelchairs or ECVs. In that case, you may need to wait for the next bus.]

Monorail: Using the Walt Disney World Monorail is as easy as pie! Guests in wheelchairs and ECVs can access the loading platform by either using ramps or elevators. While elevators won’t be available at all monorail stations, the ramps available are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and ECVs. . . . so you won’t have any trouble moving around. Once on the loading platform, Cast Members will guide Guests using wheelchairs and ECVs to where they need to go. This is often a designated gate/waiting area. Once it’s time to board the monorail, a Cast Member will place a ramp at the entrance of the monorail car that you will be entering. Once inside the monorail, simply park your wheelchair or ECV and you’re ready to enjoy your ride! The process is them repeated when it’s time to disembark the monorail.

Watercraft : The process of boarding Walt Disney World watercraft is very much the same as boarding the Walt Disney World Monorail. When arriving at the dock, simply follow the signs or the direction of the dock attending Cast Member. Once the watercraft arrives and the watercraft has allowed Guests to disembark, a Cast Member will place a special ramp [very similar to what is used on the monorail] at the rear entrance of the boat. They will then direct you to the designated area where you can park your wheelchair or ECV. Like with the Walt Disney World buses, it’s important to keep in mind that some boats have a limited number of spaces available for wheelchairs and ECVs, which may result in having to wait for the next available boat during busy times of the year.

Skyliner: The Disney Skyliner is Walt Disney World’s newest and most exciting form of transportation. Under normal circumstances, the Disney Skyliner has continuously moving vehicles that guests can board as they slowly move through the station. However, this does not mean that they are challenging [or impossible] to board if you’re in a wheelchair or ECV. [NOTE: Everything we’re about to say also applies to those who need extra assistance boarding the Skyliner. . . even if you’re not in a wheelchair or ECV. I’m looking at you parents who are using a stroller or families with some members who move slower than others.] To make the process of boarding the Skyliner easy and safe for everyone, Cast Members can slow the Skyliner to accommodate guests who need a little extra help. They can also use a little Disney Magic to pull cars out of the rotation so that they can stop completely to allow Guests who need special attention easy boarding and disembarkation. As with all other forms of Walt Disney World Transportation, all you need to do in order to get the assistance you need is asking a Cast Member.

What If I Use A Mobility Device That Isn’t A Wheelchair Or ECV?

With most of what we talked about today, the focus was wheelchairs and ECVs. However, it’s important to note that this information also applies if you have other mobility devices such as walkers, knee scooters, crutches or similar. As we mentioned above, for more information about what options are available to you, speak with a Cast Member and they will be sure to point you in the right direction.

Other Useful Information For Guests In Wheelchairs & ECVs

We’ve covered quite a bit of ground here today, but there’s still quite a bit more that you might find useful if you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation with someone using a wheelchair or ECV to get around. That being the case, let’s breeze over some of the other tidbits that you might find useful!

  • Rider Swap: If you’re visiting Walt Disney World with someone who is unable to ride an attraction [whether they’re unable to transfer, don’t meet height requirements or are physically incapable for one reason or another], you have the ability to take advantage of Rider Swap or what Disney sometimes refers to as “Rider Switch Service”. This is a service, available on select attractions, that allows parties to take turns riding without having to wait in the attractions line multiple times. In other words, some members of your party can ride the attraction while others stay with the person who is unable to ride. Then, rather than the second part of the party having to go to the end of the line, they can simply “switch” by using a special pass issued by Cast Members allowing them to skip the line and enjoy the attraction right away. To use the Rider Switch Service, simply speak with the Cast Members at entrance to the queue.

  • Disability Access Service: Disability Access Service [aka DAS] is a program put in place to help eligible guests enjoy Walt Disney World in a way that accommodates their specific needs. More specifically, DAS is “intended for Guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a conventional queue environment due to disability”. Rather than standing in a traditional queue, Guests who are participating in DAS are given a return time for experiences that is comparable to the current wait time for that attraction. [EX: If the wait for an attraction is 60 minutes, guests with DAS will be given a return time 60 minutes from the current time.] This allows Guests and their families who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to enjoy attractions and experiences due to wait times the ability to do so. While we are mentioning DAS in today’s discussion, it’s important that challenge with mobility does not necessarily qualify you for DAS. [IMPORTANT: In the past year, changes have been made to DAS. For the most up to date information, please visit the Walt Disney World Disability Access Service website.]

  • Wheelchair Rentals: If you’re visiting Walt Disney World and need a little extra help getting around, wheelchairs and ECVs are available for rent. This is great for Guests who might not need a wheelchair to get around daily, but struggle to walk for long distances or stay on their feet for hours on end. You can learn more about renting wheelchairs at Walt Disney World by checking out our post HERE. We also have information on where to rent wheelchairs at the Walt Disney World theme parks HERE.

As we said at the start of this discussion, the task of planning a Walt Disney World vacation with someone who needs a little extra help getting around can seem daunting. . . . but we hope that this post has taken some of the guesswork out of the process! As always, we’ll continue to update this post when it’s necessary to do so. Until then, we hope that you found it useful and that you have a magical vacation!

Kathryn Spoor
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