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Disability Access at Disneyland and Disney World Parks


By Disabled World - Jan 27, 2009 12:15:44 PM

To assist guests with disabilities that visit Walt Disney World each year most attractions, restaurants, shops and shows are accessible. In some cases, however, guests may need the assistance of a member of their party to fully utilize these areas.


Donald Duck
  
Disneyland® is very "disabled friendly". Disneyland, opened on July 17, 1955, is an American theme park in Anaheim, California, conceived by Walt Disney, the park was built in one year at a cost of $17m.

Currently the park has been visited by more than 515 million guests since it opened, including presidents, royalty and other heads of state. In 1998, the theme park was re-branded Disneyland Park to distinguish it from the larger Disneyland Resort complex. In 2007, over 14,800,000 people visited the park making it the second most visited park in the world, behind the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

To assist guests with disabilities that visit Walt Disney World each year most attractions, restaurants, shops and shows are accessible. In some cases, however, guests may need the assistance of a member of their party to fully utilize these areas. For instance, at some attractions people using wheelchairs may need to transfer from their wheelchairs onto a ride. Hosts and hostesses are not permitted to physically transfer Guests from wheelchairs and recommend that people with disabilities plan to visit with someone who can physically assist them, when necessary.

The Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities provides a detailed overview of services and facilities available for Guests with disabilities and is available at Guest Relations locations within all four Disney Parks as well as Guest Services locations at the Walt Disney World® Resorts. Guests with specific disability concerns can visit Guest Relations at any of the Theme Parks for additional information and assistance.

Watch videos of some of the rides and attractions at Disneyland and Disney World Webcams and Videos

 

How many Disneylands are there in the World?

Disneylands are present in California, Florida, Paris, Japan and Hong Kong at the moment. Disneyland first opened July 17, 1955, and was the  world’s first Disney park - Disney World in Florida opened in 1971, Disneyland Paris opened on April 12, 1992, Disney’s California Adventure opened in 2001, and Disneyland Hong Kong opened to visitors on September 12, 2005.

 

1) Disneyland California

Walt Disney's original theme park. There is now a newer park, called California Adventure, that has been built right next to Disneyland.

Many Disneyland Resort attractions offer access for people with wheelchairs or mobility disabilities. The following types of mobility access are available:

a) Ambulatory Requirements: A few attractions require Guests to walk by themselves or be assisted by members of their party.

b) Wheelchair Accessible: Many attractions allow Guests to remain in their wheelchair during the experience.

c) Wheelchair Transfer Required: Some attractions require Guests to transfer from their wheelchair to a ride vehicle by themselves or be assisted by members of their party.

d) ECV Transfer to Wheelchair: A few attractions require Guests to transfer from their Electric Convenience Vehicle (ECV) to an available wheelchair at the attraction and transfer from their wheelchair to the ride vehicle by themselves or be assisted by members of their party.

More information for Guests with Mobility Disabilities

More information for Guests with Hearing Impairments

 

2) Disney World Florida

A huge park featuring two water parks, lots of resorts, plus four theme parks Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, and MGM Studios.

Some Guests may be concerned that they do not have the stamina to wait in our queues. We strongly suggest these Guests consider using a wheelchair, personal scooter or Electric Convenience Vehicle (ECV).

For persons with mobility impairments:

Many of the transportation systems at the Walt Disney World® Resort are accessible to Guests with disabilities. All bus routes are serviced by buses which are equipped to accommodate various types of wheelchairs. Methods of accessibility vary from attraction to attraction within the Parks.

The Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities and Park Guidemaps use symbols to indicate boarding procedures for each attraction. Watercraft access varies depending on the type of watercraft and the existing water levels and conditions. Guests may bring their own wheelchairs or rent one at any of the four Parks. Complimentary wheelchairs are available for Guests with limited mobility, to travel to and from disability parking and the nearest wheelchair rental location.

More information for mobility impairments

For persons with visual impairments:

Braille guidebooks are available at Guest Relations in all four Theme Parks. These guides give Guests a general overview of the Theme Park. Each Theme Park has cassette tapes that give Guests a sense of direction and a brief description of the attractions. The Audio Tour provides the Guest with a detailed "guided" tour of the respective Park. It provides Guests with a specific route to follow, complete with distances between attractions and key stopping locations.

More information for vision impairments

For persons with hearing impairments:

Assistive Listening Systems utilize a lightweight wireless device that receives a signal from overhead transmitters at certain locations in order to amplify sound. Receivers are available at Guest Relations lobbies in all four Theme Parks. A portable captioning system uses a wireless handheld receiver to display text in locations where fixed captioning systems are impractical, such as moving attractions. Sign Language interpretation can also be requested for other special events and shows, including the "Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue" and "Disney's Spirit of Aloha" dinner shows, with a minimum of 14 days advanced notice. Reflective Captioning is available at many theater-type attractions at the Walt Disney World® Resort. This technology utilizes an LED display to project desired captions onto an acrylic panel positioned in front of the Guest. Pay phones equipped with amplified handsets are widely available throughout the Walt Disney World® Resort.

More information for hearing impairments

 

3) Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Resort Paris is a holiday and recreation resort in Marne-la-Vallée, a new town in the eastern suburbs of Paris, France. Disneyland Resort Paris features two theme parks, an entertainment district and seven Disney-owned hotels.

You will find all the information you need to for your visit in their guide for guests with disabilities.

Wheelchairs can be rented at the “Stroller/Pushchair and Wheelchair Rental" shop. The majority of attractions have been adapted to suit your needs and special access procedures are in place for guests with disabilities. Many attractions are wheelchair accessible while others may require a transfer.

Some attractions offer induction loops for persons with hearing impairments. Special symbols can be located at each attraction indicating any limitations or restrictions.

A limited number of spaces are reserved for Guests with reduced mobility in the Guest parking.

 

4) Disneyland Hong Kong

The park is located on reclaimed land in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island, and opened to visitors on September 12, 2005. The park consists of four themed lands similar to other Disneyland parks: Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland, Adventureland and Tomorrowland.

Hong Kong Disneyland Hotels offer disabled access rooms with special equipment and facilities. Service animals are welcome in nearly all locations throughout Hong Kong Disneyland. However, service animals must remain on a leash or in a harness at all times.

Guests of Hong Kong Disneyland with those requiring special assistance can bring their own wheelchairs to the Park. Limited wheelchairs are available for rental at the Disneyland Fire Department on Town Square.

All toilets throughout Hong Kong Disneyland Resort either have facilities designed for access by Guests using wheelchairs or are adjacent to companion restrooms.

Nearly all attractions, shops, restaurants and shows are accessible. Certain attractions require Guests to transfer from their wheelchairs to a ride system either by themselves or with assistance of a member of their party.

There is a shuttle for people with disabilities running between different locations of the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort available for those upon request.

Braille Guidebooks are available from Guest Relations in City Hall. Some attractions and service locations utilize an inductive loop audio enhancement to assist Guests requiring use of a hearing aid with communication. Disneyland Hong Kong

 

5) Disneyland Tokyo

A 115 acre theme park at the Tokyo Disney Resort located in Urayasu, Chiba, Japan, near Tokyo. There are seven themed areas made up of the World Bazaar, the four classic Disney lands: Adventureland, Westernland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, and two mini lands, Critter Country and Mickey's Toontown.

For the general comfort level of Guests using wheelchairs, bumps and slopes have been kept to a minimum and are easy to navigate. Public telephones, water fountains and mailboxes have been set at a low level for easy access.

Special areas for Guests using wheelchairs have been established in the viewing areas of shows, parades and theater attractions.

Three varieties of wheelchairs are available for rental: standard, motorized and power-assisted.

Guests with Assistance Dogs are able to use most Park facilities, including attractions. However, some attractions may not be suitable for Assistance Dogs. Disneyland Tokyo

a) Tokyo Disneyland Park

The following attractions offer varying degrees of accessibility for persons using wheelchairs.

 

Guests may remain in their wheelchairs for the entirety of these attractions:
World Bazaar The Disney Gallery
Penny Arcade
Adventureland The Enchanted Tiki Room
Westernland Country Bear Theater
Mark Twain Riverboat
Tom Sawyer Island Rafts
Westernland Shootin' Gallery
Fantasyland The Mickey Mouse Revue
Toontown Donald's Boat
Mickey's House and Meet Mickey
Minnie's House
Toon Park
Tomorrowland MicroAdventure!


Guests must be able to board the attraction vehicle and go up and down stairs by themselves to ride these attractions:
Adventureland Swiss Family Treehouse
Westernland Big Thunder Mountain
Critter Country Beaver Brothers Explorer Canoes
Fantasyland Cinderella Castle Mystery Tour
Peter Pan's Flight
Toontown Chip 'n Dale's Treehouse
Gadget's Go Coaster
Tomorrowland Space Mountain


Guests must be able to board the attraction vehicle and go up and down stairs with assistance from members of their group to ride these attractions:
Adventureland Jungle Cruise
Pirates of the Caribbean
Western River Railroad
Critter Country Splash Mountain
Fantasyland Alice's Tea Party
Castle Carrousel
Dumbo The Flying Elephant
Haunted Mansion
It's A Small World
Pinocchio's Daring Journey
Pooh's Hunny Hunt
Snow White's Adventures
Toontown Donald's Boat
Goofy's Bounce House
Jolly Trolley
Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
Tomorrowland Grand Circuit Raceway
StarJets
Star Tours

 

b) Tokyo DisneySea Park

The following attractions offer varying degrees of accessibility for persons using wheelchairs.

 

Guests may remain in their wheelchairs for the entirety
American Waterfront Broadway Music Theatre
DisneySea Electric Railway
DisneySea Transit Steamer Line
Lost River Delta Hangar Stage
Mermaid Lagoon Mermaid Lagoon Theater
Arabian Coast Caravan Carousel (wheel-chair accessible chariot on the first level)
The Magic Lamp Theater


Guests must be able to board the attraction vehicle and go up and down stairs by themselves to ride these attractions:
American Waterfront Big City Vehicles
Port Discovery Aquatopia
StormRider
Mermaid Lagoon Flounder's Flying Fish Coaster
Jumpin' Jellyfish
Scuttle's Scooters
The Whirlpool
Arabian Coast Sindbad's Seven Voyages
Mysterious Island 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea


Guests must be able to board the attraction vehicle and go up and down stairs with assistance from members of their group to ride these attractions:
American Waterfront Big City Vehicles
Lost River Delta Indiana Jones® Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull
Mysterious Island Journey to the Center of the Earth

 

How Many Rides are there at Disneyland?

According to Disneyland in March 2008 there are 55 "attractions" in Disneyland and 36 rides including:

Alice in Wonderland
Astro Orbitor
Autopia
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Casey Jr. Circus Train
Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes
Disneyland Monorail
Disneyland Railroad
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
Fire Engine
Gadget's Go Coaster
Haunted Mansion
Horse-Drawn Streetcars
Horseless Carriage
Indiana Jones Adventure
It's a small world
Jungle Cruise
King Arthur Carrousel
Mad Tea Party
Mark Twain Riverboat
Matterhorn Bobsleds
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
Omnibus
Peter Pan's Flight
Pinocchio's Daring Journey
Pirates of the Caribbean
Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
Sailing Ship Columbia
Snow White's Scary Adventures
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Star Tours
Storybook Land Canal Boats
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh


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