Walt Disney World - Animal Kingdom

Disneyworld's newest park is also their most accessible park, having been built since the advent of ADA and taking in mind not only the wheelchair traveler, but those with other disabilities. There are a number of nice touches that making visiting this park a very enjoyable experience.

To get to Disney's Animal Kingdom (DAK) expect to travel by bus or car. All resorts provide bus service to the park as do EPCOT and Disney Hollywood Studios (aka Disney-MGM Studios). To get to DAK from the Magic Kingdom take the monorail or ferry to the transportation center and then catch a bus. There is a little distance from the drop off point to the park entrance. Like other parks, be prepared for a security inspection of bags.

Restrooms in the park are accessible. Companion restrooms are not necessarily located near a regular restroom.

Restaurants throughout the park are accessible as well. In some cases, seating areas are terraced but the park has designated accessible seating areas. Because signage is small accessible seating may be taken by non-disabled guests.

DAK is a very open park. It is also their largest. Be prepared with hats, sunscreen and water. There are a number of attractions outdoor, so be prepared. And because animals sleep in the midday heat, we recommend going early or later in the day. The park closes earlier than the others so check the times before deciding to go in the evening.

DAK is divided into five areas but only Camp Minnie-Mickey and DinoLand, U.S.A. offer attractions unique from the other areas. Throughout the park are a number of trails and exhibits all focusing on wildlife and conversation efforts that we won't list here. They are all accessible. We recommend taking a close look at the Tree of Life and taking in the Flights of Wonder show. The park also brings wild animals (on a leash) right up to the guests in various educational exhibits in the park. If you stumble onto one of these, stop and enjoy the presentation.

Then there a few other attractions that are wheelchair friendly only if you are able to transfer. These include:

• Expedition Everest - a fast roller-coaster ride. Health warnings should be taken seriously on this attraction.
• Dinosaur - travel back in time through the lands of the dinosaur. Health warnings exist here as well.
  

Then there are those attractions that you can stay in your wheelchair. These include:

• Festival of the Lion King - a pageant set to music from "The Lion King." Wheelchair seating is on the front row of any of the four sections of the theater.
• It's tough to be a Bug - Wheelchair seating available in the rear of the theater. For those with feeling in their lower extremities, transfer to a seat to enjoy the special effects. Companion and seating for your party is available nearby.
  
• Kilimanjaro Safaris - Enter the queue and you will be directed to the wheelchair area near the end of the ride. Expect a long wait if you do not have a fastpass! Wheelchair travelers and their party are seated in the front of the vehicle. Loading is provided via a ramp.
• Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki's Planet Watch - special loading ramp is provided.
• Finding Nemo - Show based on the movie. Wheelchair seating is in the back row of a very large theater but still a very good view.
  

There are few other attractions we have not been on (yet) so we can't properly evaluate them. Our favorite park guide, Passporter, provides the following accessibility suggestions:

• Kali River Rapids - raft through the jungle. Expect to get wet. Take the health warnings seriously. Must transfer from wheelchair.
• Primeval Whirl - spinning cars. Must transfer from wheelchair.
• Tricera Top Spin - must transfer from a ECV to wheelchair.
  

Accessible seating is provided for the parade. Ask a cast member where the reserved section is. Gift shops and stores in the park can get crowded, especially where the the displays and fixtures are close together. DAK cast members, like those in other parks, are well trained in dealing with disabled guests. Don't hesitate to ask for assistance.

Walt Disney World - Epcot

EPCOT was built in 1982, before ADA was in effect. As a result there are a few challenges the wheelchair traveler and their companion will be required to deal with. Still, Disney has done an admirable job of accommodating special needs.

You can get to EPCOT via car, monorail, bus, by foot from nearby resorts, and by boat. The Monorail arrives from the Magic Kingdom, the Contemporary, Polynesian, or Grand Floridian resorts, and from the Transportation and Ticket Center. As you arrive at the EPCOT platform, look for the elevator to get down to the ground floor. The ramp is fairly steep.

There is a very large parking lot (11,000 spaces), with plenty of accessible parking.

The boat comes from Disney Hollywood Studios (formerly Disney-MGM Studios), from the Swan & Dolphin, Boardwalk, and Yacht & Beach Club. The boat dock at the International Gateway, located between the United Kingdom and France World Showcase areas. You can also walk from these areas as well.

Disney buses will deliver you from the other parks and resorts. Be prepared for a little distance to get into the park. You will not pick up your bus at the same place you got off.

Restrooms throughout the park are accessible. Companion restrooms are available at most of the regular restroom areas. There are few exceptions but it should not take more than a couple of minutes to get to a companion restroom.

Restaurants throughout the park are accessible as well.

EPCOT is divided into two areas, Future World and World Showcase. Both areas are fairly flat and have wide pathways. There are a few exceptions to this. Some of the World Showcase "worlds" are exhibits, cafes, or shops. They are accessible though some will be hard to navigate through some of the shops. Other "worlds" include attractions that are listed below.

Then there a few other attractions that are wheelchair friendly only if you are able to transfer. These include:

• Spaceship Earth - We have not visited this ride since major renovations have occurred. Previous visits taught us to enter the ride through a special accessible door on the side of the ride.
  
• Mission:SPACE - the high-ntensity ride required you to transfer to a seat that has a shoulder harness. You will be tipped backwards and experience high-speed spinning. The low-intensity version is the same ride but with out the spinning.
• Test Track - there is an area to practice transferring to the ride, which requires s step-down into the vehicle. The ride includes some stop-and-go motions, along with high speeds.
  
• Soarin' - Height restrictions apply. Can cause motion sickness.
• Maelstrom - fairly tame ride located in the Norway showcase.. At the end of the ride is a film that can be skipped if you want to.
  

Then there are those attractions that you can stay in your wheelchair. These include:

• Innoventions East and West - a series of hands-on technology exhibits. Lower wheelchair accessible exhibits are attractive to smaller children, so prepare yourself for a wait.
• Universe of Energy - wheel onto the ride. A brief film is presented before the ride begins and some cast members will ask you to get closer to the doors which makes watching the film very uncomfortable as you have to look nearly straight up to see it.
  
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends - board a wheelchair "clam" to enjoy the ride. Companion warning: don't board until cast members give you the okay and prepare to de-board first. A moving walkway is provided and there is typically no need to stop the ride as there is usually plenty of time and space to board. There is only one wheelchair accessible "clam."
• Turtle Talk with Crush - sit off the side or in the back. Children are invited up front and are encouraged to ask Crush questions.
• Living with the Land - wheelchair accessible boats are available. Look for the special accessible entrance to board the ride.
• Honey, I Shrunk the Audience - Wheelchair seating available in the rear of the theater. For those with feeling in their lower extremities, transfer to a seat to enjoy the special effects.
  
• Journey Into Imagination with Figment - wheelchair accessible vehicle is available, but you may have to wait for it. The ride exits into ImageWorks (see below).
  
• El Rio del Tiempo - located in Mexico, you can board a wheelchair accessible boat. If you have the ability to transfer, it is recommended as you will much more comfortable than sitting above everyone else.
• The American Adventure Show - ask cast members for seating assistance. You will be escorted upstairs in advance of the show. Position yourself near the balcony to enjoy the pre-show singers. Seating in the theater is for the wheelchair traveler and one companion.

There are few other attractions we have not been on (yet) so we can't properly evaluate them. Our favorite park guide, Passporter, provides the following accessibility suggestions:

• Cool Club - sample free Coke beverages from around the world and purchase Coke memorabilia.
  
• Circle of Life - a film with Pumba and Timon explaining the earth and environment.
• ImageWorks: Kodak "What If" Labs - an interactive playground with hands-on equipment. The wheelchair accessible exhibits may be in use by children, so be patient.
• Reflections of China - Showing a 360° film showcasing China. Because the theater is an all-standing, theater, wheelchair travelers may not be able to see the complete film.
• Impressions de France - 200° film showcasing France.
• O Canada! - 360 film showcasing Canada. The theater is an all-standing theater, so wheelchair travelers may not be able to see the entire film.
  

Illuminations is a fireworks and special-effects show every evening at park closing. Wheelchair seating is available at various areas around the lagoon. Ask cast members for the locations. Arrive 90 minutes early to secure your spot.

Walt Disney World - Magic Kingdom

The quintessential Disney park (in Florida) is truly a magical place for the wheelchair traveler and their companion.

From the transportation hub, you can arrive by bus, boat, or monorail. If you are driving a car, park at the Transportation Center where you can then catch the monorail or boat. The ramp to the monorail platform is very steep and can be exhausting. Those arriving by bus and boat will need to navigate a couple of slops in order to reach the security screening stations. Again, those arriving on the monorail need to be prepared for a fairly steep ramp that leads down from the arrivals area. After a long day of navigating the park, the ramp is daunting. There is no elevator to reach the platform. The only major difficulties one will find will be navigating Main Street and finding curb cuts. Avoid this area during a parade. Cutting through the stores. Otherwise, the layout of the park is fairly flat and easy to get around.

All restrooms are accessible throughout the park. Companion restrooms are located:

• near the Main Street railroad station
• tucked back between the Crystal Palace and Casey's Corner
• near the Pirates of the Caribbean
• tucked back between Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Railroad
• at the entrance of Mickey's Toontown Fair
• in Tomorrowland between the Carousel of Progress and Space Mountain

Most of the rides and attractions in the park are accessible. In our experience, there are very few attractions that may not be suitable for the wheelchair traveler. It all depends on the mobility of the traveler. Attractions include:

• Main Street vehicles - riders must transfer and need to negotiate a few steps up into the vehicles or wagons
• Swiss Family Treehouse - users must climb stairs to enjoy this attraction
• Tom Sawyer Island - not accessible
• Tomorrowland Indy Speedway - must transfer to car. If you are unable to operate the gas pedal, have you companion enter first in order to drive.
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority - moving walkways and queue lines are too narrow for wheelchairs. Must be ambulatory to ride.
  

Then there a few other attractions that are wheelchair friendly only if you are able to transfer. These include:

• Pirates of the Caribbean - You can get pretty close to the boat, but may still have to walk a few steps.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - There are also health warnings posted which should be heeded.
• Splash Mountain - If you are able to transfer, you sit two to a seat; have your companion enter the boat first to sit behind you. Health warnings are serious, especially for the final drop. Expect to get wet.
• Haunted Mansion - Unlike Disneyland, this version will not stop the ride for you to get on. There are rumors of an accessible "doom buggy" but we didn't see it, nor were we offered it. Ask for directions at the entrance of the ride.
• Mad Tea Party - Cast members usually open the gates for others first, so you may have to wind your way around between the saucers in order to find an empty one, transfer from the wheelchair, and then have someone take the wheelchair away.
• Peter Pan's Flight - does not stop for boarding but uses a slow walkway.
• Snow White's Scary Adventure - Enter the ride at the exit.
• Space Mountain - Health warning posted for the high speed roller coaster.

Then there are those attractions that you can stay in your wheelchair. These include:

• Walt Disney World Railroad - a special loading platform is provided. However, only one or two chairs fit on each train. If the space is already being used you will be asked to wait for the next train which could be anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the number of trains running and schedule. This also applies to Toontown station.
  
• Enchanted Tiki Room - Look for the accessible elevator to get up to the attraction. Seating areas are clearly designated and your companion(s) will be able to sit right next to you. All seating areas are good.
• Jungle Cruise - If you are willing to wait for the accessible boat, take it. You get the same tour as the others. If you are able to transfer, take any boat. Look for the accessible entrance near the passenger exit.
• Country Bear Jamboree - Accessible seating is in the front of the theater. Companion seating for one is available. Others in your party can sit elsewhere in the theater.
• Hall of Presidents - accessible and companion seating available.
• It's a Small World - if you are willing to wait, a wheelchair accessible boat is available. Otherwise transfer from your wheelchair to the boat.
• Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - There is a wheelchair accessible "honey pot" if you are willing to wait for it. There is also room for one other person.
• Mickey's PhilharMagic - Accessible seating in the front of the theater. Companion seating for one is available. Others in your party can sit elsewhere (best seating is at the rear and middle of the theater).
• Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin - There is a wheelchair accessible space vehicle if you are willing to wait. Since the ride is popular, you may have to wait until the accessible vehicle is returned to earth.
• Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress - Wheelchair accessible seating is in the front of the theater with companion seating available.
  
• The Laugh Floor Comedy Club - Wheelchair accessible seating is in the front of the theater with companion seating available.
  
• Stitch's Great Escape - Wheelchair accessible seating at the rear of the theater. You will need to transfer from and ECV or large wheelchair to a regular size chair in order for the restrictive shoulder constraints to operate. During our one and only experience the cast members had a difficult time getting the constraints removed.
  

There are few other attractions we have not been on (yet) so we can't properly evaluate them. Our favorite park guide, Passporter, provides the following accessibility suggestions:

• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin - transfer from ECV to wheelchair
• Diamond Horseshoe Saloon - wheelchair accessible
• Liberty Belle Riverboat - wheelchair accessible
• Cinderella's Golden Carrousel - must transfer from wheelchair
  
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant - must transfer from wheelchair
• Pooh's Playful Spot - childrens playground. Unknown accessibility.
• Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm - must transfer from wheelchair. Rollercoaster for children at least 3 years-old.
• Donald's Boat - wheelchair accessible wet playground for children
• Mickey's Country House and Judge's Tent - wheelchair accessible place to meet Mickey Mouse
• Minney's Country House - Minnie's in-home studio and office that is wheelchair accessible
• Toon Park - playground for children. Unknown accessibility.
• Toontown Hall of Fame - wheelchair accessible place to meet Disney characters
• Astro Oribter - must transfer from wheelchair into a rocket to enjoy a short spin. Motion sickness warning.
• Galaxy Place Theater - a seasonal outdoor theater that hosts shows and entertainment throughout the year. Wheelchair accessible.
• Tomorrowland Arcade - wheelchair accessible
  

On top of all that there are a few other "attractions" that are accessible or partially so:

• Shrunken Ned's Junior Jungle Boats - remote controlled boats. Since accessible stations are lower than the others, they are attractive to families with smaller children, so prepare for a wait to drive the boats.
• Frontierland Shootin' Arcade - Shoot at targets with electronic rifles. Again, accessible stations are very attravtive to smaller children, so be prepared for a wait.
• Ariel's Grotto - meet-and-greet characters here. Wheelchair accessible.
• Fairytale Garden - meet-and-greet characters here. Wheelchair accessible.

Restaurants throughout the park are accessible. On busy days expect to have difficulty finding accessible seating at self-service locations. Full service restaurants are ramped and fully accessible. Where restaurants offer buffets, assistance is rarely required as serving areas are lower and very accessible.

Walt Disney World - Animal Kingdom Lodge

Our visit to Walt Disney World in October 2007 found us staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, a spectacular facility, especially for the animal lover.

Disney's Magical Express serves travelers from the airport and is a non-stop service directly to the resort. The drop off and pick-up points are in front of the hotel. A ramp is provided and the resort cast members are more than willing to help with luggage or other needs from the time you arrive.

We found the wheelchair accommodations spacious and very well thought out. We were delighted to see that our request for an accessible room with tub and grab bars was exactly as reserved. The room was well laid out with plenty of space in the bathroom to navigate in a wheelchair, as well as plenty of space in the room. We had to move some furniture around to get to the balcony and then discovered it wasn't really big enough for the wheelchair. We stayed on the main level but word has it the balconies on the concierge level are much bigger (and so is the price of the room but you also get an exclusive sunrise safari and breakfast or dinner). If you left the door open, it might work for you. Refrigerators are available in the rooms at no cost, but make sure you request one at the time of reservations.

Towel racks, electrical outlets, and the hair dryer in the bathroom had been lowered to the reach. There were even electrical outlets on the lamp (that worked, unlike other hotels) on the desk in the room. Saved from having to crawl around on the floor to plug in the camera or laptop charger.

We experienced a minor glitch in that the TV would not work the first day we were there. After a call to maintenance, we didn't have to wait for more than 30 minutes to be told it was just a breaker that had been thrown and everything should be working. It was. Great service and great responses. It was very nice to be called back and kept informed.

Carpets in the hallways are very thick and sometimes make it difficult to wheel. Expect to have this difficulty a lot, because the distance between the rooms, restaurants, and the lobby are long.

There are various animal viewing areas around the resort though most of them don't beat the view from the room. As the animals wander and forage the grounds, vantage points will obviously change. There are two overlooks, both offering average views of the animals. Because the pathways are a molded concrete they are a little bumpy in places. Some of the views are blocked due to foliage.

The Zawadi Marketplace, a very nice gift shop also contains a large assortment of food and cosmetic items. The entrance from the lobby is ramped and there is a second entrance outside that is flat. Aisles are nice and wide with plenty of room to maneuver. Cashier station desktops are low enough to be very usable.

There is a bar, Victoria Falls Lounge, that is accessible via a ramp, though you may have to do some looking for it. Tables are available though as the bar gets crowded the aisles will become congested.

Jiko is a full service, classy restaurant accessible on the lower level via an elevator. There are four elevators to serve the lower levels, but also serve the upper room levels. So expect a lot of people using them. They are large enough for two wheelchairs, their companions, and perhaps a couple more people. We did not eat here so will wait for others to comment about this restaurant. Dinner only.

Boma is an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant featuring African flavors. All seating is at tables (which in themselves are colorful), the hosts and servers are all very helpful. Some of the items on the buffet line may be out of reach so a little help is needed. Our experience is that the other guests are more than willing to provide a little help when they see a need. Breakfast and dinner are served here.

The Mara is a quick-service cafe open all day serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Tables are offered throughout the cafe. There are stations to order and pick up the food. Queue and serving areas are plenty wide. There are coolers to pick out desserts, salads, and some drinks like milk and help may be needed to reach the upper shelves. Soda and condiment stations are self-serve and can easily be reached.

The Uzima pool is 11,000 sq. ft., includes a water slide (not accessible), kids pool, and tow hot tubs (semi-accessible). the pool is equipped with a pool wheelchair, though you may have to ask for it.

Unfortunately, the resort has chosen to designate their smoking area just outside the front door on they way to the transportation hub. If you have sensitivites to smoke, you can always go out through the gift shop (when open). The path to the transportation system is downhill and fairly smooth. All buses are wheelchair equipped with drivers pleasant and more than willing to help out. Once they see you will need assistance, you will be loaded first and last to depart. Buses travel to all the parks with a shared bus to travel to selected water parks and Downtown Disney.

Walt Disney World

We admit it, we are big Disney Fans. We may not get to experience the magic and charm as much as we like, but we sure take our fair share of Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

Our latest Disney experience was at Walt Disney World in October of 2007. For the prepared wheelchair traveler, the experience can be a joyous and stress-free vacation.

If you are staying at a Disney resort, take advantage of Disney's Magical Express, a free transportation system. Upon arrival at the airport, follow the signs. Once there you will be asked for your paperwork (remember NOT to pack this in your checked baggage). It is here that you begin to experience the Disney magic, the helpful, kind and super perky Disney "cast members" that make your trip magical. If you follow the simple directions they provide, there is virtually no way to get lost!

Don't forget to tag your luggage with your Disney resort tags. Your luggage will be taken directly from the baggage carousel and delivered to your room. It may take 3-4 hours, so make sure you keep any necessary items with you. Disney buses are all lift-equipped and the drivers are friendly and very helpful.

The return trip is just as efficient and more so if you traveling on airlines that participate in the Magical Express service. Drop your bags off at the service desk and the next time you see them will be at the baggage carousel at your home airport. It really is that easy.

Disney has taken a number of steps to accommodate the wheelchair traveler. We will post some of our thoughts about each of the resorts we have visited here along with comments about the various parks.

Welcome

Welcome to Wheeling Around, a blog dedicated for wheelchair travelers and their companions.

As a companion of a wheelchair traveler, I have often been frustrated with the lack of information available and this is our attempt to add a little information that makes traveling a little easier and stress-free.

Please feel free to comment and leave your travel suggestions. We like to focus on the positive but we certainly won't hold back from letting you know about those less-than-positive experiences we all occasionally have.