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.