Guide to Guests with Disabilities at Disney World: Prices, Wheelchairs, DAS

Guide to Guests with Disabilities at Disney World
“Dumbo Flying-2” by Henry Mestre licensed under CC BY 2.0

Have you ever thought whether or not it’s possible to enjoy Disney World when you have a disability? Well, believe it or not, is more possible than you think.

I was born with a neurological disorder called Cerebral Palsy, and I use a motorized wheelchair for mobility. Dealing with the limitations of being physically disabled can be more than difficult. All my frustrations disappear when I get a dose of Disney magic. Disney magic improves my creativity and rejuvenates my spirit. I can believe it can do the same for you or your loved one.

And in this guide to guests with disabilities at Disney World, I’m going to explain everything you need to know in order to have a comfortable and very enjoyable time at Disney.

Accommodating Devices for Deaf and Blind Guests

Have you ever wondered how deaf and blind can enjoy the magic of Disney? Disney World caters to the needs of blind and deaf guests properly. Disney provides sign language interpreters at the parks on certain days. For example, interpreters can be found at Magic Kingdom on Mondays and Thursdays.  

Braille guidebooks and portable tactile map booklets are available at Guest Services. There are a couple of helpful devices available at Guest Services of all parks These devices require a deposit which will be refunded if guests return them on the same day.

I believe both blind and deaf visitors can fully enjoy Disney World using the Handheld Captioning Device and Assistive Listening Device. The Handheld Captioning Device displays text in locations where fixed captioning systems are impractical, such as moving attractions. It will also provide descriptive audio for people who are blind or have low vision. 

The refundable deposit guests will have to pay is $25. The device is much like the old portable tape players in size and weight. The screen is an LED readout. It comes with a thin neck strap. You might to carry it in a backpack if heavy neck straps bother you. The device is not in sync with your exact location in the attraction sometimes. For instance, the device might delay on about eighty percent of the actual narration in Epcot.  

The purpose of the Assistance Listening Device is picking up overhead signals to amplify sound. It is the size of an iPod and it comes with a pair of comfortable earphones. The device is recommended for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. The refundable deposit is $100. 

The Assistance Listening Device is beneficial at these attractions:

Magic Kingdom

Animal Kingdom 

Hollywood Studios

  • A Frozen Sing-Along 
  • Star Wars Launch Bay
  • Star Wars: Path of the Jedi

Epcot

A Reflective Captioning Device is also available for deaf guests. it uses an LED display to project captions onto an acrylic panel in front of the guest. This device has no deposit and it can be found at many attractions. The guest just needs to ask a cast member for one.  

You will also notice how accommodating the resort hotels are for hearing impaired and other disabled individuals. Rooms of Deaf guests supplied with a strobe light smoke detector and a Text Typewriter, telephone, door knock and phone alerts, bed shaker notification, and phone amplifiers. There are plenty of rooms that acceptable for service dogs. All the resort hotels have also wheelchair accessible. There are low counters and walk-in showers in the bathrooms. The beds are not raised.   

DAS and What Disabilities Qualify

“DAS” stands for Disney’s Disability Access Service. It is treated as the Disability Pass for Disney.  The purpose of it is to provide help for disabled guests and their families to navigate and enjoy the parks. A guest’s DAS information used to be on a plastic card. 

However, the DAS is integrated into the Magic Bands now. You won’t have to worry about losing the card. The pass is good for the entire length of your stay once you received it. If you are an annual pass holder, the pass is good for up to 60 days.

You can register for one at Guest Services. You can find one or two locations in each park. Guest Services for Magic Kingdom is outside the park turnstiles (to the right) and there is another location in City Hall.  If you are starting at Animal Kingdom, head to the left. It is in the first building you will see as you enter the park. Epcot’s Guest Services is outside of the gates near the monorail entrance. 

If you are already inside Epcot, the locations near Spaceship Earth and near the International Gateway. There are two options for Hollywood Studios. There is one inside and one outside the park. Both are near the park entrance. you can always use the map feature on the phone app My Disney Experience if you have trouble locating one. 

The process will not take longer than fifteen minutes. The individual with the disability must be present and you must have your Magic Bands or tickets when you go get a DAS pass. A doctor’s note is not required. It is unnecessary to reveal the details about your or your loved one’s condition. You only need to tell a cast member the needed accommodations. The more detail you give, the better the DAS will work. 

Your stated needs can range from the need for a quiet area to wait for rides to a pass to bring a stroller right to the loading area of a stroller.  

Cast member might need you to explain.  Good responses would be “Waiting outside the line helps (me /him/ her) because…” and “Having this in place will help (me/ him/ her) because…” Just be considerate about how the accommodations will affect the process of an attraction. Some guests have to wait hours to experience what you can experience in thirty minutes.  

Once you figure out the accommodations you need, a cast member will take a photo of you to include in the DAS information. If you do not want your photo taken, you can use your ID picture. The photo will identify your party at any ride or attraction entry point.

The DAS will cover anybody in your group, but the limit per pass is six. If a group is over six guests, special accommodations can be made. Just ask the cast member. If your loved one cannot wear a Magic Band, the DAS pass can be added to yours.

DAS is honestly designed to support those guests who have conditions other than having limited mobility. For instance, a DAS could be beneficial to a family with a child with a condition such as Autism. the DAS offers a way to enjoy attractions without waiting in an overcrowded overwhelming space.  

Families can also bring a stroller straight to the loading area if their child or teen is prone to wandering or elopement stay in place. The cast member will give you an oversized red sticker to put on your stroller when you get the DAS. Any type of stroller is acceptable. 

Guests with Cognitive Disabilities

A stroller could provide your child a ‘safe haven’ from too much stimulation. The crowds and noise can be too overwhelming.  If you need a stroller, you rent one at the parks or from a local vendor.  A single seat stroller at the parks cost $15 per day. There is no deposit to pay. There is also a multi-day rental option that cost $13 per day. 

You only need to show your receipt when you pick it the next day. The strollers cannot be taken out of the parks. Double seated strollers are available too and they cost $31 per day. The cost of the multi-day option is $27 per day. 

Although there are many factors involved, it is still possible mentally impaired individuals to experience Disney magic.  Most of the rides and shows are triggering. A pair of noise canceling earphones can prevent panic attacks. It is best to show videos of the rides to your family member beforehand. He or she can be more comfortable with the sounds and movements. Since you have a DAS, waiting in line long should not be an issue. 

However, there might a short wait to get on a ride. You could occupy him or her with something he or she likes like a tablet or a sensory toy. If the waiting line is causing too anxiety, there are quiet places you can go.

The following quiet areas are categorized by park and location:

Magic Kingdom

  • Main Street, U.S.A.
  • First Aid area
  • Side Street by Crystal Arts
  • Adventureland
  • Swiss Family Treehouse area 
  • Corridor to the left of Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Liberty Square: 
  • Behind Ye Olde Christmas Shop
  • Frontierland: 
  • Space Mountain garden area 

Animal Kingdom

  • Discovery Island
  • First Aid (next to Creature Comforts)
  • Discovery Island Trails
  • Africa
  • Pangani Forest Exploration Trail 
  • Asia
  • Maharajah Jungle Trek
  • DinoLand, U.S.A
  • Courtyard of Dinosaur
  • The nook across from the entrance to Finding Nemo-The Musical

Epcot

  • Future World West
  • First Aid (part of Odyssey Center building next to Test Track)
  • Courtyard and restroom area outside Imagination pavilion 
  • Area between Seas entrance and Coral Reef Restaurant
  • World Showcase
  • Mexico
  • Outside area to the right of the pavilion near the backstage gate
  • Germany
  • Garden area next to Glaskunst
  • Japan
  • Garden area
  • Morocco
  • Village area 
  • France
  • To the right of the buildings along the water’s edge
  • United Kingdom
  • Garden area at back of the pavilion (only when shows not running at gazebo)

Hollywood Studios

  • Hollywood Boulevard
  • First Aid
  • Echo Lake
  • Walkway surrounding the lake
  • Sunset Boulevard
  • Courtyard outside The Tower of Terror
  • Streets of America (this area can be during the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights event)
  • All areas
  • Commissary Lane
  • Outside ABC Commissary
  • Animation Courtyard
  • Area by the restrooms to the left of The Magic of Disney Animation

Cast members can direct you to the nearest one if you cannot remember. They also give you an estimated time to be back. The use of a DAS pass is appropriate for this type of situation because it is more likely that the cast member will let you skip the long lines when you come back.  You also have the advantage of using Return Times.

Return times are based on an attraction’s current standby wait time. You need to go straight to the attractions to get return times. Wheelchairs users without a DAS or a Genie+ can also get a return time.

You can read more on DAS and Genie+ here.

If your loved one decides to skip the ride last minute, it should not be an issue. There is a program called Rider Switch. The program enables family members experience a ride without worry about leaving non-riding guests alone.  One family member can ride any ride while another family member waits with the disabled guest. Then you switch with the other family member. 

The family member who you switch with can enjoy the ride without having to wait in line again.  More than one can take turns switching. However, only three guests are allowed per Rider Switch Pass. This program could honestly make park time less stressful for families who have loved ones with cognitive disabilities or serve physical disabilities. 

Guests with Physical Conditions

DAS does not cover guests with physical conditions except for pregnancy. Women who are expecting a little prince or princess in a less than six months do not need to put themselves at risk by standing in long lines while enduring the early summer heat or winter breeze. For instance, the waiting lines for Soarin’ in Epcot are usually ¼ miles long. 

Guests who experience pain or fatigue when they stay on their feet for a long time will be too miserable to enjoy the trip.  Your future heir deserves nothing but the best. He or she will keep the magic alive for years to come.

Do not waste time going to Guest Services if you are wheelchair bound. Think of your wheelchair or scooter as your royal carriage. Royalty is a top priority at Disney World, of course. Cast members will assist any physical impaired individual without the need to see a DAS pass. I never had to worry about getting through the line queue or transferring into a ride. 

Cast members always slow down or stop a ride so I can get on. For shows and other live attractions, cast members guide me to the nearest handicap section. My family uses FastPass+ passes if it’s a popular attraction.  There are only so many people a cast member can let through. An entourage of twenty people is not acceptable. Using FastPass+ passes can prevent families or groups from being separated.

  • Do note that Disney World has removed their FastPass system in favor of a new system (a paid system, in fact) called Genie+.

Wheelchair and Scooter Rentals 

It doesn’t matter if you have mobility challenges or a serious injury. There is nothing worse than having to deal with mobility issues while being on a Disney vacation.  Luckily, there are wheelchair and scooter rentals available at Disney World and other nearby places. Wheelchairs and ECV scooter rentals are available at all the parks and Disney Springs. I have been fortunate enough to use my own motorized wheelchair when I’m visiting the parks. 

However, unexpected incidents have happened before. The ground crew at the airport have damaged my wheelchair’s battery system by not lifting on it properly. Our Disney trip would have been ruined if we did not have the option of renting a wheelchair. 

The wheelchairs that are available at the parks are standard type manual wheelchairs. The maximum weight is 350 pounds. There are kid-sized and over-sized ones but there are only a few available. The wheelchairs are not modifiable to fit individuals with conditions such as Muscular Dystrophy and Cerebral Palsy.

I personally have problems with sliding when I am in a regular wheelchair.  I recommend bringing a couple of blankets to stuffed in the seat for comfort and extra support. The footplates are not adjustable and there are no straps. My legs intend to stay extended so foot straps are a must for me. Transfers might be difficult because the armrests are unable to swing back. 

Only one person can sit in the wheelchair. Guests can push themselves if they have the capability of using their arms. I do not recommend letting a child push the wheelchair. Even though it might be adorable, they could hit somebody or something. I have a scar on my upper lip from my young cousin accidentally running me into a fence one year. So always roll responsibly because you might to pay for the damage. The cost is $12 per day. 

According to Diz-abled.com,  there is also a multi-day discount. it is $10 per day. You pay in advance for the number of days that you want to rent a wheelchair the first time you visit the place. You can show your receipt the next time you go and you will be directed through the queue with no wait. The wheelchair rental at Disney Springs is also cost $12 but there is a $100 refundable deposit. 

There is not an option to rent a basic motorized wheelchair. However, Disney has a good amount of ECV scooters (ECV stands for Electric Conveyance Vehicles). The scooters are three or four wheeled battery power mobile devices. They have comfortable vinyl seats and a handy basket in the front. The maximum weight is 450 pounds. Four wheeled ECVS are more heavy duty than three wheeled ECVs. 

Three wheeled ECVs are the most maneuverable because they can turn in a smaller space. Although, four wheeled ECVs may feel more stable to first time drivers. Most people find them easy to operate with a little practice. Like bicycles, the scooters have a tiller to steer. There is a throttle that controls sped and there is another control for backward or forward. 

It might seem like an ECV will enable guests to have more freedom than a manual wheelchair. The cost for an ECV or scooter is more expensive though. There is no multi day discount available. It is $50 a day with a $20 refundable deposit at the parks. If you are visiting Disney Springs, it is $50 for the day with a $100 refundable deposit. 

The good thing is that you will get ten percent if you are a Disney Vacation Club member. You will need to have your photo ID when you go get one. Although they might look easy to drive, scooters can be dangerous. Guests who are 18 or older only can rent and use an ECV scooter.

Young children or anybody that has bad muscle control are not allowed to drive it. Drivers cannot let children sit with them either. Scooters are most beneficial for guests with physical injuries or conditions that affect their ability to walk a long distance. 

Even though I am grateful to have the option, the process of getting one is always a hassle. Guests cannot reserve a wheelchair or ECV in advance. It doesn’t matter if you are wheelchair bound. It is strictly a first-come, first-served basis type.

There is always a chance that they will run out. The best thing you can do to increase your chances is to arrive at the park when it opens. Another downside is that guests cannot take the wheelchairs or ECV outside the park they were rented from.  Your mobility will be very limited if you decided to rely on the park rentals.

 If you want to avoid the possibility of being stranded without a wheelchair or an ECV for the day, you could rent a from outside vendor. Renting from an outside vendor tends to be lower than renting from Disney. 

You don’t have to worry about switching out when you visit a different park. You will be able to keep the rental wheelchair or ECV your entire visit.  You can bring it to all the parks, Disney Springs, and your resort.

The following list has Disney affiliated vendors and local vendors:

Buena Vista Scooter Rentals

  • (866) 484-4797 or toll free (866) 484-4797
  • www.buenavistascooters.com 
  • Has scooters, manual wheelchairs, transport chairs, single and double strollers, lift chairs, knee walkers, and some respiratory equipment.
  • They also service and repair personal equipment

Randy’s Mobility

  • (321) 281-6603
  • http://randysmobility.com/randysmobility/rentals/
  • Has ECVs, manual & power wheelchairs and Joovey strollers, including Joovey Caboose where one child can stand behind.
  • Randy’s will sometimes rent ECVs to older teens on a case-by-case basis.

Best Price Scooters and Strollers

  • (866) 866-3434 or Toll Free: (866) 866-3434
  • http://www.bpmobility.com
  • Has scooters, manual wheelchairs, WHILL power wheelchairs, single and double strollers.

Walker Mobility

  • (888) 726-6837
  • www. walkermobility.com
  • Walkers rents ECVs, manual wheelchairs, Power wheelchairs ++, single and double strollers.
  • They do rent smaller, 16-inch-wide wheelchairs, suitable for smaller people (and children) between 80 and 100 pounds.

Scootaround

ScooterBug

  • (800) 726-8284 
  • www. Scooterbugmobility.com 
  • little feedback from DIS posters.
  • Has ECVs, standing ECVs, manual wheelchairs, single and double strollers.

Cloud of Goods Orlando

  • 407-545-3103
  • https://www.cloudofgoods.com/orlando-fl
  • Can rent wheelchairs, strollers, mobility scooters and more
  • One of the top-rated rental businesses in Orlando (Google reviews have 4.6/5 from 294 reviews)

All these companies will be able to drop off and pick up the wheelchair or scooter at your resort without you being present.  Buena Vista Scooter Rentals is one of our favorites. They are reliable and reasonably affordable. I like to get the Padded Wheelchair.  It is very durable and comfortable. 

The padding is water-resistant.  It comes with a free cup holder.  It cost $30 per day and the maximum weight 300 pounds. The prices of their scooter rentals ranges from $25 per day – $50 per day. It depends what type of scooter you need.

They also have strollers and scooter accessories.  If you have any questions concerning the park rentals or vendor list, you can contact the Disney Disability Services via phone (407) 824-2222 or via email disability.services@disneyparks.com.    

If you are not sure about renting a mobility device, there are a few things you should keep in mind. A manual wheelchair can provide security for an adult who has a mental condition such as Alzheimer’s. It does not how small he or she; there is no possible way you could carry your wheelchair bound child through the parks. 

The area of Animal Kingdom alone is as big as 250 New York City blocks. It will take a lot longer than several days to see the entire Disney World if you don’t advantage of good resources. Wheelchair users will actually get to experience most of the rides twice.   

Accessing Rides

Getting into a ride can be tricky for any physical disabled person. You need to notify a cast member as soon as possible if transferring is needed.  He or she will slow down ride and help you get close enough to transfer. This process must happen before others can get on, so do not be late. If you have to lift your loved one, watch where you step. Platforms of rides such as Splash Mountain and Kali River Rapids are always slippery.

A good thing to remember that each person has different limitations on what they can physically handle. What might work for one person might not work for another.  It is best to be cautious and safe as possible. Don’t get on a ride that is not suitable for you in any way. There are plenty of wheelchairs accessible rides. There is no need to stress about having to transfer throughout the day. 

I have done most of the rides at Disney World. Some of my favorites are Splash Mountain, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Avatar Flight of Passage, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. All these rides required transfer assistance. I like my sitting in my wheelchair but it’s fun to ride like everyone else. 

For instance, I tried out Avatar Flight of Passage in Pandora for the first time last year. I was nervous and skeptical at first. By the video presentations, the seats appeared to have no good support for somebody like me. I have good trunk control but I tend to tip over sometimes.

Concerned, I started to back out on the ride, but thankfully I changed my mind and stayed the course (here’s a video someone uploaded to YouTube of the ride and vehicle so you can know what to expect).

 The black hover bike shaped seats on Flight of Passage ended up being so fitting and comfortable for my stature. I felt so secure during the ride, even when the seat tilted back and forward. I could grip tight on the handlebars. The special effects were unbelievably incredible.

For a moment, I did not feel disabled or confined.  I felt like I was actually in Pandora enjoying a banshee ride with my avatar friends. Avatar Flight of Passage is definitely worth getting a Genie+ reservation or a return time for.  

However, my body becomes painful sore if I do a full day of roller coasters and water rides. Not only is jolting being hard on my body, the constant transfers affect the spasticity of my muscle tone. Even though the fun is worth the pain, I always remind myself that my body has limits.

My best advice is spilt up the days up. You or your loved one could do a couple of roller coasters or water rides in the morning then spend the rest of the day doing accessible rides. 

I classified each ride by gentleness because certain movements of a ride can have a major impact on bodies of the physical challenged. The gentlest rides do not have any type of spinning or jolting. Any ride containing spinning and mild jolting is under least gentle. The rides with sudden drops or jolts are labeled as least gentle. 

The attractions involving physical activity require standing, climbing, or lying face down.   Even though a ride might be accessible, it might be not be accessible to ECV scooters. So, I put an asterisk on rides that don’t accept ECVs. 

Magic Kingdom 

Wheelchair Accessible

 Gentlest

  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh*
  • Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid*
  • Walt Disney World Railroad*
  • Jungle Cruise

Somewhat Gentle

  • It’s A Small World*
  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin*
  • Aladdin’s Magic Carpets*
  • Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel*
  • Liberty Square Riverboat

Transfer Required

Gentlest

  • Haunted Mansion

Somewhat Gentle

  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant
  • Mad Tea Party
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Astro Orbiter
  • Tomorrowland Speedway

The Least Gentle 

  • The Barnstormer
  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
  • Splash Mountain
  • Space Mountain

Physical Capability Required

  • Peter Pan’s Flight
  • Swiss Family Treehouse
  • Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
  • Tom Sawyer Island

Animal Kingdom 

  • Wheelchair Accessible

Gentlest

  • Kilimanjaro Safaris
  • Wildlife Express Train

Somewhat Gentle

  • TriceraTop Spin

Transfer Required

Somewhat gentle

  • Kali River Rapids
  • Na’vi River Journey

Least Gentle

  • Avatar Flight of Passage
  • DINOSAUR 
  • Expedition Everest
  • Primeval Whirl

Epcot 

  • Wheelchair Accessible

Gentlest 

  • The Seas with Nemo & Friends

Transfer Required

Gentlest

  • Frozen Ever After
  • Soarin’
  • Spaceship Earth*

Somewhat Gentle

  • Mission: SPACE

Least Gentle

  • Test Track

Hollywood Studios (no wheelchair accessible rides)

Transfer Required

Somewhat Gentle

  • Alien Swirling Saucers 

Least Gentle

  • Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
  • Slinky Dog Dash 
  • Star Tours–The Adventures Continue
  • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

I recommend staying away from the roller coasters and spinning type rides if you are jolt sensitive or pregnant. It’s A Small World, Liberty Square Riverboat, and Na’vi River Journey are smooth boat rides. Jolting can still occur though.

The boats can knock into one another at the beginning and at the end of the rides. Be cautious as you can.  Dealing with back or neck pain is the same as dealing with an evil villain.

Any attraction or ride with features such as stroke lights or loud sounds can trigger seizures. For example, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster features audio from the band Aerosmith. Hearing Steve Tyler loudly screaming in the dark while going fifty-seven miles per hour can be triggering.

Jungle Cruise, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, DINOSAUR, Pirates of Caribbean, and Space Mountain are a few more examples of rides with triggering features. There are not many attractions without triggers. It just depends how the guest can handle certain features. 

There is an attraction guide for cognitive disabilities you can refer to on the Disney World website on the cognitive section of disability services.  The guide presents certain features of each ride or attraction in Disney World. Each ride is categorized by park.

The features are loud noises, flashing lights, periods of darkness, bumps, wetness, fast speed, the element of surprise, lifts off the ground, and scents. The guide can honestly prevent a meet and greet with an ER doctor. 

If a seizure does occur, you don’t have to worry. Cast members are trained to deal with unexpected medical emergencies. They will stop a ride and call EMS. It is your responsibility to be prepared though. 

According to AllEars.net, guests who are prone to having seizures should wear a medical bracelet that has information for emergency personnel. An example is the MedicAlert bracelet.  You should also have a list of your or your child medicines and the dosages.

There might be a chance that EMS will need to see it, so put the list an obvious place with your photo ID.  It is your choice to go to the hospital or not. Disney personnel may arrange for alternate transportation back to your resort, rather than using Disney transportation. 

Accessible Transportation

You honestly don’t to worry about needing a vehicle when you get to Disney World. There are many ways to get the parks and Disney Springs. If you are staying at one of resorts, you can use the Monorail, ferryboats, and buses. The Monorail is convenient for guests of Contemporary Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Polynesian Village Resort. 

The Monorail has three electric tracks. The first one makes stops at the Transportation and Ticket Center and Magic Kingdom Park. However, round trips to the Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot are on the second and third track. Wheelchairs and strollers can easily roll onto it.

Even though the ferryboats are fun to ride, it is not exactly safe to get a motorized wheelchair on one.  It is great if you have a foldable manual wheelchair though.  There are several ferryboats that travel to different areas of Disney World. 

Magic Kingdom Park is accessible by ferryboat from the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Polynesian Village Resort, Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. 

You can visit Epcot and Hollywood Studios by ferryboat from Disney’s Board Walk Inn and Villas Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club & Beach Club Resorts, and the Swan & Dolphin Hotels. You can also get to Disney Springs is accessible by ferryboat from Port Orleans Resort-French Quarter & Riverside, Old Key West Resort, and Saratoga Springs Resort. 

There are bus stops at all the resort hotels, and Disney Springs. The bus that go to the parks run from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The bus that go to Disney Springs run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.     Some bus routes may require transfer from one bus to another. 

For the most guests, taking the bus is the easiest way to get around Disney World. Wheelchair and scooters users do not the same privilege. All buses are handicapped accessible. Guests will be lifted by an electric ramp and the drivers will secured the guest in with strap downs. There are only two spots for wheelchairs or scooter on each bus though.

 My family and I were staying at the Animal Lodge Resort last October. We waited an hour and a half for a bus with an empty handicap spot. We almost missed the Happily Ever After Firework show.

Each bus driver kept saying another will come soon, but every spot was taken.  My mother had to argue with the bus coordinator of the resort. Even though it was a stressful situation, we ended up finding out there was a better alternative for transportation. 

A cast member informed us that Disney provides a minivan service called Minnie Van. Guests who need an accessible van can call the office at (407) 828-3500 forty-five minutes prior to needing the van. All the vans have an electric ramp and strap downs like the buses. However, the vans are more comfortable.  The wait is not as bad. The drivers are available to bring guests to any park of Disney World. 

So we tried it out the next day. Our driver was on time and we arrived at Magic Kingdom earlier than we expected. I loved the fact that the minivan was red and white polka dotted like Minnie Mouse’s iconic dress. Each of us enjoyed not having to be cramped on a bus.  The driver said that the vans can fit up to six guests and can be equipped with up to three free car seats. We decided to use the service the rest of the trip and we had no more stress.

Minnie Van service operates from 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Prices vary based on distance traveled from pickup location to the requested destination. We usually spent from $15 to $20 a ride. Other guests can use the service as well. The service is connected to Lyft.  Guests can use app from anywhere within Walt Disney World Resort to access Minnie Van service. Rides can be requested and paid through the app. 

If you need transport from and to the airport, you are available to use the Minnie Van Service. The cost of an airport ride is $150 each way. Minnie Van airport ride operates from between 6:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. Airport rides cannot be booked through the app. You need to call (407) 939-7529 to arrange a one-way or round-trip ride.  

Plan your pickup at least two hours prior to your flight departure if you’re traveling domestically. if you are flying internationally, plan your pickup at least three hours prior to flight departure. Pickup location at the Orlando International Airport is located by the baggage claim escalators. All cancellations made within 24 hours of pickup time will forfeit a refund.

If you rather have your own vehicle, there is an affordable accessible vehicle company close by called Mobility Works. The location is 7444 Narcoossee Road Orlando, FL 32822. The company is open on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Service isn’t available on Saturdays and Sundays. They have to side-entry and rear-entry vans. All vans are equipped with easy-to-use retractable tie-downs. You can request a quote before you book. The number is (877) 275-4915.  The company has weekday specials and discounts for veterans.

Perks for Veterans and Currently Serving Guests

Active Duty and Retirees of twenty or more years of service could get specially priced U.S. Military Salute Walt Disney World tickets. There is an Armed Forces Recreation Center located on Walt Disney World Resort property called Shades of Green. it has big affordable hotel rooms to non-retired Veterans. A small selection of sales tax-free Disney World merchandise available to the families of the honored.

By the given information, it is deniable that the creators of Disney World have done impossible so you and your special loved ones can do the possible. Everybody deserves to escape to a place of wonderment once awhile. So use these tips to plan a stress free Disney vacation and see the magic happened.

This article was written by Countdown to Magic contributor Brooke Smith.

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Michael has been visiting Disney World since he was a kid. He's also been to Disneyland and sailed on the Disney Dream. Michael is the owner and editor of Countdown to Magic.

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