Disneyland and Disabilities

 

Disneyland and Disabilities: A Comprehensive Guide to an Inclusive Experience

Disneyland, the "Happiest Place on Earth," welcomes guests of all abilities to experience the magic and wonder of its theme parks. Whether you have a mobility impairment, sensory sensitivity, or developmental disability, Disneyland offers a variety of services and resources to ensure an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all.

1. Disability Access Service (DAS)

The Disability Access Service (DAS) is a program designed to provide guests with disabilities a more convenient way to experience select attractions. Instead of waiting in traditional lines, DAS guests can receive a return time for attractions, allowing them to enjoy other park offerings while they wait.

Eligibility for DAS:

• Guests with mobility impairments who cannot tolerate standing for extended periods of time.
• Guests with cognitive impairments who may have difficulty waiting in lines or understanding queue procedures.
• Guests with sensory sensitivities who may be overwhelmed by crowds or loud noises.

Obtaining a DAS Pass:

• Visit a Guest Relations location or select attractions to request a DAS pass.
• Provide documentation of your disability, such as a letter from a healthcare provider or a disability placard.
• Cast Members will assist you in registering for DAS and explain how to use the service.

Using DAS:

• When approaching an attraction, inform a Cast Member that you have a DAS pass.
• You will receive a return time based on the current wait time for the attraction.
• Return to the attraction at your designated return time and enter through a designated DAS entrance.

2. Rider Switch

The Rider Switch program allows one member of a party to wait with a person with a disability while the other party member rides an attraction. Then, the roles can be reversed without having to wait in line again.

Using Rider Switch:

• Inform a Cast Member at the attraction entrance that you would like to use Rider Switch.
• One caregiver will wait with the person with a disability while the other rides the attraction.
• Upon returning from the ride, the caregiver who waited can switch places and ride the attraction without waiting in line.

3. Assistive Devices and Services

Disneyland provides a variety of assistive devices and services to support guests with disabilities:

• Wheelchairs and ECVs: Wheelchairs and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) are available for rent at the park.
• Audio Description Devices: Audio description devices provide a live narration of attractions and shows for guests with visual impairments.
• Assistive Listening Devices: Assistive listening devices amplify sound for guests with hearing impairments.
• Sensory-Friendly Experiences: Disneyland offers sensory-friendly experiences at select attractions, such as dimmed lights and reduced noise levels.

4. Planning Your Visit

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, it is recommended to plan your Disneyland visit in advance:

• Review Park Maps: Familiarize yourself with the park layout and identify accessible entrances, restrooms, and attractions.
• Purchase Tickets Online: Purchase tickets online to avoid waiting in line at the ticket booth.
• Make Dining Reservations: Make dining reservations in advance, especially for character dining experiences.
• Download the Disneyland App: The Disneyland app provides park maps, wait times, attraction information, and accessibility features.
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• All of the restaurants and shops are wheelchair accessible, as are the entertainment areas. When it comes to wheelchairs, your problem will be accessing some of the rides. Some rides are not  appropriate for people who are in wheelchairs, while others are perfectly suitable. For instance, you will not be able to enjoy Donald’s Boat, Sailing Ship, or Tarzan’s Tree house.
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• However, there are many attractions that you can enjoy, such as The Disney Gallery, Disneyland Monorail, the Disneyland Railroad, the Tiki Room, The Golden Horseshoe, It’s A Small World, Mark Twain Riverboat, and Tom Sawyer Island. Some attractions will require you to be transferred from your wheelchair, such as Alice in Wonderland, Indiana Jones, and the King Arthur Carrousel.
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• Cast members and service personnel will be happy to help with Guest wheelchair transfers, and if you should lose a wheelchair or scooter that you’ve rented from Disneyland, simply show the ticket for the wheelchair or scooter, and Disneyland will happily supply you with another one. However, if you lose a wheelchair or scooter that was rented from an outsidecompany, Disneyland will not be able to help you replace it, and you may have to pay the rental company  the full value of the chair. This is something to consider when you are trying to decide whether to rent from Disneyland or a private company.
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• Whether you can enjoy a ride in your wheelchair, or you must be transferred from your wheelchair to the ride, you can actually enjoy most of the rides at Disneyland. Do not allow the fact that you can’t walk around the park keep you from planning a Disneyland Vacation. Again, Disneyland was designed with everyone in mind!

5. Additional Tips for Guests with Disabilities

• Communicate Your Needs: Don't hesitate to communicate your needs to Cast Members. They are trained and ready to assist you.
• Take Breaks: Disneyland is a large park, so take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge.
• Bring Your Own Medications: Be sure to bring your own medications and any necessary medical supplies.
• Plan for Extra Time: Allow extra time for transportation, attractions, and navigating the park.

Disneyland is committed to providing an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all guests. With careful planning, utilization of available services, and open communication with Cast Members, guests with disabilities can create lasting memories at the "Happiest Place on Earth."

Remember, Disneyland is committed to accessibility and strives to provide an inclusive experience for all guests. By utilizing available services, planning your visit, and communicating your needs, you can ensure a magical and memorable time at the park