Many folks in wheelchairs know that there are unique boarding and accessibilityย requirements at each and every ride in the Walt Disney Worldยฎ Resort.ย  Most of the time, Disney is quite good about having cast members at the entrance to each ride in order to answer specific questions and to direct you on where to go.ย  However, here are some steps to follow in order to know the boarding procedure at every ride before you get to the loading platform:

  1. Before your trip, have your Off to Neverland Travelยฎ Magic Makerยฎย send you the โ€œGuidebook for Guests with Disabilitiesโ€ for every park.ย  You can also get these Walt Disney World special needs books at Guest Services in each park, however having them before the trip is invaluable for planning information.ย  They help with general knowledge like what lines to use, whether you have to transfer or not, and the intensity level of each ride.ย  Some explanations in these books are kind of vague, but they do help.
  2. As you approach each ride, there should be a Cast Member standing at the entrance.ย  Approach them and explain what your abilities are in regards to transferring, walking, and your ability to control body motion once onboard.ย  (Some rides offer more restraints for those who have difficulty controlling there body movement.)
  3. The Cast Member will then tell you (based on what you told them) where to go and what to do when you get there.ย  They have these things down to a science, so just follow their directions and youโ€™ll be fine.
  4. At the loading platform, a Cast Member (CM) may ask you some of the same questions you just answered outside.ย  Just repeat what you told the entrance CM and answer any other questions they might have.ย  Remember, safety is paramount, so if you need them to slow down or stop a moving ride in order for you to get, donโ€™t hesitate to ask.ย  They are there to make you happy, and to keep you safe.
  5. Before you get on, be sure to ask where your wheelchair/walking device will be when you get off.ย  On many rides, they will take your wheelchair to the spot where the ride unloads.ย  On other rides, you will board where the ride unloads in order that your wheelchair may already be there when you get off.ย  Just ask.

Seeing a theme in this Walt Disney World Special Needs tip?

Ask, Ask, Ask!ย  Donโ€™t hesitate to ask these Cast Members any questions that you have.ย  Theyโ€™ll be happy to answer you so that you will have the best time possible. ย Stay tuned as we’ll have part 2 of this Disney World Special Needs article in just a few days.