By: Melissa Knight
Walt Disney World has made it possible for people with all kinds of abilities to visit and experience the magic. One of the things that makes my visits easier is that Disney has implemented ways for you to stay in your wheelchair to experience certain attractions if you are unable to transfer. I have found the accessible ride vehicles very easy to use with minimal assistance. Below is a rundown of these attractions at the Magic Kingdom.
The Walt Disney World Railroad is accessible through either the Main Street or Frontierland stations. Just let the cast members know you need to use the ramp to board the train and they will lead you to the wheelchair seating. I love riding the train because you get to sit up front near the conductor.
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin has an accessible vehicle, just enter through the standard queue and let the cast members know you would like to stay in your wheelchair.
The Jungle Cruise has a boat with a ramp and a lift. Loading is really easy and you will have a great view since the lift keeps you higher than the other guests that are seated around you.
To ride the Liberty Square Riverboat enter through the exit. Once you are at the boat the cast members will place a ramp down for you to ride. We rode up at the front of the boat. Just be aware that its not flat so make sure your brakes are working properly.
It's a small world has a separate wheelchair entrance and a boat that is just for wheelchairs. They place rubber bumpers in front of and behind your tires so you stay secure. Sometimes there is a wait for the wheelchair boat to cycle through but we are usually rewarded with a solo cruise through the attraction.
The Many Adventures of Winne the Pooh accessible vehicle lets you roll right in. You can also choose whether or not to bounce with Tigger, which moves the vehicle slightly but there are no major bumps or jerks.
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin has a special ride vehicle with a ramp that you and one guest in your party can use. If the cast members are fast enough getting the ramp down the ride doesn't even stop. And if you are lucky and there are no other wheelchairs waiting, you may even get to ride again.
Stitch's Great Escape has special wheelchair seating in the back and you can still experience everything. Whether or not that is a good thing is up for debate but the cast members will help you lower the shoulder harness so you can hear and smell it all.
Shows like The Country Bear Jamboree, Monster's Inc Laugh Floor, Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress, Mickey's Philharmagic, The Hall of Presidents, and the Enchanted Tiki Room have special wheelchair seating. Just alert a cast member when you arrive. There is also special wheelchair seating at the Magic Kingdom parades. You can view my tips for parade viewing in a wheelchair here.
For more information for you can visit the Walt Disney World site for Guests with Mobility Disabilities and view the Guide for Guests with Disabilities for the Magic Kingdom online. You can also e-mail me at mel@chipandco.com
About the Author:
Melissa is a Disney enthusiast who writes about her experiences at Walt Disney World from the perspective of a wheelchair user. She started her blog, Disney on Wheels, to not only share her love for all things Disney but to give tips and advice to others who visit Walt Disney World with physical limitations.