If there’s one place that combines boundless excitement, magical adventures, and endless joy, it’s Disney. These iconic destinations don’t just promise thrilling rides or the chance to meet your favorite characters; they also feature captivating resorts that mirror the parks’ charm.
The best part is that Disney has made great strides to ensure inclusiveness for all guests. For instance, Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS) allows visitors with disabilities to receive a return time for attractions instead of waiting in conventional lines.
Even Disney resorts have ADA-compliant rooms and amenities, ensuring every visitor, regardless of their mobility needs, can have a comfortable stay. In this article, we’ll explore the thoughtful accommodations and highlight the innovative features of these resorts, so you can make the most of your stay at any Disney park!
Evaluating Disney Resort Accessibility
Whether you plan on visiting Disneyland in California or jetting off to Disney World in Florida, it’s important to check out Disney resort’s accessibility features before making your reservation. Some of these essential features you should look out for include:
- Easy Check-In/Out: Pick resorts with accessible check-in counters or concierge services to assist with luggage and resort information.
- Accessible Rooms: Look for resorts that offer ADA-compliant rooms with accessible pathways, roll-in showers, bathroom grab bars, and visual alarm alerts for those with hearing impairments.
- Transportation: Ensure the resort provides accessible transportation to and from the theme park. This may include wheelchair-accessible buses, boat rides, or monorails.
- Dedicated Parking: Since vehicle sizes vary from compact cars to wheelchair-accessible vans, ensure there’s accessible parking near your resort with enough space to deploy your lift or ramp.
- Proximity to the Parks: Some resorts are closer to the parks than others. If mobility is a concern, consider selecting a resort that minimizes travel time and book a room with that “I-can-see-Mickey-from-my-room” vibe!
- Wheelchair Rental: Many resorts offer wheelchair or ECV (electric conveyance vehicles) rentals on a first-come, first-serve basis. Book those in advance to whizz around the park without any concerns.
- Accessible Common Areas: Consider resorts with accessible common areas, such as pools with chair lifts, convenient merchandise locations, accessible restrooms, and restaurants with spacious layouts and wheelchair-accessible tables.
- Service Animals: If you have a service animal, it’s essential to select a resort that accommodates your furry pal’s needs.
Top Disney Resorts for Accessibility
Below are some of the top Disney resorts for accessibility:
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa combines the charm of early California with thoughtful touches such as whimsical Chip ‘n Dale murals and Bambi-inspired art, making it a perfect home base for your Disney adventures.
The Disneyland resort offers wheelchair-accessible rooms with roll-in showers, hearing devices, and other amenities, including 55-inch smart TVs, Keurig coffee makers, and convenient USB ports. Plus, you get to pick your own view! Whether you want to gaze out at the courtyard, catch sunrise hues from the rooftop, or enjoy the vibrant scenes of the Downtown Disney District, they’ve got you covered.
The resort boasts three pools – the Fountain Pool, Redwood Pool, and Mariposa Pool – where you can soak up the sun, make a splash, or simply chill under California skies. For easy accessibility, a pool lift assists you in getting in and out of the water.
If you want to truly wind down, you can head to the Tenaya Stone Spa for relaxing stone massages, sparkle facials, and other face and body treatments. When staying at the resort, you can have character dining with Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures or Mickey’s Tales of Adventure Breakfast Buffet.
The best part about this Disneyland resort is that you’re in close proximity to the Downtown Disney District and enjoy 30 minutes early access to Disney California Adventure Park through a special entrance at the hotel. This means you can start your day of fun before the crowd even gets their first glimpse of the magic.
As for parking, Disneyland Resort has designated spaces in both the Mickey and Friends and Pixar Pals parking structures, so you won’t have any trouble finding a spot for your vehicle.
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Pixar Palace Hotel
If you’re dreaming of a stay where every room pops with Pixar fun, Pixar Palace Hotel is the place to be. Overflowing with the whimsical charm of movies like “Toy Story,” “Finding Nemo,” and “Up,” this resort transports guests to iconic Pixar scenes with its brilliantly themed rooms, lobbies, and eateries.
At this California Disneyland resort, you can book standard accessible rooms, accessible rooms with club-level service, and expansive story signature suites that are perfect for those traveling in a big group.
If you’re up for some aquatic adventure, head over to the Nemo-inspired rooftop pool deck on the third floor or book poolside cabanas for a more relaxed, sunny chill. And for those seeking a dash of friendly competition, the Pixar Shorts Court is another fantastic spot to play some interactive games.
When your stomach starts to rumble, go to the Great Maple Modern American Eatery or The Sketch Pad Café to satiate those adventure-stirred appetites. Plus, don’t miss the fireworks show on special nights — it’s like your own Pixar ending right from your window!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge in Orlando, FL, is known for its scenic savanna overlooks and close proximity to the Animal Kingdom theme park. This African-inspired resort features various rooms with accessible features such as 32-inch doorways, no carpeted floors, open bed frames, roll-in showers, and grab bars.
The Animal Kingdom Lodge provides accessible Disney bus transportation to visit the resort’s many wonders without a hitch. If you’re into swimming, you can visit the Uzima Springs Pool or Samawati Springs Pool. Your little Tarzans and Janes can also head to the Hakuna Matata Playground, next to the flamingo area and the savanna.
When the day turns into night, you can try Jambo House campfire activities, challenge someone at Pumbaa’s Fun and Games arcade, or snuggle up and watch your favorite movie by the Uzima Pool. As for the foodies, choose between Jiko —The Cooking Place, Boma, The Mara, or Sanaa for savoring mouthwatering, African-inspired dishes.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is one of the best hotels where the worlds of “Finding Nemo,” “Cars,” “The Lion King,” and “The Little Mermaid” come to life. This Florida resort has wheelchair-accessible rooms with roll-in showers, visual alarms, and hearing aid facilities. Plus, you get all the essentials, such as free WiFi for your endless scrolling needs, an in-room safe to keep your secret stash of Mickey cookies, a phone with voicemail, and a fridge for keeping those drinks chilly.
When in Florida, you can’t just skip the pool. For water activities, slide into the Finding Nemo-inspired “Big Blue Pool” or Cars-themed “Cozy Cone Pool.” If you’re into mermaid life, hit the “Flippin’ Fins Pool” to channel your inner Ariel and splash around in a sea of adventure!
As the sun sets, gather for heartwarming campfire activities near Pride Rock or catch a beloved Disney movie at the poolside cinema. For exercise enthusiasts, the scenic 1.38-mile trail around Hourglass Lake is perfect for jogging or wheeling around. If games are more your speed, the Pixel Play Arcade is your spot to challenge your friends and beat those high scores.
Hungry after all that fun? The Landscape of Flavors, with four themed dining sections, will make your belly cheer. And when it comes to getting around, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort has got you covered with its aerial gondolas, which take you to Epcot and Hollywood Studios while providing a bird’ s-eye view of Florida’s picturesque landscapes.
Plan Accessible Disney Vacation with Wheelchair Getaways
Regardless of the Disney resort you choose, one thing is for sure—you will have a fantastic time staying there. And if the thought of navigating those magical miles has you scratching your head, Wheelchair Getaways has your back.
With services available in more than 200 locations across the country, we make it a breeze for you to explore every magical corner without worries or transportation setbacks. Plus, some Wheelchair Getaways offer delivery and pick-up of your rental van to nearby airports, Disney-area hotels, or theme parks for an extra charge depending on availability.
Need to book a ride or want more details? Call us at (866) 224-1750, email us at info@wheelchairgetaways.com, or click here to get a rental quote and reserve your wheelchair-accessible vehicle for your next Disney adventure.