For young and old alike, Disney Resorts and Parks are extremely accessible. Disney staff are trained to deal with disabilities and to be of assistance throughout the resorts and parks.

Disney now has a tool called the MagicBand that makes special needs travel at Disney even easier. The colorful wristband is an all-in-one device that effortlessly connects you to all the vacation choices you made. The MagicBand enables you to travel lighter. You use it to enter the Parks, unlock your Disney resort hotel room, and buy your food and merchandise. In addition, it gives you FastPass access to all the experiences you’ve selected. All you do is touch your MagicBand against a sensor called a touch point. This makes it much easier to concentrate on enjoying the fun.

When you enter each park it is advisable to check with a Host or Hostess. He/she will answer any questions you may have and give you an update on the goings on in the park that day.

Complimentary wheelchairs are available for travel to and from the accessible parking lot and the nearest wheelchair rental location. These courtesy blue wheelchairs are not permitted for use inside the theme parks.

Wheelchairs and electric conveyances (ECVs) are for rent in each of the parks. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis and may not be transferred from park to park.

Especially at busy times they may not be available. It is sometimes better to rent from an outside vendor to be sure you have what you need. Also, your own rental can go from Park to Park and is there for you to use wherever you want outside the Parks.

For the visually disabled, there are braille guides and maps. There are large print maps with braille overlay and raised graphics to highlight key landmarks and attractions. These are located in Guest Relations. There are audio descriptions of Disney’s Handheld Devices.

For the hearing disabled Disney’s Handheld Device amplifies sound through headphones or indication neck loop at specific locations. There is also handheld

Captioning at select attractions and you can also find video captioning and reflective captioning at many theater-type attractions. And you can request sign language interpretation with a minimum of 14 days advance notice.

Service animals are welcomed at Disney Parks. They must remain on a leash or in harness at all times and you must remain in control of your animal at all times. Cast members are not able to take control of the service animal. Service animal relief areas are available in all Parks. There are some attractions that service animals may not be permitted to ride, so be sure to check with a cast member.

Finally, you and your family can enjoy Disney. All it requires is some pre-planning and research. If you have a travel professional to work with, you will eliminate mluch of the stress that typically goes with planning a vacation.

So don’t sit home – get out there and make memories!!