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Tips for Vacationing with Mobility Disabilities

A young girl in a wheelchair and wearing a mask while riding Disney's Jungle Cruise ride.
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Planning a trip but worried about your mobility? You aren’t alone. Millions of Americans have medical conditions, weak joints, balance problems and other concerns that affect the way they plan vacations and travels. But with a little extra planning and assistance, you can still have a wonderful experience. Here’s how:

Plan Ahead

When making hotel reservations, request an accessible room. If you’re flying to your destination, alert the airline of any mobility problems. You should be given an airport wheelchair and an attendant to get you to your gate for free. Just remember that you’ll still need to go through security. To learn what to expect, call TSA Cares at Call855-787-2227.

Look at the Disney Parks map ahead of time to plan out your day and consider how much you’ll be walking or moving around. Many attractions and entertainment areas allow you to stay in your wheelchair or ECV.

Opt for Assistance

Consider using a mobility device to help you make the most of your visit. A cane, walker, wheelchair or scooter can give you the freedom to get around more easily and safely. It can also result in less fatigue — especially if your vacation will involve long days, hot weather or a lot of walking.

Wheelchairs and ECV rentals are available at each of the four Walt Disney World® theme parks. Please note that some attractions at Disney require you to transfer from your wheelchair or ECV into a ride vehicle.

Pace Yourself

We often want to pack as much activity as possible into each vacation day, but too much can be physically taxing and mentally draining. Make time for rest and sit down for meals. Consider breaking up activities by indulging in a midday nap. First Aid stations are located in all of the Walt Disney World theme parks should you need medical assistance or a place to rest.

Communicate Honestly

If you’re traveling with a group, it’s important to discuss your concerns. Making a plan together about the daily itinerary, what you need, and how others can assist you will make the trip go more smoothly — and help you have much more fun.

Learn more about Walt Disney World Resort services for guests with disabilities here.

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