Disneyland in a wheelchair. Whether you require a wheelchair on a full-time basis or simply need an extra set of wheels due to an injury or disability, this article is for you.
I have a physical disability and while I do my best to hide it, there have been times at Disneyland when I considered renting a wheelchair or scooter.
Actually, it was more like the day after Disneyland when my body wouldn’t work the way I wanted it to and I thought, “Man I should have taken it easier yesterday!”
Whether you have a wheelchair or scooter for daily use or are contemplating renting a wheelchair at Disneyland, we can get through this together. These Disneyland wheelchair tips are for you!
Disneyland in a Wheelchair FAQs
Do you have questions about visiting Disneyland in a wheelchair? We have answers! And please, help us continue the conversation in the comments below.
Should I use a wheelchair at Disneyland?
If you regularly use a wheelchair or scooter, you can skip this section because obviously you will still need your mobility device at Disneyland Resort.
But, if you’re like so many people traveling to Disneyland with an injury or limited mobility, please read this section and really consider if you should use a wheelchair at Disneyland.
This friendly Cast Member just might be the one to help you rent a wheelchair for your day at Disneyland. Or you can rent one before your trip here.
First, I have to take my own advice and tell you—forget what other people might think about you. Forget maybe even what you’ve thought of others using scooters or wheelchairs at Disneyland.
Think about your body, your health, and the long term effects a day (or several) at Disneyland Resort could do to you if you don’t have a wheelchair. Is sucking it up or walking worth the price you might have to pay in pain afterwards? In medical bills?
I mentioned at the opening of the article that I have a physical disability. I hate saying that. I hate it so much. I prefer to live in a sort of denial that I can do anything, that my rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t hold me back. But that’s a lie.
Rheumatoid arthritis does hold me back. Because of this autoimmune disorder, my body thinks my joints are a disease and attacks them. It’s left me without movement in my wrists, swollen and painful joints, a need for massive amounts of sleep (and caffeine to combat it) and weekly injections that help but still leave me nauseated for 2-3 days per week.
That said, I realize there may be a day when I need to use a wheelchair or scooter at Disneyland.
One look at me and you’d think, this lady doesn’t need a wheelchair.
Some days I am jumping on the trampoline with my kids and racing through Disneyland and others I am stuck in bed with so much pain I need help just to sit up. If you have a disability or an injury and you think you can just tough it out, I urge you to consider getting a wheelchair instead.
Maybe you can use the wheelchair or scooter for part of the day, or do one day with and one day without. I just don’t want you to pay a bigger price after your vacation.
I remember one time feeling super good and decided to try a new fitness class at my gym. I didn’t want to look different, so I pushed myself to do the high impact cardio.
I felt fine at the time, but a week later was still in so much pain, I finally had to visit the doctor. $200+ later, I realized high impact cardio is not for me.
Don’t push yourself to the limit. You’ll be having so much fun at Disneyland you might not even feel the pain coming on. Take it easy, use the tools provided and own that scooter!
Can I bring my own wheelchair to Disneyland?
Yes, you can bring your own wheelchair or ECV to Disneyland. This is a fantastic option because one, no rental fee and two you can bring it with you where ever you need it, including outside of Disneyland Resort.
If you only use yours occasionally and don’t wish to travel with it, keep reading for rental options.
How much is it to rent a wheelchair at Disneyland?
It is $15 per day for a manual wheelchair and $60 per day for an ECV rental at Disneyland Resort. View current pricing here.
- Sales tax and refundable deposit are an additional fee.
- Disneyland Resort wheelchair rentals are on a first come, first serve basis.
- Wheelchairs cannot be reserved in advance.
- You must be 18 years old, with valid photo ID to rent.
- Maximum ECV weight is 450 pounds.
- Maximum manual wheelchair. weight is 350 pounds.
Pick up your rental to the right of the Disneyland turnstiles or rent one beforehand and have it delivered to your hotel here.
Is there handicap parking at Disneyland?
Yes, there is handicap parking at Disneyland Resort; normal parking fees still apply and you must have a valid handicap parking pass to park in the designated spots.
You can even have your own, semi-private ride over to Disneyland from Mickey and Friends parking lot. Mickey Van is for those with mobility issues or other special needs, you don’t even need to be in a wheelchair to access Mickey Vans.
Mickey Vans are not available at this time. Please note there is a 15-20 minute walk from the parking structure to the main gates. I suggest dropping off anyone in your party with limited mobility at the Harbor Blvd. drop off location.
After you go through security screening look for the Mickey Van loading sign. Mickey Vans typically begin bringing guests over to Disneyland resort Gates about 30 minutes after Mickey and Friends parking lot opens. It is free and your entire party may ride together.
What Can I Ride at Disneyland?
The first thing people want to know about Disneyland in a wheelchair is, “Is it worth going? What can I ride anyway?” Yes, it’s absolutely worth going. And here’s why.
Many attractions at Disneyland Resort are wheelchair accessible. Some require a transfer, which we’ll discuss here in detail. Disneyland rides for wheelchairs and scooters.
Some attractions allow you to stay in your wheelchair or scooter for the duration of the attraction, and no transfer is needed. Others may require a transfer from ECV to provided wheelchair, as noted. Some require a complete transfer and are noted below.
Accessible Attractions on Main Street, U.S.A.
These are more attractions than rides, but there’s still plenty to do in this area of Disneyland Park.
- The Disney Gallery. Art exhibit featuring Disney inspired art and exibits from Disney Parks around the world. This is also a great place for relaxing and purchasing your own Disney art work to bring home.
- The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. Walt Disney was fascinated with Abraham Lincoln, and this stop is often included on the Walk in Walt’s Footsteps tour. Come inside this cool, air-conditioned theater and see the first Audio-Animatronics version of Lincoln which debuted in 1964 at the New York World’s Fair.
- Main Street Cinema. Enjoy classic Disney cartoons, simply detach the short rope on the side of the entrance turnstile to be admitted the theater.
- Main Street Vehicles
Disneyland in a Wheelchair rides in Tomorrowland
- Autopia. Enter through the standard queue and proceed around the tower to the lift, where a Cast Member will assist you to a transfer device.
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. Enter the standard queue and proceed through the door just prior to entering the loading zone, where a Cast Member will offer boarding instructions. ECV must transfer.
- Disneyland Monorail. Both stations in Downtown Disney and Tomorrowland offer wheelchair access via ramp or elevator.
- Disneyland Railroad. Wheelchair accessible stops include Mickey’s Toontown, New Orleans Square and Tomorrowland stations. Find wheelchair access in Tomorrowland Station via the exit ramp. Wait behind the yellow line for boarding instructions.
- Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage offers a unique, and much shorter wait time, viewing experience. Your entire party can join you in the viewing room for an alternate, no-transfer needed “ride.”
- Space Mountain. Enter through the attraction exit and follow the arrows to the left. Proceed to the attraction loading area and contact a Cast Member for boarding and transfer instructions.
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue. Inquire at main entrance about transfer accessible vehicle.
- Star Wars Launch Bay. Use the ramp at the entrance for admission.
- Tomorrowland Theater allows wheelchair access, no stairs required.
Accessible Rides in Fantasyland
- Alice in Wonderland. Proceed through the exit next to the Mad Hatter store. A transfer access vehicle is available to make the transfer smoother and easier.
- Astro Orbitor. Manual wheelchairs will enter through the standard queue for transfer. ECVs will enter through the exit ramp across from Star Tours and contact a Cast Member for boarding and transfer instructions.
- Casey Jr. Circus Train. Proceed through the exit, located across from the Village Haus Restaurant, and wait for a Cast Member for transfer and boarding instructions.
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Enter through the standard queue and prepare to transfer to a transfer access vehicle.
- Fantasy Faire to meet Disney princesses.
- “it’s a small world”. Enter through the standard queue and a Cast Member will direct you down the designated ramp; ECV will transfer to available wheelchair.
- King Arthur Carrousel. Enter through the entrance next to the standard queue for assistance.
- Mad Tea Party. Enter using the exit across from the Alice in Wonderland attraction and contact a Cast Member for boarding instructions. An accessible vehicle and transfer device are available.
- Matterhorn Bobsleds. Enter through the standard queue. Before approaching the shaded loading zone, a Cast Member will direct you to the transfer and loading area.
- Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. Enter through the access gate on the right side of the entrance for transfer instructions.
- Peter Pan’s Flight. Enter through the exit on the left of the attraction and contact a Cast Member for boarding instructions. Park your scooter outside of the attraction. A transfer access vehicle is available.
- Pinocchio’s Daring Journey. Enter through the exit gate and wait for transfer and boarding details. You may request a wheelchair accessible vehicle. Park scooters outside of the attraction.
- Pixie Hollow to meet Tinker Bell and her fairy friends.
- Royal Hall and Royal Theatre at Fantasy Faire.
- Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough provides a wheelchair-accessible alternate experience on the left hand side, near the exit, instead of going up stairs.
- Snow White’s Enchanted Wish. Enter through the exit, located at the right of the attraction entrance, Be prepared to transfer; you may request a wheelchair accessible vehicle.
- Storybook Land Canal Boats. Enter through the exit nearest the entrance and contact a Cast Member for boarding instructions. Prepare to navigate steps when boarding and disembarking the boat.
Disneyland in a Wheelchair rides in Adventureland & Frontierland
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Enter through the exit to the unload area and contact a Cast Member for boarding instructions and remain behind the yellow line. A transfer access vehicle is available.
- Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition
- Jungle Cruise. Enter through the exit and contact a Cast Member to request an accessible boat.
- Mark Twain Riverboat. Proceed to the access gate to the right of the turnstile or through the attraction exit for lower level access to the boat.
- Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island. Some areas are not wheelchair accessible, but be prepared to navigate dirt trails and board a raft for the ride to and from the island.
- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
Accessible Rides in New Orleans Square & Critter Country
Most attractions in New Orleans Square & Critter Country require a transfer from your wheelchair. Keep reading for more details.
- Disneyland Railroad. Wheelchair accessible stops include Mickey’s Toontown, New Orleans Square and Tomorrowland stations. Proceed up the exit ramp nearest the Haunted Mansion and wait outside the exit gate behind the yellow line for a Cast Member to provide boarding instructions.
- Haunted Mansion. Enter through the standard queue. When you approach the front porch, wait for a Cast Member for boarding instructions. A transfer accessible vehicle is available.
- Indiana Jones Adventure. Use the standard queue for transfer instructions prior to boarding.
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Enter through the standard queue to request an accessible vehicle. ECV must transfer.
- Pirates of the Caribbean. Enter through the exit near Blue Bayou restaraunt. Transfer is required.
- Splash Mountain. Proceed through the exit, located across from Pooh Corner. Wait for a Cast Member at the unload area for boarding instructions and transfer.
Disneyland in a Wheelchair rides in Galaxy’s Edge
As mentioned in my Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge article, wheelchair guests can enjoy both attractions at Galaxy’s Edge, as well as enjoy easy navigation through the land.
When Disneyland Park was built, queues were smaller and pathways were more narrow. Compare that to when California Adventure was built—massive walkways and every attraction queue can accommodate wheelchairs.
Mike Farnham of the popular Facebook group, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge says, “ADA Riders – You can enjoy BOTH rides just like everyone else. (maybe even BETTER!). Smuggler’s Run – there are stationary ‘pods’ (cockpits) for you to ride the ride. Not a part of the turntable, mounted to the floor. They are the same exact pod as the others, so you will have to xfr to a seat to ride. Not rushed to get in your seat like the rest. ** NOTE – since you are not on the turntable, technically the CM could make your ride last longer! Be nice to your CM and ask, who knows!?
Accessible Rides rides in Mickey’s Toontown
- Disneyland Railroad. Wheelchair accessible stops include Mickey’s Toontown, New Orleans Square and Tomorrowland stations. Wait behind the yellow line outside the west exit gates for a Cast Member to provide boarding instructions.
- Gadget’s Go Coaster. Proceed through the exit to the unload area and wait behind the yellow line for transfer.
- Goofy’s Playhouse. Enter through the standard queue and contact a Cast Member for instructions.
- Mickey’s House and Meet Mickey. Enter using the ramp to the right of Mickey’s House and enter through the standard queue.
- Minnie’s House. Enter using the ramp to the far right of the front yard and enter the standard queue.
- Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin. Enter through the FASTPASS queue and wait for transfer instructions. Park scooters outside.
What Can I Ride at California Adventure
California Adventure was built with wheelchair access in mind. Massive walkways and queues can accommodate wheelchairs and scooters alike.
Disneyland in a Wheelchair rides in Cars Land
- Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters (transfer access vehicle)
- Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree (transfer access vehicle)
- Radiator Springs Racers
Accessible Rides in Hollywood Land
- Animation Academy. Inside the theater, find the wheelchair symbol imbedded in the flooring for designated viewing areas.
- Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome
- Disney Junior Dance Party!
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! Enter through regular queue for transfer.
- Hyperion Theater. Elevator and ramps available for this Frozen broadway style show.
- Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! Enter the standard queue to request a wheelchair accessible vehicle. A separate loading area is available.
- Sorcerer’s Workshop
- Turtle Talk with Crush
Accessible Rides at Pixar Pier & Paradise Gardens Park
Most attractions at Pixar Pier require a transfer from your wheelchair. Keep reading for more details.
- Games of Pixar Pier
- Golden Zephyr Enter through the standard queue. Proceed to the elevator and take the elevator to the second level. Wait for Cast Member instructions and transfer access vehicle.
- Goofy’s Sky School. Enter through the standard queue for transfer. A lift is available upon exiting.
- Incredicoaster. Use the regular queue for a transfer access vehicle.
- Jumpin’ Jellyfish. Enter through regular queue for transfer.
- The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure. Enter through the standard queue. Proceed to the loading area and contact a Cast Member for instructions. ECV will transfer.
- Silly Symphony Swings. Enter through regular queue for assistance and transfer.
- Soarin’ Around the World. Enter through regular queue for transfer.
- Toy Story Midway Mania! Prepare to transfer from wheelchair or ECV by yourself or with assistance from your group. A transfer device is available for this attraction.
- World of Color
Disneyland in a Wheelchair rides in Grizzly Peak
Most attractions in Grizzly Peak require a transfer from your wheelchair. Keep reading for more details.
- Grizzly River Run. Use the standard queue, you will need to navigate steps when boarding and disembarking the raft.
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, although some areas are not wheelchair accessible.
Disneyland Stroller as a Wheelchair
It’s true that stroller size guidelines were updated in 2019.
Read all about Disneyland strollers here. Disney Officials would also like to communicate in regards to stroller guidelines, “Nothing has changed about how we make accommodations for guests with disabilities.
Stroller as a wheelchair allows younger guests to remain in their stroller throughout the queue, and/or access wheelchair queues via exit or other means. Inquire about a stroller as wheelchair pass at Guest Services. More about special needs at Disneyland here. For a printable PDF from Disney with a short guide, visit this link.
Let’s help build this resource, if you have tips or questions to share about Disneyland in a wheelchair, please continue the conversation below.
Where are the wheelchairs parked when one goes for a Disneyland ride? Can we be sure we’ll get it back after the ride (since it has a deposit)?
Hi Inah, they are usually kept right by the attraction so you can get to them easily once you get off. It’s typically in an area other people don’t pass by often and when they do, they’re ready to head to their next ride. I’ve never heard of a wheelchair being stolen.
Do people just in wheelchairs without the DAS pass still get a return time for some rides also or do only DAS get a return time?
Hey Lina, great question. At California Adventure every queue can accommodate wheelchairs, so if mobility is the only issue, you will use the regular queue. At Disneyland, there is a chance they would offer a return time based on the attraction, it’s wait time and Cast Member.
This is amazingly helpful! Thank you! I especially appreciate your comments about not overdoing it and weighing the later costs on your body and medical bills. It doesn’t make sense to worry about keeping up with the Joneses when you can wheel right past them ;). But seriously, this was so helpful and you are inspiring.
Are there charging stations at both parks for personal scooters?
Hi Lori, you can charge it at Disney’s ECV Rental location, even if you’re not renting from them. It’s located right outside of the Disneyland Park gates, near the stroller and wheelchair rentals.
I am taking my child that due to his disability tires easy. He can stand in short lines (20-30 min) but by midday will need some serious sitting time. Also due to his disability we might have to leave the line promptly. Will Disneyland let him ride a scooter?? He is 11. Or should I rent a wheelchair? We wouldn’t need it until he tires midday, so we would have to leave it parked somewhere. What do you think??
I am not sure about the age requirement for electric wheelchairs, I would check with the rental companies you’re looking at and see if they can accommodate but I would definitely do a wheelchair if needed.
Planning our 1st trip.
So here is my question was the MAXpass worth it for guests with mobility issues that do not qualify for DAS. We are frequent WDW guests and always used fast passes to avoid standing in lines. I know Maxpass won’t be an option for our upcoming trip but it’s my understanding genie + will be similar to the old program…any thoughts if it will be worth purchasing?
Hi there, I think we need to wait and see what is all covered with Genie+ and if you’re able to use both systems. In the past I know some like to make the most of their day and use both. More info to come!
Thank you so much for your work on this, Do you know anything about the security lines to get into the resort? Are there special lines for wheelchairs / ECVs at the checkpoints?
Hi Jennifer, security lines are the same for everyone. I hope you have a wonderful visit, let me know if there’s anything else you need.
This is ridiculously helpful. Thank you for being so thorough.
I am so happy you found it helpful. Please keep me posted after your trip so I can keep this as updated as possible. Would love to hear your experience.