The Happiest (And Most Accessible) Place on Earth- PART TWO
We went to 3 parks (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and EPCOT) and had amazing experiences at all of them. First and foremost, I was struck by how well-maintained the paths and walkways throughout the parks were. The pathways were wide and smooth, which made it easy to navigate my power wheelchair without any difficulty. Additionally, the ramps and queues leading up to attractions were also very well-designed and were essentially barrier-free and had very few obstacles or challenges. I also appreciated the designated accessible seating at attractions. There were often sections reserved for guests with disabilities, which made it easy to find a comfortable and convenient spot to watch the shows or enjoy the rides. The staff at each attraction were also very helpful and knowledgeable about the accessible seating options, and they went out of their way to ensure that I had a great viewing or ride experience. You can check out some posts on the Quantum Rehab Canada Instagram page to check out some of these for yourself!
Another thing that stood out to me was the exceptional customer service provided by the Cast Members at Disney World. They were friendly, courteous, and always willing to go the extra mile to make sure that my visit was enjoyable. For example, when I was waiting in line for a popular ride, a cast member came up to me and offered me a bottle of water, which was a small but thoughtful gesture that made a big difference. They also try and keep the line waiting to a minimum for guests with disabilities, which is great! Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS) program was also an invaluable resource for me during my visit. This program allows guests with disabilities to receive a specific return time for attractions, which allows them to avoid long lines and wait times. This was especially helpful for me, as it allowed me to plan my day more efficiently, maximize my time in the parks, and ensure I would be able to ride along with my family members.
Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with how accessible Disney World was for power wheelchair users. From the smooth pathways and ramps to the exceptional customer service and helpful programs, the park truly goes above and beyond to ensure that all guests can have a magical and enjoyable experience. There is SO much to experience in Walt Disney World, that you can’t possibly do it all in one trip. We are excited to go back in a few years and see what other amazing improvements and innovations Disney has made to ensure that every single person has the trip of a lifetime at the “Happiest Place on Earth”!