A Wheelchair User’s Guide to Disneyland Paris

After more than 60 years in the theme park business, Disney know a thing or two about making all their guests happy, and that includes those with mobility issues.

Our Disneyland Paris package is hugely popular with our clients because the park has been designed around a model of accessibility, which makes it the perfect place for family holidays for disabled travellers looking for the thrills and spills of the very latest rides.

Accessibility Around Disneyland Paris

The park itself features wide, smooth walkways perfect for wheelchair access and, for those who might need additional mobility support, there are wheelchairs available to rent at the entrance.

There is an ‘Easy Access Trail’ around the park which is outlined on a special accessibility map to help your family members with mobility issues find the most accessible routes between rides.

All the toilets have accessible areas and at the Moteurs… Action! and Stunt Show Spectacular shows there are also toilets in which guests with mobility issues can be accompanied by a parent, partner or carer.

The many shops scattered along the main street and around the park all offer wheelchair access, as do the table-service restaurants (which have proven to be very popular with our clients). Some of the self-service restaurants have limited waiting space which could be challenging for wheelchair users, but staff should be on hand to offer assistance.

Rides and Passes

Most of our clients who book a Disneyland Paris break with us report that the thing that makes it the best of the theme park holidays for disabled travellers is the option to get a Priority Card for their family members with mobility issues. The card allows less mobile park visitors, and up to four helpers, to access attractions by specially adapted entrances and to use the timed reservation system – which means no waiting in the long queues the park is famous for.

One important thing to keep in mind is that each Priority Card holder must travel with at least one able-bodied person over the age of 18 who is able to aid them on the ride. Our clients tell us that the staff are quite hot on this so especially when we’re arranging a holiday for a larger family, we like to make sure there are enough able-bodied people to accompany everyone who wants to ride.

To get a Priority Card, disabled family members should simply visit the Donald Desk, City Hall or Studio Services with proof of their disability (a medical card/certificate or recent letter from your doctor, stamped and signed) upon arrival.

Accommodation

As you can tell, Disneyland Paris has worked hard to make its park a perfect destination for holidays for disabled travellers and we at Can Be Done will give you a guide to the very best accessible hotels in the local area. Disney Hotels offer a very limited number of adapted rooms, but the hotels in our own portfolio exceed their accessibility standards – and offer a truly magical experience for young and old!

• Vienna International Dream Castle Hotel

The 4-star Vienna International Dream Castle Hotel was built in the style of a French château as you can find them in the lush Loire Valley. It provides equally easy access, both throughout the premises and to the close-by theme park.

With so much thought having gone into making the Disneyland Paris a ‘dream come true’ for visitors with a range of mobility issues, let us put together the ideal theme park holiday for you and your family to make the most of every minute.

• Hotel Explorers at Disneyland

Be welcomed to a magical mansion of mysteries, hidden treasures and adventures! Located at the eastern end of Disneyland Resort Paris, this family accommodation option offers easy access to the park.

Philip Scott is the owner and founder of Can be Done, a fully licensed UK tour operator specialising in worldwide holidays for disabled individuals and groups. With over 31 years’ experience organising long and short breaks for disabled travellers, Philip has built a reputation for helping his clients select hotels and accommodation that offer high standards of accessibility, to ensure that those with special needs can experience truly relaxing and carefree holidays.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.