The Ultimate Wheelchair Accessible Guide to Orlando

There are a number of things that wheelchair users who visit the world-famous Disney should know about. First up is the Disability Access Service, which allows guests in wheelchairs to approach a specific ride and schedule a return time comparable to the amount of wait time the ride had when they approached. This means that if you go to a ride with a 45-minute wait time, you and an allotted number of people from your party can simply come back after 45 minutes and ride the ride.

Unfortunately, Disney no longer offers wheelchair users instant access to rides, due to reported abuse of the policy. Some rides do still have special entrances for wheelchair users, which can help you avoid crowds and often get you quicker access to rides. You and up to 5 members of your party can use these entrances.

To take advantage of the Disability Access Service, most people will need a card which is good for 60 days. You can obtain one at the Guest Relations office near the park entrance. Your wheelchair is considered enough evidence for you to be eligible to participate in the program.

Park maps as well as Disney’s Guide for Guests with Disabilities indicate which rides are wheelchair accessible. You can remain in your wheelchair for some rides, including Toy Story Mania, Jungle Cruise and Kilimanjaro Safari, but one important thing to note is that certain rides may require that you transfer from your wheelchair to another seat. You must do this on your own or with a family member, since Disney staff are not allowed to physically lift or help guests who need to transfer.

Most areas along Disney parade routes are accessible, as well. However, you and up to five members of your party can also take advantage of first come, first serve viewing areas which are designated for wheelchair users.

If you don’t want to bring your wheelchair, you can also rent a wheelchair or electric vehicle on a first come, first serve basis at any of Disney’s four theme parks. Wheelchairs cost $12 for one day or $10 per day for a multi-day visit and electric vehicles cost $50, plus a deposit. One thing to note is that you can’t transfer your wheelchair from park to park; you’ll have to rent a new one at each park. If you’re changing parks or will be visiting Disney for more than one day, make sure to hold on to your wheelchair rental ticket. This page lists all the locations in the various parks where you can rent a wheelchair.

Getting around Disney is easy for wheelchair users: the Walt Disney World Resort Bus System accommodates wheelchair travel, but to make things smoother, call them in advance and let them know where you’ll be staying and for how long. Disney’s monorail system is also accessible via elevator as well as the Disney World Resort hotels which feature ramps and elevators as well as courtesy wheelchairs and rooms specifically designed for wheelchair users.

Universal Studios makes things easy for those in a wheelchair. If you’re curious about whether you can ride a specific ride, consult Universal’s Rider’s Guide which you can download before coming. Copies are also available at guest services, resort reception desks, and wheelchair rental areas.

All waiting queues are wheelchair accessible, save for the Pteranodon Flyers line on the Island of Adventures, so you can experience the pre-ride show if there is one. While boarding procedures differ for each ride, you’re allowed to transfer by yourself or with the assistance of someone in your party. Universal staff aren’t trained or permitted to help you transfer. For some rides, you can even stay in your wheelchair.

Additionally, all shopping and dining establishments in the park are wheelchair accessible, and outdoor stages as well as parade routes will have clearly-marked areas reserved for those in wheelchairs with some streets in the park recently paved for easy wheelchair access. Special parking is available, but it’s still quite far from the entrance. However, the entire park transport system is completely wheelchair accessible – water taxis have ramps and buses have lifts.

To rent a wheelchair at the parks, visit the central parking hub or a location just inside the gates of the theme park. Manual wheelchairs cost $12, while electric cost $50 and are only available inside the park entrance. You can also rent a new, decked-out model with a canopy to shield you from the sun for $65. If you want to rent an electric vehicle, it’s a good idea to reserve one at least a week in advance by calling Guest Services at 407-224-4233, since they sell out before noon on busy park days.

One important thing to note is that while wheelchairs are allowed in attractions, strollers aren’t. If your child’s stroller doubles as his or her wheelchair, you’ll need to obtain a special pass from Guest Services that allows you to bring it in.

You can also get a Universal Orlando Attraction Assistance Pass, letting you pass to an alternate line if wait time is less than a half hour. Otherwise you’ll be given a time to come back when you can get right on the ride. One negative quirk about the pass is that you can only get one return reservation at a time.

ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER | 777 E Princeton St

Get your science on at the one and only Orlando Science Center, another fun and ADA accessible location. Some of their services include accessible parking on all floors of the parking garage, a number of wheelchairs to use free of charge inside the center, and accessible restrooms on all floors. You can get into the Dr. Phillips CineDome to enjoy some theater via Level 1 and Level 3. The special wheelchair seating level is on Level 3, and can be accessed via elevator from Level 1.

GIORDANO’S PIZZA | 6203 Sand Lake Rd

I’ve visited Giordano’s Pizza restaurant a number of times when I’ve been to Orlando and I think that it might be the best pizza in the world. It’s located conveniently near International Drive and boasts reasonably-priced sandwiches, salads, Chicago-style deep-dish pizzas, pastas, appetizers, and desserts. The restaurant is definitely wheelchair accessible, but they also do take-out and delivery if you’d rather enjoy your slice in your hotel room.

DISNEY SPRINGS | 1486 Buena Vista Dr
What was once known as Downtown Disney has come to life again as Disney Springs. Shopping, dining, and entertainment options abound here, and this location is likely on the to-do list of anyone visiting the famous Walt Disney World. To rent a wheelchair at Disney Springs, head on over to the Disney Marketplace area, where you can find Guest Services. You can rent a wheelchair for $12 per day or an electric convenience vehicle for $50 per day.

Disney Springs has valet parking on Disney’s West Side, and guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel can also arrive via Disney’s bus transportation, for free. Like all Disney buses, this bus will accommodate wheelchairs. Enjoy all of the neighborhoods – Town Center, The Landing, West Side, and Marketplace – without worrying about transport. The only negative is the crowds on particularly busy days.

Teeming with high-end stores, the Mall at Millennia is a must for anyone who loves to shop until they drop. If someone else is driving you there, you can be conveniently dropped off at any of the mall entrances, and if you’re coming on a charter bus, you can be dropped off near the food court at Entrance 4. Otherwise, parking for wheelchair users is available at each entrance. You can also head to the Valet Parking entrance if you’d like to borrow a wheelchair for your time at the mall. Just look for the Concierge in Grand Court and get ready to shop in a truly world-class establishment of over 150 stores.

LOCH HAVEN PARK | 777 E Princeton St
Covering 45 acres, Loch Haven is a cultural park as well as a natural one. Ringed by three beautiful lakes, you can enjoy excellent views here as well as visit Florida’s oldest and largest oak tree, nicknamed “The Mayor.” The park is also home to two theaters, four museums, and a ballet, science center, and garden club. The park’s accessibility got a major upgrade last year and saw it paved with smooth, concrete sidewalks allowing wheelchair users to enjoy increased access around the bowl of the park, as well as links from Loch Haven to the Orlando Urban Trail and the SunRail station stop at nearby Florida Hospital.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

I-Ride Trolley

If you’re traveling around the International Drive Resort Area, the I-Ride Trolley is accessible and features two spots for wheelchairs as well as an ADA-approved hydraulic lift system. Fare is $2.00 per ride, but drivers don’t carry cash, so you’ll need exact change.

Navigating this two trolley line transport system is simple: transfers between the two lines are free with Red Line trains coming every 20 minutes and Green Line ones come every half hour. The Red Line heads north and south along International Drive, while the Green Line begins in the Major Boulevard Business District and heads to Universal Boulevard before going to International Drive.

Public Bus System (LYNX)

Orlando’s public bus system, LYNX, offers fully accessible buses with hydraulic lifts and restraining belts for chairs. A single ride is $2.00 and bus operators don’t have change, so be sure to have exact change ready. You can also obtain a LYNX Day Pass for $4.50, a great price, or a 7-day pass for $16. LYNX buses run every 15, 30, or 60 minutes depending on the stop and route. To plan your trip and check out routes, go here.

Additionally, there’s a free circulatory bus called LYMMO which runs through downtown Orlando every five to ten minutes.

SunRail System

The new and modern SunRail commuter rail system serves Orlando and the area around it. Each car is fully wheelchair accessible, ADA compliant and even offers an accessible bathroom with grab bars. The trains are equipped with wheelchair lifts which measure 30” wide by 48” long, and each train has a conductor who can provide assistance. Once you’re on the train, the lower level features flip-up seats which can be used to make room for you and your chair. As a tourist, you’ll have to buy a limited-use ticket at the station where you plan to get on the train.

Mears Transportation

Mears, which operates in Orlando and Central Florida, offers shuttle van taxis which seat up to 11 people and are also wheelchair accessible. Spacious vans allow for plenty of room for your chair and your luggage. You can make your reservation online and get a fast quote for your services on their website as well.

Diamond Cab

Diamond Cab service is timely, dependable, and economical, especially if your party is large. They offer taxi service in wheelchair accessible vans to and from anywhere in the Orlando area. They also cater to the needs of individuals traveling alone who may need some type of assistance. Another great thing is that they’re available 24/7, so call 407-523-3333 to find out if they’ll meet your needs.

WHEELCHAIR REPAIR SHOPS

Quest Mobility Solutions | 3915 Colonial Dr

Trained technicians here can repair your wheelchair, including making minor adjustments and dealing with battery issues. Located at 3915 Colonial Drive in Orlando, they’re open 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, but emergency service is also available at 407-898-2998 .

Florida Mobility Products | 8451 S John Young Pkwy

Confident that their prices are the lowest anywhere, Florida Mobility Products is another great place to get your chair serviced. With a full line of repair parts, they’ll likely be able to solve your problem. They also rent scooters and wheelchairs for regular use or use in theme parks. Located at 8451 S John Young Parkway, they’re open Monday to Saturday and can be contacted at 1-866-363-3535.

Wheelchair Getaways | 1230 Almond Tree Ct

Rent wheelchair accessible vans with raised roofs or lowered floors as well as ramps or lifts and pick up or delivery service. Vans also feature wheelchair securement systems, hand controls, powered doors, air conditioning, and more. You can rent by day, week, or month and they offer 24-hour emergency assistance. Contact them at 1-800-242-4990 and view their rates here.

Mobility Works | 7444 Narcoossee Rd

The Mobility Works store is near downtown Orlando as well as the Orlando International Airport with a variety of vehicles available to rent to meet your specifications. Contact them at 407-495-1333.

Orlando Wheelchair Transportation | 6307 Hansel Ave

Orlando Wheelchair Transportation is open 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. Their Orlando location is 6307 Hansel Avenue, and you can call them at 407-438-8010 to obtain a van that meets your needs. They’ll drop off and pick up the vans, and you can get a price quote for your specific circumstances by filling out a form here.

All in all, Orlando is a very accessible place. Its attractions are some of the best in the world, and they make great efforts to accommodate wheelchair users. Public transportation is accessible and economical, and private wheelchair taxis are also available. Bask in the Central Florida sun and visit some of America’s top theme parks without any worries. And if you’ve been to Orlando, let us know your favorite accessible activity!