Magic for All: Exploring Accessibility at Walt Disney World

There’s something undeniably special about a day at Walt Disney World—but for wheelchair users, that magic can sometimes hinge on how accessible the parks really are. I recently had the chance to find out firsthand during a family trip, and I’m happy to say the experience was nothing short of magical, with just a few bumps along the way.

Thanks to my brother, who’s currently a cast member at Hollywood Studios as part of the Disney College Program, we were able to enjoy the parks for the day with a complimentary pass. It was also his birthday weekend, so the timing couldn’t have been better for a fun-filled day with family. Our plan? Start the day at Epcot, then park hop to end the night at Hollywood Studios.

Getting There and Getting Around

We decided to park at Hollywood Studios in the morning and take the ferry to Epcot. This way, we could avoid moving the car later and end our night right where we started. Finding ADA parking, however, proved tricky since the lot was nearly full—spring break crowds were no joke. Thankfully, a helpful cast member noticed our accessible vehicle and kindly let us use two spaces, giving us enough room to safely deploy the ramp.

Walking to the ferry was easy, and boarding it in a wheelchair was surprisingly smooth. Each stop had a ramp that created a seamless connection between the ferry and dock, making the boat ride both scenic and stress-free.

Exploring Epcot

Once we arrived at Epcot, I noticed the terrain was a bit more of a challenge. The park’s layout includes a mix of pavement styles, which made pushing through certain areas slightly difficult. Still, it was manageable and never stopped me from enjoying the park.

Since it was spring break and the Flower & Garden Festival, crowds were bigger than expected, but that’s part of the Disney atmosphere. We spent our time sampling food and drinks from around the world, watching a mariachi band perform, and snapping some beautiful photos. It was more of a relaxed stroll through the park than a ride-heavy day, which was perfect for us.

Back to Hollywood Studios

Later in the day, we hopped back on the ferry and returned to Hollywood Studios. We spent the afternoon exploring Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—a must-see—and then headed over to the amphitheater for Fantasmic!

Getting to the accessible seating area for the show started off easy but got a little tricky toward the end due to the massive crowd flow. It wasn’t unmanageable, but it did take some careful maneuvering through people. Once we reached our spot, we were rewarded with an incredible performance that capped off the evening perfectly.

Final Thoughts

From ferry rides to festival bites and breathtaking fireworks, Disney delivered. While there were a few minor inconveniences—mainly tied to the spring break crowd levels and slightly tricky terrain—the cast members, ferry accessibility, and overall experience made this trip feel inclusive and welcoming.

🟢 5 out of 5 rating. 

Disney magic is alive and well—for everyone.