July is disability awareness month! Although we prefer the word ‘differently-abled’ to ‘disabled’ this month is a great time to recognise those with disabilites – whether that be physical differences and medical conditions, sensory differences, neurodiversity or more. For the differently-abled planning a trip to Disneyland Paris, it can add an extra layer of stress. But the good news is that the parks offer a lot of services that support the differently-abled to ensure you have a great visit! So in this blog we’re drawing together everything that the parks and resort have to offer, so you can prepare for your perfect trip!

MagicALL

When looking at support for the differently-abled at Disneyland Paris, you’ll see the word MagicALL a lot. And it’s worth looking out for!

MagicALL is the name that Disneyland Paris gives their package of offerings to support the differently-abled. The premise behind it is that the magic of Disneyland Paris is for all. And we couldn’t agree more!

You’ll often see this around the resort to identify support for the differently-abled – particularly at alternative ride entrances. Each of the signs in the parks comes with a QR code – if you scan it you’ll be taken to accessbility information for that attraction and the parks. Pretty neat huh?

Discounted park tickets

One of the stresses of a Disneyland Paris trip is the cost! Those who are differently-abled know that managing conditions can be very expensive, and of course adding a Disney trip into the mix is another expense. But did you know at Disneyland Paris you can save 25% on your park tickets?

That’s right – if you’re differently-abled and qualify for the Priority Pass (more on that in a minute) then you’re also able to save 25% on your park tickets. This is for dated day tickets, and also for annual passes – so if you’re a frequent visitor to the parks then don’t miss this chance to save some serious cash on your trip!

To buy your discounted tickets click the link below: (please note that this is an affiliate link, so we will earn a small commission at no cost to you if you purchase through it).

Click here to save 25% on Disneyland Paris tickets for the differently-abled.

A couple of things to clarify here – the first is that you will need to be able to provide proof of your condition or neurodiversity when picking up the tickets. Generally speaking this is are documents like proof of receiving disability benefits, disabled parking badges, or identification cards like the National Disability Card.

Also the discount only applies to park tickets I’m afraid – not tickets with hotel packages. (On the bright side here with hotel packages tickets are often heavily discounted against buying them separately anyway).

Priority Pass and Easy Access Card

One of the major ways that Disneyland Paris helps their differently-abled guests is through offering the Priority Pass and Easy Access Card. These are both cards that support guests with navigating the crowds and that can help expedite queuing for rides.

Of the two, the more comprehensive is Priority Pass. As I mentioned above, this is a pass for those with recognised conditions or differences that impact how they will interact with the parks, and particularly that could make queuing or crowds difficult. To qualify for the Priority Pass you really need evidence along the lines of proof of receiving benefits, parking badges, or disability identification cards among other things. (Note: a doctor’s letter or medical certificate is not going to cut it!) Disney have a list on their website of what qualifies from different countries. I have a full break down of the Priority Pass in a previous blog – so please give it a read to learn more.

A brief overview of the benefits of Priority Pass are:

• Access to expedited lines for rides for the card holder and up to four people. For this you’ll normally access the ride either by the Premier Access line (if the ride has one), or via the wheelchair boarding area (typically at the ride exit but not always – ask a cast member if you’re not sure!)
• Access to special waiting areas for the theatre shows for the card holder and up to 4 people.
• Access to a special viewing area for the night time spectacular (Tales of Magic), parades and any large outdoor performances – for example the current daily finale for Disney’s Music Festival – for the cardholder and up to 2 people.
• Access to shorter lines in quick-service restaurants, or quicker check-in at table service restaurants (although the speed does vary a lot by restaurant)
• Access to quicker lines in shops if needed
• Ability to book return times for character meet and greets – but not those for characters offering virtual queues.

There are a lot of people with long term conditions that don’t qualify for the Priority Pass, and this is where you might qualify for an Easy Access Pass instead. For this pass Disney have a list of recognised long-term conditions on their website that means you can apply, and for this you need a medical certificate from the last 3 months stating you have a long term condition.

The Easy Access pass only really helps with rides, and for these what the pass allows you to do is to go up to the ride and book a return time (how soon that is will depend on on how busy the ride is, other bookings etc). When you return you’ll be shown to an expedited queue to board – again typically either the Premier Access entrance, or the wheelchair boarding area (often at the ride exit). Note that folks with the Easy Access Pass don’t get the other benefits like the show viewing areas or skipping queue lines in restaurants or shops. But this card can still be great for avoiding some of the worst lines!

Over the years due to changes in our medical conditions we’ve used both cards. Obviously the Priority Pass is the more comprehensive option and if you qualify we’d really recommend applying for one, but both can be very helpful for those that need them. You can apply via the Disneyland Paris mobile app or website a month or less before your trip (you can also apply in person but it tends to be quicker if you apply in advance). When you pick up your card either at your hotel, the annual pass desk outside the Walt Disney Studios Park, or the Guest Services desks outside Disneyland Park, you’ll need to show proof of qualifying for the pass before being able to collect it. So please don’t apply for the cards if you don’t qualify – you won’t get one, and frankly if you try and take advantage of a service that’s for those that really need it then you suck.

Accessing the park attractions

The attractions at Disneyland Paris range from theatre shows, to gentle boat rides, to immersive dark rides and wild rollercoasters. Plus there’s the characters and walk through experiences to boot. But how do you access the attractions if you’re differently-abled?

Essentially the attractions in the park fall into set accessibility categories, particularly for those who have physical or mobility differences.

• Fully accessible attractions where guests in wheelchairs do not need to transfer and may stay in them throughout – This is the case typically for the shows and character meet and greets, and some of the gentler rides where there’ll be special vehicles you’ll be able to take a wheelchair on. These vehicles also provide level boarding access for those that might struggle with the steps up and down needed to board other rides. Some of the walk-through experiences also fit into this category, but you might need to take a lift to access them. This includes the Mysteries of the Nautilus and the Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough. (The dragon under the castle can be accessed by a flat path via the side of the castle).
• Attractions where guests need to transfer to a ride vehicle – this is the case for many of the rides in Disneyland Paris. If you access the rides via the wheelchair entrance, you’ll be taken to an area where you can often have extra time to board. If you need extra time to board, particularly for rides that are continually moving like Phantom Manor, do mention it to a cast member as they can normally slow down or stop the ride for a brief period for you. Two things to note – on some of the rides Disney do ask that people are able to transfer to a ride vehicle within a certain amount of time – this is essentially not to the hold the ride up too much. The other important thing to note is that Disney’s cast members are not allowed to lift anyone or help them transfer – that needs to be done either unaided or with the help of another person in your party. Essentially this is because the cast members don’t want to hurt anyone when they’re not trained to lift them! (Also the cynical part of me suspects this is because Disney wants to avoid law suits with injuries due to incorrect handling).
• Attractions where guests need to be able to stand and walk – While these are thankfully few and far between, there are a few attractions or bits of attractions that require people to be able to walk and climb stairs. Notably this includes the Swiss Family Robinson’s Treehouse, the castle in the Alice in Wonderland maze, and the upstairs areas of Legends of the Wild West (although that’s been blocked off for months so no idea if it’s coming back). We actually did a whole video on attractions with stairs – watch it below!

A couple of extra things to note when it comes to attraction accessibility. If you have a Priority Card, it will be given a colour that is assigned depending on what answers you gave to questions when you applied. The colour of your card will then inform the cast members if you need to be directed to the accessible entrance, if you need extra time to board, or if you need to remain in your wheelchair. It’s a handy quick guide for the cast members, so make sure you answer those application questions carefully!

Also, make sure you check a ride is right for you by checking the ride warnings in advance – some rides are rough enough to aggravate any number of conditions! In theory if Disney cast members suspect you aren’t going to be able to manage the ride they can refuse access, but really the onus is on you to check if a ride is suitable for your needs. We actually did a previous blog all on ride warnings – read it here.

Accessibility maps

It’s worth noting that on the Disneyland Paris website are accessbility maps. These not only highlight important service locations like first aid, but also details the access conditions for each of the attractions.

Click here for the map for Disneyland Park and click here for the Walt Disney Studios park map.

Wheelchairs and mobility aids

Disney has made a lot of effort to make sure that Disneyland Paris is very accessible. As noted above, many attractions are set up so you can stay in wheelchairs if you use them, and for others they have flat access making it easier for those with mobility differences to access the rides (with just the transfer to the ride vehicle).

I also want to note here that all the restaurants and shops are also accessible to those with mobility differences. In some cases there may be narrower queuing areas to order food, but cast members will be happy to help or direct you to a suitable queue. Each of the quick service restaurants have at least one lower counter for ordering food and collecting, and larger tables with one clear side to allow wheelchairs to park up (or for you to park something like a walking frame). Shops also will typically have at least one lower counter where people can be served regardless of their mobility differences. So thankfully apart from a select few attractions with stairs a wheelchair or mobility aid isn’t typically a barrier to the parks!

It’ll add that there’s a lot of wheelchair accessible toilets around too, although as these are often with the regular toilets other guests might be using them. If you need more space in a restroom (say to help someone else using the toilet) then look out for the companion restrooms – they’re not at every toilet block but there’s a few around. And at first aid there is a changing places spot for those that need that.

When it comes to wheelchairs you’re welcome to bring your own, or you can hire them in the parks. You won’t be able to hire other mobility aids though like walkers or crutches, so bring them with you! It’s also worth noting that you can’t hire mobility scooters / ECVs in the parks. They’re actually a lot less common in France and they’re not even allowed on the shuttle buses to the hotels! (Although the resorts are a quick walk / wheel away so hopefully not too much trouble). As such if you’d like to use an electric wheelchair or scooter, either bring your own or arrange to hire one from an outside company.

If you have to transfer from a wheelchair to get on a ride, cast members will ensure it’s waiting for you when you disembark. This is the same for the other mobility aids like walkers and crutches. While you may be able to take things like walking sticks on some rides don’t be surprised if cast members take them from you – they don’t want to risk them getting dropped off the edge of the ride!

Also a note when it comes to navigating the parks – keep your wits about you. Sadly a lot of people are completely heedless of wheelchairs or mobility aids in the parks, and can walk in front of or into them. Some patience and persistence might be needed! On the flip side though we’ve also seen wheelchairs barreling into people because the folks in them or their group weren’t paying attention (and sadly in a couple of instances deliberately running into people to make them move). Hopefully no one reading this needs this reminder, but the parks are really for everyone so a bit more awareness on all sides could be helpful! I’ll also add to this to leave ample time to get to certain places by certain times – like the accessible viewing areas for the parades or shows. Once an area is packed out with people there’ll be little space to move and there’s not much cast members can do to help here sadly!

Help for guests with sensory differences

If you have sensory differences such as hearing or vision loss, then the good news is that the parks are equipped to help you too!

Here are some of the services available for those with sensory differences:

• Service dogs are allowed in the parks and resorts (more on that in a bit)
• Audio spot app – This is an app that can provide audio description throughout the parks for guests with visual differences. As well as describing attractions and synching with some shows, it can also audio describe the menus in restaurants and areas in the hotels too. The app is free to use and provides information in 13 languages currently!
• Virtuoz tactile and audio maps – These are special tablets given to guests that provide tactile and audio maps of the parks. There’s no need to prebook – just ask for one at guest services. You will need to provide your own headphones though!
• Induction loops – Shops and quick-service restaurants normally have at least one counter with an induction loop, to assist guests with hearing differences and who are using hearing aids.
• Sign language performances – the shows typically offer select performances in sign language (these shows will be listed in the app). It’s worth noting that this is French sign language only.
• Hotel assistance – Disney resorts can provide guests with hearing differences with a special kit for their room to ensure they can interact with everything in there safely – including visual cues for something like the fire alarm going off!

Navigating the parks with neurodiversity and mental health conditions

Disneyland Paris can be a lot to take in for many people – sights, sounds, smells, and crowds! Throw into the mix something like neurodiversity, or a mental health condition, then what’s a lot for most people can quickly become too much!

Thankfully both neurodiversity and mental health conditions are recognised for the Priority Pass, so for those that qualify it can be a great help. Disney have also helpfully created what they call their Blue Book. This is a guide to navigating the parks aimed at those with Autism or cognitive differences, and includes a guide to each attraction including whether it’s likely to be loud, very visually stimulating etc. It also provides information on how to take breaks from the crowds, where to go to help, and more. I think it’s actually really helpful for anyone approaching the park with neurodiversity, cognitive differences, or mental health conditions that could be triggered. Access the Blue Book for Disneyland Paris here.

We also did a blog with advice for those prone to sensory overload on navigating Disneyland Paris, so please give that a read for more information – you can access the blog here. I will add that if there’s things you can bring to help make the parks more manageable such as fidget toys or ear protectors then bring them! It could make all the difference to your day.

Service animals at Disneyland Paris

If you have a service animal, then the good news is that they’re very welcome at Disneyland Paris!

Service animals are allowed in shows, shops, restaurants, and resorts around Disneyland Paris. They can also accompany you in ride queues, but they might not be able to go on the rides – and where this is the case it’s up to you or someone in your party to watch them! In the resorts it’s also worth noting that service animals are not allowed in the pools, but there are crates you can put them in if you like.

A few of things to note about bringing your service animals to Disneyland Paris. The first is that you will need to bring proof of their vaccination, and proof that they’re a service animal – so no trying to pass off Fido as a support animal I’m afraid! Disneyland Paris also don’t sell anything in the way of food, water or other supplies for your furry friend, so you’ll need to bring that with you. And Disney notes that service animals can use the gardens to relieve themselves, but ask that guests clean up after them when they can.

If you choose not to take your service animal into the parks with you, you can leave them at the Animal Service Centre in guest parking for the day free of charge. But note that capacity is limited so there’s no guarantee they’ll be able to fit in!

Resort accessibility

Outside the parks, Disneyland Paris have also tried to make their resorts as accessible as possible.

A major offering here are accessible rooms that are equipped for wheelchair users and those with mobility differences. To book one of these rooms you do need to ring Disney – and we’d strongly recommend doing that! Some of the older resort buildings (at Hotel Cheyenne for example) don’t have lifts, so make sure you book what you need to make your stay accessible. The last thing you want is to discover when you arrive is that you’ve been put on an inaccessible floor, or the room isn’t suitable!

I mentioned earlier that the resorts offer kits for guests with hearing differences to use in their rooms, they can also offer large button phones for those with visual differences. Either request these when you book or ask at reception.

You should also find check-in desks and check-outs in the shops at a lower height for those with mobility differences, and / or with induction loops fitted. Reception can also store any medication that needs to be kept refrigerated for you, and can also offer sharps bins where needed. And there’s even special welcome kits for service animals!

Finally in the pool areas there should be hoists to help those with mobility differences get in and out of the pool, and a possibility of borrowing a wheelchair better suited to the slippery surface around the pool too. And there’s specially adapted changing rooms!

So there we have it – an overview of the services for the differently-abled at Disneyland Paris. As you can see there’s a lot! Disney could update their offerings at any time so we really recommend checking out the Accessbility pages on the Disneyland Paris website before your trip so you’re up to date with everything. We’ll be sharing a lot more blogs with information for the differently-abled so please do subscribe at the top of the page, and check out our YouTube channel as we’ll be offering vlogs on the topic too. Above all we hope you, differently-abled or otherwise, now have the confidence for an amazing trip to Disneyland Paris!