Most Accessible Theme Parks

(Universal Studios in Orlando, FL in not mentioned here, but I found it to be even more accommodating than DisneyWorld)


Theme Parks provide fun in the sun for thousands of people during the hot summer months. They are great family friendly places that entertain parents and children alike. There are parks located near most every major city in the United States. Some of the most popular destinations are Cedar Point, Magic Kingdom, Disney Land and SeaWorld. Although these facilities are well-known for their family entertainment, they are also making strides to become the leading accessible theme parks in the country.



Cedar Point Park – Sandusky, OH

Cedar Point has become one of the most popular theme park destinations in the United States. Cedar Point’s accessibility is noticed as soon as one arrives at the gates. The park utilizes a special drop-off area directly in front of the main entrance for guests with mobility disabilities. Wheelchairs and motorized wheelchairs are available for rent on a first-come first-served basis. Patrons may recharge their wheelchair battery at no cost at the Park Operations office.

Typically, the park employs a no food or beverage policy; however, patrons with special dietary needs can bring in a cooler to accommodate such needs. The restrooms throughout the park grounds meet ADA standards and many feature at least one stall with handrails. Sign language interpretation can be provided with one week advanced notice. Although this service is not available at every attraction, it can be accommodated at a majority of theater shows. If a patron requires an assistive listening device, one can be rented with a refundable $20 deposit. Guests should check with Park Operations for locations that the device can be used.

If a guest uses a prosthetic limb, it must be secured safely for all rides. Due to extremely high speeds and force exerted on the riders, guests on the Maverick and Top Thrill Dragster must prove that the “prosthetic device has been designed to remain in place on a high speed roller coaster ride exceeding a maximum speed of 120 MPH (70 MPH for the Maverick) with maximum G forces from -1.5 G’s to 5 Gs with sufficient safety factor for single point failure.”

For clarification or further information, please contact Park Operations at 419-627-2301.



Disney World Magic Kingdom – Orlando, FL

Perhaps the pinnacle of the Disney Empire, Magic Kingdom in Orlando features dozens of rides, shows, games and other attractions for children and adults. The Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities is a great resource. Be sure to pick one up at the Guest Relations area inside the park. It contains detailed information about accessible areas as well as services for guests with disabilities.

In addition to accessible restrooms, Magic Kingdom provides an ample amount of companion restrooms located in many areas of the park. Refer to the Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities for specific locations of these facilities. Guests utilizing wheelchairs, or accompanied by a service animals are permitted to use a alternative entrance to an attraction. Additionally, the backstage area of an attraction can be used as a service animal relief area, provided that the owner cleans up after the animal. There are some areas that have limited accessibility including some restaurants. Ensure accessibility by consulting the Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities.

More information can be obtained from consulting the Disney World Access Guide or by contacting Guest Information at 407-939-6244.



Disney Land Park – Anaheim, CA

Children first fell in love with the Disney Land Park in California in the 1950’s. The park has come a long way since its inception and continues to make efforts to become more accessible. During your visit, City Hall on Main Street is the best resource for disability access.

Service animals are allowed in all areas of the park with the exception of select rides. Guest Assistance Packages include a pen and paper, and a flashlight can be picked up at no cost from City Hall. Park guides are available in Braille to guests with visual disabilities. A $20 deposit is required to secure the Braille guide and should be returned before leaving the park. Hand-held captioning devices are available for rent with a $100 deposit. Disneyland also offers a high-tech captioning system called Reflective Captioning. This system uses an LED display to project captions onto a panel in front of the user. The system is available in select areas throughout the park. Contact the staff at the desired location to inquire about availability.

For guests with auditory disabilities, assistive listening devices are available for rent from City Hall with a $20 deposit. Sign language teams are available for select attractions at no cost but must be requested one week in advance. There are also cast members trained in ASL available around the park. These cast members will feature an ASL pins on their nametag. Wheelchairs can be rented for $10. ECV (Electric Convenience Vehicles) are secured with a $35 fee. Both options require a $20 refundable deposit.

Please view the Disney Land Guide Book for Guests with Disabilities PDF for more information or contact Disney Resorts at 714-781-4565.



SeaWorld Orlando – Orlando, FL

SeaWorld has been a center for family entertainment for several decades. SeaWorld Orlando is one of the most accessible for all patrons in the country. The park has made sure most of the major areas of the complex are accessible. All restrooms and gift shops are accessible by wheelchair. SeaWorld Orlando offers a Guest Service desk to assist guests with disabilities. Wheelchair or ECV (electric Convenience Vehicles) can be rented from this area, although reservations are recommended. There is a reasonable charge for these services.

For people with hearing disabilities, paper and pens are available at each attraction in order for staff to effectively communicate with patrons. Assistive listening devices are also available at many locations throughout the park. SeaWorld Orlando also makes Guest Assistance Packets available to any guest upon request. The packet contains a pen and paper, flashlight and scripts to selected shows. Sign language teams are available at no cost; one week advance notice is required. In addition to the excellent accommodations for humans, service animals are treated well as well.

The Assistance Animal Kit can be obtained for free from Guest Services. The kit contains an assistance animal bandana, bags to assist in cleaning up after the animal, and water with a small bowl. Although the animal may not be permitted on all attractions, it will be permitted in every area of the park and on certain rides. There are also several accessible animal relief areas provided to take the animal.

For more information, contact Guest Services at 407-363-2400. You may also view the park accessibility guide PDF file here.




SeaWorld San Diego – San Diego, CA

SeaWorld San Diego offers a Guest Relations center with staff members available to answer any questions relating to accessibility. The staff can also help you plan your route around the park, making sure all desired areas are accessible. The Assistance Animal Kit is also available at Guest Relations. You may also pick up a park guide from this location which features a map and list of all accessible areas and amenities.

On the first Saturday of each month, SeaWorld San Diego offers American Sign Language interpretation at select shows and exhibits. The park can also provide ASL interpreters on any date at no cost with 2 weeks advance notice. Additionally, SeaWorld has ensured that all dining facilities are accessible.

SeaWorld San Diego instituted two great programs for guests with disabilities both young and old. Special private tours for guests can be arranged as long as they are requested at least 2 weeks in advance. Tour leaders have intensive training in assisting guests with both physical and developmental disabilities. Additionally, the Safe Return Program was incorporated to safely reunite lost guests with the rest of their group. See the Guest Relations desk for more information on this program.

More information can be obtained by calling the park at 1-800-257-4268 or you can also email Guest Relations at SWC.GuestRelations@SeaWorld.com.



All of these parks have taken steps to ensure that all guests can enjoy their visit. These facilities have demonstrated the desire to go above and beyond ADA compliance. By guaranteeing equal access to their respective properties, these popular vacation spots secure their spots at the top of the theme park world as well as the accessibility chain.