Walt Disney World’s Accessing Attraction Queues for Guests with Disabilities
Learn more below concerning how Guests with disabilities can access attractions queues while in the theme parks. Walt Disney World Resort offers a variety of programs and services that assist Guests in accessing attraction queues.
The programs described below provide accommodations that may be required to meet specific Guest needs. Guests with disabilities can learn more about these programs, including how they operate and whether they may be eligible, through a personalized conversation with Accessibility Services.
Some of these options are available only at select attractions. We encourage all Guests to be familiar with the programs described below because they may provide valuable assistance in navigating attraction queues.
Here are a few tips and techniques to manage waiting in queues:
- Encourage other members of your party to help create space around you in line to make it more comfortable.
- In a theme park environment that requires additional walking or standing, bring a mobility device such as a wheelchair, ECV, walker with a seat or a cane chair.
- Bring a sensory toy or a calming item—such as a stress ball, favorite device or activity like a tablet, video game, comic book or another item that may be calming or distracting while waiting in a queue.
- Grab a snack or drink to enjoy while waiting in a queue. Just be sure to finish it before boarding the attraction.
- Break up the day with other offerings at the Resort that don’t require waiting in a queue, such as entertainment, and check the tip board in the My Disney Experience to visit attractions with lower wait times.
- For comfort, consider packing items such as a sweater or jacket, sun protection or a hat.
Below is a list of options to assist Guests in accessing attraction queues:
- Attraction Queue Re-Entry or Meet-Up
- Rider Switch
- Single Rider
- Disney Genie Service
- Disability Access Service
- Stroller as a Wheelchair Tag
- Navigating Queues with Service Animals
If it is determined that a Guest is misusing or abusing any accommodation, the Guest will be permanently barred from entering Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort, and any previously purchased Annual Passes, Magic Key passes, tickets and other park products and services will be forfeited and not refunded.
Attraction Queue Re-Entry or Meet-Up
Guests with specific needs that may arise while waiting in an attraction queue may exit the queue while the rest of their party waits in the queue. The Guest may then re-enter the queue prior to boarding the ride. A Guest may also wait outside the queue and meet up with their party before boarding the ride if needed based on the nature or condition of the queue at a particular attraction and the Guest’s specific needs. Every attraction has a defined process to support these options.
How to Use Attraction Queue Re-Entry or Meet-Up:
To leave and Re-Enter a queue…
- At the entrance of the attraction, talk with a Cast Member to learn about exit options should you need to leave the queue.
HELPFUL HINT: If you already know how to exit the queue, then you don’t need to speak with a Cast Member prior – just join the queue. - In the event your specific need requires you to leave the queue, simply exit while the remainder of your party stays in the queue.
HELPFUL HINT: If you need someone to help you – they can leave with you while the remainder of your party waits in the queue.
HELPFUL HINT: If you are traveling alone or with party members who can’t be left alone in the queue, please contact Accessibility Services prior to your visit. - When you are ready to return, go to the front of the attraction and let a Cast Member know that you are using the Attraction Queue Re-Entry accommodation and need to regroup with your party in the queue.
HELPFUL HINT: You don’t need to discuss your reason for needing to leave the queue. - The Cast Member will help you meet your group to ride together.
To Meet Up with your party that has been waiting in the queue…
- At the entrance of the attraction, the members of your party joining the queue should ask a Cast Member at what point they should let you know it’s time to join them.
HELPFUL HINT: Other members of your party must join the queue, and you should make sure your party can call or text you to meet up. - When your party lets you know that it’s time for you to join them, go to the front of the attraction and tell the Cast Member you are using the Attraction Queue Meet-Up accommodation and need to meet up with your party in the queue.
HELPFUL HINT: You don’t need to discuss your reason for waiting outside the queue with the Cast Member at the attraction. - The Cast Member will help you meet your group to ride together.
Rider Switch
With Rider Switch, Guests take turns experiencing an attraction. One party waits outside the queue while the remainder of their party waits in the queue. Once the first party returns from riding, the waiting Guest(s) may board the attraction without having to wait in the standard queue.
Rider Switch is appropriate in the following situations:
- A Guest in the party either does not meet the boarding requirements or does not plan to ride but cannot wait outside the queue alone.
- A Guest has a service animal that cannot board the attraction, or they do not wish to use a provided kennel.
- A Guest is unable to experience the queue based on the nature or condition of the queue at a particular attraction in light of the circumstances and the Guest’s specific needs.
Rider Switch is available at most attractions throughout Walt Disney World Resort.
How to Use Rider Switch
- At the entrance of the attraction, with your entire group present, let a Cast Member know you are interested in the Rider Switch option.
- Your group will divide into two (2) parties:
- “Party A” will enter the queue and ride the attraction first,
- “Party B” will wait outside the queue (with a maximum of two ([2]) people riding next)
- A Cast Member will scan the admission media or tickets of Guests in Party B and let you know where to return when it is your turn to ride.
HELPFUL HINT: Feel free to wait in a comfortable spot or grab a cool drink while you wait – just make sure your party lets you know when they’ve finished riding. - After “Party A” rides the attraction, any Guests from “Party B” (a maximum of two ([2]) people) who wish to ride should head to the return location entrance as provided by the Cast Member who scanned your admission media/tickets.
- At this point, any Guests from “Party B” who are riding the attraction will have their admission media/tickets re-scanned by a Cast Member to use the Rider Switch entrance and board without waiting in the standard queue.
HELPFUL HINT: If Party B is only one Guest, one Guest may re-ride the attraction with them, while Party A waits with any Guests who are not riding.
Single Rider
Single Rider is a program available to all Guests. Single Rider queues are often shorter than the standby queue and contain fewer sensory elements than the standby queue. Single Rider is a service that allows groups to split up and experience select attractions individually. Keep in mind, parties will be separated and will likely not ride the attraction with a member of their party but will enjoy the attraction with other Guests with a shorter wait.
Single Rider is available for a Guest who:
- Prioritizes shorter wait times rather than riding with their party, and
- Meets the minimum boarding requirements
How to Use Single Rider
A Cast Member will direct Guests to the designated queue, where the party will be separated to fill remaining seats that aren’t occupied by Guests utilizing traditional queues.
HELPFUL HINTS:
- Immediate boarding or choice of seat is not guaranteed
- Single Riders must meet all boarding requirements
- Special seating requests may not be accommodated
- Participating attractions and wait times may vary
- This service is subject to availability, and not available at every attraction
Disney Genie Service
Disney Genie service is a program available to all Guests.
Our complimentary Disney Genie service helps Guests enjoy more of the magic during their theme park visit with 2 easy-to-use features.
The My Day feature displays booked theme park plans for the day in one place. Plus, it provides personalized recommendations customized to pre-selected preferences.
The Tip Board displays estimated wait times, mobile order food options and available dining reservations, and offers the ability to request to join an available virtual queue.
Learn more about Disney Genie service.
Disability Access Service (DAS)
DAS is one of our programs offered at Walt Disney World Resort theme parks intended to accommodate those Guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.
Guests may have a conversation with a Cast Member via live video chat to determine eligibility for DAS. There is not an in-person option to request DAS Registration, although guests may register via live video chat up to 30 days in advance up to and including the date of their park visit, if necessary.
“Stroller as a Wheelchair” Tag
A “Stroller as a Wheelchair” tag is for Guests with disabilities who use their stroller as a mobility device. This tool allows a Guest to treat their stroller as a wheelchair and keep their device with them in attraction queues.
“Stroller as a Wheelchair” tags are available for a Guest who meets one of the following:
- Is a child with a disability who uses their stroller as a mobility device in lieu of a traditional wheelchair
- Is a child with additional medical equipment who needs a way to transport their equipment while in a queue
- Is an adult with a mobility disability who uses a stroller as a mobility device to assist with walking
How to Use a “Stroller as a Wheelchair” Tag
- Please visit Guest Relations for additional information about this tool. If appropriate, a “Stroller as a Wheelchair” tag may be issued.
- Guests who are issued a “Stroller as a Wheelchair” tag may enter the queue using their device.
Navigating Queues with Service Animals
Service Animals are welcome in all attraction queues.
Due to the nature of some attractions, service animals may not be permitted to ride. Please ask a Cast Member at these locations about available options.