A MagicALL Day… 
Disney World, in Florida, was the first big trip we did as a family with disabilities. While I’ve heard complaints that some rides require a transfer, Disney makes it pretty easy to navigate most of the park with wheels.
Disneyland Paris was no exception to this standard. We felt welcomed and included, and it was an easy day! To make your day as seamless as possible, here’s all you need to know…
Priority Card
Similar to the access pass available at other theme parks, Disneyland Paris offers a Priority Card that allows wheelchair users (and others with recognized disabilities) priority (not immediate) access to attractions, shows, parades, Selfies Spots, restaurant and shop checkouts. To receive your card, you need to present an original document issued by the government or medical authority identifying your need, and your ID. Apparently in many parts of Europe people are issued a disability card that serves as a secondary form of idea for situations just like this – that works. We don’t have those in the States, so I brought the signed letter of disability from my doctor that we used for applying for Medicaid.
Do not forget to bring both your letter of disability and your ID, or you may not be issued a priority card. I’m used to using my ID for my six year old, but that was not acceptable here. It needs to be a matching ID to the disabled person.
The best way to get your Priority Card is ahead of time online! That way, you won’t have to worry about having the right documents on the spot.
You can also get your card at Guest Services, Counter 2, just before the park entrance, or at Town Hall, just inside the park on the left. The line outside the park is significantly shorter than inside. If you haven’t purchased your tickets in advance, you’ll want that line to get your disability discount, too!
When you apply for your card, you’ll go through a short questionnaire to help determine if any rides are not suitable for your needs, and what type of assistance you may need in an emergency.
Disneyland Paris also has Easy Access cards for people with chronic illnesses who may not qualify for the Priority Card.
Disability Discount
Disneyland Paris is the only Disney park to offer a discount for both the disabled visitor and a companion. With your accepted proof of disability, you’re both eligible for 25% off of admission. The only way to purchase tickets with this discount is on the day of, either from your Disney hotel or at Guest Services, Counter 2, at the park entrance (Counter 1, if you’re heading to Walt Disney Studios).
You can get discounted tickets for the rest of the family through AttractionTickets.com.
(**Another budget option is Go City’s Explorer Pass, which I talked about in my accessible Paris post! Disneyland is an included attraction.**)
Ride Access
We were able to roll through most of our day without needing to transfer, but my kids are also too young to care about roller coasters! You can check out an accessibility map ahead of time, if you’re worried about what you will or will not be able to do. Aladdin’s Carpet, It’s A Small World, Buzz Lightyear’s Laser Blast, were without a transfer.
Selected attractions also have a transfer board available, to help with getting from your chair to the ride.
Each ride is clearly marked at the entrance, so that you know what is needed, and where the wheelchair access is. Wheelchair users enter through the exit on most rides, but not all. Even if the line looks like one you could fit in, always follow the wheelchair entrance signs. There were often a few stairs tucked somewhere in the line!
Amenities
Overall, Disneyland Paris has it together and you don’t need to worry. Shops, restaurants, and restrooms were easily accessible. There are no adult-size changing tables, but there are nice private spaces in the baby care center, or in any of the park’s first aid centers, where you can figure out different needs.
Wheelchairs can be rented at the Stroller/Pushchair and Wheelchair Rental shop, located by the Disneyland Park entrance at Town Square Terrace.
Any souvenirs purchased before 3:00 PM can be left in the shop for the day and picked up on your way out of the park after 6:00 PM.
Getting There
The RER takes you directly to the park gates – it also happens to be the only fully wheelchair accessible Metro option in the city. We had to take a bus to the RER, since there wasn’t an accessible connecting point from our direction. If I did it again, I would probably use Uber. The cost wasn’t that much higher (for my party of 5), and it would have saved a lot of time and hassle.
We downloaded CityMapper to help us map a step-free route.
There is also handicap parking available at the park, if you take your own vehicle.
Planning Your Day
Did you know Paris has two Disney parks? Disneyland Park and Walt Disney’s Studios are right next to each other, with Paris’ version of Disney Springs just in front of the two. We only did the Disneyland park. That means we missed out on a lot of the Pixar and Marvel themed rides and attractions. I’ve read so many articles saying that you can do the whole park in a day. You can, but one park is really only half of what’s available! Look at both parks to choose what’s best for your family, or make time to do both if you’re big Disney fans!
The park layout, rides, and meal options are similar to other Disney parks. I recommend the Disneyland Paris App for finding your way through the park, keeping an eye on crowd sizes, and finding your next meal.
If you’re heading to Paris, don’t miss our accessible guide to the city!
