Handicap Parking Locations at the Theme Parks

[StitchInCT]

Hello,

This will be my family's first trip to Disney World where we do not stay on property and will be using a rental car to park in the parking lots. My mother requires a wheelchair because she cannot walk long periods at a time. So we will be using the handicap accessible parking areas at each of the 4 parks. I have read online that each park's handicap parking is very close to the entrance. Does anyone have an actual location, using landmarks for how close to the entrance it is at each of the parks? In other words, where do we end up after leaving the parking lot in each park.
Also, where and when do I pay for parking, will there will be a booth (do they accept credit cards?) that will direct us towards the handicap parking location within the lot? Is there an extra fee for handicap or is it the base $20 fee?
I just want to be prepared for our trip.

Thank you so very much for any information (and advice) you can provide for my family and I.

 

[rob0519]

Here is the official parking description from the WDW website. I can tell you from experience that "a short distance from the entrance" is relative. If you're traveling with your own wheel chair, the Disabled Parking spots are closer to the entrance. There are supposed to be Courtesy Wheel Chairs available for use to help guests get inside the park where you can rent a wheelchair for the day. However, sometimes they are none available and the walk can be a little long based on the individuals tolerance for walking. (If you're parkhopping, save your receipt and won't have to pay for a chair at the second park).

At all parks the route to the Disabled Parking spots are marked by a blue line on the pavement. Simply display your plague and follow the blue line. There should be a castmember or two along the way to point you in the right direction.


Parking for Guests with Disabilities
Designated parking areas are available throughout Walt Disney World Resort for Guests with disabilities. A valid disability parking permit is required.


Theme Park Parking
Guests with the ability to walk short distances and step onto courtesy trams should park in the main parking lots of Magic Kingdom park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. Courtesy trams will then transport Guests to each theme park’s Main Entrance.

Disability Parking Lots
Guests with mobility disabilities—including those traveling with personal wheelchairs, electric scooters or other mobility devices—should park in our Disability Parking Lots, located a short distance from the Main Entrance of each to each of the 4 theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort. Please note that courtesy trams are not needed, and therefore do not serve, these locations.

For further directions on parking options, Guests should inquire at the 4 Auto Plazas located at the entrance to each of the 4 Walt Disney World Theme Park Parking lots, or call Guest services at (407) 824-2222.

 

[anchorman314]

Like Rob said, close is relative -- especially when it comes to the MK. The closest handicap parking space is still about 800 feet from the plaza inside the TTC. So if there are no courtesy chairs, you're looking at a pretty long walk just to get to the transportation. Then you have the trek from either the monorail station or the ferry dock, through the MK gates, and then off to the right to the chair rentals.

 

[scarr13311]

Hello,

This is be my family's first trip to Disney World where we do not stay on property and will be using a rental car to park in the parking lots. My mother requires a wheelchair because she cannot walk long periods at a time. So we will be using the handicap accessible parking areas at each of the 4 parks. I have read online that each park's handicap parking is very close to the entrance. Does anyone have an actual location, using landmarks for how close to the entrance it is at each of the parks? In other words, where do we end up after leaving the parking lot in each park.
Also, where and when do I pay for parking, will there will be a booth (do they accept credit cards?) that will direct us towards the handicap parking location within the lot? Is there an extra fee for handicap or is it the base $20 fee?
I just want to be prepared for our trip.

Thank you so very much for any information (and advice) you can provide for my family and I.

When my sister and I were at WDW back in November 2015 I rented an ECV because I have back problems due to herniated disk problems and can not walk long distance either. I rented thru Buena Vista Rentals. I know that since we were on one of Disney resorts they offered a discounted price. Rate came out to $25.00 dollars per day. Was really great easy to drive and I was able to drive thru the lines for the rides, and the one I had dis-assembled into 5 pieces and put in the back of the truck of our car rental. May want to check it out.

 

[ninjaprincesst]

I can tell you from first hand experience make sure she has a wheelchair with her, the walk from the handicapped spaces is still very long especially when you have an injury. We went with my brother in law who had just had surgery on his foot and was renting wheel chairs in the parks and it was a long hobble on crutches from all the handicapped spaces, also be aware when park hopping or arriving later in the day those handicapped spots go fast!

 

[rob0519]

Another thing to keep in mind is there is only one place to rent a wheelchair at Disney Springs. I believe it's called Sundries. It is nowhere near a parking garage. Additionally, there is a VERY LIMITED number of chairs available and unlike the parks, you need to leave a credit card deposit of $100 plus the $12 rental fee.