Walt Disney World® Resort is designed to offer a magical experience for everyone—whether you’re visiting with young children in strollers or have a loved one who relies on a wheelchair or ECV. Disney’s accessibility options are built with convenience in mind, from transportation to resort layouts, making sure your experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

ECV and Wheelchair Rentals at Walt Disney World

Even if you don’t normally use a mobility device, renting a wheelchair or ECV at Walt Disney World can make your vacation more comfortable and enjoyable. With all the walking involved, it’s not just about needing assistance—it’s about making your experience easier and less tiring.

Where to Rent

Wheelchairs and ECVs are available for rent at each theme park and Disney Springs. Rentals are first-come, first-served, so it’s best to arrive early, especially during busy times. Keep in mind that these devices can’t be taken outside the location where they were rented. If you head to another park, just show your rental receipt for another device—if available.

What to Know

If you prefer to bring your own, make sure it fits within Disney’s size restrictions (32” x 52”) – especially for use on Disney transportation like buses or the monorail. You can also rent from third-party companies that deliver to your resort. However, Disney won’t store or hold them, so you’ll need to handle pick-up and drop-off yourself. As your travel agent, I can handle the logistics of a scooter or stroller rental should you decide to go this route.

Accessible Rides

Many attractions at Walt Disney World accommodate mobility devices. Some rides allow you to stay in your wheelchair or ECV, while others require a transfer. Check ride accessibility before waiting in line. If you’re unsure, cast members are always happy to assist and answer questions to make your experience as smooth as possible.

Navigating Strollers at Walt Disney World

Even if your child doesn’t use a stroller at home, it’s a must-have at Walt Disney World. Between the heat and all the walking, your child will likely need breaks or naps throughout the day.

Where to Rent

Disney offers both single and double strollers at all four parks. These rentals are convenient, but don’t offer much extra storage. So, make sure you’re not bringing more than you need to the parks. Rentals are also on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s best to get there early during busy times.

Size Guidelines

If you prefer to bring your own stroller, there are some guidelines you need to follow. Wagons are not allowed, and all strollers must be no larger than 31” in width and 52” in length. Make sure to double-check the size before you arrive to avoid surprises.

If you rent a stroller from a third-party company, you’ll need to handle drop-off and pick-up yourself, as Bell Services cannot store them for you.

Stroller Parking

Each park has designated stroller parking areas, which can sometimes be a little further from your attraction than you’d like – plus it can get crowded. If you’re trying to catch your Lightning Lane, it’s a good idea to plan for a little extra time.

When it’s time to pick up your stroller, you might find that a cast member had to rearrange things to make room for more strollers, so it may not be exactly where you left it. To make it easier to spot, consider labeling your stroller or attaching something easily identifiable.

Even if you’re not the only one with a Disney balloon, you’ll only be searching through a few strollers, rather than dozens! However, if you’re visiting Animal Kingdom, balloons have to visit balloon day care for the day for the animal’s safety- so I strongly recommend a tag or large label of some sort.

Transportation with Strollers, Wheelchairs, and ECVs

Disney’s transportation system is designed to be accessible for everyone, whether you’re traveling with a stroller, wheelchair, or ECV.

Buses – Disney buses are accessible, but strollers must be folded up before boarding. Wheelchairs and ECVs have designated spaces, and Cast Members are available to assist you. During busy times, expect to wait a bit longer for the next bus. Remember that when you board the bus, your family should board with you. This ensures that you’ll be able to stay together.

Monorail – The monorail is fully accessible, with ramps for wheelchairs and ECVs. Strollers generally don’t need to be folded up, but side-by-side double strollers may be too large. During peak times, the monorail can get crowded, so plan accordingly. If using an ECV, make sure you tell the cast member where you’re going, as this determines whether you drive forward or backward.

Skyliner – The Skyliner offers great views and easy access for wheelchairs and ECVs. Single and front-to-back double strollers can roll right on, but side-by-side double strollers will need to be folded.

Boats – All boats are fully accessible with cast members available to assist with boarding, if necessary. However, for the safety of everyone, accessibility can depend on water levels. So, check with a cast member if you’re not sure. If you’re traveling with a stroller, you’ll need to fold it.

Minnie Vans – The adorable polka-dotted SUVs are some of the most recognizable vehicles you’ll see driving around Walt Disney World. Accessible Minnie Vans are available—you just need to request one. Traveling with young children? Minnie Vans also come with car seats for your convenience.

Choosing the Right Resort for Your Family’s Needs

When it comes to selecting the perfect resort for your Walt Disney World vacation, convenience and accessibility are key—especially if you’re traveling with a stroller, wheelchair, or ECV. The right resort can place you near transportation hubs, minimize walking, and ensure your trip is as smooth as possible.

Resort Accessibility and Proximity to Transportation

Some Disney resorts are located within walking distance of the parks or offer transportation options that make getting around even easier. For example, resorts on the monorail line are just a short walk away from Magic Kingdom, saving you time and eliminating the need for additional transportation.

It’s also important to think about how easily you’ll be able to get from your room to the transportation options, especially at the start and end of your day. Resorts that are close to multiple transportation options will help make your trip more enjoyable and less stressful—particularly if you’re traveling with little ones or guests with mobility needs.

Consider Resort Layouts

There are many great resorts at Walt Disney World, but not all resorts will be able to accommodate your needs. Not all resorts have elevators, so if you’re planning on bringing a stroller or you’ll be bringing a wheelchair or ECV, it’s important to consider how you’ll be getting to your room.

Accessible rooms are often on the ground floor. But, even if you’ll just be using your hotel as a place to sleep at night, it might be worth requesting a ground-floor room to avoid hauling your stroller up a flight of stairs after a long day in the parks. Disney makes it easy to request specific room types, so don’t hesitate to let your travel advisor know about any needs you have, so they can recommend a resort and a room category that’s convenient for your needs.

Traveling to Disney with a stroller, wheelchair, or ECV might feel stressful. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you think about all the factors that can affect your comfort and convenience during your trip. However, by considering these key details – like resort location, transportation options, and room accessibility – you can take a lot of the guesswork out of your planning and make your Disney experience much smoother.

It’s also important to make sure your stroller, wheelchair, or ECV is ready for a day in the parks. Whether that means renting a stroller that your child can sit (or sleep) comfortably in, remembering to charge your ECV each night, or planning for park accessibility, these are the things that you should think about ahead of time.

Every little detail can make a big difference. These thoughtful choices can eliminate unnecessary stress, so you can focus on enjoying your vacation instead of worrying about logistics. The more you plan, the easier it will be to navigate the parks and resorts – and leave you more time to focus on making memories with your family.

Are you trying to plan your Walt Disney World vacation with these things in mind? What’s the one thing that always stresses you out when planning a Disney trip? Drop it in the comments below.