Handicap parking ?......

[sarahlovesmickey]

Hello all!! I am just wondering how the handicap parking situation is at the parks? Do you park close enough where you don't need to take that tram and you can just go right in? Or do you still have to take the tram to get in? I am just curious....thank you...

 

[Chuck S]

At AK & MGM the parking is pretty convenient, but the parking is limited at MGM, so you may have to use an overflow area that is quite a hike.

At EPCOT, no tram service for the HC area, but it is somewhat of a hike, as well. If you are staying onsite, it is best to use the resort busses for Magic Kingdom, the H/C parking area requires you to go under a bridge, to the TTC and then catch a monorail or ferry boat.

 

[SueM in MN]

There is no tram service to or from any of the handicapped parking lots.
If you have a non-folding wheelchair or ECV, you have to park in the handicapped parking because the trams from the regular parking area are not accessible.

If you don't have a wheelchair or ECV and can step up to get onto the parking tram, you will walk less parking in the regular lot and using the tram in most cases. Depending on what the reason is that you have a handicapped parking permit, that might be a good option for you.

Here's what the Disney site says about parking:

Theme Park Parking (Standard parking rates apply)

Guests with the ability to walk short distances and step up onto the courtesy trams should park in the main parking lots of Magic Kingdom® Park, Epcot®, Disney-MGM Studios, or Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. The courtesy tram will transport Guests to the Entrance Complex. Parking for Guests with mobility disabilities or who are traveling with personal wheelchairs is available adjacent to the Entrance Complex at each of the four Parks.

Guests should inquire at the Auto Plaza for directions on parking options.

 

[daughtersrus]

If you are staying onsite, it is best to use the resort busses for Magic Kingdom, the H/C parking area requires you to go under a bridge, to the TTC and then catch a monorail or ferry boat.

I couldn't agree more!

On our last trip, we decided to drive to MK from FW not realizing that the handicapped parking was at the TTC. We parked and took the monorail. We also stayed at MK until the fireworks/parade and left with the huge crowd.

It was so bad trying to get to the Monorail that people were actually climbing over my DD in her wheelchair! We had to work out way to the outside of the stampede and stop to get her out of her chair. She is pretty tiny and her chair sits lower to the ground. Since she was surrounded, she couldn't get any air and was about to pass out from the heat. My DH had to carry her so that she could get some fresh air to breathe. It was such a scary situation.

I have to say that was our only bad experience with Disney. I wish that they had a separate entrance to the monorail for those that are handicapped.

 

[sarahlovesmickey]

I was just inquiring for my daughter. We are going to get a GAC so that we can use her stroller as a wheelchair. She has low muscle tone and walking a lot is just not an option for her. Thank you all for your responses. =)

 

[Chuck S]

I assume you have a parking placard or plate for your daughter? A GAC does not entitle you to use the H/C parking area.

If you do not have a placard or plate, tell the parking attendants that you need to park near the trams, and they can usually accomodate you.