Ooh Dizzy Lizzie visits Disneyland Paris with Henry
DISABLED ACCESSIBILITY AT DISNEYLAND PARIS! ♿️🏰🩷🐕🦺
(If you saw spelling mistakes... no you didn't 👀 my brain has been a blob since coming back from DLP so please forgive me 😅)
So I *just* managed to squeeze as much info as I could into this page! 😅 I would also check out the DLP website and Facebook groups for extra tips, they were really helpful in my preparation!
But I must say, DLP was THE MOST disabled friendly place I've EVER been too. I didn't worry AT ALL about access issues, which made my experience super flawless and extra magical ✨️ all the cast members and staff were so understanding and friendly and made me feel so welcome 🥰 definitely felt like a VIP!
Feel free to find me on Instagram and drop me a DM for any further questions, or drop a comment on any disability tips you've found helpful at DLP (as I'm just a novice 🤭). Can safely say that I'm already wanting to book my next trip - can't beat that warm, magical Disney feeling!
April
2023
Priority Cards and Easy Access Cards
Priority Cards
Priority Cards are for those that have recognised documentation of disability (e.g. Blue Badge, PIP. DLA, etc dated within a year). They give priority (non- immediate) access to attractions. shows, parades, character meets, Restaurants and shop checkouts. You have to apply for a Priority Card a month before visiting, and you'll need to bring your documentation with you.
I went during off-peak season (March) and the longest I waited in a ride queue was 5 mins, but for the majority of rides I got on almost immediately. It's valid for you and 4 other people on attractions (same for Easy Access Card too) and up to 2 people for parades, so you can share the fun together! You also get put into an evacuation category depending on your mobility (e.g. the blue 8 on my card indicates I couldn't do stairs etc).
Easy Access Cards
Easy Access Cards are for those with a recognised Long Term Chronic Disease (DLP has a qualification list). They allow the cardholder to book timeslots at attractions so they can come back later, avoiding any queue standing time.
You can request an Easy Access Card on the day of arrival by presenting an original medical certificate (in French or English, signed and stamped by a medical doctor which is no less than 3 months old).
Disabled Access around the Parks & Rides
Disneyland Paris App
The DLP App is a must have! It tells you what attractions are open, wait times, the next show/character meet times etc. but it also tells you the disabled access for each ride, e.g. wheelchair transfer is essential, assistance dogs allowed/not allowed, little to no flash etc. so you can plan your rides that are best suited to your needs.
Parks Accessibility Map
If you want a more in depth report of each ride/attraction, then you can download the parks accessibility map from the DLP website which covers both parks (Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios)
Ride Accessibility
Every cast member I met was amazing when I was getting onto rides (either transferring from my wheelchair, using my walking stick, or getting on in my wheelchair). They all told me to take my time and weren't at all flustered or bothered one bit at how long it took me to get comfortable. They made sure to put my needs first, and I felt like a VIP rather than a burden!
Every ride cart that necessitated wheelchair transfer had specific seats/rows that were wider and doors that become wider if needed. And most gentler/story rides (e.g. Spider-Man W.E.B., Buzz Laser Blast etc.) had specific disabled carts that could fit a wheelchair (and dog!) on, so transferring wasn't necessary.
Rides that are on a conveyer belt are happily stopped to help disabled riders get on safely, and without rushing.
Disabled Toilets
DLP do have disabled toilets, but it's important to note a few things:
- Most are situated INSIDE the normal toilets, usually right at the back or the first cubicle - they're not easily/visibly signposted
- They don't use a RADAR key system
- To my knowledge they don't have red pull cords or an alarm system (highly advise having a phone or carer/friend/family member go with you due to this)
Changing Facilities
A private changing room is available at the first aid centre in Disneyland Park, equipped with a powered lift, adjustable bed and appropriate sanitary facilities.
Assistance Dogs in DLP
What to sort out before you go
First and foremost, I'm an UK assistance dog partnership, under an ADUK/ADI charity (Medical Detection Dogs), so I appreciate my experience may be different to others not in my situation.
Secondly you need to make sure your AD is up-to-date with the necessary jabs (rabies etc.) and paperwork that are required for travelling abroad. You can get this information from your vets or on https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad.
As we stayed 4 days and 3 nights we got Henry's tapeworm tablet done the Monday (we left on Tuesday), meaning that we didn't have to visit a Vet in France to get it re-administered, in order to be allowed back into the UK.
Thirdly, you need evidence that your dog has been trained to be an AD. For me, I had letters from MDD and our little yellow ADUK book showing we're an accredited partnership. For owner trained AD's I believe you can use training logs as evidence.
Accommodation and Toileting
We stayed at the Davey Crockett Ranch, which is a self-catering cabin situated in a woodland area: which also allows pet dogs! Henry had a doggy welcome pack which had bowls, poo bags, and puppy mats.
It was perfect space for toileting Hen and for him to run off some energy after a long day in the parks! But all hotels at DLP accept AD's.
We showed all our paperwork to do with Henry and my disabilities at check in, which was where we got our magic passes and my priority card from. We didn't have to show any evidence for Henry when going into the parks, but it's handy to keep it with you at all times.
There aren't any designated toileting areas for AD's, but there are grass areas that DLP allow for toileting. In the main park there's plenty of green patches, even if you (or your pup) need to hop a small fence.
Out in the Parks
All the cast members were fab with Henry. They all respected our needs and all asked permission if they could say hello... I of course said yes because Henry made each one of them fall in love with him.
We had some FANTASTIC character interactions because of Henry too! They all completely lost it when they saw Hen and it really made the trip so special and magical.
When I went on rides that Henry couldn't join me on , he had to be held by a member of my party (thankfully my mum isn't keen on big thrill rides!). He was allowed on a few rides with me, but I was so concerned about making sure he wasn't stressed I ended up not enjoying it myself, so I chose to keep him back. It's totally a personal choice based on yourself and your dog!
Chronic Illness/Disability Tips!
A few spoonie tips that I prepared with and picked up when I was there:
- PoTS - Drink plenty of water (lots of water fountains about, can locate them on the DLP app), bring some salty snacks/tablets, take rests between rides, make sure you have a seat/sit down ASAP after a big thrill ride. Bring tiger balm/headache strips!
- hEDS - Brace up! Make sure all your weak points are strapped up, and pull the ride harness down AS FAR as you possibly can to help avoid flinging limbs and your head whipping around. Again rest in between rides and avoid doing two thrill rides in a row.
- MCAS - Mask, mask, MASKS! If you're sensitive to strong smells, smoke etc. then it's essential to bring a mask (double up if need be). The worst thing I came across was cigarette smoke, there were designated smoking areas and there were A LOT of smokers about. Some rides and shows also use special effects (smoke, dry ice, smells) so it's helpful to mask up during those too.
- Vaseline, hand cream and moisturiser - I found that the rides really dried me out, which didn't make my skin too happy, so stay moisturised!
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