What to know about Disability and Accessibility

Disneyland Paris recently overhauled their Accessibility programme, ditching green and oranges passes while placing the emphasis on privacy and documentation.

Priority Access and Easy Access

A Priority pass gives priority (but not necessarily immediate) access to rides, shows, parades, characters, restaurants and stores. You can apply for a priority pass up to 30 days in advance to save time on arrival (this means Disneyland Paris will be expecting you, and have your photo on file). Priority pass holders also receive a 25% discount on 2 tickets or 2 annual passes only available onsite at Disneyland Paris - they cannot be purchased in advance or online. For those eligible, these discount tickets do not sell out and you are guaranteed access to the park on the day you buy the ticket or annual pass, even if the park is sold out. Priority passes either last the length of the stay, or for the length of the annual pass.

At the time of writing (February 2024) you must present one of the below documents dated within the last 12 months:

  • Parking Permit for People with Disabilities

  • Parking Card for Disabled People

  • Primary Medical Certificate issued by the Health Service Executive

  • Disability Allowance (DA)

  • Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA)

  • Autism ID Card « AS I AM »

  • Invalidity pension

  • Nimbus Access Card - this appears on the UK list and I can confirm these are accepted for Irish guests. The card is extremely useful at multiple theme parks and attractions across the UK and Ireland.

Note 1: A doctor’s letter is not sufficient for a priority pass.

Note 2: A sunflower lanyard is not accepted by itself but of course may be worn in addition to the priority pass. Awareness of sunflower lanyards is increasing but there is no restriction or qualification needed for their purchase.

An Easy access pass operates in much the same way, but is intended for those in need of accessibility assistance who do not have one of the above documents. Easy access pass-holders are normally given a time to return to an attraction where they can then experience priority access (similar to a virtual queue - you still “queue” but not “in the queue”). To obtain an easy access pass, you must have a Doctor’s certificate dated in the last 3 months indicating one of these long term chronic conditions. The letter must be as specific as possible, using the exact wording or numbering on the list of conditions and stating why the person cannot queue for long periods. There is no pre-application for an easy access pass and there is no discount on tickets for pass holders. This pass does not work at character meets but does work at Princess Pavilion and Meet Mickey Mouse (which are classified as Attractions).

Expectant mothers can request a priority bracelet. A doctor’s/medical certificate confirming the pregnancy dated within 3 months can be presented. This works effectively as a priority pass however expectant mothers are not advised to ride certain attractions - and therefore members of their group cannot use the priority bracelet without them. It’s worth nothing that Breastfeeding is welcome in all areas of Disneyland Paris.

Some more info which might help!

  • You can collect your access card at your Disney hotel reception, at City Hall or at one of the ticket desks located at the entrance of each Park.

  • Priority access cardholders can be accompanied by 4 people for attractions and shows, and strictly 2 people for parades and fireworks. If 2 members of the group/family are eligible then you can have up to 10 (2 holders plus 8) people on attractions and 6 (2 holders plus 4) people for parades and fireworks.

  • Access cards allow holders to special entry to restricted stores and City Hall (for example those with special limited edition merchandise) - just look for the disability logo.

  • Access card holders can use special queues in quick-service restaurants which should reduce their queueing time or have a more appropriate counter height for wheelchairs.

  • Wheelchair rental is available at the stroller rental locations on the right after you enter both parks.

  • Powered mobility scooters can be rented from 3rd party companies such as OvertMedical.fr and Axsol. Many people find it much cheaper to rent in Ireland before travelling.

  • 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.

  • Disney offers a shopping service whereby you can collect your purchases in the same shop later that day, delivered to Disney Village, or back to your Disney onsite hotel.

  • At some rides, those with an accessibility pass will enter through the exit queue. Some rides have a dedicated MagicAll entrance with a special logo. This can often be the Premier Access entrance.

  • Some attractions such as Princess Pavilion and Meet Mickey Mouse will still require Priority Pass holders to queue for up to 30-45 mins which may not be suitable for some guests. Easy Access Pass holders queue virtually then skip the entire queue (including the priority queue by keeping right on the priority queue ramp).

  • Both Disney parks have a first aid centre where chilled medication can be left during your stay in the parks. This facility is also available at Disney Hotel receptions.

  • Disneyland Paris uses the AudioSpot app for visually impaired guests who require an audio description service.

  • Guide dogs are welcome at Disneyland Paris however may not be able to board certain attractions. There is an animal care centre available next to guest parking.

If you have any questions regarding disability or accessibility please feel free to CONTACT ME privately and I will help you as best I can (at no cost).