Orlando Disabled Vacation Information

Discount Mobility USA

Orlando Disabled Vacation Information

We know that traveling requires planning, especially if we intend to travel with people with special needs.

Thinking about helping your family to plan the perfect vacation, Discount Mobility USA created the Orlando Disabled Vacation Information guide especially for you.

Walt Disney World Disabled Access

All Disney parks features special handicap-only parking sections adjoining park entrances or access points.

Planning for an Orlando vacation can seem daunting if you or one of your traveling companions have difficulty walking or a disability that limits your mobility. But what you need to know is Orlando and its many visitor attractions is amongst the country’s most accommodating, and most popular, destinations for people with mobility-limitations.

Don’t miss the excitement of visiting Orlando’s world-famous theme parks and side trips Central Florida’s many museums, cultural attractions, sporting venues and theaters: all these places were designed with you in mind. Make the most of your Orlando vacation, no matter what your age or walking ability, with these “know before you go” tips, tricks and ideas.

Getting Around A little pre-planning goes a long way when it comes to getting from place to place throughout Central Florida and even within the theme parks.

Mobility Scooters (ECVs):

While you may consider bringing your own Electronic Convenience Vehicle (ECV) with you for use throughout your trip, doing so can prove expensive and, if you fly, potentially damaging to your expensive equipment (your batteries may not even be allowed on board). Instead, rent one once you get to Orlando. Each of the major resorts – Disney, Universal and SeaWorld – provide day rentals for use within specific, individual parks on a first come first serve basis and on busy day can run out as early as 10:30 am. However, local companies rent scooters for use at all area attractions, providing an easier and more economical option.

Handicap Parking:

All Disney parks features special handicap-only parking sections adjoining park entrances or access points. Simply ride your mobility scooter to the monorail platform or directly to the ticket window and designated turnstile. When visiting Universal driving a specialty lift or modified vehicle, be sure to tell your parking attendant that you require over-height parking; they’ll direct you to special parking areas. It will take you longer to get into the park, but you won’t damage your vehicle. Standard rental cars and SUVs fit within all ramp levels, so follow the signs for handicap spaces if applicable; from there, you can ride your mobility scooter to your preferred park in no time. And don’t forget your disabled parking permit when you leave home: communities and resorts do not offer temporary passes and will require you to park in regular spots without it.

Wheelchair Accessible Buses:

All LYNX (www.golynx.com) public transit buses accommodate riders using compact scooters, including those that service the Disney, Universal and I-Drive areas. If you choose to rent one of the newer, more maneuverable Orlando mobility scooter models available you can even ride directly onto all Disney transit vehicles, including resort buses and the monorail. If you’re planning to take a privately operated bus or shuttle service, check with the operator prior to your trip to review any requirements or restrictions that apply to scooters.

Sleeping Over Metro Orlando boasts more than 110,000 hotel rooms, from budget-friendly economy motels to five-star luxury spa retreats. Pick the one right for you.

Accessible Hotels, Timeshares and Condos:

All Orlando hotels must provide accommodations for mobility-impaired guests, so when making your reservation don’t hesitate to request an ADA-accessible room with rails and special bathroom facilities, if needed. Otherwise, eliminate the need for, and expense of, special lodging by renting one of the more maneuverable scooter models and drive it directly into your room or suite each night. Choose a mobility scooter model that folds-up or disassembles (such as those designed to fit within a car trunk) if you want to maximize space in a small room.

Wheelchair Accessible Rental Homes:

The number of rental home properties throughout Central Florida has exploded in recent years and an increasing number provide facilities specially designed for guests with mobility issues, including entry ramps for mobility scooters and plenty of space to “scoot” inside. These prove a great option for families traveling together.

Disabled Amenities:

Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa now feature “zero-entry” pools with gradual ramps, as well waterproof wheelchairs that you can transfer into from a scooter, if needed.

Navigating the Parks No trip to Orlando is complete without a visit to one of its world-famous theme parks. These parks encompass enormous areas, so navigating each via mobility scooter may provide the most enjoyable and least stressful experience for all guests in your group.

Orlando Disabled Vacation Information

Walt Disney World Resort:

Guest Services provides copies of the “Guide for Guests with Disabilities” upon request, which highlights policies, ride requirements and special accommodations within each park. Some rides allow guests to remain on mobility scooters throughout, while others require guests to transfer into a ride vehicle alone or with a companion’s assistance (Disney policy prevents Cast Members from providing physical assistance). Plus, some facilities provide special, more easily navigable queues for guests on mobility scooters to minimize wait time. Keep on the lookout for special parade viewing areas that even accommodate a small number of friends and family members. And, when visiting Animal Kingdom, be aware that its varied, hilly terrain drains ECV batteries much quicker than other Disney parks, so be cautious and turn off your mobility scooter when you don’t need it.

Universal Orlando Resort Wheelchair Accessibility:

Most attractions at Universal Studios and its sister park, Islands of Adventure, features navigable queues (with the exception of Back to the Future and Pteranodon Flyers rides), though some require scooter riders unable to stand in line for the duration of the wait time to transfer to a manual wheelchair provided on-site; just park your mobility scooter in the indicated area outside and ask an attendant for assistance. On some rides mobility-impaired guests must either climb aboard the vehicle unassisted or with a travel companion’s help in order to participate. Speak with Guest Services upon arrival or call in advance to have a copy of the “Rider’s Guide for Safety and Guests with Disabilities” mailed to you for in-depth details and requirements.

Wheelchair Accessible SeaWorld Orlando:

The park provides accessibility to exhibits and seating for guests with mobility issues as well as one companion within each stadium and theater. Check with a SeaWorld team member before any performance to ensure you don’t park your scooter in a “soak zone” or other area where it will get wet; you may feel refreshed after a splash of salt water, but your transporter will not! Be equally cautious when interacting with the animals at Dolphin Cove. Park ECVs a few feet away and walk to the exhibit (with the help of a companion, if needed) to prevent possible damage. You can download a copy of the “Park Accessibility Guide,” which details need-to-know facts for each exhibit, from SeaWorld’s website or pick one up from the Guest Services desk upon arrival.

For additional information concerning Orlando travel, speak with your travel agent or contact such local tourism offices as the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau (www.orlandoinfo.com).

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Wheelchair Accessible Van Rentals

Rear Entry Van

Seats up to four (4) people able-bodied, and one using manual or power wheelchair.

Side Entry Van

Seats up to five (5) people able-bodied, and one person using manual or power wheelchair.

Full Size Van

Seats up to four (4) people able-bodied, and one using manual or power wheelchair.

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2 Week Special On All Side & Rear Entry Minivans Only $1000*
(*plus local taxes, excluding holidays)

That's why we do everything in our power to make sure you don't pay a penny more than you should for your rental from Florida Van Rentals.

Our Low Price Guarantee:

Prior to the date of your rental, if you show us a lower, currently verifiable price from a local competitor with the same vehicle  or equipment in stock for the same rental dates; We will attempt to match their price, and take off an additional 10% of the difference between our price and theirs.

* Our Low Price Guarantee does not apply to services, nor does it apply to special offers or promotions, including rebates. All Billed reservations are final. Also subject to vehicle availability at time of reservation.

Handicap Van Rentals

Florida Van Rentals has the best options and the lowest rates on Handicap Van Rentals, Regular Van Rentals, Minibus and Camping Van Rentals in Florida.

Customer reviews

Exceptional customer service! We had a very pleasant experience renting from Florida Van Rentals. We were a little hesitant to rent from them after reading some varied reviews. However, we are thrilled that we decided to judge for ourselves. From start to finish, this family owned business exceeded our expectations. The staff was friendly and helpful. The cost of the van rental was well within our family vacation budget. The paperwork was simple and quick. The van was given to us with a full tank of gas. It was clean and very spacious. We were very comfortable in a passenger van while traveling from Florida to North Carolina – and there were 8 of us along with all our luggage. Overall, it was a smooth experience. Our family highly recommends Florida Van Rentals. You won’t regret it.

IMA K.

We needed a last minute motorized scooter for a family member who was having difficulty walking. The holiday weekend made it even more challenging and we were flying into Orlando from California. I called Discount Mobility and immediately got a "live" caring person, Michael. I told him my story and he went out of his way to help me order the scooter and had it ready when we needed to pick it up. The entire experience of renting, picking up and returning was simple and stress free.

KAREN U.

I routinely need to rent vans for touring purposes. I rented a wheelchair van this past August. I was searching online for great prices and discount mobility usa seemed too good to be true. On top of great prices, the customer service was fantastic. Michael responded to my emails promptly. He was courteous and friendly and the van was in great condition, ran smoothly and was super comfortable. I highly recommend Discount Mobility USA. It is a standout, especially in the Orlando City area.

FLORENCE J.

We rented a side entry wheelchair van for our Disney vacation. This company was several hundred dollars cheaper than any other company we could find in the area. Just wanted to say thanks for helping us to afford our family vacation, God Bless!

BOB L.

Gracias! My family wanted me to drop a quick thank you for your kind service and quick response to our questions. See you again soon my friends.

FERNANDO V.

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