This is the second of our two part series on the experience of Disney luvin’ seniors at Disney parks in 2025.
We asked the over 95,000 members of the Disney for Seniors Facebook Group, for the second year in a row, the following question:
‘If you had 5 minutes with Josh D., what one thing would you tell him that would improve the experience of seniors in Disney parks’.
Hi, it’s Dan from Nancy and Dan Travel to Disney, and the founders of the original Disney for Seniors Facebook Group, the original on-line community focusing on the both enhancing the experience, and increasing the awareness, of seniors at all things Disney; Disney Parks, Disney Resorts and Disney Cruises.
This is our second annual survey of the experience at Disney parks by arguable the largest demographic group by age of Disney parks guests.
This group of Disney luvin’ seniors includes:
- The Greatest Generation (born before 1925
- The Silent Generation (born between 1925 and 1945)
- Yes, Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964)
- About 1/2 of Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980)
Right up front, it should be noted that Disney does not provide any senior specific park admission discount at either of its two Disney resorts theme parks in the USA. However, at some of the other 4 Disney resort theme parks around the world, a significant park admission discount for disabled guests, and in some cases for their companion, is provided.
If you would like to learn more about how Disney parks at all 6 of the Disney theme park locations around the world offer it’s disabled guests cost reduction and other services, here is a link in the upper right corner of the screen to the comparison we did of park admission offerings in all 6 Disney resorts around the world.
2nd Annual Disney Parks Survey Results – Part 1
In Park 1 of this, our 2nd annual survey of Disney luvin’ seniors experience in Disney parks, we covered many topics which were raised by seniors, including:
- Seniors experience with Disney’s Lightning Lane offerings
- Disney parks experience complexity
- The absence of celebrating seniors in any way at Disney parks
- The impact of certain Disney services and magic which have been taken away by Disney
- Options for different Park admission offerings
- And much, much more
We compiled the results from the Part 1 of our 2025 survey into the documentary style video, using the actual comments and words by the members of the Disney for Seniors Facebook Group who participated. You can start the Part 1 video by selecting this link What Did 95,000 Seniors Say About Disney Parks in 2025?
2nd Annual Disney Parks Survey 2025 – Topics Covered
In this Part 2, we cover those aspects raised by the seniors surveyed which related to the aspect of Disney park experiences by those with health or medical challenges.
While Nancy and I do have direct experience going to Disney parks with a family member that has health and mobility challenges, we are not experts.
The issues raised were done so by the survey respondents themselves, not by Nancy and myself. As well, the issues and experiences identified herein are in their own words, using their own comments submitted to our survey.
If you have similar or different aspects to your own Disney parks experience, after watching this video, please take a few minutes to add your own voice to how the Disney parks experience can be improved for you.
With that said, let’s begin Part 2.
Disney Parks Survey 2025 – In-Park Scooters and ECV Rentals
We now turn to one aspect of humans as we age that impacts our day to day living, and attending a Disney theme park is no exception. As humans age, our stamina and health will at some point deteriorate.
Father time always wins. Always.
So this collection of suggestions from seniors goes to the heart of how they, how we older adults and seniors, experience Disney parks and how Disney can directly improve that experience.
Stephanie and Kathy suggested that more ECV’s, also known as scooters, are available to rent at Disney parks. These mobility assisting vehicles tend to be fully rented many days early in the morning.
With scooters at Disney parks frequently being fully rented early in the morning, Janet said it best when she commented: Janet – It would be nice if Seniors could reserve scooters ahead of time instead of the first come, first served method they have now. Especially if you park hop and risk not having one available at the second park.
DAN – Perhaps this could be a real time update for each park in the Walt Disney World and Disneyland apps. Many seniors in our survey echoed the same suggestion to Disney including Kathy, Sarah, David, William.
Continuing with scooters and ecv’s for rent at Disney parks, several seniors responding to our survey had another great idea. William said it best when it commented:
William – To inform disability customers at the time of entering the car park if there isn’t any disability scooters available to hire. This would save the disabled the cost of parking the car, struggling to the hire to find out there isn’t any and having to turn around and leave, (maybe people could even purchase / reserve the scooter hire at point of entering car park to take the stress of wondering if there is one available).
Sarah – A notification if all scooters are already rented out. Granted , I get there at rope drop, but sometimes I’d like to know they are available if we decide later. they should be able to add some kind of availability on the app for each park. I bet they track these vehicles .
- David – It would be nice to know about the scooter availability. I think they have fewer scooters since they were replaced. Disney does not own the scooters so maybe they cut back to keep their costs down.
- Ana Maria – Have more motor vehicles for people with disabilities
- Bettina – less expensive scooter rental
Disney Theme Parks’ Parking Lot Experiences
William – (again added another great idea on this topic) Also change the people carrier to include a stop at the disabled area at Magic Kingdom, as often there are not any complimentary wheelchairs available and some disabled people cannot walk from the car park to the security, and even if they manage to get there, once again complimentary wheelchairs are not always available and staff are to busy or unwilling to assist and get one.
- David – I have made that very long, very hard walk more than once. I have to stop several times from disability park, under the road and back up the incline before I ever make it to the ticket windows. Once I was placed on a waiting list, I arrived around 10am. They sent me a text 45 minutes before the park closed asking if I still wanted the scooter. Really?!?
- William – the same thing happened to us, and it’s no fun for my wife who has arthritis and is 72 , to be push me in a wheelchair in 40+ deg heat is not great. So either they need to inform people before they park their cars or purchase more electric scooters.. I also think adding one more stop at the disabled car park would not cause an issue and would benefit so many.
Kelly – Consider expanding transportation for those with scooters and wheelchairs. This includes finding better accommodations to get from parking spot to entrance or TTC.
Larry – A larger handicap parking area. From December through March when I vacation, unless you arrive early, the handicap parking lot is full.
Inside Disney Parks – Wheelchair, ECV and Scooter Experiences
Nancy – Place the ECV rental stations closer to the main gates. It is a really long walk from parking/bus lots to the stations especially at Epcot and Animal Kingdom
Joanne – More wheelchair accessible attractions …for young and old….that don’t require transfers (from the ECV / scooter / wheelchair into a ride vehicle). You keep taking them away with no replacement.
Katie – I’d also suggest designated lanes for wheelchairs and scooters to ensure pedestrian safety.
Carol – Stroller and scooter lanes. I am forever getting cut in front of or my heels being run into. I don’t walk the fastest. It would be nice to walk without having to navigate these. I may one day use a scooter and I would be fine with using a designated lane.
Terri – A wheelchair or scooter or golf cart rescue at far end of the park for seniors who thought they could manage the park but give out far from exit
- David – Oh, Brenda you are spot on and I cannot but laugh reading your input. I think maybe a little lower on the age. I am not quite 70 yet but I am unable walk as much as I used too and it is difficult for me to transfer from my scooter to a broken-down Disney wheelchair. I also have “issues” with closed confined spaces and stay close to both regular and emergency exits. I also turned both of my Daughter’s into such Disney Freaks that they joined me as WDW Cast Members.
Oh, and we do spend the money each and every Disney visit. Well, I spend my money and I even get the privilege of carrying everyone’s bags.
Separate Buses for Mobility Scooters, Wheelchairs and Their Parties
Kelly – Have separate busses (sic) for mobility scooters and wheelchairs and their parties. It would benefit everyone. (Dan – This received a lot of positive 35 likes)
The next collection of comments received to our 2nd annual survey on the experience of Disney luvin’ seniors at Disney parks concerns the Disability Access Service, also known as the DAS pass.
Again, Nancy and I are not by any means experts in this area. These are the actual words used by those who responded to our survey of seniors at Disney parks.
The rules and eligibility was changed by Disney. Conjecture has that the change was made because too many park guests were abusing the former rules and eligibility. However, based on the comments received, it would appear that the new rules are not working for Disney’s most loyal guests.
If there are inaccuracies stated in these comments, perhaps it is because communication on the new rules, the new process needs to be improved.
Disney Theme Park’s Disability Acces Service (DAS) – Not Working
Richard – Bring back the (old) DAS pass (rules and eligibility), both my wife and I have a very difficult time standing for so long.
- David – Or have medical personnel making these decisions. I will gladly supply documentation! What do regular Cast Members know about anyone’s medical issues? Would be nice if they lasted more than 60 days.
Barbie – Disability passes for arthritics, knee and hip transplants.
- Helene – unfortunately they got rid of (old) DAS pass (rules) just because of $$$. They want you to purchase Lightning Lanes. I know some abused it, but there were lots of real disabilities. You do qualify for return to line, I use that because I no longer qualify (for the new DAS).
- David – I have not tried since they changed the rules. I do not want some high school graduate with NO medical training second guessing my doctors on their diagnosis. Between severe Arthritis and degenerative disc disease and “other” health issues, I do not want some hourly CM making my medical decisions. I am constantly looking for and staying close to exits, even while on attractions.
- Helene – I know I do not give too much info when asking but have had a few nasty Cast Members.
- David – I have heard that from more than one person. You would think that the way they act that Disney docks their pay for each DAS they approve. Maybe that is one of the work requirements, “must have a nasty disposition.”
- Sandi – First & foremost I love Disney World. Generally speaking, I think it is very well run. I appreciate that very much. What I do not appreciate is that after 20 years of needing & having a disability pass, I was denied. I have GENUINE health issues! I am truly handicapped. I do understand the tightening of restrictions on DAS passes since many non- handicapped people were abusing the privilege! That was disgusting! But for someone like me who genuinely needs a pass since I suffered a stroke a few years ago & who cannot walk unassisted, it is a nightmare to be denied. I have multiple health issues. I wish Disney would reevaluate the current DAS program & make it dependent on doctor recommendation so that people like me could get DAS again.
- David – I am more than willing to bring my doctor’s notes and proof that I am a walking soup sandwich. I use a scooter and cane but there are a lot of times I cannot walk without assistance either. Bless you
- Helene – I know I do not give too much info when asking but have had a few nasty Cast Members.
Holly – Allow grandparents to be part of DAS family when traveling with grandchildren to allow group to be total of 6 again. We had this last year on our first visit and now upon return it is extremely difficult to navigate 2 grandparents requiring scooters with the family of 4 of which 1 child is level 3 autism. He is not going to understand why our group has to split this year and not all of will be riding together and in our photo pass pictures together. Often the grandparents are not able to manage the autistic child through the queue without the assistance of the parents if we were to just have the 2 kids ride with the 2 grandparents while the parents did not ride. We are struggling to figure out how to make this work for our family of 6 traveling for our 2nd trip to WDW in September.
If you are finding the results of our second annual Disney Parks survey, it would be helpful if you could please remember to click on the like button so this video will be shared to more Disney luvin’ fans. Thank you very much.
Let’s now continue with a topic near and dear to my heart when we bring our own special needs adult family member to Disney parks.
Accessible Bathrooms in Disney Parks
Mary – I would like to see more accessible/ family bathrooms. I would try to double the number they have now. Because I need to use a scooter to get around the accessible bathrooms are important to me. Getting the door open can be a challenge as well. If there was a way to keep the doors open when the bathroom is not in use that would be fantastic!
- Linda – Maybe automatic doors could be the answer
Pam – more important, please install grab bars in ALL Disney resorts (and Disney park) bathrooms.
- Gina – This – for sure. I have to wait to use the stalls with the grab bars because the toilets are so low. I know replacing the toilets with higher ones will cost way more than installing (safety) bars (or even just one) in all stalls (that) will help us tremendously. Handicapped stalls have become family stalls and people are in there for a long time while all their kids use the toilets. I don’t need extra space – just a bar.
- Pam – Continued – I agree, I also wait for the handicapped stall with one knee and one hip replaced and other hip and knee waiting to be replaced. I really want the grab bars in all resort tubs and showers. With all the resort refurbs that Disney does why can’t safety be a priority? Seems like they care more for installing soap dispensers than grab bars.
Even with the 2nd annual survey focusing on Disney park experience of seniors, some comments provided went beyond the Disney Parks … DISNEY RESORT HOTELS
Tina – Hand held wall shower heads in all hotel room showers. Not a fan of fixed shower heads.
Debbie – Grab bars in the resort showersIn Part 1 of this 2 part series on the Disney park experience by Disney seniors, there was an extremely large number of comments provided by those who responded to the absence of sufficient seating.
Two of the comments submitted were saved to this Part 2, as follows.
Disney Parks Seating for Mobility Challenged Seniors
Wendy – I’m 64 and my mom is 89. We come every few years. (We) Would love having designated senior/handicap benches throughout the park. She refuses scooters, so we spend a lot of time looking for somewhere to sit.
Linda – I use a rollator to travel the parks. One of the reasons is that it has a seat and if I need to sit down I can pull over and sit anywhere. It is really easy to maneuver around crowds.
YOU Can Help Increase Awareness of All Seniors in Disney Parks
Please consider subscribing to Nancy and Dan Travel to Disney, the only YouTube channel focused exclusively on Disney travel for older adults and seniors, in support of the Disney for Seniors Facebook Group.
As well, please do share this article with:
- your own friends and family,
- your own Facebook page or other social media (Blue Sky, Instagram, Threads, etc.), and
- on Disney fan related Facebook groups to which you may belong.
The more we all can publicize the needs of seniors and, here in Part 2, of Disney Parks guests with mobility or physical channenges, the more likely that changes for the better will be made by Disney.
Now, please remember to add a comment to this atricle on your own ideas how your experience and the experience of seniors in Disney theme parks can be improved. It will help a lot to take a minute or two to do that right now.
Are you curious what members from this same group of Disney luvin’ seniors recommended from their own experience how seniors can have the best time ever at Disney Parks? Here is the direct link to start the article, once again using the comments and actual words of these seniors, for The Ultimate Do’s and Don’ts for Seniors at Disney World!
We do hope you have a magical day, Disney style!
