Disabilities In Disneyland Paris | Priority Access Card
- It's A North World
- May 23, 2023
- 6 min read
Hello everyone!!
If you watch our You Tube channel or follow us on Instagram you may have seen a Live I did with a some of my lovely Disney friends all about Disabilities in Disney. If not, the video will be below for you to watch!
Following that I thought I would do a blog post on how we do Disneyland Paris with disabilities.
The advice I would give you firstly is if you want to go stop doubting yourself and just BOOK THE TRIP!!!!!!
Next research the parks and hotels available to you on and off site.
We have never actually stayed off site so all our experience come from staying in Disney hotels. Look what Disney offers for people who have disabilities (this can be found on their website) and how you would get to and from your on/off site hotel before and after your day at the parks.
Also watch lots of YouTube videos!! These have been the most helpful for us, we get to know the layout of the parks and see how to navigate around, and also its great for the kids to watch so they can be familiar with what the parks might look like and what's there before they go! We are also going to be vlogging our next trip so if you subscribe to our channel you can see what we get up to and how we do Disney!
Look at what help and assistance you can get while you're in the Disney bubble!
While we don't need an accessible room while we are away, their are rooms available in all the Disney hotels (for off site you would need to check with the hotel). But you can also have some equipment, such as shower seats for 'Normal' rooms at the Disney hotels, so do get in touch with them to find out how they can help with your stay.
Disney have an Accessibility Guide and The Blue Booklet for those on the Autistic Spectrum you can download to help you plan your trip.
You may also be eligible for a Priority or Easy Access card.
What are the Priority and Easy Access cards, and who are they for?
Guests with disabilities or a Long Term Chronic Disease can request a Priority Card or Easy Access Card for certain activities and services, depending on the official document provided by the Guest
''What is a Priority Card and am I eligible?
A Priority Card gives priority (but non-immediate) access to attractions, shows, parades, selfie spots, restaurants and shop checkouts. With an official document proving disability accepted by Disneyland Paris, you and an accompanying person are also entitled to a 25% discount on your park ticket or annual pass. Request your Priority Card upon arrival, or save time by requesting your card online up to one month before your visit! You'll need to present an original document issued by the government or medical authority upon arrival in order to collect it. Please note, a medical certificate will not be sufficient.''
You can request a priority card through the website. Make sure you read all the information carefully and check you have the correct proof needed and you TAKE IT WITH YOU!
''What is an Easy Access Card and am I eligible?
If you have a recognised Long Term Chronic Disease, we can support you with simplified (but non-immediate) access to our attractions. Present your Easy Access Card and 'appointment book' at an attraction, and we'll give you a timeslot during which to come back and ride. You can make a 2nd reservation when the 1st is over. To get your Easy Access Card, you'll need an original medical certificate in French or English signed and stamped by a medical doctor and less than 3 months old, indicating the Long Term Chronic Disease and the number. You can find the list of Long Term Chronic Diseases here.''
We have only used the Priority card so our experience comes from that perspective.
We have found this a game changer when it come to spending time in the parks. Without it we would find it difficult to access rides and attractions and also find the park as enjoyable as we do. It takes a lot of stress and anxiety out of the day, and means we get to enjoy the park like everyone else.
However, we haven't ever taken advantage of the 25% discount on tickets as we have booked packages with hotel with tickets included, and you can't get any discount with that, as to benefit from the discount you need to get your tickets on the day, which for us is a bit too risky, but if you are on a budget and maybe going at a quieter time of year it may be worth looking into. We don't, and haven't had annual passes, but if you do this 25% discount could be really helpful, and you can get your priority pass to last you the term of your annual pass so no need to renew each trip.
Our guide to using the Priority pass in Disneyland Paris
Apply 30 days before you arrive. Save the email with your reference and make sure you have your proof to take with you.
If you are planning on using your Blue Badge, think about if you will need this for parking anywhere on your travels. We often leave our car at the train station or airport so it sits in there for the disabled parking space. If this is the case for you, you may need to take another piece of proof with you as a photo may not work.
Staying at a Disney Hotel? Go to the concierge desk or the reception of your hotel. Have a park ticket or annual pass? Go to the dedicated ticket offices at the entrance to the Disney Park.
To access rides and attractions you need to access via the disabled entrance which is usually marked clearly and at the exit. Do be aware that the exits can be narrow and also a little hectic as people are exiting the ride or attraction.
When meeting characters you can get a 'come back time'. Simply go to the cast member at the meeting point and ask for a time and show your pass. The pass holder MUST be there to get this. Slots are released at park opening (staying onsite and having access to the early magic times really helps with this), but they also have slots released at 12pm. Manage expectations though, once they are gone, they are gone, and for popular characters like Stitch they go FAST!
If you want to meet Mickey Mouse over in Fantasyland or the Princesses in the Princess Pavilion you can access these queues just like the rides by going to the disabled entrance. Just bear in mind the wait can still be a good amount of time so maybe aim for these at the start of your day or during parade times.
Our tips for enjoying your Disney day
Your children's behaviour/you don't magically change because you're in Disney. You know you and your family better than anyone, so plan for this. If there is a routine at home try and stick to it. If there is something a member of your party has or uses at home take it or see if its available in the parks or hotel. If you have little ones take or rent a stroller.....you will need it at some point.
Food and snacks - if there are specific snacks or drinks someone will only eat take them with you. You might not be able to get them while you are there. Check menus online before you go, all the restaurants have menus online and on the app.
Follow the kids' lead, in general we find if we make sure the kids are happy, we are.
Have a rough plan for the day but don't over plan and set expectations. The last thing you want is to tell everyone you are definitely going to go on Big Thunder Mountain and then you can't because you just didn't have enough time or it breaks down, because you may have a melt down on your hands.
Take things to keep them occupied while waiting or in restaurants. Small toys and colouring are our go to, but we have also given you a helping hand by creating some FREE activity sheets you can download for while you're on your trip! Check out our activity sheets tab at the top and we also have a blog post on how you can make an activity keyring!
Take regular breaks to avoid burnout. You walk miles in Disney. Make sure you schedule in time where everyone can take a moment to rest and even find somewhere quiet, away from sensory overload.
Find out what rides and attractions are suitable for each party member BEFORE you arrive. This helps manage expectations. Also try and make sure you do one thing for each person each day so no one feels left out.
Try on any costumes, clothes, and shoes before you pack to make sure everyone is comfortable. Make sure your footwear is well broken in as well.
Just enjoy the moment. You will never get these moments back. If you have had a tough time try and take a break and then move on.
What we always take with us into the parks!
Ear defenders
Small toys/fidgets
Comforter (whatever keeps them calm and happy)
Activity Sheets/Colouring
Tablet (for in the hotel. We use our phones while in the parks for Disney+ or Netflix)
Blanket (to sit on, wrap up in, use for sensory overload)
Favourite snacks
Drinks/water bottles
Small first aid kit/medications
Wipes/tissues
Spare clothes (if you know accidents may happen, prepare for them)
Zip lock bags (great for half eaten snacks, wet clothes, keeping things dry)
We hope this has been helpful, and hope it has encouraged you to book that trip or be more prepared for your upcoming one.
See ya real soon!
Comments