Access with a little Pixie Dust ✨
Who doesn’t want to go to Disneyland?
Well, I’m sure they are plenty of people but for me, Disneyland was one of those dream destinations, almost mythical.
Having grown up with Disney animated films like Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Cinderella, Disneyland appealed as the kind of place that could bring fictional, whimsical stories with your favourite childhood characters into reality. Unfortunately, there is a literal ocean between me and the ‘happiest place on Earth’.
Where I live in Australia, we’re actually spoilt for choice when it comes to theme parks. Within an hours drive of where I grew up we had the likes of Movieworld, Seaworld, and Dreamworld. [Fun Fact: the Dreamworld entrance was actually modelled off the Disneyland entrance.] These parks are filled with fun attractions, rides, and other entertainment. As I grew up though, and my friends were finally able to go on all the thrill rides, I would be left to go off and check out the gift shop for the third or fourth time… Don’t get me wrong, I love shopping more than the average person but when it’s your only option it can feel a bit limiting. While I could go on some of the rides, it would require having someone who could lift me out of my wheelchair and then I’d have to sit uncomfortably in a ride seat. Not ideal. These were also usually rides aimed at younger kids since they weren’t as intense and I could never reach the ever illusive height restrictions of more adult rides. Nevertheless I’d always have fun at these places, I just wished that I could do more.
Well you know what they say, a dream is a wish your heart makes and in 2010, my dream finally came true. I, along with my Mum and younger sister would be spending Christmas in Disneyland!
Steph hanging with a festive Eeyore at Disneyland in 2010
This was my first trip overseas so beyond Disneyland it was an exciting, life-affirming time in my life. I distinctly remember coming off the plane at LAX and marvelling that I was actually across the Pacific Ocean, in a completely different country. I was mindful to absorb those moments as much as possible because I didn’t know if I’d ever be back. I digress though, back to Disney!
One of my favourite things to do before I travel somewhere is to research places I’m planning to visit, gathering as much information as I can to know what I can expect when I’m there. Disneyland was no different. I scoured the website for information on rides, eateries, and shopping. Pleasantly, and to my surprise, I found a wealth of information regarding accessibility at the parks, including which rides I was able to remain in my wheelchair for; a concept I had never experienced before or realised was possible! You can even filter the list of attractions and entertainment to only show you ones that you can remain in your wheelchair for - incredible!
Steph boarding the Jungle Cruise ride in Disneyland
These were also rides that weren’t solely aimed at kids under 5 but people of all ages. Things like Toy Story Midway Mania, Jungle Cruise, and everyone’s favourite ear worm, It’s A Small World - apologies for it now being stuck in your head indefinitely. Mickey’s Fun Wheel (now Pixar Pal-A-Round) is one of my personal favourites as it’s the closest thing to a thrill ride you can experience from the comfort of your own wheelchair! At least in my experience.
A view of Paradise Pier (now known as Pixar Pier) at Disney’s California Adventure in 2019 featuring Mickey’s Fun Wheel
People who have been on the famed ferris wheel will know you have two options for riding - a stationary gondola or a swinging gondola. Approaching the ride the first time I assumed my only option would be the stationary one but again, to my surprise, the cast members informed me that if I wanted I could take my chair in the swinging gondola. Decision made! With my wheelchair held in place with heavy blocks, the door closed and off we were away. This is one of those rides where every time you ride it will be a different experience, some more wild than others. Thankfully, my first ride was one of exhilaration. I realise that compared to actual thrill rides, this would be considered very tame but to me it felt like soaring.
Rides like this, and many more at Disneyland, show me that with a little ingenuity and inclusive thinking, theme parks and other attractions can offer a wide range of accessible experiences, ones that suit a diversity of tastes and abilities. Seamlessly integrating accessible options into the experiences and attractions creates an environment of inclusion and belonging. Here I don’t feel I’m missing out so much or have to be separated from the rest of my party. While there are always more improvements to be made, Disneyland and Walt Disney World showcase how theme parks can be enjoyed by people of all abilities, a big reason why Disney Parks have become a favourite destination for people like myself. All it takes is just a little creative ingenuity and pixie dust.