The Best Wheelchair-Accessible Theme Parks in the US

When you think of visiting theme parks, thrilling days on roller coasters probably come to mind, right? While these rides are exciting, they often lack wheelchair accessibility. So, is it even worth it for wheelchair users to visit theme parks? The answer is twofold. Many parks are not very accessible, but there are also plenty of surprisingly wheelchair-friendly options in the U.S.

Wheelchair users may need to approach their theme park visits differently, but having an incredible day is absolutely possible. From a fully accessible amusement and water park in Texas to a whimsical chocolate-themed park, the five parks listed below are designed for enjoyment by everyone, regardless of their abilities. Here are five of the most wheelchair-friendly theme parks in the U.S.

Morgan's Wonderland

As the world's first fully accessible theme park, this enchanting location deserves the top spot on our list. Opened in San Antonio in 2010, Morgan's Wonderland was created by Gordon Hartman after he witnessed discrimination against his daughter, who has a disability. His vision was to create a space where people of all abilities could come together and enjoy playtime, and what a remarkable place he has built!

Morgan's Wonderland offers free entry for guests with special needs every day. Inside the park, visitors can enjoy over 25 wheelchair-accessible attractions. Every part of Morgan's Wonderland is designed with wheelchair users in mind, ensuring no area is off-limits. Whether guests wish to experience an off-road adventure ride, hop on an accessible train, play on an inclusive playground (complete with wheelchair swings!), or take a ride on a Ferris wheel, the choices are truly endless at Morgan's Wonderland.

Morgan's Inspiration Island

As the name implies, this park is the sister attraction to Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio. Instead of leisurely activities like riding a Ferris wheel or enjoying an inclusive playground, get ready to make a splash at Morgan's Inspiration Island! This fully accessible water park is the ideal spot for a hot Texas day, featuring five splash pad areas and even a wheelchair-accessible riverboat ride.

If you're wondering, "How can a water park be accessible?" let us explain. There are several accessible changing rooms equipped with features like adult-sized changing tables and Hoyer lifts for transfers. While these changing rooms are fantastic, one of the most impressive features of Morgan's Inspiration Island is the availability of air-powered waterproof wheelchairs, known as pneumatic chairs, which guests can use for free. These pneumatic chairs are controlled by a joystick, just like motorized wheelchairs, but unlike standard models, they can get completely wet, so feel free to drive them into large water fountains without worry.

Walt Disney World

There's no denying that the world's most famous theme park boasts excellent accessibility, right? Walt Disney World in Florida consists of four distinct parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Each park features several attractions that are fully wheelchair accessible (some of my favorites include Toy Story Mania! at Hollywood Studios and Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom). However, if you can only visit one park, make it Magic Kingdom.

Magic Kingdom offers five rides that are fully wheelchair accessible: Jungle Cruise, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, "it's a small world," Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid, and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Whether you're using a motorized or manual wheelchair, you can enjoy a day filled with exciting rides alongside your family and friends. Plus, many other attractions are easily accessible if you're able to transfer, and there are numerous shows to catch, including the iconic Carousel of Progress and the hilarious Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, just to name a few must-see experiences.

All Walt Disney World parks provide the Disability Access Service (DAS) for guests with disabilities. You can register for DAS at Guest Relations located at the entrance of any park. With DAS, you can approach any attraction and receive a return time, allowing you to skip the often lengthy lines for rides and attractions. This fantastic service will enhance your experience at "The Happiest Place on Earth"!

Holiday World & Splashin' Safari

Situated in Santa Claus, Indiana, Holiday World is a delightful destination where you can enjoy year-round holiday festivities and attractions. The park is organized into four themed sections: Christmas, Halloween, the Fourth of July, and Thanksgiving, plus an on-site waterpark.

Although most rides at Holiday World require wheelchair users to transfer from their wheelchairs to ride seats, many rides have special transfer devices available. If transferring isn’t feasible, you can still enjoy popular attractions like the Star Spangled Carousel and Holidog's Treehouse. Additionally, there are year-round shows with accessible seating in every theater.

After a thrilling morning at Holiday World, you might want to unwind at the on-site waterpark, Splashin' Safari. This waterpark offers a limited number of accessible tubes for the lazy river for those who cannot sit upright independently. These tubes can also be requested for use in wave pools, and many of the pools feature zero-entry access for easier entry.

Similar to Walt Disney World's DAS, visitors with disabilities can obtain a Holiday World Ride Boarding Pass at Holiday World Services located inside the front gate. This pass allows the individual with a disability and up to three guests to receive a designated return time for each attraction.

Hersheypark and ZooAmerica

Known as "The Sweetest Place on Earth," Hersheypark is situated in Hershey, Pennsylvania. If you love Hershey chocolate and enjoy theme park thrills, Hersheypark is the ideal destination for you! Indulge your sweet tooth at various eateries throughout the park, and explore attractions that cater to your adventurous spirit.

While most rides at Hersheypark require guests to transfer, there are several attractions that are fully wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair users can enjoy the Carrousel, take a ride on the Dry Gulch Railroad train, and relax in the zero-depth water playground called Shoreline Sprayground. Aquatic wheelchairs are also available for use.

With a ticket to Hersheypark, guests also enjoy complimentary access to ZooAmerica. This on-site zoo features over 200 animals, ranging from alligators and wolves to bears and elk. A visit to Hersheypark lets you enjoy two parks in one day, ensuring a full day of excitement for everyone.

In conclusion

For wheelchair users, the fun continues at any of the five theme parks mentioned above. Now that you're aware of the accessibility features these parks offer, it's time to plan your ideal day at one (or all) of them.