Wheelchair-Friendly Amusement Parks

It's almost summer, and like many people you may be flocking to an amusement park near you. I've frequented a few of the large theme parks in the South. Like some daring 11 year olds, my son loves roller coasters and is always in the mood for a trip to an amusement park. However, unlike many children his age, he is in a wheelchair. Taking a handicapped child to an amusement park that is designed for able-bodied people can be difficult and presents challenges that some amusement parks handle better than others.

Typically, most amusement parks will give you a handicapped pass that will make getting on the rides easier. I will review and rate each of the parks we have visited over the years as to how well they handle these challenges and accommodate the handicapped, the friendliness and helpfulness of the employees, and how easy or difficult the park is to navigate with a wheelchair.

Disney World in Orlando, Florida
We had a magical time visiting the Magic Kingdom as well as Universal Studios and Epcot. Disney World is very accommodating to the handicapped. As soon as you arrive to the park, get a handicapped pass. This pass then allows you to follow the handicapped signs posted at each ride and enter the handicapped entrance. The ride attendants were always very helpful with the wheelchair, making sure it was parked in a safe, out of the place while we were on the ride. The park is pretty easy to navigate a wheelchair through it as well.

My only disappointment was in meeting the characters. Sometimes, this was hard to do with the wheelchair and my son never did get to meet Mickey!

Disney World's rating: 4 screams (out of 5)

Six Flags over Georgia in Atlanta, Georgia
Six Flags is my least favorite amusement park and we will probably never go back. First of all, they don't really have a handicapped pass. Instead you have to obtain a "fast track" pass. The handicapped entrances of rides are not very noticeable and are often difficult to find. The park employees and ride attendants were not helpful at all. The park itself is very difficult to navigate with a wheelchair as there are many hills and bumpy paths and the layout is confusing.

Six Flag's rating: 1 scream (out of 5)

Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Our Dollywood experience was very pleasurable. Obtaining a handicapped pass at Dollywood was very easy and did not take much time at all. The handicapped entrances are clearly marked and the ride attendants were very helpful in getting us on and off the rides and taking care of the wheelchair while we were on the ride. All the other employees we came in contact with were very helpful and friendly as well. The park was easy to navigate with a wheelchair. We will definitely be making more Dollywood trips!

Dollywood's Rating: 4 ½ screams (out of 5)

Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina
This is the amusement park that we have frequented the most. Obtaining a handicapped pass at Carowinds is easy. Most of the handicapped entrances are labeled and easy to find. The ride attendants and employees are not always the most helpful or friendless but the park is easy to navigate with a wheelchair however we are never quite sure where to leave the wheelchair while we are on a ride and the ride attendants don't really give any direction on that unless specifically asked.

Carowind's rating: 3 ½ screams (out of 5)

A few tips:
Be sure and get your handicapped pass as soon as you arrive.
Be sure and get a map or guide of the park. It will give you small descriptions of the ride and will help you decide which rides are the most practical for handicapped people.
Don't leave any valuables with your wheelchair while riding the rides. Although ride attendants are usually near by, they really don't have time to "guard" the wheelchair.

Whichever park you decide to visit this summer, have a great time!