Walt Disney World Resort Sensory Experience Details for Guests with Disabilities

Visiting Walt Disney World Resort represents the ultimate dream vacation for many families. For guests with sensory sensitivities or disabilities, proper planning can make the experience even more enjoyable.

Disney is known for its attention to accessibility, and the Walt Disney World has provided a comprehensive sensory guide to help guests feel more confident navigating the parks. This guide has been offered to park guests in a PDF version, which is great for certain situations, but we wanted to document this information on the open web, in easy to understand tables that can be accessed by anyone with a web browser.

This article details the exact content of the sensory experience details offered by Walt Disney World to ensure that everyone has a memorable visit, regardless of their individual needs.

Understanding Sensory Categories

The Walt Disney World sensory guide details 11 different categories that help identify potential sensory triggers for guests. These categories include scents or smells, lighting effects, loud noises, periods of darkness, bumpy movements, fast speeds, elevations, water exposure, elements of surprise, restraint types, and trip durations.

Each category highlights specific sensory elements in attractions, shows, and experiences. For example, guests sensitive to loud noises may appreciate knowing that fireworks shows, certain attractions, or even cavalcades involve high-decibel sounds. By understanding these categories, families can better plan which attractions will suit their sensory needs.

Category	Definition
Scent/smell	Artificially introduced odor. May also include operational fumes
Lighting Effects	This would include specialty lighting and other visual effects in all or portions of the attraction
Loud Noises	Includes startling or surprise noises
Periods of Darkness	Includes attractions with low light or portions with total darkness
Bumpy	May include sudden movement related to the story of the attraction. Can include simulated movement or small dips.
Fast	Swift forward motion. May include constant speed or sudden bursts of speed
Lifts Off Ground	Ride vehicle is raised in the air or track is at a higher elevation with limited visibility to track
Wet	Strong possibility of coming in contact with water
Element of Surprise	Additional components of the experience that are not clearly identified. May include elements in queue area or on the attraction
Type of Restraint	May include shared lap bar, individual lap bar, shared lap belt, individual lap belt, individual over-the-shoulder, or no restraint (N/A)
Trip Time	Includes load/unload and time in attraction/show. Does not include wait time

Tools to Navigate Attractions

This webpage provides detailed information for each attraction across Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs. It identifies sensory components for each ride, show, or experience and suggests what guests can expect. Simply click the section of Walt Disney World below that you would like to review, and you’ll scroll to that part of this article.

Magic Kingdom

EPCOT
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Hollywood Studios

Animal Kingdom

Disney Springs

Magic Kingdom

Main Street, U.S.A.

	Scents / Smells	Lighting Effects	Loud Noises	Periods of Darkness	Bumpy	Fast	Lifts Off Ground	Wet	Element of Surprise	Type of Restraint	Trip Time
Walt Disney World® Railroad	✔	❌	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	Short tunnels; train whistle	N/A	Full route: 15- 20 min
Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade	❌	❌	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	Confetti blasts from floats	N/A	15 min
Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade	❌	❌	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌		Lap Belt	12 min
Happily Ever After (Fireworks Show)	❌	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	Dazzling fireworks; special effects	Lap Belt	18 min

Adventureland

	Scents / Smells	Lighting Effects	Loud Noises	Periods of Darkness	Bumpy	Fast	Lifts Off Ground	Wet	Element of Surprise	Type of Restraint	Trip Time
Swiss Family Treehouse	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	✔	❌	Stairs throughout; elevated platforms	N/A	Self-paced
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin	❌	❌	❌	❌	✔	❌	✔	✔	Self-controlled up / down motion; spitting camels	N/A	2 min
Jungle Cruise	✔	❌	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	✔	Loud motor; travel through short cave	N/A	10 min
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room	❌	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	Simulated thunder / lightning	N/A	20 min
Pirates of the Caribbean	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	✔	One drop in darkness; splashing water	N/A	9 min

Frontierland

	Scents / Smells	Lighting Effects	Loud Noises	Periods of Darkness	Bumpy	Fast	Lifts Off Ground	Wet	Element of Surprise	Type of Restraint	Trip Time
Walt Disney World® Railroad	✔	❌	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	Short tunnels; train whistle	N/A	Full route: 15- 20 min
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad	❌	❌	✔	❌	✔	✔	✔	❌	Sharp turns; sudden drops; simulated earthquake	Lap bar	5 min
Tom Sawyer Island	✔	❌	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	Raft ride to / from island	N/A	Self-paced
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	Splashing water; sudden drops & stops	Lap bar	7 min
Country Bear Musical Jamboree	❌	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌		N/A	16 min

Liberty Square

	Scents / Smells	Lighting Effects	Loud Noises	Periods of Darkness	Bumpy	Fast	Lifts Off Ground	Wet	Element of Surprise	Type of Restraint	Trip Time
The Hall of Presidents	❌	❌	❌	❌	✔	❌	❌	❌		N/A	22 min
Liberty Square Riverboat	✔	❌	❌	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	Whistle and loud motor	N/A	13 min
Haunted Mansion	❌	❌	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	Vehicle rotates backwards; characters pop up	Lap bar	8 min

Fantasyland

	Scents / Smells	Lighting Effects	Loud Noises	Periods of Darkness	Bumpy	Fast	Lifts Off Ground	Wet	Element of Surprise	Type of Restraint	Trip Time
Walt Disney World® Railroad	✔	❌	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	Short tunnels; train whistle	N/A	Full route: 15- 20 min
Prince Charming Regal Carousel	❌	❌	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	Horses move up and down; bench available	Lap belt	2 min
Mickey’s Phil-har-Magic	✔	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	✔	3D glasses; air bursts; brief water spray	N/A	12 min
Peter Pan’s Flight	❌	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	❌	Sharp turns; lifts off the ground	Lap bar	5 min
“it’s a small world”	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌		N/A	5 min
Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid	❌	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	Vehicle rotates backwards	N/A	5 min
The Barn-stormer	❌	❌	❌	❌	✔	✔	✔	❌	Sharp turns; sudden drops	Lap bar	1 min
Dumbo the Flying Elephant	❌	❌	❌	❌	✔	❌	✔	❌	Self-controlled up/down motion	Lap belt	2 min
Mad Tea Party	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	✔	❌	❌	Spinning	N/A	2 min
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh	❌	✔	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	Vehicle bounces in one scene; simulated thunder / lighting	Lap bar	3 min
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train	❌	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	❌	Sharp turns; sudden drops	Lap bar	3 min

Tomorrowland

	Scents / Smells	Lighting Effects	Loud Noises	Periods of Darkness	Bumpy	Fast	Lifts Off Ground	Wet	Element of Surprise	Type of Restraint	Trip Time
Tomorrow-land Speedway	✔	❌	✔	❌	✔	❌	❌	❌	Loud motors	Lap belt	6 min
TRON Lightcycle / Run	❌	✔	✔	✔	❌	✔	✔	❌	Sharp turns; sudden drops	N/A	3 min
Space Mountain	❌	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	❌	Sharp turns and sudden drops in total darkness	Lap bar	5 min
Astro Orbiter	❌	✔	✔	❌	✔	❌	✔	❌	Flashing lights at night	Lap belt	3 min
Tomorrow-land Transit Authority People-Mover	❌	❌	❌	✔	❌	❌	✔	❌	Darkness in Space Mountain portion	N/A	10 min
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress	❌	❌	❌	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	Rotating theater	N/A	20 min
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin	❌	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	Self-controlled spinning	Lap bar	5 min
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor	❌	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌		N/A	12 min

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EPCOT

World Celebration

	Scents / Smells	Lighting Effects	Loud Noises	Periods of Darkness	Bumpy	Fast	Lifts Off Ground	Wet	Element of Surprise	Type of Restraint	Trip Time
Spaceship Earth	✔	❌	❌	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	Vehicle rotates backwards	N/A	13 min
Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival	❌	✔	❌	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	3D glasses	N/A	15 min
Journey into Imagination with Figment	✔	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	Darkness & simulated train during “sound” portion	N/A	8 min

World Discovery

	Scents / Smells	Lighting Effects	Loud Noises	Periods of Darkness	Bumpy	Fast	Lifts Off Ground	Wet	Element of Surprise	Type of Restraint	Trip Time
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind	❌	✔	✔	✔	❌	✔	✔	❌	Pre-show: Significant periods of darkness Ride: Vehicle rotates throughout; reverse launch; sharp turns; sudden drops	Lap bar	3 min
Mission: SPACE	❌	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	Confined space	Over-the-shoulder restraint	6 min
Test Track	❌	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	❌	Sharp and high banking turns	Lap belt	5 min

World Nature

	Scents / Smells	Lighting Effects	Loud Noises	Periods of Darkness	Bumpy	Fast	Lifts Off Ground	Wet	Element of Surprise	Type of Restraint	Trip Time
Awesome Planet	❌	❌	❌	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	Theater with stairs	N/A	10 min
Soarin’ Around the World	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	❌	✔	❌	Ride vehicle lifts off ground; simulated flight	Lap belt	7 min
Living with the Land	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	Simulated thunderstorm	N/A	14 min
Journey of Water, Inspired By Moana	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	✔	Interactive water features	N/A	Self-paced
The Seas with Nemo and Friends	❌	✔	❌	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	Scary fish chases Marlin & Dory; real aquarium in final scene	N/A	3 min
Turtle Talk with Crush	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌		N/A	15 min
Sea Base	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	Interactive exhibits; live animals	N/A	Self-paced

World Showcase

	Scents / Smells	Lighting Effects	Loud Noises	Periods of Darkness	Bumpy	Fast	Lifts Off Ground	Wet	Element of Surprise	Type of Restraint	Trip Time
Mexico: Grand Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	Simulated fireworks at end	N/A	8 min
Norway: Frozen Ever After	✔	✔	❌	❌	✔	✔	✔	✔	Two drops, one backwards; splashing water	N/A	5 min
China: Reflections of China	❌	❌	❌	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	Sensation of moving during portions of film	N/A	13 min
The American Adventure: America Gardens Theatre	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	Shows vary and elements may change	N/A	Depends on act, check times
The American Adventure: The American Adventure	❌	❌	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌		N/A	30 min
France: Film: Beauty & the Beast Sing-Along Film: Impressions de France	❌	❌	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	B&B: Loud portions of film IdF: Sensation of moving during portions	N/A	18 min
France: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure	✔	❌	❌	❌	✔	❌	❌	✔	3D glasses; sensation of moving during portions of film; squirting water	Lap Bar	6 min
Canada: Far and Wide	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	Sensation of moving during portions of film	N/A	14 min
Luminous The Symphony of Us (Fireworks Show)	❌	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	Dazzling fireworks; special effects	N/A	20 min

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Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Boulevard

	Scents / Smells	Lighting Effects	Loud Noises	Periods of Darkness	Bumpy	Fast	Lifts Off Ground	Wet	Element of Surprise	Type of Restraint	Trip Time
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway	❌	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	Spinning; sudden change in direction; backward movement; simulated tornado & lightning	Lap bar	5 min

Echo Lake

	Scents / Smells	Lighting Effects	Loud Noises	Periods of Darkness	Bumpy	Fast	Lifts Off Ground	Wet	Element of Surprise	Type of Restraint	Trip Time
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue	❌	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	Flight simulator; 3D glasses, sharp turns; sudden drops; sudden stops; enclosed space	Lap belt	7 min
Vacation Fun	❌	❌	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌		N/A	10 min
For the First Time in Forever: A “Frozen” Sing-Along Celebration	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	Simulated snow flurries at end	N/A	30 min

Grand Avenue

	Scents / Smells	Lighting Effects	Loud Noises	Periods of Darkness	Bumpy	Fast	Lifts Off Ground	Wet	Element of Surprise	Type of Restraint	Trip Time
Muppet ★ Vision 3D	✔	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	✔	3D glasses; brief water spray	N/A	30 min

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

	Scents / Smells	Lighting Effects	Loud Noises	Periods of Darkness	Bumpy	Fast	Lifts Off Ground	Wet	Element of Surprise	Type of Restraint	Trip Time
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance	❌	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	❌	Sharp turns; sudden drops; sudden stops; rotates backwards; flight simulator in-queue and mid-attraction	Lap belt	15 min
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run	❌	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	Flight simulator; sharp turns; sudden drops; sudden stops; enclosed space; blasts of air	Lap belt	15 min

Toy Story Land

	Scents / Smells	Lighting Effects	Loud Noises	Periods of Darkness	Bumpy	Fast	Lifts Off Ground	Wet	Element of Surprise	Type of Restraint	Trip Time
Alien Swirling Saucers	❌	✔	✔	❌	✔	✔	❌	❌	Sharp turns	Lap belt	2 min
Slinky Dog Dash	❌	✔	✔	❌	❌	✔	✔	❌	Sharp turns; sudden drops; sudden stops	Lap bar	3 min
Toy Story Mania!	❌	✔	✔	❌	✔	❌	❌	❌	3D glasses; spinning and sharp turns	Lap bar	5 min

Animation Courtyard

	Scents / Smells	Lighting Effects	Loud Noises	Periods of Darkness	Bumpy	Fast	Lifts Off Ground	Wet	Element of Surprise	Type of Restraint	Trip Time
Walt Disney Presents	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	Interactive elements	N/A	Self-paced FilM: 15 min
Disney Junior Play & Dance	❌	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	Bubbles	N/A	10 min

Sunset Boulevard

	Scents / Smells	Lighting Effects	Loud Noises	Periods of Darkness	Bumpy	Fast	Lifts Off Ground	Wet	Element of Surprise	Type of Restraint	Trip Time
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith	❌	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	❌	Sharp turns; sudden drops and loops	Over-theshoulder restraint	2 min
Fantasmic!	❌	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	✔	Numerous theatrical effects; some seating areas will get wet	N/A	30 min
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	❌	Sharp turns; sudden drops	Lap belt	7 min
Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage	❌	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌		N/A	30 min

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Animal Kingdom

Discovery Island

	Scents / Smells	Lighting Effects	Loud Noises	Periods of Darkness	Bumpy	Fast	Lifts Off Ground	Wet	Element of Surprise	Type of Restraint	Trip Time
Wilderness Explorers	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	Short tunnels; train whistle	N/A	Self-paced
It’s Tough to be a Bug!®	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	✔	3D glasses; air bursts; brief water spray; spiders drop from ceiling; moving seats	N/A	10 min
Discovery Island Trails	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	Live animals	N/A	Self-paced

Pandora – The World of Avatar

	Scents / Smells	Lighting Effects	Loud Noises	Periods of Darkness	Bumpy	Fast	Lifts Off Ground	Wet	Element of Surprise	Type of Restraint	Trip Time
Na’vi River Journey	✔	✔	❌	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌		N/A	4 min
Avatar Flight of Passage	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	❌	✔	3D effects; ride seat expands and contracts; simulated sudden drops	Leg restraints and back pad	5 min

Africa

	Scents / Smells	Lighting Effects	Loud Noises	Periods of Darkness	Bumpy	Fast	Lifts Off Ground	Wet	Element of Surprise	Type of Restraint	Trip Time
Festival of the Lion King	❌	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	Fire dancer within show	N/A	30 min
Kilimanjaro Safaris	✔	❌	✔	❌	✔	✔	❌	❌	Sharp turns; live animals	N/A	22 min
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trails	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	Live animals	N/A	Self-paced
Rafiki’s Planet Watch	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	Live animals	N/A	Self-paced
The Animation Experience at Conservation Station	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌		N/A	15 min
Conservation Station®	✔	❌	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	Live animals	N/A	Self-paced
Affection Section	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	Live animals	N/A	Self-paced

Asia

	Scents / Smells	Lighting Effects	Loud Noises	Periods of Darkness	Bumpy	Fast	Lifts Off Ground	Wet	Element of Surprise	Type of Restraint	Trip Time
Feathered Friends in Flight	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	Live animals; Birds fly over audience	N/A	25 min
Maharajah Jungle Trek	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	Live animals	N/A	Self-paced
Kali River Rapids	✔	❌	❌	❌	✔	✔	❌	✔	You will get wet	Lap belt	4 min
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain	❌	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	❌	Sharp turns; sudden drops; backward motion; Yeti	Lap bar	3 min

DinoLand U.S.A.

	Scents / Smells	Lighting Effects	Loud Noises	Periods of Darkness	Bumpy	Fast	Lifts Off Ground	Wet	Element of Surprise	Type of Restraint	Trip Time
The Boneyard	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌		N/A	Self-paced
Fossil Fun Games	❌	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	Midway games; addt’l fee	N/A	Self-paced
TriceraTop Spin	❌	❌	❌	❌	✔	❌	✔	❌	Self-controlled up/down motion	Lap belt	2 min
DINOSAUR	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	Sharp turns	Lap belt	3 min
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… And Beyond!	❌	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌		N/A	30 min

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Disney Springs

Disney Springs

	Scents / Smells	Lighting Effects	Loud Noises	Periods of Darkness	Bumpy	Fast	Lifts Off Ground	Wet	Element of Surprise	Type of Restraint	Trip Time
Cirque Du Soleil	❌	✔	✔	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	Performers within the audience & aisles; show elements in the aisles; audience interaction	N/A	90 – 100 min
Aero-phile Hot Air Balloon	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	✔	❌	Ascend 400 feet into the sky	N/A	8 min
Market-place Train Express	❌	❌	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	Simulated train whistle & sounds	Lap Belt	2 min
Market-place Carousel	❌	❌	✔	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	Horses move up and down	Lap Belt	2 min

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Planning Tips for Families

Families traveling to Walt Disney World with neurodivergent guests or those with sensory processing challenges can use the sensory guide to pre-plan their day. Here are some helpful strategies to ensure a smoother visit:

1. Review the Sensory Guide in Advance
   Look through the detailed information for attractions. This makes it easier to create an itinerary with activities that meet everyone’s comfort levels.
2. Prepare for Certain Sensory Elements
   For those sensitive to elements like loud noises or bright lights, consider bringing items like noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, or other tools to reduce sensory overload.
3. Take Advantage of Break Spaces
   Walt Disney World Resort has designated quiet areas and calm spaces where guests can retreat if they need a break. These locations can provide a much-needed escape from the crowds and stimulation.
4. Utilize Disability Access Service (DAS)
   Disney’s Disability Access Service helps guests with disabilities access attractions with reduced wait times. Guests can use this along with the sensory guide for an even more personalized experience.

Access Across All Parks

Every park within Walt Disney World Resort is included in the sensory guide, ensuring visitors have park-specific information to plan accordingly. For instance, Magic Kingdom offers various experiences, from mild adventures like the Liberty Square Riverboat to more sensory-involved rides like Space Mountain. Similarly, EPCOT provides a mix of indoor theaters and thrilling attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, both of which are detailed with sensory categories for easy planning.

Disney Springs also features sensory details to ensure non-theme-park activities are equally accessible for all visitors.

Final Thoughts

Navigating Walt Disney World Resort with sensory sensitivities or disabilities doesn’t have to feel overwhelming! With the help of Disney’s detailed sensory guide, families can make informed decisions and fully enjoy their visit. From quiet retreats to exhilarating rides, there’s something for everyone. Planning with a focus on comfort and accessibility ensures that the magic of Disney is truly inclusive for all.

Written by

Rachel Van Norman

Contributing Writer

Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.