Accessible Destinations for Travelers with Disabilities
We all go through tough times in life. Sometimes, things fail to work out as we expect. Other times, things may flow as they should but require our hard work and dedication. In our quest to achieve all our goals, we may get worked out and exhausted. One of the best ways to decompress from the daily stresses of life is vacationing and enjoying a new environment. They allow a person some time away from their usual way of living, giving them a chance to make life more enjoyable. Vacations are, therefore, essential for every human being. We encourage you review this iAccess Life list of 15 popular Accessible Destinations for Travelers with Disabilities and Wheelchair users and to rate each place in the iAccess Life app.
Persons with limited mobility are no exception when it comes to the need for vacations and travel. However, they often face challenges when visiting vacation spots that are not wheelchair accessible. It is thus elemental for them to seek out vacation spots where they are confident they can move around with ease. The iAccess Life App is very handy for persons with limited mobility to find the best vacation spots or to share their accessibility experiences with a place they recently visited. Download the iAccess Life app here.
Please enjoy this list of 15 popular Accessible Destinations for Travelers with Disabilities and Wheelchair users that the experts at iAccess Life are providing for you. iAccess Life is a mobile app allows users with disabilities rate, review and search for places based on their accessibility. Download the iAccess Life app here.
1) Morgan's Wonderland (San Antonio, Texas)
Morgan’s Wonderland is a theme park located in San Antonio, Texas and it is billed as “The World’s First Ultra-Accessible Theme Park”. It is the only theme park in the world that designs all of its rides with special-needs individuals in mind and built for everyone’s enjoyment in an atmosphere of inclusion. Many consider Morgan’s Wonderland the coolest accessible destination for travelers with disabilities and wheelchair users. With its motto being ‘Where everyone can play’ Morgan’s wonderland is accessible to all regardless of age or ability. It sits on a 25-acre land and consists of rides, gardens, playground, catch and release fishing area, theater and picnic area. The park also has a center for special acts and performances. Plan your trip today!
2) Disney World (Orlando, Florida)
Disney world, located in Orlando,Florida is considered the happiest place in the world. Considered to be relatively the size of San Francisco, Disney World visitors enjoy theme parks, water parks, camping, golfing, shopping and dining in style. Disney world has fun activities that are so diverse that they cannot be exhausted in one visit. For people with disabilities, Disney World offers wheel chairs for rental and the travel buses there are also suitable for people with disability. You can find out all questions for guests with disabilities here.
If you are planning a trip, consider checking out some of the special deals provided to our readers:
3) Disney Land (California)
Disney Land, is located in Anaheim, California. The Disney land Resort features two theme parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. Opened in 1955, Walt Disney’s original theme park, Disneyland Park is divided into 8 themed “lands”—Main Street, U.S.A., Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Mickey’s Toontown, Frontierland, Critter Country, New Orleans Square and Adventureland. Sail with pirates, explore exotic jungles, meet fairy-tale princesses, and dive under the ocean and rocket through the stars— all in the same day.
You can find out all questions for guests with disabilities here.
If you are planning a trip, consider checking out some of the special deals provided to our readers:
4) Hanauma Bay (Oahu, Hawaii)
Hanauma bay is a wonderful place to go snorkeling and experience marine life. This beach located in Honolulu, Hawaii and disabled visitors are encouraged to reach the shore using special beach wheelchairs FREE of charge. Wheelchairs are available from the Beach Information Kiosk from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. all year around. All of the facilities at the Bay are designed to be fully accessible to our disabled guests. The tram to and from the beach area has a ramp and can accommodate wheelchairs. There are many package tours available, some of which are equipped with ADA lifts on the vans or buses. There are fun activities like snorkeling that any one can enjoy!
The beach has clear blue water, low tides and waves, reefs below the water surface and view of attractive marine life. If you’re lucky enough, you may even get to swim with sea turtles. Hanauma Bay is a dormant cone volcano.
A tip though for those intending to visit Hanauma beach, it is closed from the public on Tuesdays to give the sea life a breather from all the tourists. The best time to go to the bay is early in the morning, especially if you are in a rental car, as the parking lots fill up to capacity very quickly.
5) Metropolitan Museum of Art / The Met (New York, New York)
The Met, located in New York City, is the largest art museum in the United States. It has a fifth avenue entrance suitable for wheel chair users. The Museum is committed to making its collection, buildings, programs, and services accessible to all audiences.
Caregivers of visitors with disabilities will be admitted for FREE. These tickets may be obtained at a Museum ticket counter. The Met Fifth Avenue offers events for visitors with disabilities on a regular basis. See Events
The Met presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The Museum lives in three iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue, The Met Breuer, and The Met Cloisters. Millions of people also take part in The Met experience online.
Since it was founded in 1870, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects. Every day, art comes alive in the Museum’s galleries and through its exhibitions and events, revealing both new ideas and unexpected connections across time and across cultures.
Accessibility
The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Breuer
The Museum is accessible to wheelchair users and other visitors who need to avoid stairs.
Visitors with disabilities may use mobility devices, including manual and electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and manually powered mobility aids (such as walkers, canes, and crutches) in all areas open to public pedestrian use. You may also use certain electronic personal assistance mobility devices (EPAMDs) in areas open to public pedestrian use in accordance with Museum guidelines. Please contact [email protected] or 212-650-2010 for guidelines and to make a reservation.
Visitors may borrow manual wheelchairs (standard and wide) from the coat check on a first-come, first-served basis. To request an escort for a wheelchair user, contact [email protected] or 212-570-3711 (two weeks’ notice is preferred).
The Met Fifth Avenue
Accessible entrances are located at Fifth Avenue and 81st Street and through the parking garage at Fifth Avenue and 80th Street. Wheelchairs may be borrowed from the coat check at the 81st Street entrance.
The Met Cloisters
A limited number of wheelchairs are available free of charge for use at The Met Cloisters; however, because of the building’s landmark status, accessibility is somewhat limited for wheelchair users and others with mobility difficulties.
For accessibility information or assistance, we strongly encourage visitors to contact [email protected] or 212-650-2211 in advance or ask at the entrance upon arrival.
Enjoy a great art collection, archives, artifacts and antics from all over the world.
6) The Smithsonian Institution (Washington D.C.)
The Smithsonian Institution, located in Washington, DC, is the worlds largest research and museum complex. Besides storing historical information and artifacts, the institution provides education and research. The institution has 19 museums. The institution also has a national zoo and cultural centers.
All the museums and facilities housed by the Smithsonian Institution are accessible to persons with limited mobility. Users of wheelchairs and other mobility aides will find an entrance that is easily accessible. Moreover, there are available maps that guide them on where to find entrances that are wheelchair accessible. The information makes it easy for users of wheelchairs and other mobility aides to find their way around the museums and other facilities with no strain.
7) The Capitol Building (Washington D.C.)
The capitol building is found in Washington, DC. It is the place where the laws of the land are made in the United States. The building has taken care of facilities that make it accessible to every citizen. The facilities include accessible entrances and pathways as well as wheelchairs to give those who require mobility aides access the building with ease.
Besides housing legislators and the legislation processes, the capitol building has other facilities and features that make it an ideal vacation spot:
Neoclassical design of the building
The building has been constructed in an impressive way that makes it attractive and amusing to see. The exterior part of the building is in a dome shape crowned by a statue made of bronze. The artwork used in the construction of the building, such as frescoes found on the first floor, are an amazing site to see.
Congressional Cemetery
The congressional cemetery sits on a 35-acre of land. Many congressmen who served in Washington, DC and died there between 1807 and 1830 are buried at the congressional cemetery. The cemetery is thus a major historical landmark. Today, the cemetery acts as a site for vacations, educational events as well as concerts.
The Library of Congress
The library of congress, found inside the capitol building, is a historical place that offers a free tour for one-hour every day for visitors. People can learn about the art and architecture that were utilized to construct the cultural institution. The library has a specific area called the Great Hall that was decorated by almost fifty painters in a bid to accommodate classical traditions and cultures. Some of the painted art include a Roman goddess named Minerva, and the four seasons.
8) The Louvre (Paris, France)
The Louvre museum in Paris, France is the oldest and one of the largest museums in the world. Once inside, you can enjoy Greek, Egyptian, Islamic and Roman antiques, paintings and drawings among others. Ancient royal and church items are also a major attraction in the museum. Formerly a royal palace, the Louvre has embraced the history of France for eight centuries. Intended as a universal museum since its inception in 1793, its collections—among the finest in the world—span several thousands of years and a territory that extends from America to the confines of Asia. Divided among eight departments, these collections feature works admired throughout the globe, including the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Venus de Milo. The Louvre is currently the world’s most visited museum.
Accessibility
For many years, making the Louvre more accessible to visitors with disabilities has been one of the museum’s main priorities. In keeping with France’s 2005 disability law, the Louvre aims to ensure all visitors can access the museum safely and comfortably. Special attention is given to ensuring quality help and care are available throughout the museum. It has 20-wheel chair lifts throughout the museum. Disabled visitors can, if they wish, be accompanied from the museum information point to the Touch Gallery, the Carousel car park or the nearest taxi stand.
Special visits and workshops are available to all types of visitors, depending on their specific needs.
For visitors with developmental disabilities, smaller groups are preferred. Group visits consist of one or a series of guided tours or workshops that present the museum’s collections in an appropriate, enjoyable manner.
Groups of visitors with physical disabilities, led by a museum guide, can discover the collections via accessible itineraries.
Visitors who are blind or visually-impaired can take part in guided tours in which works of art are described. They may also participate in tactile visits, in which they are allowed to touch certain works of art or casts of them. Workshops are also available: they are limited to 8 participants and address various themes.
Visitors who are deaf or hearing-impaired can take part in guided tours, given in French sign language. These are led by deaf museum guides and address various themes.
Information on tours for the hearing-impaired:
Tel. +33 (0)1 40 20 59 90
Fax: +33 (0)1 40 20 54 46
9) Ludington State Park (Michigan)
The beauty of Stearns Beach in Ludington makes it one of the most popular beaches along Lake Michigan. While most of us can walk through the sand to Lake Michigan’s shoreline, many cannot–those in wheelchairs or people who have motor disabilities. Even families have great difficulty pushing strollers or wagons through the sand. But this has all changed…Disability Connections of West Michigan and the City of Ludington partnered to install accessible walkways at Stearns Beach.
This is one of the greatest vacation places suitable for people with limited mobility since it offers wheel chairs at the beach and at the beach houses. It also has a manageable boardwalk. At the park, the visitors enjoy sandy beaches, sand dunes, wildlife seeing. It also, has a lighthouse, forest, camping sites and of course the great lakes since it is located between Hamlin Lake and Lake Michigan.
10) Kailua Beach Park (O'ahu, Hawaii)
This is one of the best spots to visit for water-based activities and family outings. It offers all beach activities, beach showers and has picnic stands. It also has wheel chairs available for those that require mobility aides. There are beach access mats near the concessions stand and one leading to a viewing point from the Canoe Halau. This beach park is located in Oahu, Hawaii.
Kailua Beach
526 Kawailoa Road
Call (808) 768-8980 at least one day in advance for All-Terrain Wheelchair reservations Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon.
Pick up must be made 15 minutes of scheduled time.
11) Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
Located in Northern Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is a great camping site with accessible trails and board walks and breath-taking natural beauty ideal for anyone to visit. This beautiful park has many accessible facilities for visitors, including visitor centers, scenic overlooks, self-guided trails, campgrounds, some picnic areas and a back country campsite. Bear Lake Trail, Coyote Valley Trail, Lily Lake Trail and the Sprague Lake Trail are all wheelchair Accessible. For those who love outdoor activities and site seeing, this is the ideal place to visit. Many of the overlooks have accessible parking.
12) Avalon and Stone Harbor (New Jersey)
Stone Harbor is a borough in Cape May County, New Jersey, United States, that is part of the Ocean City Metropolitan Statistical Area. It occupies the southern portion of Seven Mile Island together with its northern neighbor Avalon. It is a resort community that attracts visitors looking to enjoy its beaches, sailing facilities and commercial center. The community attracts a large number of vacationers from the Mid-Atlantic region and Quebec.
Handicap Access to the Beach
City has sand wheelchairs that can be reserved at the Stone Harbor Beach Tag Office 368-6805. There is no charge for use of chairs. City does have accessible beaches.
13) Legoland (All over the world!)
Fun, colourful and inspirational, LEGOLAND® is where awesome awaits for families looking for a great day out, or the ultimate shortbreak experience. Each LEGOLAND is bursting with interactive family rides, live shows, building workshops, and amazing attractions, including awe-inspiring Miniland areas reflecting iconic buildings and attractions from the Resort location – all built using the iconic LEGO® brick.
Designed specifically for families with children aged 2-12 years old, we have LEGOLAND Resorts in Denmark, Germany, the UK, Malaysia, Dubai, Japan, Florida and California.
Families can extend their stay with our amazing, LEGO themed hotels and accommodation – from the classic LEGOLAND Hotels in Denmark, the UK, California, Florida and Malaysia, the awesome LEGOLAND Castle Hotels in Germany, to our amazing LEGOLAND Holiday Villages in Denmark and Germany. New in 2017, we also introduce the LEGOLAND Beach Retreat in Florida, the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel in the UK, and a new expansion to the Holiday Village in Denmark featuring our first LEGO Ninjago themed lodges.
LEGOLAND is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible experience for all Guests. Please use this guide in addition to the Park Map to ensure your safety and enjoyment
Guest with disabilities Access Guide
Wheelchairs* and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs)* are available on a first-come, first-served basis at Minifigure Marketplace. Reservations are not accepted.
- Wheelchair: $15.00
- Electric Convenience Vehicles with Canopy & USB Charge Outlet: $50.00
* Wheelchairs & ECVs cannot be accommodated on rides due to ride manufacturers’ safety restrictions. Guests must be at least 18 years of age to rent and/or operate an ECV.
14) Israel4All (Israel)
Israel is known for its rich religious and historic relevance to the world. Israel for all organizes individual and group visits to Israel for religious and historic site seeing. Israel4all does not limit who gets to go and provides favorable transport, accommodation and equipment such as wheelchairs to persons with disabilities.
Israel4All is an Israeli tourism company for people with disabilities and special needs in all aspects since 1998. Their mission is to be of service to special needs travelers with all kinds of disabilities including physical and mobility challenges, wheelchair/scooter users, slow walkers, the elderly, the hearing impaired, the visually impaired, developmental disabilities and people on the autistic spectrum as well as others.
15) The Henry Ford Museum (Michigan, US)
A vacation can be both fun and educative. At the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan, you will find everything you need to know about American history. The museum is fully accessible to everyone even persons with disability. Therefore, if you need a refresher of your American history, this is the right place to go rediscover it.
The Henry Ford (also known as the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, and as the Edison Institute) is a large indoor and outdoor history museum complex and a National Historic Landmark in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan, United States. The museum collection contains the presidential limousine of John F. Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln’s chair from Ford’s Theatre, Thomas Edison’s laboratory, the Wright Brothers’ bicycle shop, the Rosa Parks bus, and many other historical exhibits. It is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States and is visited by over 1.7 million people each year. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 as Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981 as “Edison Institute”.
The Henry Ford welcomes guests with disabilities to all of our venues. Our staff and volunteers are committed to providing the highest-quality visit for each and every guest to the extent that we are able to do so. For questions related to accessibility, please email [email protected] or call 313.982.6001.
Conclusion
Vacationing is all about giving yourself time to go somewhere and relax away from work, responsibilities and other life hustles. Where it’s for fun for learning one should not feel limited about where they choose to go on vacation. People with a disability should especially understand that disability is not inability and that they can be accommodated anywhere they chose to visit and should not hold back from living and vacationing like everyone else.
Make a point of downloading the iAccess Life App here to learn more about the most suitable wheelchair accessible vacation spots.