Starting from December 10, Shanghai Disneyland will implement new regulations for electric wheelchairs: they will only be available for use by individuals with mobility impairments.
In response to the phenomenon of “abuse of electric wheelchairs” at Shanghai Disneyland, the Shanghai Disneyland Resort announced new regulations on December 5, stating that starting December 10, visitors can continue to bring manual or electric wheelchairs into the park, but these are strictly for use by individuals with mobility impairments. Additionally, visitors must register by 8:00 PM two days prior to their visit.
On November 25, a netizen posted on social media expressing frustration over able-bodied individuals allegedly using electric wheelchairs as a means of transportation at Shanghai Disneyland, causing disorder in the park. The post noted that the park was filled with healthy individuals on electric wheelchairs, leading to congestion in certain areas. The netizen also mentioned that vendors at the entrance of Shanghai Disneyland were offering electric wheelchair rentals. The misuse of electric wheelchairs not only posed challenges to park operations and safety but also occupied services and facilities meant for individuals with disabilities who genuinely need mobility assistance.
On December 5, a reporter from The Paper learned from the Shanghai Disneyland Resort that the resort has updated the “Visitor Guidelines for Shanghai Disneyland” regarding manual and electric wheelchairs, which will officially take effect on December 10, 2024.
According to the new guidelines, visitors can continue to bring manual or electric wheelchairs into Shanghai Disneyland, but these are limited to use by individuals with mobility impairments. The specific adjustments state that visitors with disabilities, the elderly, or those with specific health conditions that affect mobility may bring manual wheelchairs for assistance within the park. Individuals with lower limb mobility impairments may bring electric wheelchairs, but they must adhere to the following requirements:
1. Electric wheelchairs must have at least three wheels and must be operated at walking speed within the park, with a maximum speed not exceeding 6 kilometers per hour.
2. Registration must be completed by 8:00 PM two days prior to the visit through the Shanghai Disneyland Resort Reservation Service Center at 400-180-0000 (Mainland China) or +86-21-3158-0000 (other countries/regions).
3. Visitors must present a valid disability certificate upon entry after receiving confirmation of their reservation.
4. Electric wheelchairs must not be loaned to any other person during the visit and must not be left unattended.
Additionally, Shanghai Disneyland stated that if visitors wish to use external attachments to provide power to manual wheelchairs within the park, these devices must be installed and fixed to the wheelchair before entering, and the wheelchair must be treated as an electric wheelchair for advance reservation. Once inside the park, manual wheelchairs cannot be modified into electric wheelchairs by installing attachments.
The new regulations will take effect for visitors entering the park starting December 10. Therefore, those planning to visit with electric wheelchairs on December 10 must register by 8:00 PM on December 8 (two days prior to entry), and so on.
During the transition period from the announcement of the new regulations until December 10, 2024, the Shanghai Disneyland Resort will introduce the details of the new rules through on-site signage, flyers, and official online platforms, reminding visitors of the implementation date. During this period, staff will also inform and remind visitors about the new regulations and their effective date if they are found with electric wheelchairs that do not comply.
Shanghai Disneyland stated that this adjustment to the guidelines will ensure that the resort’s accessible facilities and services adequately serve individuals with mobility impairments using wheelchairs, while also creating a safer environment for all visitors and enhancing the overall experience. The resort also reminds all visitors not to purchase or rent any unauthorized products and services, whether within the resort or through online channels, to protect their rights and enhance their experience.
