How Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland Was Reimagined for Inclusivity

If you’ve been around the DIS for a while, you would know that inclusivity is my jam. I love the steps that Disney is taking to make the parks and entertainment feel more inviting for all different reasons. For my family, additional needs are a big topic and a huge consideration when it came to travel when my two were younger.

Today, I was reading an article from the Disney Parks Blog about the finer details of Mickey’s Toontown Reimagining and simply had to share. Though my kids are well past this stage now, I couldn’t be happier reading through all of the features this area now has, which makes it so much more accessible and inclusive. Let’s take a look at the different aspects that guests can now enjoy with ease in Mickey’s Toontown.

The spirit of the land is that there are experiences for everyone. Some of the changes included:

• A virtually curb-less land, to help young guests still learning to walk and those using wheelchairs or mobility devices to play, experience and get around the land with ease.
• A reimagined Goofy’s House and the all-new Goofy’s How-To-Play Yard, with interactive elements that allow kids to explore in an approachable sensory experience.
• A reimagined version of Donald’s Boat in Donald’s Duck Pond, which guests can engage with the interactive portholes on the boat.
• A wheelchair-accessible food and beverage podium, so cast in wheelchairs are better able to assist guests with their orders at Café Daisy.
• Newly designed reversible costumes that mix and match, with textured fabric to help cast with differing levels of visual ability select their costume with ease while showcasing their individual personalities.
• Incorporating Braille into the tree roots at CenTOONial Park, so as children explore they will come across the words “dream” and “play.”
• Open green areas with shade from trees to allow children to play in the grass or decompress and unwind on the lawn.

In contrast to the loud noises, bright colors and active stimuli at Goofy’s House and Goofy’s How-To-Play Yard, Donald’s Boat allows guests to interact with varying water elements as much as they feel comfortable. “Water is one of those unique things that stimulates you and decompresses you at the same time,” explained Ryan Wineinger-Schattl, senior creative director at WDI. “Reinvigorating Mickey’s Toontown gave us a chance to dream big on behalf of our youngest guests. The most important thing we could give children and families is an inspiring place to play.”

Disney Parks Blog

If you’ve ever visited a Disney Park with someone with mobility or sensory challenges, you would understand how significant these changes are to an area aimed at families and younger guests. I can’t wait to see how The Walt Disney Company shapes more areas into accessibility-friendly spaces that encourage all guests to play and learn.