Leah shares her family’s tips to have a great day at Canada’s Wonderland with someone who is a wheelchair user.  

My son Neil had a great experience at Canada’s Wonderland in Vaughan, Ontario. Neil is a wheelchair user, but can bear weight, and can move (take a few steps) with support. I did some research before going to Wonderland because I was nervous, however I didn’t find a lot of favourable accessibility reviews. I’m sharing our family’s tips that made for a fun time for everyone! I hope our positive experience can help other families, although, I also recommend doing more research for your own family’s needs.

When You Arrive:
The accessible parking spots at Canada’s Wonderland are plentiful and beside the entrance to the park, making it a short trip to start the fun! Be sure to stop first at Guest Services and get a Boarding Pass to use throughout the day. This pass allows you to use the exit lanes to gain entry to each ride without needing to wait in the entrance lines or navigate a wheelchair or walker through the crowds. Most rides let us in immediately, but some ride operators made us wait until the assigned time on our pass sheet.

Rides that Could Accommodate Neil’s Mobility Challenges:
This was the fun part for all of us! Neil had the best time and the employees who worked at the rides were all willing to help throughout the day. Many even went above and beyond what was expected of them.

Here are the rides that could accommodate my son, despite his mobility challenges:

• Rollercoasters:
  • Behemoth
  • Yukon Striker
  • Leviathan
  • Silver Streak
  • Flight Deck
  • Vortex
• Drop Tower
• Treetop adventures
• Jokey’s Jalopies
• Boo Blasters
• Snoopy’s Revolution
• Swing of the century
• Wonder Mountain Guardian
• Wind Seeker

Final Tips:
Be sure to register for an Easter Seals Access2 Entertainment card which allows you to get into Canada’s Wonderland as a caregiver for free. The Access2 card is for people of all ages and types of permanent disabilities who require the assistance of a support person at hundreds of participating entertainment, cultural and recreational venues across Canada.

Accessible washrooms can be found around the park, but none have an adult change table. You can use the hospital bed in the First Aid station as a makeshift change table option (although it lacks privacy).



Two people are better than one! Neil’s personal support worker, Sean, who is also his bestie, joined us at Wonderland for the day. This meant there were two adults to help with Neil’s transfers from the wheelchair to each ride.



Yes, I was nervous, but up for the challenge so that Neil could experience the thrill of the rides! I never thought I’d say this, but we may just go back each summer.

Guest Post by Leah Brochu: Neil’s mother, Leah, is a CTN parent volunteer and regularly shares her family’s experience as it relates to her son Neil living with CLN2 Batten Disease.
Disclaimer: We recommend that you do your own research for Wonderland to find out what works for your child or family’s needs. You can review the Accessibility page on their website which also has tips for guests with autism spectrum disorder, hearing impairments, visual impairments and more.

2023-07-05