Information checked October 2026. Policies change, so official links are included throughout.
Villa By The Castle sits in Windsor Hills, about 2 miles (3.2 km) from the Disney entrance. That makes it a convenient base for a family member who needs to rest between park sessions. This guide covers the questions guests with disabled relatives, especially visitors from the UK, tend to ask before they book.
The quick version
- UK Blue Badge: Florida honors foreign disabled parking permits that show the international symbol of accessibility, and the Blue Badge does. The holder needs to be riding in the vehicle.
- Disney and Universal queue help: both parks run accommodation programs with their own application steps. Approval is individual, and a Blue Badge does not count as proof of eligibility.
- Mobility devices: guests who simply need help getting around often manage well with a rented wheelchair or scooter, since most queues are wheelchair accessible.
The villa’s layout
Villa By The Castle has a king bedroom on the ground floor with its own bathroom, so a guest who cannot manage stairs can sleep and bathe on the main level. The ground-floor bathroom has a tub and shower combination.
Please note that the villa is not wheelchair accessible. Doorways are standard width, and there is a small step up at the front door and another small step at the sliding doors.
Questions about the layout, or about what would work for your family member? Sandy & Steve are glad to talk it through before you book.
Using a Blue Badge for parking
Florida Statute 316.1958 recognizes permits issued by a foreign country when they display the international symbol of accessibility. The state’s Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles department (FLHSMV) repeats this on its visitor page and its FAQ tells visitors to bring their permit.
- Display the badge as you would at home, with the symbol visible.
- Use accessible spaces only when the person the badge was issued to is traveling in the vehicle.
- Some older travel sites claim Blue Badges are not accepted. The official sources below say otherwise.
- If a permit lacks the international symbol, or you simply want a backup, a temporary Florida permit costs $15 and lasts up to 6 months. Villa By The Castle is in Osceola County, so apply through the Osceola County Tax Collector (407-742-4000) with a copy of the permit and a passport or photo ID.
Sources: FLHSMV visitor permits page and Fla. Stat. 316.1958.
Disney World’s Disability Access Service
DAS lets a guest whose disability makes standing in a regular queue very hard wait elsewhere and return later. It is not a way to skip lines, and Disney has narrowed eligibility over the last couple of years.
- Registration: done by live video chat with a Cast Member. Start up to 60 days before arrival, or request it on the day through Guest Relations.
- Chat hours: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern, in English. Recording is not permitted.
- Who joins the call: the guest who needs DAS, plus an adult (18 or over) making the request.
- What you need: a Disney account, a camera and microphone, and valid tickets linked for everyone in the party.
- Group size: the registered guest plus a small party, commonly up to three others.
- Coming from overseas: Disney has said international guests can only finish the video chat after reaching the United States. Plan on doing it on arrival day.
- Wheelchairs and scooters: guests mostly needing mobility help are usually directed to rentals and accessible queues. Disney’s scooters are first come, first served, with no reservations, and renters must be 18 with photo ID. Outside companies will deliver scooters and wheelchairs to your accommodation.
Official page: Disney World DAS.
Universal Orlando’s Attractions Assistance Pass
At Universal the process begins with an Individual Accessibility Card issued by an outside organization, IBCCES. Universal does not issue the card.
- Apply: online at accessibilitycard.org, uploading supporting documents. No diagnosis has to be disclosed.
- When: within 30 days of your visit, and at least 48 hours before you arrive.
- Next step: once approved, a Universal team member contacts the cardholder to discuss suitable accommodations. The card does not promise any particular one.
- Mobility only? A guest who only needs a wheelchair or scooter does not need the card. Rentals are available, and service animals are welcome.
- Short on time? Universal’s accessibility page lists numbers to call.
Official page: Universal Orlando accessibility.
Before you fly: a short checklist
- Pack the Blue Badge, and keep the holder in the vehicle whenever you use accessible spaces.
- Apply for the Universal card within 30 days of the visit, at least 48 hours ahead.
- Choose between a rented wheelchair or scooter and requesting Disney’s DAS once you are in Florida.
- Save photos of the Blue Badge, passports, and any medical letter on your phone.
- Check the villa layout with Sandy & Steve so there are no surprises.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my UK Blue Badge at Windsor Hills and around Orlando?
Generally yes. Florida honors foreign permits showing the international symbol of accessibility, which the Blue Badge does. The holder should be in the vehicle.
When would a visitor need a Florida temporary permit?
Only when the foreign permit has no international symbol, or as a backup. It costs $15 and lasts up to 6 months.
Can DAS be arranged from the UK?
Disney has said international guests can complete the video chat only after arriving in the United States.
Does a Blue Badge guarantee DAS or Universal’s AAP?
No. Each park assesses the individual guest.
Does a wheelchair user need a special pass at the parks?
Usually not. Most queues take wheelchairs, and both resorts rent them.