For most people, the biggest worry when taking their kids to the Disney theme parks is that their child will burst into tears at 3pm because they missed their nap. For those of us with children with special needs, family travel requires a little more planning and consideration.
Visiting places like Disneyland or Disney World can be a challenge when you bring a child with special needs, but the rewards can be amazing. Thankfully, Disney recognizes these obstacles and has created the Disney Parks Disability Access Services Card.
Traveling allows children to step out of their normal schedule (i.e., where most autistic children have fun) and helps them learn to adapt to different situations that are out of the ordinary. Traveling also allows these children to experience the same things that typical children experience, but with a big smile of pure joy.
I would never advocate denying a child with a disability the opportunity to experience life simply because of the red tape. By experiencing the Happiest Place on Earth, many children make great strides and many parents realize their child is capable of so much more than they ever imagined.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for your first Disney trip with your beautiful, cuddly, God-made, perfect special needs child.
Photo credit: RachelColeman.com
Read on to find out how Rachel’s adorable daughter had fun at Disneyland.
Disney Disability Guide – Having Fun at Disneyland and Disney World with Special Needs
Special Needs at Disney – What to Know Before You Go
Keep a copy of your child’s medical certificate in the bag you take to Disneyland or Disney World. Disney cannot legally require you to see it, but it may be helpful when you speak to a Cast Member at Guest Services. Bring a recent photo of your child. No one plans for their child to get lost, but it does happen. Don’t over-plan your day. It’s better to take it slow and take plenty of breaks to get to the parks and be pleasantly surprised when your child has more fun and enjoyment. Pack things to calm your child. A special blanket or stuffed animal can help calm your child if they are overstimulated, familiar treats can soothe a picky eater, and games and toys can entertain your child while you wait in line. If you have a food allergy or intolerance, you can bring food into any Disney theme park. Most table service restaurants and many quick service restaurants can accommodate food allergy concerns. Friends who have visited the Disney parks with children with severe food allergies were amazed at the number of food options their children could eat. Trekaroo also has a great guide for traveling to the Disney Parks with food allergies.
Disney Special Needs – Visit Guest Relations When You Arrive
Guest Relations can pick up your child’s Disney Disability Pass Access Services Card, which replaces the Guest Assistance Card used prior to 2013.
Be sure to take your child with you when you visit Guest Relations, as you will need to prove that they are actually there (another side effect of people trying to scam the system in the past) Disney Disability Passes (DAS) are valid for 14 days.
Note: Guest Relations are located in City Hall at Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park.
Ultimately, the key to a successful Disney Parks trip with a child with special needs is communication. Disney is more interested in any specific concerns you have during your visit to the Parks than it is in your child’s specific diagnosis. Disney wants to help guests with disabilities have the best experience possible.
Be specific about your child’s needs and limitations. If your child has trouble regulating body temperature, doesn’t like standing in long lines in the heat, or has limited time in the park each day, let a Guest Services Cast Member know.
If your autistic son is prone to ritualistic behavior and therefore only wants to ride Pirates of the Caribbean three times, and then Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters twice, share this information.
If you use your child’s stroller as a wheelchair or as a safety zone to provide comfort to a child prone to sensory overload, explain this to an employee and receive a special sticker from them that will allow you to push your stroller through the ADA accessible queue.
Communication is ultimately key to ensuring your child’s needs are met, so be sure to clearly communicate what specific restrictions your child has so Disney can accommodate your guest appropriately.
If you have a service animal, you will be allowed into the park and will be given special guidelines. If you require a sign language interpreter, one can be provided with two weeks notice.
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Visit a Disability Services Kiosk
Photo by Sarah Pittard
The DAS system requires Disability Access Services (DAS) cardholders to go to one of the various Disability Services kiosks located throughout the park if the wait time for a ride is longer than 10 minutes and they don’t want to wait in line with their children.
You will be notified of the return time for the attraction your child wants to ride. You can bring companions (up to 6 people) to the attraction. DAS cards cannot be used by family members. The DAS card holder must be present at all times to use the card.
To notify us of your new ride time, you will need to return to a Disability Services kiosk to confirm your new time. All of this will be explained to you at Guest Services, along with a map showing kiosk locations.
Please note: If your child has a disability and requires ADA access only, they will not be able to use the kiosk. Guests with mobility issues will simply go through the ADA entrance to the inaccessible ride.
Also, keep in mind that Lightning Lane may be used in conjunction with a DAS system. Here’s everything you need to know about Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane.
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Embrace your child’s excitement
Start by heading to the area of the park your kids are most excited about: If they love Buzz Lightyear, take them to Astro Blasters.
If your daughter loves music, let her sing along with dolls from around the world to “It’s a Small World.” Something familiar and beloved by your child can help ease any anxiety she may have about this new experience.
Avoid sensory overload
If sensory overload strikes, ask a cast member for the nearest quiet spot—a quiet corner of the park to dine or take a monorail ride is a great place to slow down and restore your energy.
Don’t forget to have fun. Expect the unexpected and enjoy the moment. When things get tough, take a deep breath, deal with the situation, and get back to experiencing the Disney magic. Oh, and take lots of photos, because you only get to be little once!
Planning to go to Disneyland with a child with special needs and still worried about whether Disney can accommodate their needs? Send us an email with your specific concerns. [email protected] Please include your phone number and the best time to contact you.
A Disney employee will be happy to get back to you and address any concerns you may have. Disney recently posted a great Disneyland Resource Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities on their website, which I highly recommend you read.
Check out our ultimate guide to Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
Our ultimate Disney guides are your go-to resource for everything you need to know when planning the perfect family vacation. Check out our ultimate guides to Disneyland California Resort, Walt Disney World, other Disney properties, resorts, destination vacations, and cruises.
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