Disney Vacation With Autistic Child
Planning a Disney vacation with an autistic child can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ll cover tips on how to get started and things to consider when planning a Disney vacation with an Autistic Child.Whether you’re an experienced veteran or new to special needs travel, we understand the challenge and rewards of helping your child enjoy their vacation. That’s why we offer information that you can use to make sure that the holidays have the happiest outcome possible for everyone involved!
One of the things that can be a concern for families with special needs is how they will do on a Disney vacation. But, you shouldn’t worry! I’ve put together some great tips to help you with your next trip to Mickey’s house.It‘s that time of year again — the weather is heating up, summer break is about to begin, and Disney vacations are on everyone’s radar.
Disney Vacation With Autistic Child
How to Prepare
Knowing what to expect is crucial in making your experience a successful adventure—not just for the Guest with a cognitive disability, but for the entire family.
Some suggested tips for you and the Guest with a cognitive disability include:
- Plan a Visual Schedule
- Watch Videos
- Study Location Maps
- Choose a Meeting Location
- Practice Waiting in Line
Plan a Visual Schedule
By providing a possible timeline, you can help the Guest with a cognitive disability understand what to expect—such as crowds, sights, sounds and smells—and so that he or she can learn the routine.
For an example of a timeline, please download our Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities.
Watch Videos
Rather than waiting until you arrive at the parks, help the Guest with a cognitive disability prepare for the experience by having him or her watch videos about the Walt Disney World Resort, from this site or others.
Each park features its own video tour, which includes certain attractions, as well as many of the Cast Members and Disney Characters your party will likely encounter during your visit.
Study Location Maps
Comprehensive maps and guides are available for all 4 theme parks, as well as the 2 water parks. Review the maps with the Guest with a cognitive disability and try to lay out a plan for your day at the park.
Choose a Meeting Location
Pick a place on the map to meet in case your party becomes separated. Be sure the Guest with a cognitive disability is aware of the location and show it to them as soon as you arrive in the park.
Should he or she get lost, stress the importance to the Guest with a cognitive disability of finding a Cast Member who will assist in attempting to reunite you. In addition, there are also designated locations in each park where lost persons can be escorted.
It is recommended that you take a photo of the Guest with a cognitive disability on your mobile device or digital camera, especially if he or she has a tendency to wander off. You may also consider making a nametag that includes his or her name, as well as your name and mobile phone number.
Practice Waiting in Line
Waiting in line is a regular part of the Walt Disney World Resort experience. To prepare, practice waiting with the Guest with a cognitive disability at home or in lines at places he or she might already frequent.
What to Bring
Being prepared for a day at Walt Disney World Resort goes beyond the parks. Plan ahead by bringing along an assortment of items.
Some suggestions include:
- A Safety Bracelet or Nametag
- Ear Plugs or Headphones
- A Favorite Device or Activity
- Reinforcers for Good Behavior
- A Sensory Toy
A Safety Bracelet or Nametag
Place a bracelet, nametag or some variety of visual identification onto the Guest with a cognitive disability. Include his or her name, a reference to the specific cognitive disability, all important medical information and anything else that should be known. Please include your name and contact number as well.
Ear Plugs or Headphones
The theme parks can be very noisy, including fireworks, announcements on loud speakers and other Guests’ voices. Ear plugs or headphones may contribute toward a less intense experience for the Guest with a cognitive disability.
A Favorite Device or Activity
To keep the Guest with a cognitive disability occupied while waiting in a line, it is suggested you bring along a computer tablet or mobile device, video game, or anything else constructive you feel might distract their attention.
Reinforcers for Good Behavior
A trip to the theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort can be very long. Help promote a full day of fun for the Guest with a cognitive disability by keeping motivational items handy to reinforce his or her good behavior.
A Sensory Toy
Keeping the Guest with a cognitive disability calm might be an issue due to the sights, sounds, scents and commotion at any one of the parks. Have a sensory toy on hand—like a stress ball or other calming item—to help prevent or assist him or her from experiencing sensory overload.
Guide for Guests with Disabilities
Available at Guest Relations, these guides can also be downloaded in a printable format for each theme park:
Types of Services
Walt Disney World Resort offers a host of services to help Guests with cognitive disabilities—including those on the Autism Spectrum—maximize their Resort experience.
Services include:
- Advanced Ticket Purchase
- Stroller and Wheelchair Rental
- Strollers as Wheelchairs
- Rider Switch
- Accessing Attractions
- Break Areas
- Companion Restrooms
- Helpful Guides for Attractions and your General Resort Experience
- Dietary Accommodations
For more information, please contact Disability Services at (407) 560-2547 or email disability.services@disneyparks.com.
Advanced Ticket Purchase
To avoid the possibility of waiting in line at ticket locations outside of park entrances, we recommend obtaining your tickets in advance. Tickets for theme parks as well as water parks—including Annual Passes—can be purchased online or by calling (407) 939-5277.
Stroller and Wheelchair Rental
If necessary, your party can rent a stroller, wheelchair or ECV/motorized scooter for a day or more at Walt Disney World Resort. Designated shops are located near the main entrances of the parks. Several private rental companies are also available in the local area and can be located online within each service’s corresponding page.
Strollers As Wheelchairs
Guests with disabilities—including those with a cognitive disability—who need to remain in a stroller while in an attraction queue should visit the Guest Relations Lobby at the theme parks in order to obtain the appropriate identifying tag.
Rider Switch
Parties with more than 2 Guests may be able to take advantage of the attraction Rider Switch program, which enables you to experience an attraction while another member of your party waits with the Guest who does not ride. You then “swap” to enable the other party member to enjoy the attraction without having to wait in line again.
For further information on how to use this service, please speak with a Cast Member at each specific attraction.
Accessing Attractions
The theme parks offer a wide variety of great shows and rides for you and your party to experience, and accessing these can be done in several ways including the use of standard queues, Disability Access Service, as well as other accommodations based on individual service needs.
In particular, the Disability Access Service (DAS) is intended for Guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a conventional queue environment due to disability. This service doesn’t provide immediate access to experiences, but rather allows Guests to request a return time for a specific experience that is comparable to the current standby wait. This allows the Guest using DAS to experience other attractions in the park instead of physically waiting in the standby line.
Learn more about the Disability Access Service.
Break Areas
Should the Guest with a cognitive disability become over-stimulated or need some down time, dozens of areas are available throughout the parks where a Guest can “take a break.” To locate the nearest area, please ask a Cast Member for assistance.
For a complete list of locations, please download our Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities.
