Hi Erin,
I see that you're planning a magical visit to the Walt Disney World Resort for this fall! With traditionally more mild temperatures and some of my favorite special events, like
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, fall is a GREAT time to visit! Plus, the all-new
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will be open, and you'll be able to experience Batuu for yourself! SO exciting!
As the mama of a Mouseketeer with autism, I'm happy to let you know that we've found "The Most Magical Place on Earth" to be magical for
everyone. There are LOTS of wonderful
services offered for Guests traveling with disabilities, and for those Mouseketeers who find waiting in traditional queues difficult, the
Disability Access Service is
such a blessing. To utilize the service, your entire party (including the Guest who needs the service) will want to first visit a Guest Relations location inside a theme park to discuss your concerns with a Cast Member. If it is determined that the Disability Access Service will meet your needs, they'll get it all set up for you, and it will be valid for your entire stay. It's all managed digitally now, so it's easy peasy to use. You'll be able to activate it one attraction or experience at a time by having any member of your party visit a Cast Member at the attraction entrance. You'll be given a return time, and you'll be able to enjoy the attraction at any point after that. Just make sure to have the Mouseketeer who qualified for the service scan their MagicBand or card at the FastPass+ entrance first.
The Disability Access Service utilizes the FastPass+ queues, so the great news is that you'll be able to use it for any attraction or experience with a
FastPass+ queue. Since there are smaller crowds and shorter wait times during
Extra Magic Hours, the FastPass+ queue is not open then, and therefore, the Disability Access Service won't be available. I'm happy to let you know that in my personal experience, we haven't needed to use it during Extra Magic Hours as the wait times have always been rather short. We always use the FastPass+ service combined with the Disability Access Service during regular park hours, and check the My Disney Experience mobile app for current wait times during Extra Magic Hours to continue the magic and fun.
Thanks so much for visiting us at the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Erin, and please come see us again if we can help with anything else as you're planning your trip. I hope that you have a truly magical vacation!
Missy