Hi, Sharon! Thanks for bringing your question to the Disney Parks Moms Panel.
Like you, I am also the parent of a child with autism. One of the reasons why we return to the Walt Disney World Resort yEAR after yEAR is that their
Services for Guests with Disabilities truly make the magic accessible for everyone. My family also uses
Disability Access Service (DAS) when we visit the Walt Disney World Resort.
Disability Access Service is intended for guests whose disability prevents them from waiting in a traditional queue environment. Guests wishing to use Disability Access Service should speak with a Cast Member at
Guest Relations when they arrive at one of the Walt Disney World
theme parks. If it is determined that Disability Access Service is the right accommodation for your party, the Cast Member will need to scan the
MagicBands or admission cards of everyone in your group to associate them with the Disability Access Service account.
When you wish to experience an
attraction, one person in your party should ask a Cast Member at the attraction entrance for a ride return time. The Cast Member will scan one person's MagicBand or admission card and ask you which members of your party wish to experience that attraction. You will then be given a return time based on that attraction's current standby wait time. Your party may return any time after your assigned time to experience the attraction. Once you have experienced that attraction, you are welcome to obtain a return time for another attraction. Your party is only permitted to have one ride return time at a time.
I would recommend setting up Disability Access Service for both of the children in your party who have special needs. That way, if your group splits up during your visit, both children can utilize this service. With two separate Disability Access Service accounts associated with your group, different members of your party could have return times for different attractions at the same time. However, if everyone wants to experience the same attraction together, you would only be able to have a return time for that attraction. Each member of the party may only have one ride return time assigned to them at a time.
As you prepare for your upcoming trip, be sure to take a look at this
guide for guests with cognitive disabilities. It is a great resource. If you have any additional questions, please visit us again. Wishing you a magical Walt Disney World Resort vacation!
Samantha