Hi there, Ashley!
Welcome back to planDisney!
Disneyland Resort is my family’s favorite destination to celebrate birthdays!
Thankfully, Disneyland offers various services and options for Guests on the Autism Spectrum. In fact, Disneyland has a
page devoted to providing information and tips for traveling with people with cognitive disabilities. On this page, there are also some downloadable resources, such as a
Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities and
Attraction Details for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities.
Before taking my kids to new experiences, I show them videos of the destination to avoid any unforeseen surprises. Watching attraction videos is especially beneficial, as it helps prepare my kids for what they may see on each ride. It may also be helpful to practice standing in lines ahead of time. Fidget toys are great tools to keep kids occupied while waiting in line!
In the theme parks, I often bring noise-canceling headphones for one of my children who gets overstimulated by too much noise. I even have my child put on the headphones before going into the restrooms because the automatic flushing toilets can be noisy. Putting a sticky note over the automatic flushing sensor usually prevents the toilet from unexpectedly flushing – just make sure to throw it in the trash when he is done!
In addition, the
Disability Access Service (DAS) program at Disneyland Resort is a service for Guests with disabilities who have difficulty waiting in traditional standby lines. With DAS, Guests can request a return time for a specific experience comparable to the current standby wait. Eligible Guests can even pre-register before their trip through the DAS Advance process, where Guests will talk with a Cast Member over a live video chat to get set up with DAS. Your child will need to be with you during this video chat. DAS Advance selections must be made between 2 and 30 days before the park visit, so make sure that all of your park days fall within the 2-to-30-day planning period prior to completing the pre-registration chat. Also, don't forget to purchase theme park tickets and make park reservations for everyone in your party before participating in the chat.
One of my favorite areas at Disneyland Resort is the newly reimagined
Mickey’s Toontown. Not only does it have fun attractions and visuals, but it also has multiple decompressing areas for Guests. This includes open green areas for playing or relaxing, as well as a variety of interactive water features in Donald’s Boat.
Ashley, thanks again for contacting us at planDisney! I hope you and your family have a wonderful trip to Disneyland Resort. If you need anything else, you are welcome to
contact me directly!
Jen