• On Apr 23, 2017
    Jackie from CO Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hi Beth, We have our 2nd Disney cruise this July, (on Fantasy - 7 night Eastern Caribbean) Any helpful advice on traveling with a child with special needs? My oldest is 8 and on the autism spectrum - he did awesome last time! Just curious - thanks!

    Ahoy, Jackie!

    I'm so excited to welcome you to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Thank you for reaching out and asking such an important question! You and your son are probably counting down the days until your second voyage with Captain Mickey this July!

    I'm so happy to hear that your little buccaneer did great during his inaugural voyage! My first piece of advice would be to think back on your previous cruise and reflect on what helped to make your son's time so awesome while onboard! Was it taking a mid-afternoon stateroom break each day? Or, perhaps visiting the pools while the ship was docked at a port of call so they were less crowded? Whatever comes to mind, I recommend trying to repeat it for your vacation in July!

    If you haven't done so already, give Disney Cruise Line's fantastic Special Services Team a call at (407) 566-3602 and share a little about your son and family with the person over the phone. They might have an idea for an accommodation, that you didn't even know about, that might help your son so much! We always call Special Services before each Disney Cruise and have been so touched by their compassion and accommodations!

    Have you checked out Disney Cruise Line's Information for Guests with an Autism Spectrum Disorder yet? It's loaded with great ideas and recommendations from everything having to do with embarkation day to the Mandatory Guest Assembly Drill and the Main Dining restaurants onboard! It's packed with great info that might make your little guy's cruise even more awesome!

    Jackie, I understand how much planning goes into preparing for a trip with a kiddo with special needs. It sounds like you are doing an incredible job! If you have any other questions before July, please don't hesitate to write back!

    Beth
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Meet the Panelist: Beth, Illinois

Let's talk about the WONDER and MAGIC of your FANTASY DREAM vacation aboard the Disney Cruise Line! I'm a proud stay-at-home mom to my little buccaneer with special needs and, along with my husband, a lover of everything Disney! We've had so many unforgettable memories and adventures while sailing on Disney Cruise Line. I can't wait to help you navigate through any questions you may have while planning your family's adventures at sea! Learn More About Beth

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