Welcome to planDisney, Christa! I'm glad you stopped by! First of all, thank you for your service as a foster parent. It is an unfortunate need, and people like you are heroes. It's so exciting that you'll be taking your family to
The Most Magical Place on Earth this summer! I love helping people plan their next Disney vacation, and I'm honored to help you with your question.
I was a foster parent for many years, and I currently serve as a Guardian ad Litem, so I am all too familiar with your situation. I have taken children who were in foster care to Walt Disney World Resort many times. Unfortunately, Disney does not currently offer any discounts in these situations, but I'd like to point out a few things that may benefit your family.
As you probably know, Walt Disney World has some great
Special Offers out right now, and I hope you are taking advantage of them! I would suggest calling
Tickets and Hotel Reservations and asking for the best way to handle your situation. They may recommend that you wait to add the child closer to your arrival date, as opposed to removing him from your reservation in the case that there is a placement change. As a reminder, let your case worker know of your travel plans well in advance, so they can provide you with any necessary documentation.
While you're planning, look into the
Disability Access Service Pass. It may be something your child qualifies for, and it could be a big help to your family on this trip. It's for guests who are unable to wait in traditional queues due to certain disabilities. Also, check out the
Sensory Experience Details for Guests with Disabilities. This provides information about each attraction, so you know which ones to experience and which ones to skip.
Oh, Christa, I wish I could buy you a cup of coffee and sit with you for a bit. I know how incredibly fun a Disney vacation can be, but I also understand that it won't be a break for you. I can't provide respite care, but I can try to give you some encouragement: You can do this. One day at a time. Sometimes one moment at a time. I don't need to meet you in person to know that you have a deep strength that many will never know. Whatever the future holds for this sweet little one, I know they will forever benefit from the love and care that you showed them during this season.
May this be your most magical vacation ever! Your whole family is going to make amazing memories! I wish I could meet you at
Magic Kingdom Park to give you a big hug and buy you a Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar, but I'll have to settle for offering assistance with any more questions that may arise. Feel free to come back to
planDisney or ask
me directly. Thanks again for what you do.
Always Dreaming -
Elizabeth