Hiya, Kim,
As a parent of children with special needs, I’m so grateful for the many ways that the Disneyland Resort makes our whole family feel welcome and as comfortable as possible. While there is not a designated sensory day, there are many accommodations available for
Guests with disabilities, including for
Guests with cognitive disabilities.
I strongly recommend reviewing the
Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities. You’ll find loads of tips for preparing for a visit to the Disneyland Resort. One section that I find particularly useful is titled “Need a Break?” That section lists several places where Guests can quickly visit to find a quiet refuge from stimulation. Besides the locations listed in the guide, some places that my family has enjoyed for some quiet time include the Animation Building in Hollywood Land (note that some movie clips played in the main hall may include loud sounds and flashing lights), the path that runs through the middle of
Grizzly River Run,
Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, and the Main Street Opera House, where
The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is hosted.
For Guests that may have difficulty remaining in a typical attraction line due to a disability, the
Disability Access Service (DAS) allows a Guest and their immediate party to schedule return times for attractions with less time waiting in the attraction queues. No documentation is requested, but a short registration procedure is required for this service. Guests may even register before arriving at the Disneyland Resort via a live chat called
DAS Advance that can be held between 2 and 30 days before visiting the parks. Be sure to make
theme park reservations before requesting a chat.
Tony’s Tip: Every individual has different sensitivities. That’s why I love the
Attraction Details for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities brochure. This guide clearly outlines which
Disneyland Resort attractions may have elements that could trigger reactions, depending on specific sensitivities of an individual Guest. This handy guide will help you know which attractions may need to be avoided outright and which attractions could be experienced with some additional preparation.
I hope you and your daughter have a marvelous time visiting the Disneyland Resort, Kim!
See ya real soon!
~Tony