Hi
Sharon!
The Walt Disney World Resort is a magical place for many people, including children with Down Syndrome and their families.
Guest Assistance Cards (GAC) are still available from Guest Relations at any Disney theme park. A GAC will not necessarily give your family front of the line privileges, but typically you'll be accessing attractions through more secluded areas. Please be advised that in order to use the GAC, your daughter must be present when entering attractions.
Since your daughter has crowd anxiety take a mid-day break from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks every day by returning to your Disney Resort Hotel. Also consider the following options for taking a break without returning to the hotel:
- In Magic Kingdom take a ride to Tom Sawyer Island.
- At Disney's Animal Kingdom ride the Wild Express Train to Rafiki's Planet Watch.
- At Disney's Hollywood Studios stop by the tables and chairs area near Echo Lake, or sit on a bench in the quiet stretch of Pixar Place across from the empty Soundstage One.
- Epcot has several open spaces and water fountains that can help anyone refocus.
Try to maintain her regularly scheduled meal times. At Disney dining locations, request to be seated in a quieter area of the restaurant, if at all possible. If she's sensitive to loud noises I will recommend bringing ear plugs for evening fireworks. Some shows and attractions can be quite loud too. Therefore, I suggest sitting by the exit areas and/or asking Cast Members about the attraction's noise level before going in. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. I'll be glad to answer any questions you have regarding this matter.
May your family enjoy a most magical Disney vacation ever!