Welcome to planDisney, Marisela!
I love that you're planning a visit to Mickey's house with your very own Mouseketeer! Uncle Walt first had the idea for his famous theme park after wishing there was a place a whole family could have fun together. I'm very happy to say that
the same spirit of family inclusivity is alive and well today for all of Mickey's favorite pals.
Your best bet is going to be registering for
Disability Access Service, aka DAS, which can help you to pre-plan some activities. This way you can share some kind of structured daily game plan with your fam, or build your Disney day around any specific scheduled needs, etc. You're able to
request a virtual appointment between now and up until two (2) days before your arrival. (
Click hEAR to request your appointment.) Pro Tip: Go ahead and make a list of questions you can ask during this call as this Cast Member will truly be the most knowledgeable about all
Autism and Cognitive Disabilities services.
As far as where to go should your family need a break, there isn't a specific calm-down area, but pretty much if there isn't a rope up, locked door, or a sign saying 'Cast Members Only', you're more than welcome to sit down and hang out. Some suggestions include:
~ Outdoor seating areas of
Quick Service Dining Locations during non-traditional meal times; Rancho Del Zocalo Restaurante, Hungry Bear Restaurant, Harbour Galley, Edelweiss Snacks, and The Tropical Hideaway all have multiple nooks and crannies, and all are next to attractions so depending on where you choose to sit, you can see ride vehicles which might be a good distraction.
~ Check the entertainment schedule in your
Disneyland Mobile App; the Stage Door Cafe, Fantasyland Theatre, and World of Color viewing areas are pretty empty if not in use.
~ In Disney California Adventure Park, head over to the side entrance of
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa near Grizzly River Run. This part of the park is a bit quieter and there's even a
fantastic play area with all kinds of neat things to do. If you need something quieter and calmer, head inside the hotel. You're more than welcome to relax on a comfy couch near the wood-burning fireplace in the gorgeous lobby, or there's a beautiful outdoor courtyard underneath the monorail track. You're even more than welcome to bring a blanket and take a lawn nap or have a picnic!
~ You can also try stepping into the
Baby Care Centers! Both have a small lounge area meant for older siblings to utilize while waiting on a junior Mickey or mini Minnie, but I'm sure the Cast Members wouldn't mind your family stepping in to comfort your baby too.
I hope that this helped to stEAR you in the right direction of how to plan your upcoming Disney days, Marisela! I hope you and your whole family have the Best! Vacation! Ever! And if you have any more Disneyland Resort planning questions, We're All Ears!
~Kristen N.