Welcome to planDisney, Marysa. As we learn in
Inside Out, everyone experiences the world a little differently, and understanding those needs can make all the difference when planning something special like a Walt Disney World Resort vacation.
While I do not have a child with autism, my husband and I work with this population and understand the unique needs of autistic individuals. Just like Riley's emotions work together to navigate big moments in
Inside Out, transitions and changes can be particularly challenging for some individuals. So let's get your question answered.
According to the current
Walt Disney World Property Rules, strollers larger than 31" (79 cm) in width and 52" (132 cm) in length, stroller wagons, and wagons are prohibited. I would suggest looking into a stroller that fits the outlined dimensions and getting him used to sitting in one at home before your trip. If there's another option that you feel is better suited for him that aligns with the property rules, I would encourage you to have him practice using it at home, in your neighborhood, and eventually in a public place like a mall so that it isn't something brand new when he gets to Disney World.
You'll also want to look to see if he qualifies for the
Disability Access Service, commonly referred to as DAS, and the other accommodations that may be available to him while he is at the resort.
Accessibility really is the name of the game when it comes to Disney Parks, and some of the services offered for Guests who need them may surprise you. While I don't pretend to know your grandson, let me give you some suggestions I've given to families in similar situations. As Sadness reminds us, "Everyone needs help sometimes."
- If your child is sensitive to loud noises, try noise-canceling headphones. I actually carry earplugs for myself when things get too loud for me! After all, even the emotions in Riley’s mind sometimes need a quieter moment to regroup.
- You're welcome to carry a device into the parks that will keep him entertained should he have to wait in lines. While I tend to look around at the details of the queues around me, it is very common for adults and children alike to pass the time with a device.
- Find a special place in the parks that is typically a peaceful escape, like the gardens in the UK Pavilion in EPCOT and the Discovery Island Trails in Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. And don't forget that the Baby Care Centers in each of the parks can sometimes be used as a cool-down area for Guests who need it.
- Plan to visit the parks in the morning and/or evenings, with a break in the middle of the day. It often helps if you're staying at a hotel that is easily accessible to the parks, like Disney's Contemporary Resort, which is steps away from Magic Kingdom Park and just two monorail rides away from EPCOT.
- Stick to your grandson's schedule as closely as possible. While it may be tempting to push children to stay up later or wake up earlier while on vacation, most kids thrive on routine. The closer you stick to their normal schedule, the easier it is to keep big feelings from taking over the control panel.
Marysa, with a little planning and the right supports in place, there's plenty of room for Joy to take the lead on your vacation. Please don't hesitate to
reach out again with any other questions.
Here’s to making some wonderful core memories,
Matt