Hi Darryl, welcome to planDisney!
I'm happy to help you with your question today. I know you must be getting so excited about your trip, just a few days away. The Disneyland Resort is committed to making the magic accessible for all Guests, so there are several resources available, including those for individuals with developmental disabilities, such as autism. Let's take a look together to ensure your party is strolling through the park with confidence and pixie dust!
DAS (Disability Access Service) is designed specifically to accommodate Guests with developmental disabilities who may have difficulty waiting in a traditional standby queue for attractions for a long period of time. While the DAS pass does not provide walk-on access to attractions, you are able to request a return time window that is comparable to the current standby line. This allows you to be free to move around the parks while you wait for a specific attraction.
If this sounds like it may be a good fit for you, the first step is to register, which can be done via
live chat on the website or once you arrive at the
Accessibility Services Kiosk. The Guest requesting DAS must be present at the time of registration. Once you are connected to a Cast Member, they will review a series of questions and provide guidance on what services are available to support the Guest, including DAS. If the Guest is approved for DAS, there are no special bracelets to identify them, but they (or a member of their party) are able to make attraction return times directly in the Disneyland App.
Currently, the Guest approved for DAS can make return times for themselves and 3 additional Guests, for a maximum party size of 4. They can book a return time one at a time, so once you have tapped into the first attraction, you will be able to make your next selection 10 minutes after that tap. To make selections, head into the Disneyland app and tap the three-line icon in the bottom right-hand corner. On the next screen, there should be a DAS tile, which will appear once you or a member of your party whose ticket is linked to your account is approved. You are able to make your selections from here. If you need anything additional during your visit, the Accessibility Services Kiosk is a great place to go with questions or for assistance.
I see you've also asked about bringing in your own food and drinks! I'm happy to touch on this as well, as the answer is, yes! There are a
few things to consider, which I'm happy to share. Alcohol and glass bottles are strictly prohibited, with the exception of glass containers for baby food, as long as they are smaller than 4 oz. If you bring along a cooler, make sure that it is 6-pack size or smaller, and while reusable ice packs are fine, loose and dry ice are not. Other than that, you should be all set. In fact, I highly recommend bringing in a reusable water bottle. There are several refillable water stations throughout the parks! Even if you forget your water bottle at home, a friendly tip is that quick-service restaurants will give you a complimentary ice water if you ask for it!
Darryl, I hope we've set you up for a magical and unforgettable day at the Happiest Place on Earth! If you have any more questions, just drop us another one here at planDisney.
See ya real soon!
Tara