Ahoy, Émilie Kélyanne! Welcome to planDisney and aboard your first
Disney Cruise Line adventure! I love that you stopped by with this question to ensure everyone in your family has a
bon voyage.
I have a friend who loves taking her daughter who has an Autism Spectrum Disorder on Disney cruises because of the care they take. I think what surprised her most was how equipped the Counselors in the youth clubs were to support kids with varying abilities and sensitivities.
Disney has a few resources that I think you will find helpful. The "
Information for Guests with an Autism Spectrum Disorder" tells you what to expect on the cruise and suggests potential strategies.
Here are a few tips I have picked up:
- Embarkation Day - The first few hours of boarding are busy with excited travelers and high energy. By 1 p.m., the crowds die down and check-in and security (like an airport security process) are easier to manage. You won't have to wait in the port to board.
- Character Greetings - You can have someone wait in line for your child and join when it's your turn.
- Dining - Disney has rotational dining, which I love. With this, you visit each main dining room over your cruise. Your dining team moves with you, meeting you each night for dinner. They get to know you. If your son has any food specificities, you can call Disney Cruise Line in advance to discuss your dietary needs. Your dining team will learn these and you won't have to explain it each night. They can also tell you what to expect each night for entertainment in the restaurant.
- Room Service - So much is included in your fare, and my boys have recently embraced the 24-hour room service. Seriously. You can find the restaurant hours for breakfast, lunch and snacks in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. But if you need some decompression time, room service is your best pal. Some menu items have a cost, like cans of soda or packaged candy, but you can get burgers, chicken wings, and so much more delivered to your room at no charge (other than a tip you can add). I think it's great for parents, too. I like to order a carafe of coffee, delivered before bedtime. The carafe keeps the coffee warm enough for a tasty moment of peace in a cup before everyone else wakes up.
I'm not sure of your son's age, but you may also find the "
My Disney Cruise Adventure" helpful for your son to learn what to expect and note things that are important to him.
"
Information for Guests with Disabilities or Medical Conditions" may also contain details and resources to help you plan.
Émilie Kélyanne, I know this answer has a lot of information and links to even more. If you have other questions as you start reading, please come see us again at
planDisney. We are here to help everyone in your family have a magical time at sea.
Thinking of the Happiest Things!
Jana