Hi, Brittany! I'm so glad you came to planDisney with this question. Like you, I also have a son who is on the autism spectrum. One of the reasons why Walt Disney World is my family's favorite vacation destination is that they truly make the magic accessible to everyone.
Walt Disney World Resort offers a variety of
services for Guests with disabilities. When I visit with my son, we use
Disability Access Service (DAS), which is a program offered to Guests who, due to a disability, would have a difficult time waiting in a traditional queue environment. To see if DAS is the right fit for your kiddo, you can stop by
Guest Relations at any of the Walt Disney World theme parks. If you would prefer to get things squared away prior to your trip, you can also sign up for a video chat with a Cast Member to
pre-register for DAS. Please note that you may pre-register as soon as 30 days in advance of a park visit, but no less than 2 days before arrival.
If you do end up registering your son for DAS, you will be able to use the
My Disney Experience app to select an attraction that he would like to experience. You will be given a return time based on that attraction's current standby wait. Your party may arrive at the attraction any time after the given return time. You will then access the attraction using the Lightning Lane, resulting in very little wait time. As soon as you have experienced your first DAS attraction, you may select your next one.
Although the theme parks can be busy, I think that you will find there are lots of quiet corners you can escape to if your little Mouseketeer is feeling overwhelmed. Some of my family's favorite spots for a break are Tom Sawyer Island in Magic Kingdom Park, the Pixar Place courtyard at Disney's Hollywood Studios, the Discovery Island Trails at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and the American Adventure in EPCOT.
Speaking of spots to take a break, you will find that there are numerous restrooms located throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Many restroom areas have a
companion restroom which would be a convenient place for you to change your son.
Brittany, I'm so excited for your son to experience the magic of Walt Disney World for the first time! If you have any additional questions as you get ready for your trip, please don't hesitate to ask.
See ya real soon!
Samantha