Welcome to planDisney, Jasmine!
I’m happy to help plan for your visit to The Happiest Place on Earth! As a parent of two children on the autism spectrum myself, I understand the special challenges that go along with making sure things go as smoothly as possible.
Based on local and national health and safety regulations and guidance, the Disneyland Resort policies regarding face coverings are under continuous review. At this time during the
Disneyland Resort's phased reopening, all Guests ages two and up visiting the reopened
Downtown Disney District are required to wear appropriate face coverings. You can visit the Downtown Disney District "
Know Before You Go" site for more details about the current mask requirements, which are currently being applied to all Guests, Cast Members, and operating partners consistently. Guests with disabilities or their family members who have questions or concerns about any of the updates to the Disneyland Resort rules may
email or
call Disney Parks Disability Services for more information.
While things may change over the course of the next several months, it may be best to prepare for your visit to the Disneyland Resort as if the current rules are in place. To that end, here are a few tips my fellow
planDisney panelists and I have for helping Guests, especially the younger Mouseketeers, feel comfortable complying with the latest health and safety requirements.
Kristin C. recommends letting children pick out a mask that they like. She says "whether it's a favorite character, theme, or style, I find that they're more inclined to want to wear one when it reflects their personality or style best."
Lauren B. says "I had my kids 'practice' wearing their masks for longer and longer periods of time. This also helped us find which ones were most comfortable for them! When we finally made it to Walt Disney World, they were mask-wearing pros."
I love this tip from Rachel L.: "If you are afraid of the kids feeling a bit stuffy, they would love their own little handheld fan!"
Betsy S. says "We talk to our kids a lot about 'fighting the virus' and how wearing the masks makes them
Super Heroes in helping with the battle."
My personal tip for parents of children with special needs goes along with Lauren B.'s tip about practicing wearing masks. I find that children, especially children on the spectrum, tend to thrive better when they operate within consistent routines. By following health protocols in public as a regular part of daily life, children become accustomed to the "new normal" of these "unprecedented times."
These are certainly challenging times for everybody. The health and safety of all Guests is paramount for Disney. I’m wishing up a star and sending pixie-dusted thoughts and dreams to you as you help prepare your dear kiddos for your magical vacation to the Disneyland Resort. May your dreams come true and may your sons make magical memories to last a lifetime!
We’d love to keep helping with your vacation planning. If you have any more questions about visiting the Disneyland Resort, we hope you'll come visit us again here at planDisney.
~Tony