Ahoy, Laura!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! I'm thrilled that you and your family will be sailing on your very first voyage with Captain Mickey at the helm! From a fellow mama of a son with special needs, I can whole-heartedly say you've chosen the best vacation destination for your pirate crew!
I understand the importance of planning in advance for a vacation and am happy to share my suggestions on how to make your son's first high-seas adventure a magical one! First, I recommend giving
Disney Cruise Line's Special Services Team a call at (407) 566-3602 to share a little bit about your son. The Special Services Team might suggest accommodations to make your son's cruise a smooth-sailing one. Have you read the
Information for Guests with an Autism Spectrum Disorder? This guide is an amazing resource for families and is filled with great ideas. For example, the "Family Movie Fun Time" allows Guests to watch a movie at ease knowing they can clap, sing or dance without disturbing other Guests. If your pirate is excited to meet Disney Characters but standing in line is challenging, an adult in your family can hold his place and he can reunite with them in line once it's your family's turn! I also recommend downloading the "My Disney Cruise Adventure Booklet" prior to setting sail. This complimentary 30-page printable activity booklet will acquaint your son with all the fun he can expect to have before stepping onto the ship.
Laura, I can't wait for the fun and adventure that awaits your family on your inaugural Disney Cruise! If you have any more questions during the planning process, please sail back and visit us again!
Beth