Hi Mary! Thanks for bringing your question to planDisney.
I've visited the parks with both friends and family with
disabilities, and we've always found the experience to be a positive one. Disneyland Resort is dedicated to being a welcoming and accommodating destination for all Guests. To make the park experience a magical one, Disneyland Resort offers many services, guides, and accommodations for its Guests with disabilities.
Currently,
Disability Access Service (DAS) is one of the services available to eligible Guests and up to three additional group members. This service is intended for Guests with a developmental disability like autism who would otherwise have difficulty in a traditional queue. DAS allows the Guest to request a return time for Attractions, and while you're waiting to redeem that return time, you can experience other aspects of the park, such as Entertainment or even a peaceful place to enjoy a snack. The DAS Guest must be present at the time of redemption and must ride the Attraction. Services and terms are subject to change.
If you believe your child might be eligible for this service, you will need to have a chat with a Cast Member with your child present. At this time, you can either do this online in a live chat or at the parks. You can find the
Accessibility Services Kiosk in the Esplanade close to Disney California Adventure Park. Even if your child isn't eligible for DAS, the Cast Member can suggest other useful tools to help everyone enjoy their park day.
One useful tool you might check out is the
Sensory Experience Details guide. We've used this when traveling with my uncle, who can be triggered by loud sounds and lights. But it's even a handy guide when you're visiting with small children, who might not appreciate some unexpected elements on select Attractions.
I hope this helps!
Elizabeth