Hi, Valoree! Welcome to planDisney!
Thanks for stopping by with your thoughtful question. As a mom to young kids, as well as a daughter to a single mom, I know how important safety is, especially while exploring a magical kingdom like Disneyland. Ohana means family and family means nobody gets left behind!
The good news is, Valoree, I've always felt incredibly safe at Disneyland, as a child and now with my own kids. It may require a bit of heightened awareness, but, for the most part, the same choices you make outside the parks to keep your son safe will apply inside the parks. Ultimately, Valoree, you'll know what's best for you and your son, and what types of supports you may need, but I'd like to provide a couple of my own recommendations and tips as you navigate the parks with an ECV (Electric Conveyance Vehicle) and a young child.
Consider using an attachable handle that you can connect to your ECV and that your son can use to hold on to. This way he can stay close as you both maneuver through the parks together. However, I recommend you keep your ECV at a "turtle's" pace in order for your son to keep up with you!
My number one tip for traveling to Disneyland Resort with young ones is that everyone knows what to do in case they get separated, which is to find the nearest Cast Member. These magical friends are trained to handle these types of situations and are able to reunite parties quickly. To make this easier for your son, point out Cast Members repeatedly to him throughout the day so he knows to look for "people with the special name tags." Then teach him to say, "I am lost. And this is my mom's phone number." In the same way, the moment you realize you are separated from your son, alert the nearest Cast Member.
Make sure your son also knows your phone number. If he doesn't have it memorized consider putting it on a bracelet, temporary tattoo, or written on his wrist with a permanent marker. Or write it on the back of his complimentary
Disney Celebration Button! That's what we did with our boys when they were young! Just make sure your son knows it's there.
Lastly, Valoree, when you arrive to the parks, I recommend that you stop by any
Guest Relations location and ask for a
Guide for Guests with Disabilities. This detailed guide map indicates where and how to access attractions and was a game-changer for me and my mom as we navigated the parks. Each attraction varies, so your best bet is to speak with a Cast Member at the attraction you wish to experience, to discuss what your options might be. There are multiple services available for those with mobility disabilities. My mom was able to ride any of the attractions she wished, including the carrousel, which she hadn't done since she was a little girl! It was a magical moment for us all.
Well, Valoree, I have no doubt you'll be off and rolling along in no time! I sincerely can't wait for you and your son to experience the magic of the Happiest Place on Earth. No matter how you both decide to spend your time, you and your son will be making memories together that will last a lifetime - because you're the magic, Mom.
Come back and
visit us again real soon!
Your pal,
McCayla