Hiya, Courtney! I'm happy to welcome you to the most magical panel on Earth — planDisney!
Your visit to Disney World is just around the riverbend, and I can only imagine how excited you must be as your countdown gets closer! I completely understand wanting to make sure your son has the best possible experience, especially in an environment that can sometimes feel overwhelming with all the sights, sounds, and excitement. But don't worry — I'm here to help! Let me share some of my favorite tips to make your trip as smooth as possible, so you can focus on making unforgettable memories together.
First and foremost, I would look into
Disability Access Service (DAS). This service allows Guests who may have difficulty waiting in traditional queues to schedule return times for attractions. You can
pre-register with via video chat up to 60 days before your trip. A Cast Member will determine what services may be appropriate for your visit.
Whenever my children feel nervous or uncertain about a particular attraction, one of the most helpful things I do is watch ride-through videos on YouTube with them before our trip. This gives them a chance to see exactly what to expect — from the queue experience, to the ride vehicles, and even the special effects. It helps to eliminate any surprises and allows them to decide ahead of time whether they feel comfortable experiencing the attraction.
If your son becomes overstimulated or just needs some quiet time, there are
quieter locations available throughout the theme parks where he can take a break. For example, one of my favorite areas in Magic Kingdom is in Fantasyland near the Wishing Well outside
Pete's Silly Sideshow.
When my son was very young, he was extremely sensitive to loud noises, which made certain experiences, like fireworks and even some attractions, overwhelming for him. To help him feel more comfortable, we started using disposable earplugs, and they made a world of a difference! If your child is sensitive to noise, I highly recommend bringing earplugs or even noise-canceling headphones as a way to make their trip more enjoyable.
Before your trip, make sure you download the
My Disney Experience app on your mobile device to access the Services for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities. To find this feature, open the app and tap on the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner of the Home Screen. From there, scroll down to select "Accessibility and Health Services," and then you'll see "Services for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities." This will provide helpful resources and information for your visit.
Courtney, if you have any other more specific questions, please
reach out to me again! I really hope this information is useful and helps your son have the most magical experience at the most magical place!
Magic and memories,
Kami