Hiya, Karen. Thank you for visiting the Disney Parks Moms Panel!
We too are parents of children on the Autism Spectrum. We find that Disneyland Resort provides just the right level of accommodation and Disney magic to help make our family visits comfortable, memorable, and full of magic!
While there aren't discounts available on theme park tickets for
guests with disabilities and their caregivers visiting the Disneyland Resort, there are accommodations. This includes accommodations for guests with
cognitive disabilities. Because circumstances vary for each guest, it is necessary to consult individually with a cast member at the main
Guest Relations locations. In
Disneyland Park, start your visit off at City Hall on Main Street, U.S.A. In
Disney California Adventure Park, stop by the Chamber of Commerce on Buena Vista Street.
As our children with autism are relatively high-functioning, we have found that simply planning ahead and employing creative coping strategies has helped to work with their specific sensory and social needs. For us, that means having favorite snacks or activities on hand to help to keep our children calm and content while waiting in attraction lines. Some of our favorite snacks can be found in the Power Pack Kid’s
Disney Check Meals available at select
counter service dining locations. Guests with more severe needs that prevent waiting in a conventional queue may require enrollment in the
Disability Access Service. Either way, you will find that the friendly Guest Relations Cast Members are happy to help plan for an enjoyable visit to the Disneyland Resort.
If you are looking for a fun way to pass time while in the parks, I suggest downloading the
Play Disney Parks app to your mobile device. It's loaded with games, trivia, and fun activities that interact with elements in the parks at select locations. My favorite is using it at the
Fortune Tellers in Disneyland Park. It's so fun to collect stories from them. See how many other achievements you can unlock in Play Disney Parks app!
I hope you and your son have a magical visit, Karen!
~Tony