Hello, Gloria,
As a parent of special needs children myself, I understand the struggle is real at times. I'm grateful for the specific accommodations that the Disneyland Resort affords to
Guests with disabilities, including Guests with cognitive disabilities and other special needs.
Based on local and national health and safety regulations and guidance, the Disneyland Resort policies regarding face coverings are under continuous review. At this time during the
Disneyland Resort's phased reopening, all Guests ages two and up visiting the Disneyland Resort are required to wear appropriate face coverings while indoors.
Your child's face shield is perfectly fine for use in all outdoor and indoor areas. During your party's visits to indoor locations, including on indoor attractions and enclosed transportation vehicles, she will be required to don an approved face covering either in addition to or instead of the shield. There are still many outdoor areas and even outdoor attractions that do not require face coverings. I recommend keeping an eye on the Disneyland Resort website for the latest news and updates to these policies.
While things may change over the course of the next several months, it may be best to prepare for your visit to the Disneyland Resort as if the current rules are in place. To that end, here are a few tips my fellow planDisney panelists and I have for helping Guests, especially the younger Mouseketeers, feel comfortable complying with the latest health and safety requirements.
Kristin C. recommends letting children pick out a mask that they like. She says "whether it's a favorite character, theme, or style, I find that they're more inclined to want to wear one when it reflects their personality or style best."
Lauren B. says "I had my kids 'practice' wearing their masks for longer and longer periods of time. This also helped us find which ones were most comfortable for them! When we finally made it to Walt Disney World, they were mask-wearing pros."
I love this tip from
Rachel L.: "If you are afraid of the kids feeling a bit stuffy, they would love their own little handheld fan!"
Betsy S. says "We talk to our kids a lot about 'fighting the virus' and how wearing the masks makes them
Super Heroes in helping with the battle."
My personal tip for parents of children with special needs goes along with Lauren B.'s tip about practicing wearing masks. I find that children, especially children on the spectrum, tend to thrive better when they operate within consistent routines. By following health protocols in public as a regular part of daily life, children become accustomed to the "new normal" of these "unprecedented times."
These are certainly challenging times for everybody. The health and safety of all Guests is paramount for Disney. I'm grateful we can work together with our children to help protect the wellbeing of Cast Members and other Guests while we visit the Disneyland Resort. May your dreams come true and may your daughter make magical memories to last a lifetime!
We’d love to keep helping with your planning. If you have any more questions about visiting the Disneyland Resort, we hope you'll come visit us again here at planDisney.
~Tony