Hi, Claire! Thanks for bringing your question to the Disney Parks Moms Panel.
One of the things that I love the most about the Walt Disney World Resort is that they go above and beyond to make the magic accessible to everyone. The Walt Disney World Resort has a variety of
Services for Guests with Disabilities that can help meet guests' needs. My son has autism, and he loves vacationing at the Walt Disney World Resort. When we visit with my son, we utilize
Disability Access Service (DAS). This service is intended for guests whose disability prevents them from waiting in a traditional queue environment. One of the best pieces of advice that I can offer to anyone thinking about a Walt Disney World Resort vacation is to plan ahead and do your resEARch. This is especially true for families visiting with a child who has autism. While every individual on the autism spectrum is different, I would be happy to share some strategies that have worked with my own son.
My son likes to have a schedule and know what to expect. Before our first trip to the Walt Disney World Resort, I spent a lot of time on the
Walt Disney World website familiarizing myself with the
attractions and
entertainment offerings to get an idea of what my son might enjoy. I then sat down with him and showed him pictures and videos so that he would have an idea of what to expect. You can find some great Walt Disney World Resort
videos here on the Disney Parks Moms Panel site, on this
Disney vacation planning page, and even on YouTube. If your child tends to be a picky eater or has any
dietary concerns, you can also take a look at menus for the various Walt Disney World Resort
dining locations as well. When you pack for your trip, be sure to bring along any type of sensory or comfort items that your child might wish to have. Earplugs or headphones can be a great tool if your kiddo is sensitive to noise. During your vacation, be sure to take breaks as needed; the
First Aid Centers are a great place for this.
As you prepare for your visit, you may find this
guide for guests with cognitive disabilities helpful. Once you arrive at one of the Walt Disney World theme parks, be sure to stop by
Guest Relations to speak to a Cast Member to see if Disability Access Service or any other accommodations would be right for your child. If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Wishing you a magical Walt Disney World Resort vacation!
Samantha