Ahoy there, Megan! Welcome to planDisney!
I love that you’re planning a Disney cruise for your kiddos! You’ve totally come to the right place because planning (and surprising our loved ones with) Disney cruises is our favorite thing to do around here!
A three-night Disney cruise is the perfect taste of Disney Cruise Line while still fully immersing your family in the magic! It might even leave you wanting more time with Captain Mickey, which is where a
Placeholder Reservation will come in! I’d love to share my recommendations, as well as any tips that I think will help your family’s needs.
Disney Cruise Line does an amazing job of catering to guests' individual needs, including having sensory-friendly options for
guests with autism. This could range from shorter wait times before shows and during Character Experiences, sensory friendlier movies with the lights on, called “Family Movie Fun Time” on the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator App, seating preferences in restaurants and in the
Walt Disney Theater that are away from loud noises and/or lights, etc. Any accommodations and concerns should be discussed with
Disney Cruise Line Special Services at least 60 days before sailing.
While there isn’t one single ship that is more autism friendly than another, when I think of shorter wait times for lines and Character Experiences, as well as lower noise and lights, I immediately think of the
Disney Wonder and the Disney Magic. Being the smallest ships in the fleet, they automatically have shorter lines for experiences, as well as only one immersive Main Dining restaurant on board, making for less noise and lower lights during meal times.
However, I've also seen children with autism do amazingly on the larger ships, such as the
Disney Wish, Disney Dream, or Disney Destiny, if you prefer a three-night cruise out of a Florida-based embarkation port. Furthermore, if you want as few crowds as possible on any ship, I suggest choosing a sailing that is not themed, as well as one that doesn’t sail during school breaks or holidays.
On the day that you embark on your cruise, I also recommend speaking with the Guest Services Desk to discuss any concerns you might have while on board. Visiting the
Youth Clubs together during
Open House hours is also a great idea, to speak with the experienced Youth Counselors. They can answer any of your questions, help your children feel more comfortable, and share lower crowd hours with you.
Megan, I hope I was able to help you narrow down the perfect Disney cruise that will suit your family’s needs. I wish you all the most magical memories on board! Please sail back to planDisney if you have any questions.
You’ve Got a Friend in Me,
Rana