Hi Sarah,
Welcome to planDisney, and greetings from a fellow mama of a Mouseketeer with autism! I'm happy to share that my family has been visiting The Most Magical Place on Earth with our autistic son for years now, and he absolutely LOVES our Disney vacations just as much as the rest of us! We've found Walt Disney World Resort to be a magical vacation destination for
everyone, and I hope that will be your experience, too.
I'm happy to share that Disney offers some fantastic
resources for Guests visiting with cognitive disabilities! I'd encourage you to check out this amazing
guide specifically made for Guests with autism. Beginning on page 29, you'll find some areas in each of the four theme parks that would be perfect if your son needs to get out of the crowds a bit and relax for a sensory break. Once you arrive at Walt Disney World Resort, though, I'd encourage you and your entire crew to visit
Guest Relations inside the first theme park you're visiting. Not only can you inquire about the incredibly helpful
Disability Access Service, which would allow your family to wait for attractions outside of the standard queues, but you can ask the Cast Members there for recommendations of quiet places and even have them circle places on the park maps for you. Of course, if you ever find that your son is having some trouble and you're not near one of those locations, please don't hesitate to ask a nearby Cast Member for assistance. They're so friendly and happy to help!
Ooh...one more tip? As you're packing, I also wanted to encourage you to feel free to bring some items from home that your son would find comforting like sensory toys, a sensory brush, favorite snacks, headphones, or a beloved stuffed animal.
I hope this helps put your mind at ease a bit, Sarah, and if you have any other questions or we can help with anything else, please don't hesitate to come back and see us again. I hope you and your Mouseketeer have a truly magical vacation!
Missy