Hey Chris,
Welcome to planDisney! I just love a surprise Walt Disney World trip for young Mouseketeers. I was able to hold the surprise once for my oldest son. I've reached a point where I'm so excited while I'm planning that I spill the beans every time, so I salute you for keeping the secret! It's no easy feat!
I'm so glad that you'll register to utilize
Disney's Disability Access Service (DAS). This service gives guests with developmental disabilities who are unable to wait in the conventional standby queue the ability to enjoy the parks by providing attraction return times via the My Disney Experience App. That oldest Mouseketeer that I referenced earlier qualifies to use DAS, and we have found it to be a game-changer when he is with us in the parks.
Registration involves a live video chat with a cast member. The person who needs the service must be present during registration. While you will need your son to participate during DAS registration so that he can complete his portion of the process, I do think you can still keep the secret safe. Here's how: register for DAS when you arrive at Walt Disney World. After the secret has been revealed and the squeals of excitement have been released, you can visit the
DAS page of the Disney World website to request a live video chat. Cast members are available daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time. We recently registered during a visit while we were inside Hollywood Studios and the entire process only took a few minutes. Your wait time depends on request volume, so take care of this early if you can.
Chris, be sure to check out the
Guests with Disabilities Overview page. It highlights all of the accessible ways to enjoy the resort and will certainly help with planning. Resources on that page that I have found to be helpful are the
Sensory Experience Details document and the
Accessibility Planning Guide.
Your trip is just around the corner and I know you can hardly contain the secret. You're doing a great job, and your secret is safe with me. Come on back any time for additional planning help. We'll see ya real soon!
Sakinah