Hiya Giovanni,
Thank you so much for stopping by planDisney with such an important question. I absolutely love that you’re planning this special trip for your son—there is truly nothing like seeing little ones light up when they meet
Mickey and the gang. Those character hugs are really just pure magic.
Giovanni, I’m so glad you reached out with this question, so let’s jump right into it. Disney World does offer a service called
Disability Access Service (DAS), which is designed to support Guests who may have difficulty waiting in a traditional queue.
Here’s how it works: DAS doesn’t provide immediate access to rides and select character meet and greets, but instead allows you to request a return time for an attraction or character greeting that’s similar to the current standby wait. The big difference is that you don’t have to physically stand in line during that time.
To get started, you need to complete a
registration process. You’ll first register online, and then you’ll complete a short video chat with a Cast Member who will determine eligibility. During that chat, your son will need to be with you, and they may gently ask him a couple of questions as well. The video chat is available daily from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time. If approved, you’ll be all set to use DAS during your visit.
Another great option, especially for little ones who love characters but may not love waiting. is
character dining. This is one of my favorite tips because your son can stay comfortably at the table, focused on eating, while the characters come right to him. It takes away the pressure of standing in line and turns it into a relaxed, magical experience. You can dine at
Chef Mickey’s at the
Contemporary Resort to meet Mickey and the gang, or visit
The Crystal Palace in
Magic Kingdom to spend time with Winnie the Pooh and friends. It’s such a sweet and easy way to enjoy those special interactions.
Giovanni, I hope this helps and gives you a little peace of mind as you plan. Your son deserves that magical experience, and Disney really does try to make it as inclusive as possible. If you have any more questions along the way, I’m always here to help.
See ya real soon,
Christina