Traveling with disabilities can be nerve wracking, but a bit of pre-planning can help reduce
many of those worries. There are lots of things you can do before you even leave the house, to make your Disney vacation successful and ease potential stress, setting you up to have the
most magical experience possible. Here are a few suggestions for before you leave and while you are in the parks, that hopefully will help you to be able to enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE:
If you are traveling with someone who is neurodiverse:
1) Check out the DAS to see if you qualify.
Online DAS registration can be done up to 30 days before travel. This is a program directed at those who have a developmental disability like Autism. If you don’t qualify for the DAS, Disney offers other options like getting a return time and rider swap to help me other needs.
*Key tip*** Plan a few hours at home with the DAS holder as this must be done online and the potential DAS holder must be present. Start early in the morning for a shorter online wait.
2) Watch videos of rides and shows to familiarize yourself or your loved one with what to expect.
Knowing what a ride is like before you board can make a huge difference.
3) Buy noise cancelling headphones or use small earbuds like Loop to minimize noise and sensory overwhelm.
4) Have the neurodiverse person involved in planning the trip.
Having a little control over their environment can also reduce stress.
5) Structure your vacation with rest days and breaks.
Everyone does better when they are well rested.
6) Use a stroller even if you don’t use one at home.
Having a more private place to chill out can be extremely helpful for kids. You can attach a fan and lower the sunshade for even more privacy and a cool place to relax so they are ready for the next adventure.
7) Outside snacks are welcome in the parks, so bring safe foods along.
***Key tip*** Disney squirrels are smart and well fed (and darn cute)! Make sure you either bring snacks with you or you have them in some kind of squirrel resistant container.
8) Bring a comfort toy and put an Air Tag on it or tie it to the stroller safely (only do this if you can without creating a choking risk).
Tablets and phones can be helpful too. The Disney Play app is fun, but bring your charger as Disney apps have a tendency to burn through phone batteries.
If your travel partner has mobility needs, food allergies or other disabilities:
1) Book accessible rooms.
Do you need accommodations for hearing, sight, or mobility?
Do you need a roll in shower or TTY telephone?
Would you rather stay at a large resort or a smaller one?
Book a room that meets your needs and request the accessibility items that you need. If you are working with a Travel Advisor, they can add these requests to your booking.
*Key Tip****Make sure you request it at booking because these rooms are limited. The earlier you plan your trip, the better chance you will be able to get just the right room for you!
2) When you select your dining reservations, make sure to add your allergy onto the
booking.
*Key tip* Sometimes for reservations like dessert parties, if you don’t add your allergy at booking you will not be able to add it later!
3) Check out the menus online. Allergies are listed for nearly all dining locations.
4) If you are traveling with a Deaf or HOH person, make sure to check the Disney schedule for ASL interpreters.
The days vary by park so double check a week before you travel. Handheld captioning and resort room amenities like bed shakers and visual alarms can also be requested.
***Important**** Don’t leave this to the last minute, some venues require at least 14 days' notice or an ASL interpreter!!!
5) If you have mobility limitations and need an ECV, book that before you leave and have it waiting for you at the resort.
All Disney transportation will accommodate scooters and electric wheelchairs. Make sure to charge it at night so you are ready to go in the morning!
**Key Tip** If you have a mobility device make sure you are in the correct line for boarding the Skyliner. Sometimes it’s off to the side. Your party will get its own gondola!
AT THE PARKS:
Once you arrive at the parks all the hard work you did before you left home is about to pay off! With significantly less stress, you can now just hang out with your family and have a great time, knowing you are prepared. Here are some ways to make your in-park experience even better!
1) Florida is HOT
There are no two ways about it, and many people with disabilities have issues with the heat. Bring a portable fan to hang around your neck and a cooling towel. Make sure to bring your water bottle and stay hydrated. Hats and sunscreen are also important and quick dry shirts and undies are great.
***Important*** Make sure to drink lots of water! There are water bottle filling stations with filtered water at all the parks.
2) Purchase Lightning Lane passes to minimize wait times and maximize your time in the parks.
Guests can purchase the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, a Lightning Lane Single Pass or both… and enjoy more magic in every moment of their day! With the new Lightning Lane passes, you can skip the standby line and join a shorter line for select attractions and experiences instead. Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort can purchase Lightning Lane passes up to 7 days prior to their stay. Other WDW guests can purchase up to 3 days in advance.
With a Lightning Lane purchase, guests can:
Plan ahead of their visit and choose up to 3 multi pass experiences and arrival windows in a theme park.
Once in the park and guest have enjoyed their first multi pass experience, they may be able to make an additional selection (subject to availability).
Enjoy photo perks. Receive digital downloads of select attraction photos and videos from their day, captured with Disney PhotoPass Service. Plus, access Disney PhotoPass Lenses.
3) For those with food allergies, book your quick service dining via the app.
It saves time and you will get to eat with your friends instead of waiting longer for your food.
*Key Tip** If you have multiple food allergies, all ordering will need to be done with a chef. Just ask at the counter. It may take longer to get but it will be safe. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask for a chef consultation! They are happy to help.
4) Service animals are welcome at the parks and on Disney transportation.
Ask about using Rider Switch or a Disney provided portable kennel at the ride boarding area. Don’t forget booties to protect sensitive paws from the heat. Service Animal relief areas are located throughout the parks.
****Important**** Take breaks. Heading back to the resort is a welcome break midday for both adults and children.
5) If you are concerned about a travel member eloping, attach ID to them.
Some children will tolerate a lanyard with parent information, but if that won’t work, there are many other options. Wrist bands, stickers (on the back of shirts) and temporary tattoos are all options. I’ve even seen some parents use Air tags. If none of those fit the bill, don’t fret! Disney Cast Members and other parents are amazingly good at quickly bringing
temporarily misplaced children back to their families.
6) If you need an adult changing area, the First Aid locations all have cots that may be
used as adult changing tables. There are also companion (family) restrooms that offer
more privacy.
7) Some rides have stairs. If stairs are not for you, ask a Cast Member where the elevator
is and they will direct you safely out of the ride.
These are just some of the accommodations that are available in the parks. Since disabilities
are so diverse, everyone will have slightly different needs and will enjoy the parks in their own way. I have found Disney to be incredibly accommodating for my family and we are
neurodiverse with mobility limitations and food allergies. If you would like to share any tips you have for navigating the parks, I’m all EARS!
Jill Romine, Travel Advisor
Looking for your next magical getaway with the ease of accommodations throughout your stay?
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