Disney Experience, Part II

 Top Ten Preparation Tips

It has been two months since our visit to Disney, and I feel like it was just yesterday. We went hopeful and yet skeptical. We didn't know how C would take to the crowds, the scents, the sights, the larger than life characters, he so lovingly adores. We knew that there would be moments of sensory overload. We knew that there would be challenges, what we didn't foresee was his ability to overcome those moments.

Our trip was a balancing act. It required planning, preparation, teamwork, and sometimes a zone defense to ensure that we met C's needs, while also ensuring everyone was able to enjoy the vacation. With 3 children, pre-teen to special needs, I am proud to say we accomplished everything that was on their "must do/must see" lists.

If I were to break down our trip into the top ten things you must do in preparation for a trip to Disney, specifically if travelling with a child who has special needs, it would look like this:


1. Reserve a hotel, rental home, condo, or suite that will fit your child's needs best.

We have stayed on Disney property, rented homes and condo's and have tried to make it work in a hotel suite. Our best bang for our buck, while also best suiting C's needs was renting a home just outside of the Disney property. While we had to drive to the parks everyday, and pay parking fees, we also had more room to spread out, were able to bring items from home to make the space more familiar, and the icing on the cake... a private pool and arcade room. We rented the home with with my husband's twin and his family. The cost for a week in the rental home was less than we would have paid in a hotel, with many more amenities. Another bonus... a full sized washer and dryer ;)

2. Stick to a schedule.

If your child wakes early, eats breakfast, watches a cartoon, has lunch at noon, a snack at 2pm, dinner followed by bath and a bed time story - stick with it. Your child is going to be filled with so many "new" experiences, even if it isn't your first trip to Disney. Rather than force a new routine along with new experiences, new people, a new environment, maintain the normalcy of their routine. The parks allow you bring in food and drink, take advantage of this! We always bring a cooler stocked with sandwiches, chips, fruit, water bottles, candy. It will help keep you on schedule, even while waiting in line.

3. About the lines - Use the DAS, plan ahead, and for God sake, don't promise to take your child on a ride without speaking to the ride attendant first.

The DAS (Disability Access Service card), allows for those with disability to use the fast pass lane, without holding a fast pass. Plan out the rides and attractions that are a "must do/must see" before entering the park. You will want to have this ready to fully take advantage of the DAS and fast pass. They key to success is to visit Guest Relations as soon as you enter the park. There they will be able to tell you ride times, fast pass availability, where you may need to use the DAS, where a fast pass will work better, or where you may not need anything. They will also help you plan how to best accomplish your "must do/ must see" list.

If you are using a DAS for a particular ride, my greatest piece of advice is to send one adult to that attraction. Explain you have a child with a disability, and they will either issue the DAS card for that ride, or indicate that the ride can accommodate your child now. If you are issued a DAS card, take the down time to see a nearby parade, visit a character, or ride a ride with a short wait time.

We survived lines, wait times and the DAS Card by keeping C out of the loop. We knew what attractions and rides were important to him, but never made a promise or indicated that we would see something "now".

4. Stroller as a wheelchair - If your child can still fit in a stroller, DO IT :)

C is 5 and weighs nearly 50 lbs. For a typical child, he may be too big for a stroller, however for a child with special needs, it is essential. We have even considered purchasing a stroller that accommodates a larger child. When vising Guest relations (upon arrival to each park you visit), explain that your child has a disability and that you would like the "stroller as a wheelchair" pass. It is that simple. They will strap a red sticker to your stroller that has a picture of a wheelchair on it. The stroller provides a safety net, it allows easy maneuverability in crowded situations, and  when used as a wheelchair, allows you to take it right to the attraction.

Disney has an amazing imagination. Every ride, every attraction, is designed to target each of the five senses. For most, it makes waiting in line more tolerable, for kids with Sensory Processing Disorder, it is overwhelming, and can have the opposite affect that was intended. With the stroller, C was able to maintain his personal space, throw the sun visor over top of him, keeping sensory overload at bay. For the rides that are not wheelchair accessible, you are able to completely bypass the line.

5. If you are driving, consider a Handicap Pass for your car.

I had mixed feelings initially, when my husband and I discussed this. I felt that perhaps we were taking advantage of a situation. I discussed it with our pediatrician, who must sign the paperwork for the pass to be issued, and he felt that it was in our child's best interest, and for the safety of our child and family that we receive the Handicap Pass. Now that we have it, I don't know how I survived without it. Have you ever walked through a crowded parking lot, maybe with groceries in hand, other children meandering behind you, while struggling to maintain hand contact with your special needs child. Then suddenly your child drops to the ground, splays out, and becomes dead weight? It happens regularly to me. Knowing that I can secure a parking spot closer to our destination gives me piece of mind, that I can safely walk from point A to point B.

Disney's Handicap spaces are almost directly in front of the park's entrance. If you need a quick getaway, the last thing you want is to have to hop on the tram and pray that you remember the charcter's name of the spot where you parked.

6. I mentioned it before, but it warrants mentioning again - bring food with you into the park.

Picture the mid day heat, a morning full of parades and rides, a DAS card for a ride that isn't good for another 1/2 an hour, and you have a handful of crankiness staring at you. You would run over to the nearest food vendor, but everyone else seems to be having a serious case of the"2:30 feeling". And then you remember, your cooler full of your child's favorite snacks and drinks sitting in the bottom of your stroller... Crisis averted!

Let's face it, one can only take so much of fried, greasy, amusement park food. At some point your body begins to crave nutrients, and you don't want to spend buku bucks on the good stuff, snack money should be reserved for the special treats. This is also where having a refrigerator in your temporary home is essential.

7. Don't overdo it.

If you are planning a 7 day vacation, don't expect your child to be able to survive 7 straight days of parks. Goodness, I would be surprised if you could survive 7 straight days of parks! We have found, in our 5 trips to Disney in the last 7 years, that 4 days of Parks is just enough. We feel that the Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are our "must do" parks. Sometimes we visit Animal Kingdom (the safari ride and the Lion King show alone are enough to make you go at least once). If you have a child that loves animals, is inquisitive, and has a passion for fact finding, Animal Kingdom is great! It reminds me of an interactive zoo, with rides and attractions to keep everyone happy. Epcot is fabulous for those that enjoy different cultures, cuisines, and there are a few awesome rides, including Soaring and Mission Space. We almost always visit the Magic Kingdom a second day, but if you have never been to Disney World before, consider visiting all of the parks. We purchased Park Hoppers only once, and it was when we stayed on Disney Property. Because we had free transportation between parks, it was nice, but not necessary. If you are trying to remain frugal, don't do it ;)

We try to put a day between each day of parks. It allows us to rest our bodies, enjoy our vacation as a family, and visit other area attractions. Downtown Disney is fun, and has no entrance fee. Again, don't overdue it!

8. Download the "My Disney Experience App".

This app has maps of all the parks, allows you to map out your day, manage meal reservations, and sets reminders for upcoming parades and attractions. We used it everyday, multiple times a day, from initial vacation planning through our last day of vacation.

9. Take advantage of Photo Pass.

The photographers are strategically placed for the perfect photo opp, and they will also snap a photo with your camera or phone.  The photographer will issue you a card that you can carry around with you for the duration of your trip. When you see a photographer in a location you would like to have your photo taken, simply hand them the card, and it will upload to the website. You will need to create an account to access your photos and of course there is a fee, but you have the ability to select and choose the pictures you want, and of course, there is no obligation to buy.

10. Remember to have fun.

It is not often that our family is able to truly disconnect from the fast paced world and enjoy time together. It was a conscience decision to put work aside and really connect, really take part in this vacation with our children. Making the decision to be a part of the fun, to embrace each moment, and live in the now, is what made this trip so memorable. We each have our own and separate "favorite" moments. We each accomplished everything on our "must do/must see" list, and we certainly made "magical" memories.

This trip is possible, and fun, with children and adults with all abilities. Disney has, in our opinion, lived up to their promise of offering inclusive fun for all. Plan ahead, be prepared, and go with the flow. If you don't allow for the opportunity, the opportunity may just pass you by.