086 How to Make Disney Amazing for Kids with Special Needs

Disney trips can feel intimidating for many families, especially if you have a child with special needs. Beth Vermillion joins Lisa to share her experiences at Disney Parks with her special needs children. She shares how Disney has accommodated their needs and she gives great suggestions of ways others can have great family experiences at Disney Parks. We talk through how to use the Disney Park Disability Access Service Card (DAS), practical ways to calm anxiety both before you arrive at the park, and ideas to try while in the park.

Listen in to get guidance on how to navigate the Disney Parks with a special needs child.

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“Disney loves to spread pixie dust on a family’s vacation.”

— Beth Vermillion

There are many ways to make a family vacation to a Disney Park meaningful and fun especially when you are traveling with a special needs child.

Things to Do Before Visiting the Disney Parks

Look on YouTube for point of view Disney ride videos. There are many videos that show what the line will look like, how you get on the ride, and what will happen throughout the ride.
You may want to watch the YouTube videos in the order that you will go on the rides in the park.
Check the crowd calendars for Disneyland or Disney World to see when crowds are projected to be their highest. Plan your vacation on lower attendance days if possible.

How Disney Cast Members Can Help in the Parks

Each park has a town hall/guest services station near the entrance to the park. Go there when you arrive and ask for a Disney Parks Disability Service Card (DAS.)
You will need to explain the needs of your child but not the diagnosis. For example, if you child is autistic, you could say that he has high anxiety in crowds, get nervous around princesses, and has extreme difficulty waiting in line.
The Disney cast member will give your family member with needs a DAS card linked to their magic band or park ticket depending on which park you are visiting.
Look for blue/white umbrellas in Disneyland near the rides and get a pass to return and avoid waiting in the line. Bring the park ticket of the special needs child for them to scan when you do this.
At Disney World Parks, just ask at each ride for the DAS accommodations.
Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. They can’t help you if they don’t’ know your needs. Listen to the podcast to hear a great story about how the Disney cast went way above expectations to make a special character experience happen for their family.

Things to Do in the Park

Bring a small pocket flashlight that your child can use on dark rides. This can calm anxiety if they have the control and reassurance of the light.
Know what to avoid. If your child is terrified of balloons, don’t walk near the balloon vendors. If you know your child can’t wait in a line, have one parent wait while the other does something with your child.
Plan to bring snacks and food that you know your child likes and will be familiar to him/her.
Talk about the YouTube videos you watched at home to help build excitement while walking to rides.
Consider having your children wear an ID tag around her/his neck.

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