Disney for Special Needs

Visiting Disney can be overwhelming for anyone but especially for those with special needs. We have a son with Autism and it wasn't until we visited Disney for his first time that I realized how little I knew about what Disney does to accommodate those with special needs. It is my hope that this blog will help you have the most magical trip ever and know all of what Disney has to offer for you and your family.

DAS, short for Disability Access Service, is our lifeline. If I would have known about this before our son's first trip things would have gone so much smoother. Disney's Disability Access Service is available to anyone not able to wait in regular ques. Please note, needing to be in a stroller or wheelchair does not count as they are able to accommodate both. Upon arrival at any of the Disney parks, you will want to head over to Guest Relations. If you're not sure where to go just ask any Cast Member in sight. They would love to help you! All members of your party will need to go to Guest Relations along with the individual who needs DAS. Once you get to the counter, ask the CM (that's cast member) for DAS. They will probably ask you why you think the DAS is needed so be ready to answer. They never ask why we need one, though. Probably because our son is usually hanging from the counter or the line rope or anything else in sight. He's a total monkey! As soon as the CM acknowledges that the DAS would be a good fit for you, they will take a photo of the individual in need and scan their magic band along with the rest of your party's bands (up to 6 people total). They will explain to you a little bit how it works and that you won't need to go to guest relations again during your trip for DAS as it will be good for your entire stay.

Great! You're signed up for DAS. Now what? Head to any attraction that you would like to ride. We like to choose a ride that usually has the longest wait first. Once you arrive at that ride you'll want to look for the Fastpass entrance. There will always be a Cast Member at the FP entrance so you will tell them that you have DAS and they will give you a return time and scan everyone's magic band. The return time is based on the current wait so if its currently a 90 minute wait they will tell you to come back after 90 minutes. This will give you time to visit another attraction with a shorter wait time, use a pre-selected fastpass or grab a bite to eat. Once your 90 minutes has passes you will go back to the Fastpass entrance, scan your bands, and they will let you on through. Its as easy as that!

Things to remember: 

1.) They will only let you have one DAS return time at one given time. 

2.) Just because they give you a return time of 11 am doesn't mean you must be there at 11 am. It will be available for the rest of the day so don't worry if you won't make it back right on time. But remember, you won't be able to get a return time for another attraction until you use that one. 

3.) You can and should use Disney's Fastpass/ Fastpass+ service in addition to DAS. 

4.) If your child doesn't qualify for DAS but needs to remain in a stroller in line, you'll want to stop at Guest Relations and they will give you a special tag which will allow you to bring the stroller in the ques with you.

Service Animals

Service Animals are most welcome in the Disney Parks. For most of the rides they will actually be able to ride with you. For any ride that they are not able to ride, you can use Rider Switch which I will explain shortly. Service Animals are able to use any outdoor area for relief just so long as you are sure to clean up after them. However, Disney does also have designated relief areas as well. These will all be listed on the parks' maps.

Rider Switch

If someone is not able to ride or does not want to ride an attraction, Disney offers a service called Rider Switch. In order to use this service your whole party will need to approach the Cast Member manning the Fastpass line of the attraction. You will them show them who is staying behind and who will be entering the ride. The CM will give a special necklace to those riding and those members of your party will enter the standby line (unless you have previously selected a fastpass for that attraction). Once they get to the Cast Member at the front of the line they will hand over the necklace and the CM will give them on fastpass that is good for up to 4 people. You will not need to use the fastpass right away if you arent able to. It is good for a few days or even weeks.

Food Allergies

Disney is extremely accommodating to those with food allergies. You will simply note the allergy on any Advanced Dining Reservation and then remind the host or hostess at each restaurant. Some times the chef will even come to your table to explain which items are safe or they will prepare the meal without those ingredients. For a buffet they will even walk through with you and show you which dishes are ok. Each quick service location will be accommodating as well. All you need to do is ask the CM what is available while you are placing your order.

In Park Assistance

Some times we just can't do it all and that's ok! Don't have a friend, family member or nanny to go with you to the parks and offer a helping hand? Disney has you covered. Does that surprise you? They seem to think of everything! Anyway, Disney offers In Park Assistance where you can hire one of their highly trained and trusted professionals to accompany your family in the parks and offer help when needed. 

I think that about covers it for today. If you're planning a trip to Disney I would be honored to help your family make this the most magical trip ever. As a Disney Travel Specialist, I offer all of my services for free and I make sure you have a perfectly smooth trip! You can fill out my google docs form for a free quote or visit my facebook page or group which are both linked below.

Angie

You can join my Disney group here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/590587627812502/

You can request a free, no obligation quote here:
https://goo.gl/forms/2YBIkUc8jD2EuGJC2