Walt Disney World with Autism

We are getting really close to our Walt Disney World vacation.  I know for families with special needs, a big vacation like this can be daunting.  We first took Nathan to Walt Disney World when he was 3- about a year after he was diagnosed with autism.

Later this month, we'll be heading back
to Nathan's happy place!

For Nathan, there is no place in the world he would rather be than Walt Disney World.  He loves it.  He loves planning our trips, he counts down the days, he engages while we're there, and talks about what we did and saw for months afterward.  This will be Nathan and Drew's 6th visit.

As you're planning your family's trip, keep in mind what he or she can and can't tolerate.  I know there are certain things that Nathan does not handle well- especially anything that can lead to sensory overload- extreme heat, large crowds, and a lot of walking are all very difficult for Nathan.  To deal with the heat, we usually go during cooler months- the spring, winter or fall.  (We did go this past June, but it was a quick trip- just 2 days- and Nathan and I spent a lot of time at the pool!)

The DAS is attached to our magic bands anyone's
band can be scanned to get a return time, but the
disabled person MUST ride when you come back.

Disney helps us deal with crowds and walking with a DAS (disability access service) card.  With provides an alternative waiting area for attractions.  So basically, if we get to a ride and it has a 30 minute wait, we can scan one of our magic bands, then go see a show, ride a different attraction, or take a break for 30 minutes, then come back and go in the FastPass line.  We don't skip the lines (the old GAC- Guest Assistance Card- worked that way) we still have to wait, but we don't have to wait in the line.  We also get a special sticker for Nathan's special needs wheelchair/stroller.  The sticker lets us take the stroller into lines and shows so he doesn't have to stand.

Nathan loves his special needs stroller/wheelchair
it helps him enjoy the parks without getting too
worn out

The hard part with the DAS though is if the disabled person has his/her heart set on riding/seeing a particular attraction right away, he will still have to wait.  We try to get around this by sending my husband to get our DAS return time.  That way we don't take Nathan to the attraction then tell him he can't ride yet.  That would definitely cause a meltdown!  The DAS is for the disabled person and five other people.  Anyone in the party can have their magic band scanned to get the DAS return time, but the person with the DAS must ride in order for everyone else to get on the attraction.

Nathan is not big on meeting characters, but he does like
seeing Lightning McQueen and Mater at Hollywood Studios

If there is something you think your child may be afraid of or anxious about- check out YouTube.  You can see full ride throughs of attractions, shows, fireworks and more.  Nathan does not like roller coasters, we have shown him Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain and other rides on YouTube, but he's still not interested.  But he loves Soarin', Dinosaur, and Test Track after seeing them on YouTube then riding them.  He has always been terrified of fireworks even though he had never even seen them.  Just thinking about them would cause anxiety.  So before the Fourth of July, we started showing him fireworks on YouTube, then on we took him to a display on July 4.  He loved it.  He can't wait to see them at Disney World for the first time later this month!

A lot of families like to surprise their kids with trips to Disney World.  This would not work for us.  Nathan LOVES planning our trips just as much as I do.  But also, he needs to prepare for things mentally.  If we woke up him up in the morning and told him we were going to Disney World that day,  that would cause anxiety for him.  Even though it would be exciting, it would be unexpected and he doesn't handle unexpected very well.

Nathan loved getting a pirate makeover at the Pirates League
and is looking forward to doing it again!

The most important piece of advice I can give you is- be flexible!  With dining reservations, FastPass+ reservations, and showtimes, a lot of your trip can be planned out and you can feel like you're always running.  But when you have a child with special needs, sometimes you need to take unexpected breaks.  If you have to miss a FastPass and take a break it may be worth it in the long run.  If you don't get to see a certain show because it's too hot, take it in stride.  As long as you and your family are having fun, that's what really matters!

If you're thinking of a Walt Disney World vacation for your family, I say DO IT!  Just put a little extra planning into it and remember it's about having fun together.