Walt Disney World traditionally has been every child’s dream vacation since I can remember.  Bustling with excitement, most families find planning such a vacation easy and filled with wonder. But for a child with Autism, hot, sweaty days filled with  minute-to-minute itineraries, large crowds, loud noises, and long wait times for rides is a recipe for disaster and sensory meltdown.
Great news! Disney is well equipped to handle the increasing number of guests with special needs, and their staff and Cast Members are extremely well trained to assist. Why can’t our schools be run like this? Ha ha
There is a degree of preparation of course that you can do at home to help with the overstimulation and potentially horrific encounters with giant stuffed versions of their favorite two-dimensional characters. A few weeks before your trip you can start visiting malls, festivals and other crowded gatherings if at all possible to help get your child accustomed to what is coming. Don’t overdo it!
Make sure you pack familiar toys, games, and favorite snacks to redirect your child. A portable DVD player or laptop and a Calmer By Nature DVD is great for decompressing in the hotel room at the end of the day! Be realistically prepared for the possibility of leaving the park early without upsetting the rest of the family. You should never make your child feel as if they are ruining your vacation because their body can’t handle stimulation!
Walt Disney World welcomes notes from the family doctor that describe your child’s situation. Though it’s not necessary, it will help expedite special accommodations with Guest Relations.
When you and your child check in with Guest Relations, they will issue a pass that is appropriate to the level of support needed. This pass does not exclude wait times on rides, however Walt Disney World is full of accommodations, some of which may not be immediately apparent. For meltdowns, ask any available Cast Member for the nearest quiet location. Family waiting rooms are available at some attractions, and there are first aid stations available, which offer some amount of solitude. A slow ride on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority in the Magic Kingdom or a meal at a quiet sidewalk café in Epcot can also help to soothe the over-stimulation.
Be sure to get information on the rides and shows in advance. You know your child, and you know which things will entertain him and which ones may startle or terrify him. Cast Members and Staff are prepared for all types of questions pertaining to the rides and attractions and what your child will experience.
Do not try to pack too much into one day. The sensory stimulation can and often does lead to overload.  Despite your parental instincts to use your child’s favorite ride as a reward for good behavior throughout the day, it really makes the most sense to visit those rides in the park first. This allows the experience of riding multiple times with little to no wait, and also sets the tone and mood for a happy and successful day.
Have a plan, be flexible, ask for support, and most of all, enjoy your magical vacation at Walt Disney World!
I have not yet been, but bravo to Disney for stepping up with their accommodations! Because of their approach, this is one vacation we can actually put on our list with confidence!