The Ultimate Guide to a Disney World Vacation for Those on the Autism Spectrum
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A Disney vacation can be a thrilling experience, especially for families eager to visit the Happiest Place on Earth. But those of us with a family member on the autism spectrum, the thought of tackling a new place with no routine and no way to acclimate your loved one to their new surroundings with the possibility of over stimulation around every corner…it can be overwhelming to say the least. According to the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), 87% of families with someone with ASD do not take family vacations. That is heartbreaking.
Not even on the plane yet and B is over this whole “flying” business
What makes things a bit easier for my son is that I know the parks like the back of my hand. I travel to Walt Disney World an average of 4 times each year from our home in Texas because I find having recent first hand knowledge allows me to give my clients a better experience. But you’re in luck- you don’t have to be a travel agent in order to navigate Disney World like a pro because you found me! This comprehensive guide will give you practical tips and insights to help you navigate your adventure in a way that everyone gets to enjoy the magic without stress or worry.
In the spring of 2024 my son was diagnosed with severe ADHD and high functioning autism. With my background in education I had a fairly good idea of what the diagnosis was going to be so it wasn’t a shock per say, but it did give me a new outlook. With the benefit of hindsight, I was able to see that his meltdowns weren’t *actually* fueled by not getting something he wanted or hanger, but rather overstimulation and other factors that often come into play with those with an ASD diagnosis. A lot of things started to make sense that had been covered in a haze of “what the hell just happened?!” and I was able to reflect on ways that I could help make our annual Disney trips more comfortable and enjoyable not just for our son, but for all 4 of us. And I’ll let you in on a not-so-secret secret: I also have ADHD and may be on the spectrum myself, so these tips aren’t just for kids- I actually use more of them when I travel to the parks solo.
Planning Ahead is Important
Proper preplanning is crucial for a successful Disney vacation, especially when traveling with someone with a sensory processing disorder. Here are a few of my top suggestions:
- Download the My Disney Experience app: This is going to be invaluable tool throughout your vacation, especially if you are staying at a Disney World resort (more on this in just a bit). It’s going to show you real-time waits for rides and attractions, make dining reservations, check out your Photo Pass pics, and more. You’ll be able to search through the map of the property and even chat with a Cast Member!
- Research the Parks: Understanding the unique attractions and experiences in each park can help reduce anxiety. The Walt Disney World property is twice the size of Manhattan and is home to 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, 4 full size golf courses, 2 mini-golf courses, 1 massive outdoor shopping and entertainment center, more than 30 resorts, and more. Needless to say, it can be overwhelming even for the neurotypical. Having at least a general idea of where things are located is going to give our ASD loved ones a sense of security and provides reassurance.
- Stay at a Disney World Resort: This is one of the biggest tips I can provide you with. Navigating the massive property can be tricky but when you stay on property you don’t have to worry about the logistics of navigation because you have unlimited access to the many forms of complimentary transportation provided by Disney. There’s busses, boats, the monorail and the skyliner. These are going to be your best friend when getting from point a to point b. I recommend staying at a resort near the theme park you will be spending the most time at. We are a big Magic Kingdom and EPCOT family so we tend to stay at one of the three resorts on the monorail line. I’m partial to the Grand Floridian but we did stay in a Club Level room with a Theme Park View at The Polynesian a few summers ago and WOW! It was one of our favorite stays!
Disability Access Service (DAS)
I want to preface this section by saying that there have been changes made to DAS in the last few months that seemed very promising but actually turned out to make things much more difficult for the people that need DAS the most to actually get approved for it. I’ll try to update this in the future if and when additional changes are made, but for now, just know that getting approved for DAS can be a process and getting through the approval process can be a headache.
- Pre-Register for DAS: You can register online up to 30 days before your check-in date and needs to be done prior to your arrival as there is not currently a way to register for DAS in person. (You can do the video call the day of, but I wouldn’t advise it.) You do need to have a valid theme park admission ticket and your My Disney Experience account created before you schedule the call.
I’ll link a separate blog here with a how to as soon as it’s ready.
You’ll have a video call with a Cast Member trained in the process. The person that has the diagnosis must be present for this call but they should have someone else with them if they are under the age of 18.- If you are approved for DAS you’ll be able to schedule return times for select attractions.
- If you are not approved, I would suggest registering for another virtual session with a CM and try to explain the need in a bit more detail without giving away personal information. There isn’t an official appeal process at the moment so it’s really up to the CM you’re speaking to.
- DAS Stroller Tags: When you arrive at the park you’ll want to head over to Guest Relations to get your big red stroller tag. This will allow you to bring your stroller through the queues that allow it without having to park it at the queue entrance. Not all rides allow this because not all of the lines are able to allow you to safely navigate them in a stroller, but we will discuss these during your planning call.
- Documentation: You do not need to provide a doctors note or any sort of documentation to qualify for DAS but you do need to be able to describe the accommodations that you or your loved one needs in order to navigate the vacation smoothly. The more information you are willing and able to provide without disclosing your medical information, the better off you’ll be.
Find Sensory-Friendly spots in the Parks
One of the things I appreciate about the Disney Parks is that they recognize that sensory overload happens and they’ve planned in advance for a lot of them.
This little cave at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of our favorite reset spots. There are benches, plenty of shade, and a great view of The Tree of Life!
- Quiet Zones: These can be a bit of a hunt during heavier crowd times but I promise they are there. Check out this post on my Instagram for a breakdown of our favorite spots in each park!
- Baby Care Centers: You’ll find these in each of the 4 theme parks very near the First Aid center. They provide changing tables, nursing rooms, and seating areas equipped for families and can often give you a quiet(er) place for a rest and reset.
Bring Comfort Items
Familiar items from home can significantly provide a sense of comfort during your trip.
- Favorite Lovey or Snuggly: Our daughter (who is neurotypical) had a stuffed zebra named Zoey that she took everywhere. Zoey had a pacifier on the back of her head and was a regular companion on our adventures, no matter how close or how far away from home we went. Luck for us, we were able to convince our daughter that Zoey actually really liked hanging out in the hotel room so she could watch her favorite Disney Jr. shows. This allowed us to not have to worry about her falling out of the stroller or being left at a restaurant. Our daughter is now 10 so this was pre-Apple Airtags but if we were to travel with Zoey now, she would 100% have an Airtag attached to her. It allows you to trace the location within a foot. And if Zoey had gotten lost then we would make sure to file a claim with Lost and Found. They have a surprisingly high return rate!
- Noise Canceling Headphones: You’ll thank me when the nightly fireworks display begin or you find yourself in an especially loud show. It will make your trip more enjoyable and avoid audio overstimulation.
- Fidget Toys: Pack some putty, a sensory spinner, or pop it (our sons personal fav) so that you have a small, compact distraction on hand when you need it.
- Weighted Blanket: While it doesn’t typically get very chilly in Orlando, the weight from the blanket can provide comfort during your downtime.
Dining Tips
Food preferences and sensitivities are always an important consideration and generally fairly simple to navigate on your Disney World vacation.
- Make Dining Reservations: Minimize wait times by snagging a dining reservation in advance. If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World Resort, you can make these starting 60 days prior to check-in. Keep in mind that there are characters present at many restaurant locations, so if this is not something you or your kid are a fan of, be sure to take this in consideration prior to making your reservation. You’ll also be able to notate dietary needs or restrictions when you make your reservation but for added peace of mind, mention them again to the host when you show up for your reservation and to your server.
- Pack your favorite snacks: You are welcome to bring food and drinks into the parks so if there is something that you know your neurospicy companion will eat, pack it in your park bag for the day.
Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of our favorite character dining experiences! And how cute is B here?!
Visual Aids and Social Stories
Individuals on the autism spectrum often find comfort when they know the plan and have an idea of what they can expect when going into a new situation. Having these on hand before your trip can often alleviate stress and give those on the spectrum reassurance of whats to come.
- Visual Schedules: When you hire me to plan your vacation I create a ride by ride itinerary based on current wait times in the parks. Not only does this allow my clients to spend significantly less time waiting in long lines but it also gives you a great visual of what’s coming up next, helping to set expectations and ease anxiety. We can even make a physical version on a key ring so that our ASD friends can have a hand in walking you through your day!
- Social Stories: Social stories walk you through a new experience, what to expect, possible feelings, and provide a framework for a smooth experience. These are usually best when broken down piece by piece like “What to expect at the airport” or “What happens when I meet Mickey Mouse” so that each event is explored in depth and throughly.
I’m working on creating set of these specific for theme park vacations so be sure to keep an eye out for those soon!
Choosing the Best Time to Visit
Everyone wants to go during “the slow time” but to be frank, there isn’t really one anymore. My general rule of thumb is that if everyone else is in school then they aren’t at Disney World. For this to work though you have to be familiar with the various school schedules of the majority of the world. If only you knew someone who has that information already assembled (wink).
- Off-Peak Times: Again, if everyone else is in school then they aren’t at Disney World. There are usually a few weeks in late August-mid September and late spring that crowds can be expected to be lower than usual, but this isn’t a guarantee. We can usually work around crowds but listen to me when I tell you that there isn’t enough money in the world to put me at Disney World the week of Thanksgiving or anytime between Christmas and New Years Day. If you want to experience the stunning spectacle that is Disney World during the holidays, avoid the actual holiday itself and you’ll more than likely be just fine.
- Schedule your time in the parks efficiently: Arriving early in the morning or staying late into the night will often times give you a lower crowd level to navigate through in the parks. But here’s another secret: mid-afternoon is usually nap time for the little ones. If they are in their resort room napping, they aren’t standing in line in front of you. Make the most of it!
Flexibility is Essential
As much as we plan and prep, there are going to be moments that just can’t be scheduled. A little bit of adaptability is going to go a long way to making sure that everyone has the best vacation ever!
- Schedule regular breaks: Time for rest and recharging is helpful for travelers of all ages and neuroprocessing type. It can be a full blown “return to the resort and laying down in the AC” type of rest or a more active rest in a quieter area of the park, but no matter what, you’re going to want to schedule a little TLC for your group. Cooling down in the resort pool may be a chance to escape the Florida heat and rest your feet or you can plan on watching several shows around the parks.
- I actually suggest scheduling a rest day every so often. There isn’t a formula that’s perfect for everyone but my families rule tends to be 1 rest day for every 2 park days. So if we are going into the parks on Monday and Tuesday then Wednesday is our rest day. We sleep in, go to the pool, explore the resorts, hit up Disney Springs, and just spend the day exploring without a set plan. It also free us up to take naps (even the grown-ups!) and just chill.
- Adapt Your Plans: Focus on creating happy memories rather than sticking to a strict schedule. I saw a documentary a long time ago that said that you could live on site at the Disney World property and you still wouldn’t be able to experience absolutely everything, so don’t push yourselves to do it all. It simply isn’t possible. Instead, choose key experiences that your group wants to take part in or experience and schedule for those. And even if those experiences cause distress at arrival, pivot and get a Mickey ice cream bar. Everything will still be there tomorrow or the next time you visit.
Character Interactions in a Comfortable Way
These are generally a highlight of any Disney adventure but it can also be overwhelming. Having a plan will make sure everyone has an enchanting experience.
Meeting Donald Duck at a distance. A loves character
photos while B needs a little, uh, space.
- Choose Less Crowded Times: Planning to meet characters early in the morning or during parades is a great way to minimize wait time and crowds around your favorite characters!
- Communicate with Cast Members: Each character has a uniformed handler that escorts them and stays nearby. Speak with the handler as to what sort of accommodations you might need to make the experience go smoothly. They are usually able to help you with what you need because they want you and your group to have to those magical moments!
- Scope it our beforehand: A lot of the character interactions take place outdoors with the queues off to the side. You should be able to approach nearby and chat with your group about the possibility of joining the queue and whether or not they would be interested in, say, giving Donald Duck a hug or take a photo with Chip and Dale.
Participating in Extra Ticketed Events
There are so many after hours events with a limited number of tickets available for each event. Adding these to your schedule will require preplanning as they do often sell out far in advance, but it’s not impossible by any means.
- Visit During the Holidays: I still stand by what I said earlier about the week of Thanksgiving and Christmas-New Years Day, but Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a fantastic opportunity to explore Magic Kingdom with lower crowds and holiday magic. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party will not only bring out more rare characters for you to meet and greet but it will also give you the unique opportunity to Trick-or-Treat in the park!
- Other Special Events: EPCOT is host to a regular rotation of festivals throughout the year. (Festival of the Arts or the Food and Wine Festival are two of my personal favorites!) These festivals offer unique food, arts and crafts, concerts, and more and can be a great way to give those with varying interests something to look forward to.
Your Disney Vacation Awaits!
Are you ready to plan your spellbinding, spectacular Disney World vacation? Of course you are! With these tips and tricks, you’re sure to have a smoother, more relaxing escape for everyone, especially those on the autism spectrum. If you’d like to experience an even more personalized level of service then let’s chat about partnering together on your vacation! I am the owner and CEO of Vacations Worth Melting For and we specialize in creating unforgettable memories filled with magic and bliss. Click “Let’s head to the castle” on our website to schedule your complimentary consultation today!
A Disney vacation can be a thrilling experience, especially for families eager to visit the Happiest Place on Earth. But those of us with a family member on the autism spectrum, the thought of tackling a new place with no routine and no way to acclimate your loved one to their new surroundings with the possibility of over stimulation around every corner…it can be overwhelming to say the least. According to the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), 87% of families with someone with ASD do not take family vacations. That is heartbreaking.
Not even on the plane yet and B is over this whole “flying” business
What makes things a bit easier for my son is that I know the parks like the back of my hand. I travel to Walt Disney World an average of 4 times each year from our home in Texas because I find having recent first hand knowledge allows me to give my clients a better experience. But you’re in luck- you don’t have to be a travel agent in order to navigate Disney World like a pro because you found me! This comprehensive guide will give you practical tips and insights to help you navigate your adventure in a way that everyone gets to enjoy the magic without stress or worry.
In the spring of 2024 my son was diagnosed with severe ADHD and high functioning autism. With my background in education I had a fairly good idea of what the diagnosis was going to be so it wasn’t a shock per say, but it did give me a new outlook. With the benefit of hindsight, I was able to see that his meltdowns weren’t *actually* fueled by not getting something he wanted or hanger, but rather overstimulation and other factors that often come into play with those with an ASD diagnosis. A lot of things started to make sense that had been covered in a haze of “what the hell just happened?!” and I was able to reflect on ways that I could help make our annual Disney trips more comfortable and enjoyable not just for our son, but for all 4 of us. And I’ll let you in on a not-so-secret secret: I also have ADHD and may be on the spectrum myself, so these tips aren’t just for kids- I actually use more of them when I travel to the parks solo.
Planning Ahead is Important
Proper preplanning is crucial for a successful Disney vacation, especially when traveling with someone with a sensory processing disorder. Here are a few of my top suggestions:
- Download the My Disney Experience app: This is going to be invaluable tool throughout your vacation, especially if you are staying at a Disney World resort (more on this in just a bit). It’s going to show you real-time waits for rides and attractions, make dining reservations, check out your Photo Pass pics, and more. You’ll be able to search through the map of the property and even chat with a Cast Member!
- Research the Parks: Understanding the unique attractions and experiences in each park can help reduce anxiety. The Walt Disney World property is twice the size of Manhattan and is home to 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, 4 full size golf courses, 2 mini-golf courses, 1 massive outdoor shopping and entertainment center, more than 30 resorts, and more. Needless to say, it can be overwhelming even for the neurotypical. Having at least a general idea of where things are located is going to give our ASD loved ones a sense of security and provides reassurance.
- Stay at a Disney World Resort: This is one of the biggest tips I can provide you with. Navigating the massive property can be tricky but when you stay on property you don’t have to worry about the logistics of navigation because you have unlimited access to the many forms of complimentary transportation provided by Disney. There’s busses, boats, the monorail and the skyliner. These are going to be your best friend when getting from point a to point b. I recommend staying at a resort near the theme park you will be spending the most time at. We are a big Magic Kingdom and EPCOT family so we tend to stay at one of the three resorts on the monorail line. I’m partial to the Grand Floridian but we did stay in a Club Level room with a Theme Park View at The Polynesian a few summers ago and WOW! It was one of our favorite stays!
Disability Access Service (DAS)
I want to preface this section by saying that there have been changes made to DAS in the last few months that seemed very promising but actually turned out to make things much more difficult for the people that need DAS the most to actually get approved for it. I’ll try to update this in the future if and when additional changes are made, but for now, just know that getting approved for DAS can be a process and getting through the approval process can be a headache.
- Pre-Register for DAS: You can register online up to 30 days before your check-in date and needs to be done prior to your arrival as there is not currently a way to register for DAS in person. (You can do the video call the day of, but I wouldn’t advise it.) You do need to have a valid theme park admission ticket and your My Disney Experience account created before you schedule the call.
I’ll link a separate blog here with a how to as soon as it’s ready.
You’ll have a video call with a Cast Member trained in the process. The person that has the diagnosis must be present for this call but they should have someone else with them if they are under the age of 18.- If you are approved for DAS you’ll be able to schedule return times for select attractions.
- If you are not approved, I would suggest registering for another virtual session with a CM and try to explain the need in a bit more detail without giving away personal information. There isn’t an official appeal process at the moment so it’s really up to the CM you’re speaking to.
- DAS Stroller Tags: When you arrive at the park you’ll want to head over to Guest Relations to get your big red stroller tag. This will allow you to bring your stroller through the queues that allow it without having to park it at the queue entrance. Not all rides allow this because not all of the lines are able to allow you to safely navigate them in a stroller, but we will discuss these during your planning call.
- Documentation: You do not need to provide a doctors note or any sort of documentation to qualify for DAS but you do need to be able to describe the accommodations that you or your loved one needs in order to navigate the vacation smoothly. The more information you are willing and able to provide without disclosing your medical information, the better off you’ll be.
Find Sensory-Friendly spots in the Parks
One of the things I appreciate about the Disney Parks is that they recognize that sensory overload happens and they’ve planned in advance for a lot of them.
This little cave at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of our favorite reset spots. There are benches, plenty of shade, and a great view of The Tree of Life!
- Quiet Zones: These can be a bit of a hunt during heavier crowd times but I promise they are there. Check out this post on my Instagram for a breakdown of our favorite spots in each park!
- Baby Care Centers: You’ll find these in each of the 4 theme parks very near the First Aid center. They provide changing tables, nursing rooms, and seating areas equipped for families and can often give you a quiet(er) place for a rest and reset.
Bring Comfort Items
Familiar items from home can significantly provide a sense of comfort during your trip.
- Favorite Lovey or Snuggly: Our daughter (who is neurotypical) had a stuffed zebra named Zoey that she took everywhere. Zoey had a pacifier on the back of her head and was a regular companion on our adventures, no matter how close or how far away from home we went. Luck for us, we were able to convince our daughter that Zoey actually really liked hanging out in the hotel room so she could watch her favorite Disney Jr. shows. This allowed us to not have to worry about her falling out of the stroller or being left at a restaurant. Our daughter is now 10 so this was pre-Apple Airtags but if we were to travel with Zoey now, she would 100% have an Airtag attached to her. It allows you to trace the location within a foot. And if Zoey had gotten lost then we would make sure to file a claim with Lost and Found. They have a surprisingly high return rate!
- Noise Canceling Headphones: You’ll thank me when the nightly fireworks display begin or you find yourself in an especially loud show. It will make your trip more enjoyable and avoid audio overstimulation.
- Fidget Toys: Pack some putty, a sensory spinner, or pop it (our sons personal fav) so that you have a small, compact distraction on hand when you need it.
- Weighted Blanket: While it doesn’t typically get very chilly in Orlando, the weight from the blanket can provide comfort during your downtime.
Dining Tips
Food preferences and sensitivities are always an important consideration and generally fairly simple to navigate on your Disney World vacation.
- Make Dining Reservations: Minimize wait times by snagging a dining reservation in advance. If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World Resort, you can make these starting 60 days prior to check-in. Keep in mind that there are characters present at many restaurant locations, so if this is not something you or your kid are a fan of, be sure to take this in consideration prior to making your reservation. You’ll also be able to notate dietary needs or restrictions when you make your reservation but for added peace of mind, mention them again to the host when you show up for your reservation and to your server.
- Pack your favorite snacks: You are welcome to bring food and drinks into the parks so if there is something that you know your neurospicy companion will eat, pack it in your park bag for the day.
Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of our favorite character dining experiences! And how cute is B here?!
Visual Aids and Social Stories
Individuals on the autism spectrum often find comfort when they know the plan and have an idea of what they can expect when going into a new situation. Having these on hand before your trip can often alleviate stress and give those on the spectrum reassurance of whats to come.
- Visual Schedules: When you hire me to plan your vacation I create a ride by ride itinerary based on current wait times in the parks. Not only does this allow my clients to spend significantly less time waiting in long lines but it also gives you a great visual of what’s coming up next, helping to set expectations and ease anxiety. We can even make a physical version on a key ring so that our ASD friends can have a hand in walking you through your day!
- Social Stories: Social stories walk you through a new experience, what to expect, possible feelings, and provide a framework for a smooth experience. These are usually best when broken down piece by piece like “What to expect at the airport” or “What happens when I meet Mickey Mouse” so that each event is explored in depth and throughly.
I’m working on creating set of these specific for theme park vacations so be sure to keep an eye out for those soon!
Choosing the Best Time to Visit
Everyone wants to go during “the slow time” but to be frank, there isn’t really one anymore. My general rule of thumb is that if everyone else is in school then they aren’t at Disney World. For this to work though you have to be familiar with the various school schedules of the majority of the world. If only you knew someone who has that information already assembled (wink).
- Off-Peak Times: Again, if everyone else is in school then they aren’t at Disney World. There are usually a few weeks in late August-mid September and late spring that crowds can be expected to be lower than usual, but this isn’t a guarantee. We can usually work around crowds but listen to me when I tell you that there isn’t enough money in the world to put me at Disney World the week of Thanksgiving or anytime between Christmas and New Years Day. If you want to experience the stunning spectacle that is Disney World during the holidays, avoid the actual holiday itself and you’ll more than likely be just fine.
- Schedule your time in the parks efficiently: Arriving early in the morning or staying late into the night will often times give you a lower crowd level to navigate through in the parks. But here’s another secret: mid-afternoon is usually nap time for the little ones. If they are in their resort room napping, they aren’t standing in line in front of you. Make the most of it!
Flexibility is Essential
As much as we plan and prep, there are going to be moments that just can’t be scheduled. A little bit of adaptability is going to go a long way to making sure that everyone has the best vacation ever!
- Schedule regular breaks: Time for rest and recharging is helpful for travelers of all ages and neuroprocessing type. It can be a full blown “return to the resort and laying down in the AC” type of rest or a more active rest in a quieter area of the park, but no matter what, you’re going to want to schedule a little TLC for your group. Cooling down in the resort pool may be a chance to escape the Florida heat and rest your feet or you can plan on watching several shows around the parks.
- I actually suggest scheduling a rest day every so often. There isn’t a formula that’s perfect for everyone but my families rule tends to be 1 rest day for every 2 park days. So if we are going into the parks on Monday and Tuesday then Wednesday is our rest day. We sleep in, go to the pool, explore the resorts, hit up Disney Springs, and just spend the day exploring without a set plan. It also free us up to take naps (even the grown-ups!) and just chill.
- Adapt Your Plans: Focus on creating happy memories rather than sticking to a strict schedule. I saw a documentary a long time ago that said that you could live on site at the Disney World property and you still wouldn’t be able to experience absolutely everything, so don’t push yourselves to do it all. It simply isn’t possible. Instead, choose key experiences that your group wants to take part in or experience and schedule for those. And even if those experiences cause distress at arrival, pivot and get a Mickey ice cream bar. Everything will still be there tomorrow or the next time you visit.
Character Interactions in a Comfortable Way
These are generally a highlight of any Disney adventure but it can also be overwhelming. Having a plan will make sure everyone has an enchanting experience.
Meeting Donald Duck at a distance. A loves character
photos while B needs a little, uh, space.
- Choose Less Crowded Times: Planning to meet characters early in the morning or during parades is a great way to minimize wait time and crowds around your favorite characters!
- Communicate with Cast Members: Each character has a uniformed handler that escorts them and stays nearby. Speak with the handler as to what sort of accommodations you might need to make the experience go smoothly. They are usually able to help you with what you need because they want you and your group to have to those magical moments!
- Scope it our beforehand: A lot of the character interactions take place outdoors with the queues off to the side. You should be able to approach nearby and chat with your group about the possibility of joining the queue and whether or not they would be interested in, say, giving Donald Duck a hug or take a photo with Chip and Dale.
Participating in Extra Ticketed Events
There are so many after hours events with a limited number of tickets available for each event. Adding these to your schedule will require preplanning as they do often sell out far in advance, but it’s not impossible by any means.
- Visit During the Holidays: I still stand by what I said earlier about the week of Thanksgiving and Christmas-New Years Day, but Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a fantastic opportunity to explore Magic Kingdom with lower crowds and holiday magic. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party will not only bring out more rare characters for you to meet and greet but it will also give you the unique opportunity to Trick-or-Treat in the park!
- Other Special Events: EPCOT is host to a regular rotation of festivals throughout the year. (Festival of the Arts or the Food and Wine Festival are two of my personal favorites!) These festivals offer unique food, arts and crafts, concerts, and more and can be a great way to give those with varying interests something to look forward to.
Your Disney Vacation Awaits!
Are you ready to plan your spellbinding, spectacular Disney World vacation? Of course you are! With these tips and tricks, you’re sure to have a smoother, more relaxing escape for everyone, especially those on the autism spectrum. If you’d like to experience an even more personalized level of service then let’s chat about partnering together on your vacation! I am the owner and CEO of Vacations Worth Melting For and we specialize in creating unforgettable memories filled with magic and bliss. Click “Let’s head to the castle” on our website to schedule your complimentary consultation today!
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