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7 Tips on How to Do Disney With Kids Who Have a Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) or Are On the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

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If you have a little one with SPD or ASD, take a look at our best tips that highlight how to navigate Disney parks to make it the most accommodating for your family. 

If you have a little one with SPD or ASD, take a look at our best tips that highlight how to navigate Disney parks to make it the most accommodating for your family. 

I’m a mom of two young boys (ages 5 and 10), and my oldest has autism. He has a lot of sensory issues and trips to Walt Disney World resort can be extra stimulating, adding a layer of challenge to an already-complex (and packed!) holiday.

Still, my love for Disney meant that I wouldn’t let that stop me from visiting the parks. Of course, I wanted to share those happy moments with my son (I’m happy to report that his many Disney trips have made him a fan, almost as much as me!).

Here are the top 7 tips that I found very useful when travelling with someone with SPD or ASD to Disney World.

How to Do Disney With Kids Who Have SPD or ASD

Book a Hotel That Meets Your Needs

My son eats very little restaurant food, so I know that if I book accommodations with a kitchen, our trip will be smoother. I make sure he gets downtime to eat at the hotel (he hates eating in public spaces).  This way, I also make sure that he won’t go hungry, ensuring an easier park day.

Your child’s needs may be different, so try to anticipate what challenges you could face during your trip. Then, plan strategies you can use to mitigate them.

It can be bringing a special toy, making sure that you have access to a washer and dryer in your room to clean their favorite shirts, packing lots of their favorite snacks, etc.

Nestled a short 10-minute car ride away from Disney World is a paradise called  Marriott's Harbour Lake. This hotel has stolen our hearts, and remains at the top of our “Best Off-Site Disney World Hotels” list.

Plan Breaks!

Personally, I like planning a few days of rest here and there during our stay when possible. Those park days are exhausting. It happens often that we have the willpower to push through, but our bodies physically cannot.  It’s even more true when traveling with someone with ASD or SPD.

Some downtime by the pool for midday breaks can also be a welcome respite. Staying in the parks when your kids are having a tantrum just isn’t fun. Prevent them by taking many breaks away from the crowds.  The time in the park may sometimes be shorter, but will be more positive and productive.

Watch Online Videos

Watching videos of the rides and park experience ahead of your Disney trip is not only a great way to get in vacation mode, it’s also an excellent method to desensitize your kiddo. By watching videos, your child will know what to expect (let’s face it, you too!) and get mentally prepared for the experience. Drops and speed don’t always come through, but things such as twists, turns, darkness, pyrotechnics and screaming people will.  Knowing what to expect will extend the magic (not ruin it) by making sure your child knows what to expect.

If you have a little one with SPD or ASD, take a look at our best tips that highlight how to navigate Disney parks to make it the most accommodating for your family. 

Bring Noise Cancelling Ear Muffs

These are a lifesaver. Rides, shows and other experiences can be loud and intense. If your child tends to be startled by loud noises, bring a pair of noise cancelling safety earmuffs for kids (they can be found on Amazon or at Walmart).  You will not be alone:  lots of children wear them!

Should you forget them, or even lose them, check Guest Services at the park entrance. They usually have foam ear buds they can give you for free. They don’t work as well, but it can help if you are in a bind.

Accept Your Child’s Limitations

Accept your child’s limitations, and don’t push (too much) when it comes to breaking or ignoring? them.

My son never once accepted to be photographed with a Disney character. He doesn’t want to go see them, he doesn’t want them to talk to him. I stay clear from character dining experiences, as much as it saddens me.  His eyes light up when he sees them in a parade, from afar (where they cannot talk to him), so I try to take pictures of those precious moments instead.

I also know when I think I’ll be able to push my son a little more (for example, when he wants to leave after only an hour), and when I have to accept it and let it go.

Know your kid’s limits and keep your expectations realistic. You will not be able to do everything, no matter who is in your party. 

Focus on the few experiences you absolutely do want to do and accept that the rest is gravy! 

Read our very best tips on how to do Disney with kids who have a sensory processing disorder or are on the autism spectrum disorder.

Consider Renting or Bringing a Stroller 

Up to last year, I still rented a double stroller for both my kids when going to the parks. This point can be controversial, but to each their own. 

The amount of walking is extraordinary. Kids will get very tired. My son likes to sit occasionally, and he uses the canopy to hide from the crowds. It’s his little refuge. We’ve also come to appreciate that it makes carrying stuff for their needs (earmuffs, lunches, water bottles etc.). easier.

Stroller rentals are plentiful in Orlando, and most often, they can deliver your stroller to your hotel (and pick it up) at no extra cost. Their strollers also meet Disney’s stroller requirements, so it’s one less thing to worry about.  Many will come with a rain cover too!

They are smooth and sturdy, which helps your overall Disney experience.

Get information on Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS)

Not all disabilities are eligible for DAS.  The service can also take different forms depending on the needs of a person and is granted on a case by case basis. 

Every family needs to reapply for DAS for every trip, as the person’s needs may have changed over the course of the year.

I know all about the program, and I’ve used it most times when travelling with my son. It can help you make the most of the time you are in the park, especially if you have a child like my son:  we have never been able to do rope drop to park closure, as these long hours prove to be too much for him. It can make a huge difference in your experience.

You can learn more about DAS here.

Got more questions on how to navigate Disney with a family member with ASD? We’re here to help! Send us an email at [email protected] so that we can help you ASAP!

Families with kids who have a sensory processing disorder or are on the autism spectrum: here are our very best tips on navigating a vacation in Disney World
If you have a little one with SPD or ASD, take a look at our best tips that highlight how to navigate Disney parks to make it the most accommodating for your family. 
Read our very best tips on how to do Disney with kids who have a sensory processing disorder or are on the autism spectrum disorder.

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