TioAdis78
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2019
- Messages
- 141
Hi everyone! We just got back from our latest Disney trip (January 23 - February 1), and I wanted to share our experience traveling with our two autistic kids, ages 13 and 8. We’ve been going yearly for six years, so we’re pretty familiar with the parks, but each trip brings new lessons and insights that I hope will be helpful for others traveling with disabilities.
Where We Stayed & Park Visits
We stayed at All-Star Music, and throughout our trip, we visited all four parks:
• Magic Kingdom – 3 times
• EPCOT – 1 time
• Hollywood Studios – 2 times
• Animal Kingdom – 1 time
DAS & Accessibility – A Lifesaver!
We used DAS, and it was a very positive experience. Knowing that our kids’ challenges are being considered and accommodated makes all the difference in making this a magical trip.
• Waiting Periods – The wait time can still be challenging, but it was within what we expected.
• New DAS Rules – The 10-minute gap between selections took some getting used to, but we understand why it’s in place, and we managed just fine.
• Medical Stroller as a Wheelchair – This was a game-changer. Having our rented medical stroller recognized as a wheelchair throughout the resort made mobility much easier and gave our youngest a safe and comfortable space when needed.
Disney Transportation – The Purple Tag Was a Game-Changer!
We primarily used Disney buses for transportation, and the purple tag allowed our stroller to be treated as a wheelchair. This meant we were able to use the bus ramp to get in and out without my son having to get off the stroller.
This was huge for us, as transportation can be really difficult for him due to his limited upper core strength. The ability to keep him secure and comfortable while boarding made a big difference in reducing stress for him and for us. If your child has similar needs, I highly recommend requesting the purple tag at Guest Relations—it made transportation so much smoother!
Equipment Rental Experience
We rented our medical stroller from Orlando Medical Rentals, and they were super nice and accommodating. Highly recommend them if you’re looking for a reliable medical stroller or mobility aid!
Finding Quiet Spaces & Taking Breaks
One of the biggest strategies that helped us was finding quiet, less crowded areas throughout the parks. Sometimes all we needed was a quiet bench in a tucked-away corner or a long break inside a restaurant to let the kids (and us!) recharge for an hour or two before continuing. Taking those intentional breaks made a huge difference in managing sensory overload.
Cast Members – Extra Helpful This Trip!
We’ve always appreciated Disney’s cast members, but this trip, they felt even more engaging and helpful than before—from ride attendants to restaurant servers, Guest Services, and even custodial staff. Everyone was warm and welcoming, and we found that simply approaching each interaction with a smile and kindness worked wonders.
Biggest Challenge – Ride Shutdowns
Ride shutdowns are particularly hard on my son, especially if they happen when we’re already inside the queue. It’s one of the trickier things to navigate emotionally, but after traveling yearly for six years, we’ve developed strategies to help him cope. If this is something you deal with too, I’d love to hear how others manage those moments!
Top Tips for Fellow Travelers with Disabilities
1. Be patient. Be kind. Treat cast members and fellow guests with kindness—it makes all the difference.
2. Be prepared for challenges. Even with great accommodations, expect moments where your child’s specific difficulties will surface, and plan ways to handle them.
3. Don’t try to do everything. Prioritize what matters most to your family and let go of the pressure to do it all.
4. Find your quiet spaces. Look for peaceful areas where your family can decompress when needed.
5. Take advantage of the purple tag for strollers. If your child needs mobility assistance, request this at Guest Relations—it made our trip so much easier!
6. Have fun! Enjoy the moments, embrace the unexpected, and make memories in your own way.
We’re so grateful for Disney’s accommodations and the ability to keep making these trips magical for our family. If anyone has any questions or would like recommendations, I’m happy to help!
Where We Stayed & Park VisitsWe stayed at All-Star Music, and throughout our trip, we visited all four parks:
• Magic Kingdom – 3 times
• EPCOT – 1 time
• Hollywood Studios – 2 times
• Animal Kingdom – 1 time
DAS & Accessibility – A Lifesaver!We used DAS, and it was a very positive experience. Knowing that our kids’ challenges are being considered and accommodated makes all the difference in making this a magical trip.
• Waiting Periods – The wait time can still be challenging, but it was within what we expected.
• New DAS Rules – The 10-minute gap between selections took some getting used to, but we understand why it’s in place, and we managed just fine.
• Medical Stroller as a Wheelchair – This was a game-changer. Having our rented medical stroller recognized as a wheelchair throughout the resort made mobility much easier and gave our youngest a safe and comfortable space when needed.
Disney Transportation – The Purple Tag Was a Game-Changer!We primarily used Disney buses for transportation, and the purple tag allowed our stroller to be treated as a wheelchair. This meant we were able to use the bus ramp to get in and out without my son having to get off the stroller.
This was huge for us, as transportation can be really difficult for him due to his limited upper core strength. The ability to keep him secure and comfortable while boarding made a big difference in reducing stress for him and for us. If your child has similar needs, I highly recommend requesting the purple tag at Guest Relations—it made transportation so much smoother!
Equipment Rental ExperienceWe rented our medical stroller from Orlando Medical Rentals, and they were super nice and accommodating. Highly recommend them if you’re looking for a reliable medical stroller or mobility aid!
Finding Quiet Spaces & Taking BreaksOne of the biggest strategies that helped us was finding quiet, less crowded areas throughout the parks. Sometimes all we needed was a quiet bench in a tucked-away corner or a long break inside a restaurant to let the kids (and us!) recharge for an hour or two before continuing. Taking those intentional breaks made a huge difference in managing sensory overload.
Cast Members – Extra Helpful This Trip!We’ve always appreciated Disney’s cast members, but this trip, they felt even more engaging and helpful than before—from ride attendants to restaurant servers, Guest Services, and even custodial staff. Everyone was warm and welcoming, and we found that simply approaching each interaction with a smile and kindness worked wonders.
Biggest Challenge – Ride ShutdownsRide shutdowns are particularly hard on my son, especially if they happen when we’re already inside the queue. It’s one of the trickier things to navigate emotionally, but after traveling yearly for six years, we’ve developed strategies to help him cope. If this is something you deal with too, I’d love to hear how others manage those moments!
Top Tips for Fellow Travelers with Disabilities1. Be patient. Be kind. Treat cast members and fellow guests with kindness—it makes all the difference.
2. Be prepared for challenges. Even with great accommodations, expect moments where your child’s specific difficulties will surface, and plan ways to handle them.
3. Don’t try to do everything. Prioritize what matters most to your family and let go of the pressure to do it all.
4. Find your quiet spaces. Look for peaceful areas where your family can decompress when needed.
5. Take advantage of the purple tag for strollers. If your child needs mobility assistance, request this at Guest Relations—it made our trip so much easier!
6. Have fun! Enjoy the moments, embrace the unexpected, and make memories in your own way.
We’re so grateful for Disney’s accommodations and the ability to keep making these trips magical for our family. If anyone has any questions or would like recommendations, I’m happy to help!
