My family just returned from a Christmas week at the parks.
Multi generational including an infant
For some background, my adult DS, has been cognitively disabled since birth. For 34 years we have traveled as a family and gone to WDW as he would tolerate. His siblings have always just adapted and worked around his needs and issues, they have always known that this was our path, and they were willing to support him.
But this year, with everyone's approval (this did require some members to give in, a tad in their emotions), my DS and I did a video meeting with a cast member.
The process went smoothly, and we set up DS and 5 guest with him each day he went to park. Two advance appointment times. The CM suggested to DS to get lanyards and cards for us all to wear, and we did this. We did also log in to the line on same day for other experiences and waited out in the park until our turn was called.
We did mix it up a little and purchased Disney plus and some ILL on certain days, for certain family members, just did what we worked for us each day.
I do not have enough words of gratitude to the Disney corporation. That a company has such high values and acceptance of everyone, is not universal to all companies, I assure you.
I want to Thank WDW.
And to share with other families, families that 100% know this path is not gentle, that include persons of non typical mental abilities, WDW stands out to me as a company that will work and support you.
If I can help anyone that is considering the DAS to support a loved one, just ask, I will give you our experience. We were able to stay and tour the parks longer then ever before.
I am aware that these programs can cause generate strong opinions, and especially among families that only include neurotypical members, it can be controversial.
For us- we feel seen, we were supported, we are grateful for companies that stand with inclusion.
Multi generational including an infant
For some background, my adult DS, has been cognitively disabled since birth. For 34 years we have traveled as a family and gone to WDW as he would tolerate. His siblings have always just adapted and worked around his needs and issues, they have always known that this was our path, and they were willing to support him.
But this year, with everyone's approval (this did require some members to give in, a tad in their emotions), my DS and I did a video meeting with a cast member.
The process went smoothly, and we set up DS and 5 guest with him each day he went to park. Two advance appointment times. The CM suggested to DS to get lanyards and cards for us all to wear, and we did this. We did also log in to the line on same day for other experiences and waited out in the park until our turn was called.
We did mix it up a little and purchased Disney plus and some ILL on certain days, for certain family members, just did what we worked for us each day.
I do not have enough words of gratitude to the Disney corporation. That a company has such high values and acceptance of everyone, is not universal to all companies, I assure you.
I want to Thank WDW.
And to share with other families, families that 100% know this path is not gentle, that include persons of non typical mental abilities, WDW stands out to me as a company that will work and support you.
If I can help anyone that is considering the DAS to support a loved one, just ask, I will give you our experience. We were able to stay and tour the parks longer then ever before.
I am aware that these programs can cause generate strong opinions, and especially among families that only include neurotypical members, it can be controversial.
For us- we feel seen, we were supported, we are grateful for companies that stand with inclusion.
