Moms Panel Monday: Traveling with Guests with Cognitive Disabilities

Disney Parks Moms Panelist, Jackie P., loves nothing more than spending time with her family at the Walt Disney World Resort. Her family of four makes the pilgrimage from Canada to Orlando several times a year, as do many of our guests. However, when Jackie plans her vacations she must consider the needs of her autistic, teenage son. She finds this a much less difficult task thanks to the services for guests with cognitive disabilities that Walt Disney World Resort offers.

"The Walt Disney World Resort takes great strides to afford all guests a safe and enjoyable experience through many online planning guides directing attention to extensive services keeping guests with special needs in mind," she said.

Jackie explained the services for guests with cognitive disabilities offers suitable strategies and services for the benefit of guests with cognitive disabilities, including Autism, such as:

• The Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities containing helpful tips, information for Wheelchair and Stroller rentals, the Rider Switch service, advice for utilizing Disney FastPass+ service, the Disability Access Service (DAS), as well as additional individual service needs that can be discussed with a cast member at any theme park Guest Relations. Pages 12 and 13 of this guide offer excellent sample itinerary planning from the perspective of a 'Visual Schedule Board' so often used by many caregivers of family members with Autism, or any cognitive condition requiring visual aids to ease transition and aid with acclimatization. This guide also contains useful suggestions for acclimatization and comfort to decrease the impact of any external triggers, or stressors. Great care was taken for the development of this guide, taking every possible consideration in mind to afford guests on the Autism spectrum a more comfortable experience. Of great value are the suggestions for quieter areas for de-escalation near select attractions, rides and direction to all Baby Care and First Aid Centers in all Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, as well as suggestions for Companion Restrooms Resort-wide.
• The link includes Walt Disney World Resort Attraction Details which stipulates attraction specifics such as scents/smells, flashing lights, loud noises, periods of darkness, bumps, speed, lifting off the ground, wet, elements of surprise, types of restraints, amount of time and FastPass+ service or not.
• Special Dietary Request information is also provided in consideration and awareness of most food intolerances, dietary needs and food allergies.

For more advice regarding planning your trip with a special needs guest, or to ask questions about planning your upcoming Disney vacation, please be sure to visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized response from our knowledgeable panel.