Hey, friends! It’s World Autism Day, and I thought it might be a good opportunity to share some information with you that might be helpful when visiting the Disney Parks. Whether you are a family with an autistic member or a neurotypical family that doesn’t know too much about the condition, we’ve got tips for you in both directions to raise awareness about autism.
Six Tips For ASD Families Visiting Disney
If you are an ASD family visiting Disney for the first time, you might be surprised at some of the stumbling blocks you encounter along the way. Here are five tips to help you make the most of your time without too many surprises.
Be Prepared for the Sensory Impact
If you have an autistic member of the family, you likely already know that sensory issues can be magnified in public places. Expect that to double or triple in a Disney Park, where the sounds, sights, smells, and crowds can be nothing short of overwhelming. Consider earplugs like LOOPS to cancel out some noise or even AirPods to play familiar music while waiting. They can make all the difference when the noise is too much. Sunglasses are helpful for those light transitions in and out of buildings, and taking regular breaks before it all feels like too much can help prevent a meltdown.
Consider DAS Pass
Disney’s DAS Pass is becoming harder and harder to get, though for the correct application, it can be a saving grace for those with disabilities. Though we’ve never felt that our needs were strong enough to seek the DAS Pass, I know many who swear by it as a way for their family to be able to enjoy the parks when they otherwise couldn’t. Read more about the DAS Pass here and decide if it might be right for your family.
Preparation Is Key
Prepping your family before your vacation can be a lifesaver when you arrive. With so many new experiences to enjoy, many can leave your autistic family member feeling stressed. I always go through everything thoroughly before we leave for a trip, showing everyone where we will be staying in great depth, as well as the logistical things like walking tracks to get from point A to point B, what might take longer at the airport, and timelines or how long certain things will take. I’ve found that even something as simple as setting an expectation for how long the bus can take from your resort to a park can help ease discomfort. Know your triggers and bring the things that promote calm, like fidget toys.
Use Media To Know What To Expect
Luckily, a substantial advantage of modern technology is that we can use online media to help us know what to expect. If your autistic family member struggles with certain elements, you can pre-watch ride POV videos, shows, and even parades to understand what might suit them. Spend time talking about any aspects that might lead to overwhelming feelings, and use the resources online to help you know what to expect from every aspect of your trip. One experience I would highly recommend investigating ahead of time is Character Dining, as it always caught me off guard how loud and chaotic it is in that environment, which doesn’t make it easy to enjoy if noise is one of your main sensitivities. A few dining review videos can give you an advanced sense of the space and might indicate that your time and money are better spent on other experiences.
Expect The Unexpected
Talking your way through the possibilities is a great way to prepare for your trip. Characters can sometimes have their line cut off suddenly as they need to depart for a rest. Attraction lines can be longer than expected, and temporary closures could see you walking away before enjoying the ride. Fireworks and entertainment can be canceled in extreme weather. These are just a few conversations I would suggest having before your visit. It won’t make the disappointment any less if they occur, though the pre-existing knowledge of the possibilities can change the reaction from being a deal breaker to manageable.
Take Breaks Regularly
We touched on this one briefly above. Often, people with disabilities don’t feel their emotions escalating until they are bordering on feeling out of control. Regular breaks are a great way to reset those feelings before they become too much to handle. It might be in the form of a snack break in a shady corner, a meal break in a calm, darker environment (like EPCOT’s Coral Reef), or maybe even a trip back to the resort for a swim and reset. If you take the breaks before they are needed, you will find it much easier to bring the family back to center and continue enjoying your Disney day.
Four Tips For Neurotypical Families
If you are a neurotypical family visiting the Disney Parks, sometimes your compassion and understanding are all a family with additional needs can ask for when working through a challenging situation. Here are five scenarios that may not be what they seem to be aware of.
That’s Not A Tantrum
I know that a meltdown looks just like a tantrum, but it’s not the same. When someone who is autistic goes into sensory overload, everything they encounter can feel violating. Sometimes, all of the techniques we use for sensory regulation just aren’t enough, and in a heightened environment like a theme park, it can result in some more extreme reactions than you would find at home. If you encounter someone who isn’t coping with their environment, give them space, share a sympathetic smile with anyone in their group, and reserve your judgment if possible. Even if it turns out that the distressed child is just having a tantrum, they and their family deserve that same level of support and care. We’ve all been there; just be kind.
No One ‘Looks’ Autistic
While some autistic people might have additional conditions that make them stand out, autism itself is an invisible disability, meaning those who live with ASD don’t share any physical characteristics. This means that while someone might be challenged with an overwhelming situation, you might not know why. This is why it is essential to have compassion for anyone who appears to be struggling rather than judging them. Of course, this doesn’t excuse bad, abusive, or inconsiderate behavior. However, if you notice that a child or adult is approaching something a little unusually, give them room to see what they need, rather than simply making assumptions.
DAS Pass Isn’t Cheating
Further to the note above, if you see families accessing the DAS Pass system that don’t appear to have any disabilities, try to be mindful that some of the trickiest ones to accommodate are those you can’t see. The system is becoming much more complicated to access, with the regularity of seeing some guests take advantage of the service they didn’t need, which is mostly a thing of the past. Everyone is trying to have their best Disney day, and if some guests require additional services to achieve that, try to find gratitude in not needing the same to enjoy your day. DAS Pass can be a stressful process, and if a family is willing to pursue it and be given a return time for a ride, then so be it. Remember, they are not skipping the queue; they are simply waiting in a virtual queue to avoid the challenging task of waiting in line.
Non-Verbal Autism Can Seem Rude
We’ve all seen that one person who seems to be above everyone else, never saying please or thank you, maybe even pushing in and not understanding the idea of waiting. Well, in some cases, this could be an autistic person who is nonverbal. Take a moment to notice if that child or adult speaks to anyone else. Now, if they are chatting with everyone else except that lovely cast member who just picked up their trash for them right in front of their table, then you are free to cast your thoughts. However, if you notice that the guest is otherwise quiet, you might find that their eyes or smile communicate for them. Some autistic people will share their gratitude with a smile rather than words, and if you give it an extra few moments before reacting, you will usually find a family member ready to guide them back into line or say thank you on their behalf.
I hope you enjoy your days in the Disney Parks, and a special shout out and hello to all the families out there on this World Autism Day!
