How to Take an Autistic Child to Disneyland

Last Updated: March 29, 2022 References

A trip to Disneyland can be lots of fun, but for an autistic child, all the sights and sounds and strangers could become extremely distressing. This article will tell you how to make your trip enjoyable for an autistic child through preparation and communication.

Steps

1
Schedule the trip for a good time. Amusement parks tend to have peak seasons where they get extremely crowded, and Disneyland is no exception. If your child gets overwhelmed by crowds or is prone to sensory overload, schedule the trip for when the park won't be as crowded. ^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source
Understood
Nonprofit organization dedicated to resources and support to people with thinking differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia
Go to source} To avoid the peak season, Disneyland suggests visiting on a Tuesday or Thursday during the following months: ^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Mid-January to mid-March
- Mid-April to mid-May
- Mid-September to mid-November
- Forums and blogs for Disneyland fans may also offer advice on when is the best time to go to the park and the best times for specific rides. ^{[3]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Understood
  Nonprofit organization dedicated to resources and support to people with thinking differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia
  Go to source}
Tip: Don't schedule the trip for a school break or holiday (like President's Day Weekend or Halloween). Disney reports higher attendance rates during these times, and often hosts holiday-specific events or grad nights. ^{[4]
X
Research source}
2
Look into Disneyland's disability accommodations. Disneyland offers multiple resources for disabled guests, which can benefit your child. When planning your trip, take a look at what resources are available so that you know how to help your child. Accommodations include: ^{[5]
X
Research source} ^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Purchasing tickets online, so you don't need to extend time in line
- Alternate security screenings for park entry
- Using queue-jumping accommodations like FastPass or Disability Access Service
- Using Rider Switch if your child doesn't want to go on a ride, but you and another family member do
- Spots to take a break
- Companion restrooms
- Accommodations of any dietary needs
- The list of attraction details, which lists all sensory experiences on the rides and how long each ride lasts (found here )
Advertisement
3
Tell the child weeks in advance. There are a series of online videos where parents will spring the surprise on their children while en route to Disneyland or Disney World. This can be jarring for an autistic child. Autistic children often take comfort in routine and being able to expect what will happen. A sudden change in plans could cause them great stress, even a meltdown.
- Consider keeping a countdown to the trip on the refrigerator or in the child's room. That way the trip won't "sneak up" on them by seeming like a vague point in the distant future.
4
Give them an idea of what to expect. Create a general schedule/calendar of your plans: leaving at 9:00 AM on Friday, arriving around 1:00 PM, and so on. Tell them about what kind of rides and attractions there will be and let them think about what they would like to try. Also tell them there will probably be long lines and a lot of walking involved. Show them some videos of the park ( not commercials; they're highly idealized!) and pictures of the hotel you'll be staying at. ^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Consider making a picture schedule of your travel days so they can follow along with the different routine.
- To enter Disneyland, you and your child will need to go through a screening process. Tell them how this process will work: "After we get off the tram, we will wait in a line to get into the park. You can use your phone while we wait in line. Once we get to the front of the line, we will take off our jackets, give them our bags, and take everything out of our pockets. We might need to walk through a metal detector. After that, they will give our things back and we can go into the park." ^{[8]
  X
  Research source}
- Disneyland offers a sample picture schedule on their website.
After waiting in line or walking around for awhile, a child who's too hot, too cold, is sweating a lot, or is distressed by how their clothes feel is more likely to have a hard time and get overwhelmed. Have your child wear clothing they like and is easy on their sensory sensitivities.

Tip: Bring a spare set of your child's clothes with you in your backpack in case of accidents, spills, or soakings from water rides.
6
Take food and water with you. Even with queue-jumping services, lines at Disneyland can take awhile. After a long day, it can also be stressful for you and your child to try to find food they can eat, especially if they have sensory sensitivities or dietary restrictions. Make sure you have some food with you that they can eat, so they don't end up having a meltdown out of hunger. ^{[9]
X
Trustworthy Source
Understood
Nonprofit organization dedicated to resources and support to people with thinking differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia
Go to source}
- Disneyland does accommodate guests with dietary needs, but it's good to be prepared in case you get stuck in a line longer than you anticipated. Try taking snacks that your child likes, such as crackers, fruit snacks, string cheese, or energy bars.
- There are water fountains around the parks to refill your water bottle as needed.
7
Think of what coping tools you should bring. Your autistic child will probably need some extra items to get through the trip comfortably. Some ideas are below:
- Sunglasses (a good idea for anyone, actually)
- Ear plugs or protective ear muffs (in case the noise overwhelms them)
- A floppy hat to block sensory input and hot sun
- A fold-up camping chair (for long waits in line)
- An iPod or MP3 player (if music comforts them)
- A favorite toy
- A book (or multiple books!)
- A cell phone or tablet with games
Tip: It's a good idea to have something that will keep your child occupied in lines, like a toy or electronic device. However, be cautious with items that can be easily lost or broken. ^{[10]
X
Research source}
8
Find quieter, isolated places around the park in advance. Many autistic people need to take breaks from highly stimulating situations to "recharge" or just relax a little. Identify such places before the need arises.
- Disneyland has a list of areas that are commonly less populated, such as the First Aid stations of Main Street, USA (in the main Disneyland park) and the Chamber of Commerce (in California Adventure). You can also ask a Cast Member of the park to help you find a quieter spot nearby. ^{[11]
  X
  Research source}
Figure out some word, phrase, or gesture the autistic child can use to get your attention and indicate that they are feeling uncomfortable or overwhelmed. It could be a tap on the shoulder, "too much," "I need a break," or anything similar.
10
Emphasize the need to stay together. Autistic children like to wander when they see things that interest them, and if they get overwhelmed, they may have trouble keeping up. Talk to your child beforehand to explain that they need to stay with you, and if they want to go somewhere, they need to tell you so that you can go there with them.
- If your child is anxious about getting lost, tie a string to your backpack and make a loop on the end. They can slip their hand into the loop to stay attached to you.
- Establish a meeting point in case you get separated. ^{[12]
  X
  Research source}
- Have your child wear a nametag or bracelet with their name, your name, and your contact information on it, in case they wander off or you get separated. ^{[13]
  X
  Research source} (If their sensory issues make this difficult, attach it to their backpack.) Taking a picture of your child beforehand can also assist Disney Cast Members in finding your child, should they get lost. ^{[14]
  X
  Research source}
If the child is looking miserable, saying they're tired, or doesn't want to get on a ride, don't force them to keep going. This may lead to a meltdown. Even if it doesn't, it won't lead to any happy memories on the part of the child. And certainly don't force them to go up to a costumed character if they're clearly afraid of them!
For any kid, nothing is worse than leaving a park without going on that one ride they intensely wanted to go on. Allow the child some say in what rides you go on, what games you play, and what foods you get. An amusement park is about fun, after all!

Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Don't be afraid to ask Cast Members for help or accommodation. They're always happy to help.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

[1]

Trustworthy Source

Go to source

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

How to Take an Autistic Child to Disneyland

Steps

Expert Q&A

Tips

You Might Also Like

References

About this article

Did this article help you?

About this article

You Might Also Like

Explore Categories