Navigating Walt Disney World with Kids with Disabilities: Our Family’s Experience
- Jennifer Perry
- Oct 23
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 4
As a travel agent and a mom, I’ve been to Walt Disney World more times than I can count — but this most recent trip was extra special. It was my first time visiting with my autistic son, and I wanted to make sure the experience was magical for him too. Traveling with a child who has disabilities takes extra planning and care, but Disney truly goes above and beyond to make their parks as inclusive and welcoming as possible. I learned so much from this trip, and I hope sharing our experience helps other families feel confident in knowing what accommodations are available to them.
Choosing the Right Resort
We stayed at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and it was a game-changer for us. Having monorail access directly from the resort made getting to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT so much easier — and less overwhelming. Crowded buses can be stressful for kids who are sensitive to noise or tight spaces, so being able to roll our stroller right onto the monorail kept our transitions smooth and calm. Plus, the resort itself has a relaxed, tropical atmosphere that was perfect for unwinding after busy park days.
Vacation Specialist Tip: We work one-on-one with all of our clients to
hand pick the right resort for their needs.
Using the Disability Access Service (DAS)
One of the most helpful tools for us was Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS). This program allows guests who have difficulty waiting in conventional lines to schedule return times for attractions instead. It’s simple to use through the My Disney Experience app, and it completely changed how we toured the parks. We could enjoy a snack, explore a quieter area, or take a break instead of standing in a crowded queue — which made a world of difference for my son.
You can pre-register for DAS via a video chat starting 60 days before your trip. The Cast Members were patient, understanding, and made us feel completely supported.
Stroller as a Mobility Device
We also used our stroller as a mobility device, which helped tremendously. Disney allows you to request a special tag that lets your stroller be treated like a wheelchair — meaning you can bring it into lines and certain waiting areas. For kids who need that extra sense of security or space, this option helps maintain their comfort and routine throughout the day.
Vacation Specialist Tip: Did you know that some stroller vendors even have airport pick up? No need to fly with your stroller to Orlando!
Sensory-Friendly Tips
Disney can be exciting and stimulating — sometimes too stimulating. Here are some of my top tips for navigating the parks with special needs:
Build downtime into your park days
Know locations of quiet spaces around the park
Noise-canceling headphones
Familiar snacks (which are also allowed in the parks!)
Small sensory toys
Review menus for “safe” food choices- see our blog for picky eaters at WDW
Final Thoughts
Traveling to Walt Disney World with a child who has disabilities might feel intimidating, but with the right tools and planning, it can truly be an unforgettable experience. Disney’s commitment to accessibility allowed our family to make joyful memories together — ones I’ll treasure forever.
If you’re thinking about planning a Disney trip for your family but aren’t sure where to start, Allonsy Travel would love to help you create a vacation that fits your child’s needs and keeps the magic front and center.
Hi, I’m Jennifer! I’ve been a travel agent since 2022, specializing in unforgettable family vacations. As a mom, I know how important it is to plan a trip that keeps everyone happy. Whether it’s the magic of Disney, the thrills of Universal, or the relaxation of a cruise, I’m here to help you check off your must-dos and make lasting memories. Because, as Genie says, 'You've never had a friend like me' - and I'm here to make your travel dreams come true!
