Disney

I thought I just read a post recently about Disney accomodating children with special needs. DD has a great deal of difficulty waiting. She is usually ok in crowds but not sure if Disney will be overwhelming. Do they have special passes they give out?

Any other tips?

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I believe smdl just went there recently and had a special pass for her son...i remember reading her post on it!

We just got back today from a week in disney...my son doesn't have a diagnosis on paper now aside from ADHD so we didn't obtain a special pass, but i have to say that overall it was a great experience.

When are you looking at going? Just curious. This past week is known to be a "less crowded" week cause kids are back at school, but it was still pretty crowded. My son can get overwhelmed by too much going on...but we just took breaks when needed and got the "fast pass" option at time which enables you to come back and get right through...

Let me know if you have any specific questions, i would be happy to answer! It was a wonderful vacation!

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yes they do. I think you just need a letter from your Ped. one of my students went with his family and they got him a pass. He has Autism

Re: Disney

Yes, you need a note from your doctor. you go to town hall in magic kingdom and they will give you a pass. It is good for any parks and the time you were there.

Re: Disney

We just went to Disney with DD in November. She had an awesome time, we were so proud of her. DD was just 4 so we got her a stroller and it was the best thing for her. It gave her own little space so she wasn't overwhelmed by the crowds. We also got the pass for her. If you are using a stoller ask for the tag for your stroller as well. They will then consider your stroller as a wheelchair and you can keep your child in the stroller through all the lines, where normally you would leave the strollers outside.

They never asked us for a note. I think I read somewhere it's against the law to ask for privacy reasons so if you request it they have to give it to you.

You'll have a great time!!

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Check allears.net. They have a great section on disabilities.

There are only a few disabilities Disney accepts for the pass. Autism is one of them.

The pass is good for up to 5 people in the party. Disney's official stand on the guest pass is that it's not a bypass to avoid waiting lines. But provides a "calmer" area to wait for your ride. In reality, you might only have to wait 2-3 rides for your turn. You usually enter via the exit area. You will show the pass to the attendant.

You will need a letter from your PED.

here is an example.

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A Note from Your Doctor
One of the first things to do is obtain a letter from your child's primary physician that explains your child's specific condition and any special needs the condition implies. For example, some children with autism are unable to wait in lines for more than a few minutes, or in queues surrounded by a large number of people. Your doctor's letter should be explicit enough to fully convey your child's condition to the Disney Castmember reading the letter. We've found that the following template (on your doctor's letterhead) works well:

To Whom It May Concern:

<Child's name> is a delightful child who as been diagnosed with <child's condition>. This diagnosis impedes his ability to wait for extended periods of time and he struggles with sensory issues (e.g., touch) that may impact his ability to wait in lines. Please offer what accommodations you can for this young man and his family.

Sincerely,

<Doctor's name>

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http://allears.net/pl/special.htm

Re: Disney