Planning a trip to Walt Disney World is exciting—but if you’re traveling with a neurodivergent child and find yourself without access to the Disability Access Service (DAS), it can also feel overwhelming. Trust me, I’ve been there.
In our latest YouTube episode, I share our honest experience of doing Disney without DAS as a family with ADHD, anxiety, and sensory needs in the mix. Spoiler alert: It’s absolutely possible to have a magical, meltdown-minimized vacation—with the right strategies in place and utilizing the tools available to the fullest extent.
Here’s a sneak peek at what we cover in the episode and some of our most helpful tips.
🧠 Why We Didn’t Qualify for DAS
In past visits, DAS helped our family manage long waits and sensory overwhelm. But with recent changes to the DAS policy, we were no longer eligible. This left us needing a new game plan—and a whole lot of flexibility.
If you’re in a similar boat, you’re not alone. And you can still do Disney in a way that supports your child’s needs.
🌟 Our Top Tips for Navigating Disney Without DAS
1. Prep Like a Pro
Create a visual schedule, watch ride videos ahead of time, and talk through what to expect. The more predictability you can offer, the better. I offer a lot of Magic Moments on Youtube to give you a no-music no-voiceover expectation of sights and sounds you’ll see in the park.
2. Pack Sensory Supports
Noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, familiar snacks, sunglasses, water pads, Magic Doodle Books, and comfort items all made a big difference for our daughter. Think ahead to what helps your child stay regulated in overwhelming spaces. Comfortable clothing and shoes is key.
3. Know Where to Take Breaks
We used:
- The Baby Care Centers for quiet, air-conditioned space
- EPCOT gardens and Animal Kingdom trails for calm nature breaks
- Midday resort visits to reset and avoid the heat/crowds
- Stroller Tag for wheelchair access for parades, fireworks, and ride lines
- Brought additional adults to queue for us (not a luxury everyone has)
- Lightning Lane Usage (hit or miss, will be going into this more)
- Garden Party and Utilizing Parties and After Hours rather than a standard Park Day
4. Master the Art of Queue Management
We took avoided rides with interactive lines (did return to queue for those), used mobile games, and rotated adults in line, used our stroller tag to provide a calm place and gave myself something to rest on and keep water and tools close.
5. Smart Dining = Happier Kids
We used Mobile Order during low-stimulus times, packed safe snacks, and chose quiet indoor seating . A table-service meal midday was often our most peaceful moment of the day. Know your family, character meals can be a great way to cut down lines in the park if characters are important to you, but are also a loud stimulating environment.
💬 Encouragement for Fellow Parents
It’s okay to go slow. It’s okay to skip things. And it’s okay to plan around your child’s needs instead of chasing the “perfect Disney day.”
There’s no wrong way to do Disney—especially when your goal is connection, joy, and magical moments that truly work for your family.
🎥 Watch the Full Episode for More Tips
For more personal insights, honest advice, and encouragement, watch the full episode here:
👉 Disney without DAS? How We Navigate As a Neurodiverse Family
We’d love for you to like, subscribe, and share it with other families who are navigating the same journey.
💫 Need Help Planning Your Family’s Trip?
I specialize in planning stress-free, inclusive Disney vacations for families with neurodivergent kids, big sibling dynamics, and unique needs. Let’s sprinkle a little pixie dust on your plans and create a trip your whole crew will love.
👉 Start planning with me or join our Facebook group: Planes, Trains, & Strollers: A Family Travel Group.
For additional resources when applying for DAS- see the DAS Defenders Facebook Group for great worksheets to help you through the application for benefits.