Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Resort 's New Disability Access Service Card

June 11, 2024

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Frustration, tears or overwhelm are things many caretakers worry about when traveling with autistic and neurodivergent individuals. Our guess is you’ve spent months or even years wondering if a Disneyland vacation can work for your family.

We’re here to offer a hand with advice for navigating Disneyland Resort, planning with sensory-friendly rides in mind and explaining your options for services provided by Disney.

Dreams and plans can truly take flight with our help at Get Away Today, whether you’re planning to visit Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Disneyland Resort in Anaheim or any family vacation. We want to be your best friend in travel.

Sensory Friendly Rides and Activities

We understand that many autistic people have sensory differences, including over or under sensitivity to different sensory stimuli like light, sound, crowds and temperatures.

Disneyland does a fantastic job identifying attractions with various sensory experience details like:

Scent or Smell - some rides include artificially introduced odor and/or operational fumes
Lighting Effects - certain attractions include specialty lighting and other visual effects
Loud Noises - many rides include startling or surprise noises (noise canceling headphones are highly recommended)
Periods of Darkness- some attractions have low light or portions with total darkness
Bumpy - certain rides include sudden movement related to the story of the attraction, along with simulated movement or small dips
Fast or Swift Forward Motion- some attractions include constant speed or sudden bursts of speed
Lifts Off Ground - ride vehicle is raised in the air or track is at a higher elevation with limited visibility to track
Wet Water Attraction - strong possibility of Guest coming in contact with water
Element of Surprise - components of the experience that are not clearly identified in queue area or on the attraction
Type of Restraint - rides vary of the style of restraint used but can include a shared lap bar, individual lap bar, shared lap belt, individual lap belt, individual over-the-shoulder, or no restraint

Disneyland Resort “Sensory Experience Details” here

Accessible Environments in the Parks

Everyone needs a break from time to time. When a new situation causes distress or discomfort, it’s important to have a plan and a place to step away for a moment.

Luckily there are many places you can go to take a break, relax and take some downtime.

Disneyland Park Break Spots

Main Street, U.S.A. – First Aid near Plaza Point and Little Red Wagon
Frontierland – Next to the Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition and the path to Fantasy Faire
Frontierland – Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer Island (Note: you must take a raft ride to/from the island and some waiting may be required)
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Just beyond the market heading toward Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Adventureland – Seating area of The Tropical Hideaway
Critter Country –First floor of Hungry Bear Restaurant or Second Floor patio farther back
Fantasyland – Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough Alternate Experience; the dock behind Edelweiss Snacks near the Matterhorn Bobsleds, upper level of Small World Mall
Mickey’s Toontown – Small park next to the exit of Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster and the popcorn cart

California Adventure Break Areas

Buena Vista Street – First Aid next to the Chamber of Commerce
Hollywood Land – Backlot area near the Monsters Inc., Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
Cars Land – Side Street near Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters
San Fransokyo Square – Near the Baby Care Center and Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop
Paradise Gardens Park – World of Color viewing area (during the day when no shows are being performed)
Pixar Pier – Seating area at Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta; Paradise Garden Grill
Grizzly Peak –Redwood Creek Challenge Trail

Outside of the Parks:

Picnic Area – Left side of Disneyland main gates
Hotel Lobby – Grand Californian Hotel Lobby can be a calm retreat at slower times of day, as can the lobby of Pixar Place Hotel

As you can see, there are plenty of places to slow down for a bit around Disneyland and Cast Members are always available to point you in the right direction. These locations and more tips are found in the “Accessibility Planning Guide & Recommendations.”

Disneyland Autism Pass

Disneyland Resort is an inclusive vacation destination that welcomes people of all abilities. One of the ways they do this is by offering the Disability Access Service, often known as “DAS.”

This service allows guests to request a return time for attractions and enjoy that wait time dining, shopping or exploring in places other than a standard queue.

“Disney Parks have an unwavering commitment to providing a welcoming, inclusive environment and accessible experiences for our Guests. DAS is one of the programs offered at Disneyland Resort theme parks intended to accommodate those Guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.”

Please note only Disney issues DAS pass, but we have gathered this information to help prepare for the application process should you feel it meets your needs.

The first step is to register for a video chat. You will then speak with a Cast Member via live video to determine eligibility as soon as 30 days in advance of a park visit. All eligibility for this service is done through video chat in advance.

While this service continues to evolve, here are a few more things to know about DAS at Disneyland:

DAS is intended to accommodate only those Guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar disorder, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.
DAS doesn’t provide immediate access to experiences, but rather allows Guests to request a return time for a specific experience that is comparable to the current standby wait.
The Guest for which DAS is being requested must be present during registration and must experience the attraction when redeeming a DAS return time at Disneyland theme parks.

If you have other concerns like mobility, blind or low vision, require an American Sign Language Interpretation Schedule or use a service animal, this accessibility section is for you.

Transportation Considerations with Autism in Mind

When you visit Disneyland Resort, you will likely be using some form of transportation between parking lots and the theme parks.

Planning where to park could be an important planning factor because your family member may be more comfortable riding on a traditional bus rather than the Tram with no windows and open air. Or they may prefer transportation like the monorail, similar to a train but above the ground and buildings.

Here is a breakdown of some of the transportation options at Disneyland:

Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals Parking use the tram system. Walking is also an option, ask a Cast Member for directions.
Guests with mobility devices may also use Shuttle Service transportation to the Main Entrance Esplanade between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park from Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals parking structure.
Toy Story Parking Lot uses a shuttle bus system. The shuttles can accommodate most mobility devices.
Disneyland Resort Hotel guests can walk to the theme parks via Downtown Disney or use the Monorail.

In a place where everything is so new and ever changing, having consistency in something as simple as transportation can offer much needed comfort for those on the autism spectrum.

Autism Travel Helps for Any Destination

There are so many things from your regular routine that still apply to life when traveling. But it’s easy to forget or think these tried and true tricks won’t work during vacation.

Here’s a reminder of some of the best tips for smooth travel.

Make a Schedule
Some children are flexible and will have no problem staying up later than usual or missing naptime while on a family vacation. However, this is certainly not true for all kids.

Children who are used to daily routines at home tend to do better with a vacation schedule. If your child has regular nap and meal times at home, try to stick with those same times on your trip.

Getting kids to bed at a reasonable hour can be especially important. While Sleepy makes a cute dwarf, starting the morning with an overtired child can almost guarantee a rough day at the park.

Bonus Disney Tip: You can still utilize Disney Genie+, with or without DAS pass to shorten your wait times on many attractions.

Naps and Breaks are Key
You may be tempted to make the most of every moment by packing your day full of activities and rides. But a “go-go-go” schedule is not often ideal in new situations and places.

As mentioned earlier, keep an eye open for comfortable places to take a break if you prefer not to return to your hotel. If you have a stroller, it may be the perfect spot for a quick snooze. Each Disney Park also offers a Baby Care center that is quiet, and stocked full of anything you may need for little ones.

Bring Snacks and Water
Keeping hunger and thirst at bay is vital to a happy theme park visit. While snack carts and shops sell all sorts of fun snacks and drinks, these can add up throughout your trip.

Not to mention, the time spent waiting in a long line may be the tipping point before a big meltdown. You can also use Disney’ mobile ordering feature at many quick service locations to get your food without waiting in a long line.

Bring Wheels
Even children who have grown out of or do not usually need a stroller may benefit from having one on a long, hot day at the park. Strollers are helpful for carting around small kids, providing sun shade, making carrying supplies easier, and can be a bed for napping in a pinch.

If you forget your stroller or don’t wish to pack one, most vacation destinations will rent them to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis. Having wheels while moving through the park with your family can make the experience much easier for kids and parents alike.

Bonus Disney Tip: Ask a Cast Member about the “stroller as a wheelchair” option should your child need to remain in their stroller while waiting in queues.

Pack for Success
Packing for a family theme park vacation is a tricky balancing act. You will want to be hands-free yet as prepared as possible. Here are some vital things to remember:

Smartphone chargers as you’ll use phones for navigation, communication, and to take lots and lots of photos and videos.
Plenty of snacks and refillable water bottles.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun protection hats.
Jackets, sweatshirts, and umbrellas in case of bad weather.
First aid essentials like bandaids, wipes, and hand sanitizer.

Follow Your Child’s Lead
While “luck favors the prepared,” all the planning in the world may not be enough to avoid being overstimulated. Tourist destinations attract a lot of people and can be loud, crowded, hot, and overwhelming.

Follow your child’s lead. Check-in with children, ask them what they would like to do, be alert for mood changes, and try to anticipate needs.

Bonus Disney Tip: Set realistic goals and be prepared to adjust them at any time. This may require skipping rides, leaving shows early, or eating snacks while in line.

More Ways We Can Help

Call us and talk to our team. We are prepared to answer many of your questions like the best time of year to visit, which Disney or Good Neighbor hotel will fit your group, dining reservations and more.

Another way to savor success and avoid meltdowns is by giving yourself enough time to experience Disney without feeling rushed. For a family vacation full of quintessential Disneyland favorites, we recommend at least a 3-Day 1 Park per Day ticket so you can experience favorites without the overwhelm.

Our team would love to help you plan a memorable Disneyland vacation. Book online or call our agents at 855-GET-AWAY.

One way to do that is to take advantage of our Extra Day Free Disneyland tickets. With five days of Disneyland fun for the price of four, you can take your time, and take rests whenever needed without feeling like you’re wasting your vacation.

Combine that with our Extra Night Free hotel specials, and you’ll save more the longer you stay. Our team would love to help you plan a stress-free Disneyland vacation.

Disneyland Tips for Autism and Special Needs || Get Away Today