Looking for tips and strategies to make your trip smoother? Here are some ideas to help you out!
· Disneyland has changed their DAS (Disability Assistance Service card) – it is now electronic. The DAS card is now on the card holder’s park ticket. You will go to the kiosk to get the return times. The return times are being scanned onto the park tickets. Everyone in your group must present their ticket to be included in the use of the DAS. You can send 1 person with all of the park tickets but all of the park tickets must be scanned.
· If you receive a DAS, hold on to it for your next trip. It is easier to renew the card rather than ask for a new card. I always keep ours in my makeup travel bag since that is the one bag that is always packed for every trip. Now Disney is starting to keep your DAS information in the computer for 1 year. This will make it easier for you to renew if you come back within the year.
· When you receive your loved ones DAS card, take a picture of it with your smart phone or digital camera. Even though each DAS holder stays in a computer data base for 1 year, the cast members need the QR code on the DAS to retrieve it out of the system. If you have a photo of it, then it will be an easier process to replace the DAS if lost.
· Noise cancelling headphones can help children with ASD or other sensory processing disorders cope with all the auditory stimuli at the parks. You can also use squishy ear plugs for children that may be more sensitive or embarrassed and don’t want to stand out too much.
· Take a backpack into the parks with you. It is great for carrying cameras, autograph books, snacks, water, and more. The backpack can go on the rides with you – it will fit nicely between your feet. The cast members cannot watch your bag for you.
· When flying with a loved one with a medical condition or disability, you can contact the airlines ahead of time to let them know that you are coming and find out what type of accommodations can be provided to your family to help making boarding and unloading an easier transition. http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/travelers-disabilities-and-medical-conditions
· When traveling with a medical device, you may want to check out this link. Not all devices can be disconnected for the screening process. This link will walk you through the process.
· The cabins at Fort Wilderness are a nice consideration for families traveling with special needs. While staying at the cabins, you are able to park right at your front door. If you are traveling with a large amount of medical supplies, this makes unloading your vehicle fast and easy. If your child is prone to melt downs, you don’t have to worry about bothering your neighbors since the cabins are not connected to each other. The cabins are equipped with a full kitchen so that you can still have ample space for all necessary food preparations for your family. Many of the cabins are handicap accessible with ramps for entry and roll-in showers. There are a variety of types of handicap accessible cabins – just express what you need and I will find the best one for you.
· Items that are purchased at the Disney parks can be delivered back to your room. I would give them at least 24 hours to get the packages to your room – in other words, I would not suggest requesting this service if you are leaving the next day.
· The Haunted Mansion can be scary for some children – especially the stretching room that is at the beginning of the attraction. If the stretching room is too much for your child, you can avoid this room and still ride the doombuggies through an alternate entrance. Just ask the cast member at the main entrance and they will show you the way to the alternate entrance.
If you have any questions and would like to use a planner for free – contact me at Robyn@travelwiththemagic.com or call me directly at 1-800-670-4312 ext 125. I have an unexplained passion for Disney and making sure that everyone is getting the most that they can out of every visit!
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