By: Heather Barilla, Center parent & Travel Agent
Heather Barilla is a mom of 3, one having special needs. I have been traveling to Walt Disney World all my life, visiting over 40 times (but who’s counting?). I have also been traveling to Easter Seals DuPage & Fox Valley for almost 10 years! I loved planning Disney Trips so much, that I started my own business, Palm Tree Travel Agency, an Affiliate of Magical Moments Vacations.
Now I’m booking and planning Disney trips (and more!) for families just like yours. I have found Walt Disney World is by far the best place to travel with special kids. The cast members are welcoming and understanding, the parks and resorts to be accessible and easy to navigate. I have found a place where we can be with our special family, and not be that different after all. It’s truly become our vacation destination.
When To Go:
A question I hear often is, “When is the best time to visit Walt Disney World?” Anytime is great! Disney has planned special events throughout the year that are all enjoyable, including the Flower and Garden Festival that starts in March and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in the fall.
While traveling in the peak seasons can be manageable, planning trips to Disney in less crowded months may provide a more enjoyable experience. My daughter didn’t walk until she was almost 3. We chose to vacation in September, when it was mostly preschool families and adults. May and October have great activities and less crowds, and can be some of the best times to visit.
Whenever you decide to go, planning is essential in getting the most out of your Disney Vacation. Dining reservations can be made 180 days in advance of your arrival date, and if you are booked at a Disney Resort, you can make reservations for your entire stay, up to 10 days.
Resorts:
One of the first things to consider when planning a family trip to Disney is accessible accommodation. Disney offers many types of rooms and resorts for all family sizes and any budget.
Each Disney resort has handicapped rooms. This isn’t just for wheelchairs, there are rooms especially created for visual and hearing needs as well. For families that need a place that is super wheelchair friendly, I’d choose the Contemporary Resort or the Bay Lake Tower. The Contemporary Resort has a wheelchair friendly layout with a variety of dining options and the Bay Lake Tower’s pool has a zero depth entry, with a handicapped chair lift.
Disney Resorts have all sorts of transportation options. Moderate and Value Resorts will offer buses to all the parks. Some Deluxe Resorts offer monorail, boat and bus service. Bus drivers will lower the buses to accommodate wheelchairs if you can’t transfer.
Theme Parks:
With multiple parks at Walt Disney World, there is always something exciting going on. Once you enter the park, head for Guest Services where you can obtain the Disability Access Service Card. You don’t need a doctor’s order, all you need is your personal information, and be willing to have a photo taken. Once inside, you have access to all the different parks.
Magic Kingdom is one of the main attractions at Disney World and is where Cinderella’s castle is located. Getting to Magic Kingdom is easy by monorail and buses. So many rides at Magic Kingdom are for the whole family and many don’t require a transfer. A great escape is Tom Sawyer’s Island. There are paths and caves and areas to explore and run. Or, you can sit quietly on a rocking chair and enjoy the view.
Epcot is my kids’ favorite park. Here you can experience nature, science, and the world. Our favorite exhibit is the World Showcase, where you can interact with cast members from different countries and there is an accessible boat ride in the Mexico exhibit. We also recommend The Seas attraction which is based on the movie Finding Nemo. Each evening at Epcot there are Illuminations which includes a firework show. Accessible seating is available near the Port of Entry shops.
No matter what theme park you go to during your time at Disney, the FastPass+ makes it easy to pre-plan and be prepared. All parks use the FastPass+ system, and the My Disney Experience App is simple to use on your phone or computer. I have found that planning FastPass+ selections an hour apart has kept my family moving with minimal waits, and occupied for the morning, ready for our afternoon break.
Dining:
When it comes to dining while in Disney World, there are a variety of options to choose from. Disney s chefs and staff are accommodating when it comes to special nutrition needs.
When booking a dining reservation, you are able to select certain allergies that may be present in your dining party. Once you check in at the hostess desk for your reservation, always mention again that you have a special dietary need. Your ticket that is taken to your table should have the word allergy stamped on it which alerts your server and the chef.
If you go to a restaurant with a buffet, you can always request that your children’s food is prepared and brought out separately. This will ensure it is not taken from the buffet to eliminate cross-contamination.
In order to ensure that all your dietary needs are taken care of when you arrive, contact Special Diets at Walt Disney World before you travel.
Cruises:
Taking a Disney Cruise gives you the opportunity to see destinations such as the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, and Alaska. Disney’s Staterooms are large, as they have families in mind. The handicapped rooms on Disney Cruise line are huge. You have tons of space to move around, store your chair, and easily access all your room’s amenities.
One of the unique things that Disney Cruises includes is the Kid’s Clubs. They are designed for kids of every age level and you will have an opportunity to talk with the counselors to make sure all your child’s needs are met, and what extra procedures might be necessary.
Disney Cruise Line gives you a wonderful all inclusive experience with your family unlike any other. It truly is an opportunity to play with your kids, or have some alone time for just you parents.
Want more information? Email me at heather@palmtreetravelagency.com or check out and like my business Facebook page at facebook.com/palmtreetravelagency.
For more information about Easter Seals DuPage & Fox Valley please visit EasterSealsDFVR.org.
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