Vacationing to Disney...: Hello Friends... - CHADD's ADHD Pare...

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Vacationing to Disney...

TiffanyLorene profile image
12 Replies

Hello Friends,

I am currently planning a trip for my little superhero to Disneyland as a surprise before he starts kindergarten. Has anyone taken their children who has ADHD to Disneyland? What suggestions would you make and do you know what accommodations Disney has for children with ADHD?

Please let me know thank you. I look forward to hearing for you guys. :)

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TiffanyLorene profile image
TiffanyLorene
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12 Replies
Grandma01 profile image
Grandma01

Hi nice to meet you. I have not been to Disneyland but, if you visit their website... somewhere on there you should be able find info on tips and tricks for people with disabilities.

Onthemove1971 profile image
Onthemove1971

I do not know about Disney, but I so know the stress that traveling causes. Please make sure you bring something like a fidget spinner for all the down time. There are so many situations when you need them to wait and be patient and there is nothing to do, so tucking something small in their pocket is perfect.

I know this is not exacting what you were looking for but just got back and boy there were times when I when crazy!

22789 profile image
22789

You will likely need proof of diagnosis if you want to get a pass that allows you to skip long lines. Good luck.

seller profile image
seller

To be honest, I know Disneyland sounds like a fun idea, but there are several potential problems here: your son most likely will not be tall enough to go on most of the rides, the crowds are big and the lines are long, which means that there will be lots of waiting. I truly believe that most kids have the best time when they're at least 8-9 and can do all the rides and perhaps be more tolerant with the waiting. Would you be willing to explore a different vacation and leave Disney until he's older? Maybe a smaller theme park just for the day? Disney is very expensive and it would be a shame if the entire experience is not enjoyable for everyone.

Vickie109 profile image
Vickie109

I agree with Seller that Disney might be a better Idea when he is a little older. My adhd son is currently 9 and loved going to Legoland the past 2 years. My youngest just turned 6, so we are planning to take them when he is closer to 8.

ColTravGram profile image
ColTravGram

We have not done Disneyland but Disney World (all the parks) even before my son was diagnosed with ADHD- combine and anxiety( his ages were 3,4,6 and 7). We just knew we had to take breaks for him and find places for down time. Disney does offer assistance for people with disabilities. If you go to their website and type that in a search you will be directed to the location where it is explained on their site. There is also a lot of information online and online Disney groups that talk about how Disney helps make your trip manageable. All parks have a first aide / mommy baby station where you can go for breaks to get away. They usually have an area for the older kids to relax. Disney also provides a list of ideas to bring with to help your child enjoy the experience of being at Disney. Best of luck and have a great time!!

I would bring sound blocking headphone or ear plugs to help reduce the noise. Also plan out your day(s) and know what rides are most important to make it to. Look for indoor shoes where he can sit and relax and enjoy his personal space. If you are prepared, know to take breaks, and stay relaxed you all will ha e a great time.

TiffanyLorene profile image
TiffanyLorene in reply to ColTravGram

Thank you for this information very helpful!

ColTravGram profile image
ColTravGram in reply to TiffanyLorene

Here are some links:

disneyland.disney.go.com/gu...

wdpromedia.disney.go.com/me...

wdpromedia.disney.go.com/me...

The theme parks offer a wide variety of great shows and rides for you and your party to experience, and accessing these can be done in several ways including the use of standard queues, Disney FASTPASS Service and a Disability Access Service, as well as other accommodations based on individual service needs.

In particular, the Disability Access Service is designed for Guests who are unable to tolerate extended waits at attractions due to a disability. This service allows Guests to schedule a return time that is comparable to the current queue wait for the given attraction.

To learn more about the Disability Access Service—in addition to other accommodations that might be available based on the Guest with a cognitive disability’s individual service needs—please visit the Guest Relations Lobby at the theme parks.

TiffanyLorene profile image
TiffanyLorene in reply to ColTravGram

Thank you!

Teresa12626 profile image
Teresa12626

Someone at some point posted about getting front of the line pass from going to the disability station which I think would be a lot of help. I have took my daughter and the biggest issue we had is the lines. She would pester everyone around her in line.

Pennywink profile image
Pennywink

We haven’t tried Disney yet, but they are known for their terrific guest services. As already mentioned, I would also plan for lots of breaks & keep expectations low (ie, don’t worry about getting everything in & “getting my money’s worth”, but just prioritize & enjoy what we do get to.) Hopefully this can get you started in research:

disneyland.disney.go.com/gu...

YEMS profile image
YEMS

It could be overwhelming. My son loved Legoland more than Disney Land. I would recommend California Adventure instead. I think is more fun and kid oriented because Disneyland has more adult attractions. Lines are horrible. Bring enough snacks for him, water, something to be play while he handles the line maybe a spinner. Take some breaks and try to go when it is not so crowded. Good luck and have fun.

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