neuroDiversity and Disabilities at Disney Destinations and Beyond

11/08/2025

Such a great blog! What do you think of the strategies?

Summer vacations can be fun—but for families with autistic children, they also take extra planning.

Our newest blog offers real-world guidance to make travel more manageable, predictable, and meaningful for your whole family.

We cover:

The double transition from school routine to summer + home to away

How to create a steady travel rhythm (not just a packed itinerary)

Simple ways to involve your child in daily planning

How to prep the environment ahead of arrival

What to include in a “coping kit”

Supporting neurotypical siblings too

Why small wins on the road really matter

You’ll also find a FREE downloadable visual schedule template—a helpful tool for kids to understand what’s coming next each day.

Plus, we link to Autism Double-Checked certified providers: hotels, airports, and travel advisors who are trained and ready to welcome autistic travelers.

📖 Read the full blog here: https://autismchecked.com/summer-travel-with-autistic-kids-practical-tips-for-real-world-families/

11/08/2025

Have you visited this space at MCO?

05/08/2025

This looks like a cool event for anyone in the Surrey area!

Join us for this FREE house to house accessible and inclusive trick or treating experience. Made possible by Canadian Tire and great neighbours.

19/06/2024

One of the biggest challenges that traveling with a mobility difference can have is finding truly accessible accommodation. For many this means countless hours on the phone inquiring about door widths, level entries and various heights. It also can also mean limits in the types of available accommodation. Did you know there’s an “Airbnb” type site for finding mobility accessible accommodation beyond traditional hotels???? Check this out - https://www.becomingrentable.com

Would you rent one of these home away from homes?

Search the most complete accessible short-term rentals database. Find Accessible Short-Term Rentals.

01/06/2024

Fantastic News! Hoping more airports follow the lead.

Big news - we just launched a Travel Rehearsal Program! This initiative offers support to passengers with disabilities or diverse needs who can book a time to come to YVR in advance of a booked trip to practice their upcoming journey through the airport.

The airport rehearsal is designed to help reduce barriers to air travel and to provide a chance for individuals to practice and prepare, making the airport a less stressful and more familiar environment. Learn more and book a spot: https://www.yvr.ca/en/passengers/accessibility-at-yvr/travel-rehearsal
Nous lançons notre nouveau programme de répétition de voyage ! Cette initiative offre un soutien aux passagers ayant des handicaps ou des besoins divers. Ils peuvent réserver un créneau pour venir à YVR avant un voyage prévu et avoir un aperçu de leur parcours à travers l'aéroport.

La répétition à l'aéroport est conçue pour aider à réduire les obstacles au voyage en avion et offrir aux individus la possibilité de s'exercer et de se préparer, rendant ainsi l'aéroport moins stressant et plus familier. En savoir plus et réserver un créneau : https://www.yvr.ca/fr/passengers/accessibility-at-yvr/travel-rehearsal

18/04/2024

How cool is that? A safe and quiet space found right within the theme park! Have you been to LEGOLAND Florida? How did your visit go?

09/04/2024

BREAK NEW! Updates coming to the Disney Parks DAS pass!

Effective May 20th for Walt Disney World and June 18th for Disneyland, Disney Parks will be implementing some changes to their DAS pass approval criteria. These updates are aimed at ensuring that those who truly need the pass continue to receive this service and support while visiting parks.

Disney remains committed to preserving the DAS for those it is intended to accommodate, such as guests with developmental and cognitive disabilities who are unable to wait in a conventional line. They are exploring a variety of other accommodations for guests who do not meet this criteria (stay tuned for more.)

Additional cast members have been hired for the call center (yaye, hopefully less waiting) and training has been provided to all to assist in better identification of eligible guests and providing information on options and tools within the parks. They have also partnered with Inspire Health Alliance to support determination of eligibility (no word yet on what this actually looks like.)

Once approved, the pass will be valid for 120 days (increased from 60). This will be especially helpful to annual passholders.

Disney is also decreasing the amount of additional guests that can be added to DAS reservations from a 5 (total of 6 with DAS holder) to 3 (total of 4 with DAS holder) except in the case of immediate family (parents and children.)

Guests can direct any questions on accommodations, supports and options within the parks to the Accessibility Services teams prior to arrival by reaching out via the virtual video chats or the website.

What are your thoughts on these changes?

09/04/2024

BREAK NEW! Updates coming to the Disney Parks DAS pass!

Effective May 20th for Walt Disney World and June 18th for Disneyland, Disney Parks will be implementing some changes to their DAS pass approval criteria. These updates are aimed at ensuring that those who truly need the pass continue to receive this service and support while visiting parks.

Disney remains committed to preserving the DAS for those it is intended to accommodate, such as guests with developmental and cognitive disabilities who are unable to wait in a conventional line. They are exploring a variety of other accommodations for guests who do not meet this criteria (stay tuned for more.)

Additional cast members have been hired for the call center (yaye, hopefully less waiting) and training has been provided to all to assist in better identification of eligible guests and providing information on options and tools within the parks. They have also partnered with Inspire Health Alliance to support determination of eligibility (no word yet on what this actually looks like.)

Once approved, the pass will be valid for 120 days (increased from 60). This will be especially helpful to annual passholders.

Disney is also decreasing the amount of additional guests that can be added to DAS reservations from a 5 (total of 6 with DAS holder) to 3 (total of 4 with DAS holder) except in the case of immediate family (parents and children.)

Guests can direct any questions on accommodations, supports and options within the parks to the Accessibility Services teams prior to arrival by reaching out via the virtual video chats or the website.

What are your thoughts on these changes?

03/04/2024

The other day I shared information on the Legoland Assisted Access Pass. Here’s more info on the accommodations and supports available to support those with neurodiversity and disabilities.

Did you know is certified as an Autism Center?

Because awesomeness is for everyone, we ensure that our park is equipped and trained to provide an inclusive experience for guests with autism and sensory sensitivities. Here's how:

🎢 Sensory guides for each ride, indicating levels of brightness, sound, and more

🗺️ Park map highlighting low-traffic areas for low-sensory breaks

🌿 Quiet room for relaxation with dim lighting and tactile toys

🏎️ Special quiet hours at LEGO® Ferrari Build & Race

Learn more on this World Autism Awareness Day below!

https://legolandcalifornia.visitlink.me/QEzMun

01/04/2024

Hey D4-ers. Let’s talk Accommodations at Universal Studios!

Universal Studios’ Attractions Assistance Pass (AAP) is for guests who are not able to wait in a conventional line due to a disability. Rides and Attractions are wheelchair accessible so this accommodation is for those with a non-physical disability.

At this time, this accommodation is a paper pass based system (not in the app) and the approved guest (and their party) need just head for the next choice in rides and present the pass at the Express Entry Line. If the line is under 30 minutes (regular line not Express), they will be waved through. If the line is longer than 30 minutes, the ride attendant will write a return time on the pass. The AAP holder will show the card on return and then enter via the Express Line.

Universal’s approval process had changed over the last few years and they now use a system in partnership with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). To request the pass, you’ll first submit documentation through the IBCCES website to obtain an Individual Accessibility Card (IAC) at www.accessibilitycard.org. (This card and system are used by a number of other theme parks to access their accommodation programs.) Once this is completed (at least 48 hours in advance is recommended), you will be contacted for verification by Universal and then provided with a verification code. Once you arrive at the park, head to guest services and let them know you have a code for the AAP. They will provide further instructions and the card you will use for identification in the park.

Guests visiting Universal can also check out their own sensory guide and information prior to visiting.
Hollywood - Guide For Rider Safety And Accessibility (universalstudioshollywood.com)
Orlando - Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities (universalorlando.com)

23/03/2024

Let’s talk about Legoland’s Assisted Access Pass!

Legoland Parks (11 locations worldwide) offer the Assisted Access Pass (previously called the Hero Pass) to support guests with cognitive or physical disabilities who are unable to wait in or access a traditional line. Depending on the park, this paper pass/card system operates as either a virtual queue or alternate access to the rides and attractions.

Application for this accommodation is completed in person upon arrival for North American Parks. *Note that for some international park locations, application is done in advance through third-party systems and documentation may be required. Prior to your visit, it’s a good idea to check the Legoland website for specifics related to your destination park or ask your travel advisor.

Once approved, the guest and up to 5 other members of their travel party may access rides by approaching the park employee (called a Model Citizen) at the ride exit and showing the pass provided at Guest Services (City Hall.) If the regular line is relatively short, the party will enter immediately through the exit gate and be accommodated as quickly as possible into available ride cars. If the line is long, the Model Citizen will give the party a time to return to the exit and access the ride. Note that the Access Pass does not provide additional access to shows, the aquarium or waterpark.

Personally, I want to offer Kudos to Legoland California who have led the way in providing sensory information on their parks. They offer a fantastic guide on what the 5 senses will encounter on each ride/attraction rated on a scale of 1-10. You can access it here -https://www.legoland.com/california/media/fpifgkni/llcr-sensory-guide-2023.pdf They also have the BEST APPLE FRIES! Well worth the trek up the hill to get yours and the exploration area right beside the stand is a great low stimulation place for the kids to wander/run while you enjoy them hot 🙂.