‘Wish I knew that when I took my kids’: Man goes to Disney World. Then he realizes there are perks for neurodivergent guests, like not waiting in line

A man wants to help parents of children with disabilities have a smoother experience when visiting theme parks. He shared a little-known tip that could make their trips easier and more enjoyable.

In a viral TikTok video with 213,900 views, user Tariq (@professorblaze7) doled out the advice to a very appreciative audience.

“To the parents out there who have children on the spectrum,” he began in the clip. “You do know that when it comes to these theme parks, that they have benefits and features available to us that will help make the visits to these parks much more enjoyable for us and for our children who may be on the spectrum.”

He went on to explain that accessing the benefits can take “some work.” He directed parents with special needs to visit the guest services at any theme park for more information.

Tariq also mentioned how helpful it was for him to access additional resources for his child with special needs during their trip to Disney.

“Our trip would not have been enjoyable at all if we didn’t have these features available to us,” he said.

The benefits allowed him to avoid waiting in long lines, which his son would not have been able to handle.

What Accommodations Does Disney Have For Disabled Children?

Disney offers a program called the Disability Access Service at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

The service accommodates guests who cannot tolerate waiting in long lines due to a developmental disability like autism or similar conditions.

It does not offer instant access to rides.

Instead, those who are approved for the program can register for a time to ride an attraction. Time selections can be made in the park’s mobile app.

When the approved party’s time arrives, they can gain access to the ride without waiting on the park’s long lines.

Avoiding lines can make wait times more bearable for families who have children with special needs.

According to research by Financebuzz.com, average wait times across all Disney World parks are 38 minutes.

However, during peak season and hours, ride wait times can certainly balloon higher.

The study also found that those who visit the parks only spend about 17% of their time actually on rides.

It is easy to understand how these wait times can be very difficult for families with special needs children to endure.

How Does Disney’s DAS Program Work?

Guests can register for Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS) by speaking with a Cast Member either through a live video chat up to 60 days before their park visit or in person at an Accessibility Services Kiosk. 

During the conversation, the Cast Member will determine eligibility and discuss the services that may best meet the guest’s needs.

If approved for DAS, the guest, or a parent or guardian if the guest is under 18, must complete the registration process, which includes having a photo taken of the registered guest. 

Registration covers the DAS guest and up to three additional party members, for a maximum party size of four. 

Once activated, DAS remains valid for the length of the guest’s ticket or up to one year, whichever comes first. 

Guests must register again after the service expires or when they purchase a new ticket.

@professorblaze7 #autism #autismawareness ♬ original sound – Tariq

What Do Commenters Think?

In the video’s comments section, others shared recommendations for parks that also offer accommodations for families with children with disabilities.

“I highly recommend Sesame Place!! It was the first theme park in the world to become a Certified Autism Center!” user Christy Robinson said.

“Disney / Seaworld / and universal helped me out so much!” user Selena Delgado said.

Others shared their own experiences with the programs and how to obtain benefits.

“I’m an autistic adult and love getting the benefits. Just keep a pdf file of the diagnosis from a recent doctor visits like the progress note,” user Melanie Harmon wrote.

The Mary Sue reached out to Disney and Tariq via email for comment and more information.

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