Planning for a disability-friendly summer with the kiddos isn’t the easiest thing on our to-do lists. Sometimes, it can feel like the world isn’t equipped to accommodate what our families need, especially on vacation. For instance, somewhere like a theme park. Bright lights, loud noises, long lines, people everywhere — if only there was a guidebook on how to do this…*sigh* You’re in luck! This week, we’re taking on theme park disability accommodations for our kiddos in Disneyland, Legoland, and Universal Studios.
While prepping for a day at the theme park does require some planning beforehand, it’ll save you tons of time and headaches once you’re there. A little prep now means more smiles and fewer surprises later! To help you get started, we’ve created these theme park guides (with lots of insider tips) to help you navigate everything from disability passes to accessibility, sensory, and medication tips, to food and bathrooms accommodations, and more to make sure that your family’s visit to Disneyland, Legoland, and/or Universal Studios is nothing short of magical, fun, and as smooth as any rollercoaster. In other words: it might have its bumps but you’ll be well-prepared for the ride!
For LEGO-loving families, LEGOLAND California has gentle and thrilling rides, activities, water play, and brick building. Make sure to grab an Assisted Access Pass (AAP) to ensure everyone can enjoy the rides, shows, and attractions regardless of mobility, cognitive, or sensory challenges. Insider tip: LEGOLAND is full of LEGO-building stations! For many of our brick-obsessed kids, that alone makes it worth the trip. Most of the building stations have benches at different heights, making it easy for a variety of ages and wheelchair users to access the fun, and even flowing water features for extra sensory input. Find more insider tips in our Legoland California Resort Disability Guide for Families.
Universal Studios Hollywood is a wild and wonderful place, but it can also be a challenge for people with disabilities. For guests who have difficulty with long waits for rides and attractions, including but not limited to individuals who have autism, use a wheelchair, are blind/low vision, are Deaf/hard of hearing, have mobility support needs, are accompanied by a service animal, have sensory sensitivities or cognitive disabilities, or have other needs, Universal offers an Attractions Assistance Pass. Insider tip: If you start your day on the Lower Lot, you have a better chance of enjoying Super Mario World and getting a reservation for the amazing Toadstool Café (get on the waitlist as soon as you enter the park!) — and skipping the crowds. Then, head back up to the fun in the Upper Lot as the crowds work their way down. Find more insider tips in our Universal Studios Hollywood Disability Guide for Families.
Want to make Disneyland actually the happiest place on earth for your kiddo? Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS) allows visitors with disabilities and their party members to “skip” the line by being given a specific time to return (comparable to the current wait), so you can spend the interlude doing something else. Insider tip: You can only have one DAS return at a time, but you can request a new one as little as 10 minutes after redeeming the last one. Find more insider tips in Your Guide to Visiting Disneyland with Disabilities.
One Undivided parent shared with their Navigator, “What a wonderful person you are. I woke up at 3:30 in another panic… so to read your message at that time was a life saver. As I read it, I could physically feel my nervous system begin to settle and I felt better. Your kind and safe language brought me to tears. Such an amazing and beautiful person. I cannot thank you enough.”
California Public Benefits Bootcamp: Virtual Summer Training Series
Are you wondering what public benefits your child is eligible for? Join us Thursday, June 27, 1:00–2:00 p.m. PDT for a live event with Public Benefits Specialist Lisa Concoff Kronbeck who will answer all your questions about Regional Center, Medi-Cal, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), California Children’s Services (CCS), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and more. Register for this free event as part of our summer training series here on our RSVP page!
CalABLE: Essentials and Why It Matters: Virtual Summer Training Series
Looking to save for your child’s future without affecting their eligibility for government programs? Join us in a live conversation on Thursday, July 11, 1:00-2:00 p.m. PDT with CalABLE Outreach Specialist Madeline Handy as we look closer at how parents of kids with disabilities can use this program to help provide for our children’s care. Register for this free event as part of our summer training series here on our RSVP page!
Office Hours with Lisa Concoff Kronbeck
On Wednesday, June 12, 12:00-1:00 p.m. PT, Public Benefits Specialist Lisa Concoff Kronbeck will be available for Undivided Office Hours, where she’ll answer questions about getting our kids what they need from Medi-Cal, Regional Center, and other government programs. Bi-weekly Office Hours are virtual Q&A sessions with experts that are open to Undivided members only, so if you’d like to attend, sign up here to begin your free Kickstart!
- Does your family have insider tips for making the most of these theme parks? Share your experience in our private Facebook group for parents→
- A day at a theme park can be sensory overload for many kids! Check out our YouTube channel for sensory tips from Dr. Lauren Stutman→
- While you’re making all these preparations so your kiddo can have a fun time, don’t forget your own needs too! Hear these self-care tips from Navigator Jen on our Instagram→
- What other fun attractions in your area have disability accommodations? Share with us on LinkedIn→
- Need some help organizing for your family’s summer plans? Our comprehensive software platform can help you identify priorities and accomplish them! Get started→
