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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Aibu re Disney

13 replies

Beebopaloola1 · 30/12/2022 16:29

Hi all,

About to book to take my two dc to Disney Paris in the next few weeks. One problem on my mind is that one dc is SEN and does cry and get overwhelmed. We have learnt to manage it while out or away, somewhat, but sometimes we can’t. She can come across as a bit rude and spoilt but she is actually really anxious. I’m worried about this since hearing the negative stories about how staff and other guest there are not tolerant of SEN dc.
Will we be looked down on? Has anyone experienced Disney with SEN dc. Is there anything we can do to make it more manageable for her. Theme parks in the uk really cater to SEN children I ace found and it has made it easier and more enjoyable.

Thanks

OP posts:

Burgoo · 30/12/2022 16:42

I went years ago and they are good with this stuff. It's their bread and butter, they want to accommodate as many types of people as possible. Can't guarantee that the public won't be hideous though.

Littlefish · 30/12/2022 16:47

I'm pretty sure you can get fast passes, to avoid the queues, but I'm not sure how you get them.

Thatiswild · 30/12/2022 16:48

One of my friends keeps going back and back as Disney are really good with SEN, she wore a sunflower lanyard and asked about it beforehand. Contact them to ask about it, they really made a special effort with her daughter, I hope you have an amazing time!

ExtraOnions · 30/12/2022 16:49

Disney are very good with disabilities .. there is more information here, and an email address. www.disneyworld.co.uk/guest-services/cognitive-disabilities-services/

PeskyYeti · 30/12/2022 16:55

I went this year with my two SEN children.

We had the most fabulous time. Unlike UK theme parks, there's no waiting between rides, no time out. You can go from one ride to the next, so when it al gets too much you can rest and not have to plan rests around being timed out.

The fireworks and parades have a quieter area with quieter music and less crowds to watch from.

We stayed at Newport bay which was close enough to pop back to the rooms for a rest if needed.

It was amazing! Any specific questions let me know

Mynotsoperfectlittlefamily · 30/12/2022 16:55

If you get DLA or a list of other things that can be found on the Disney Paris Website you can get a priority pass which is a god send. They are very good. There are some Facebook groups dedicated to Disney Paris with Extra Needs which is an absolute fountain of information.

PeskyYeti · 30/12/2022 16:56

ExtraOnions · 30/12/2022 16:49

Disney are very good with disabilities .. there is more information here, and an email address. www.disneyworld.co.uk/guest-services/cognitive-disabilities-services/

That's for disney world. For Disneyland it's here:

www.disneylandparis.com/en-gb/guest-services/accessibility-at-disneylandparis/

Mummymuls · 30/12/2022 18:00

We've just come back, my son has autism and you can apply for a ride access pass which allowed him and 4 others to essentially not queue and access the rides near enough straight away. Makes it so much less stressful, we stayed at Newport Bay which was a short walk back but when he was a little overwhelmed we used the hotel facilities such as the pool. Everyone was very kind and helpful- we even didn't have to queue for the restaurants. Also sensory wise the fireworks are quieter and a light show! Enjoy and go at your own pace!

Zanatdy · 30/12/2022 18:02

The Florida one is excellent and as others have said you can get a fast pass so don’t have to queue as long. Sure Paris will do the same

LynetteScavo · 30/12/2022 18:03

IME Disneyland Paris full of overwhelmed DC. Even my NT, usually very composed child, lost their manners. The staff are excellent, and other parents are just glad it's not their child struggling at that moment.

Having said that, you and your DC will have a great time. I would suggest staying at a hotel that is easy to access from the park for a bit of downtime when necessary.

Original poster

Beebopaloola1 · 30/12/2022 18:21

Thank you all so much. Very reassuring.

OP posts:

Punxsutawney · 30/12/2022 18:57

We used the priority pass in Paris, the week before Christmas. Ds has additional needs. We took his PIP paperwork and his passport to the park on the first day. And they issued him with a priority pass, with his photo on. They didn't ask what his needs were, but we did need to show his paperwork, to get the pass.

The pass allowed him and us, to either use the premier access queue or the wheelchair queue. It worked well for him, I really don't think we would have been able to navigate the park without it. And it made it a much more pleasant experience. Ds still got stressed and dsyregulated at times, but it was a calmer experience than it would have been without the card.

You can apply for the card, up to a month in advance. You have to send a photo. We did that, but they did take another photo on our first day. So that might be useful to tell a child to prepare them, that they might need their photo taken.
But it's definitely worth taking the time to get the card.

DrManhattan · 30/12/2022 22:38

Been to the Disney parks in Florida a number of times and they have been great each time with SEN child. Not been to Paris one, but would imagine it to be the same.

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