Dear Walt Disney World,
Thank you.
Our family just completed our second annual Disney vacation. As expected, our trip was fun, exciting, sentimental, magical (and exhausting).
I have two sons, a four year old and a three year old. My three year old is on the autism spectrum. His diagnosis can make vacations (and ordinary day-to-day outtings) difficult, but you helped make our trip amazing. Please accept my thanks and virtual high five!
Thank you for understanding that kids like my son cannot handle waiting in extremely long lines. Thank you for providing a disability pass for our family so we could still enjoy rides without a meltdown.
Thank you for providing food options for those with dietary restrictions. You go out of your way to make sure everyone can safely enjoy every meal while on property.
Thank you for providing companion bathrooms. I am sure that families who have bigger children and adults who need assistance are grateful for companion bathrooms.
Thank you for rides where he can sit on my lap. He feels more secure sitting on someone’s lap rather than a seat, and no one ever questioned him lap-sitting.
Thank you for understanding cast members who are ever so accomodating.
Thank you for characters who always took the time to interact with Colin. Every single princess made sure to talk to him, even if he didn’t make eye contact. They never questioned why he didn’t answer their questions. When he screamed, not a single character even flinched. Thank you for showing him the same love and acceptance that you showed to my older son.
Oh, I almost forgot! Thank you for exhausting him to the point that he slept 8 hours straight last night. (All my autism parents out there, can I get an AMEN?!)
Thanks for the memories, Disney!
Until next year,
Deidra