Disney with Special Needs: Choosing Where to Stay

12783732_947960311959438_6090062147619820118_oYou’ve started wrapping your mind around the idea of taking on a Disney World vacation. You’ve strapped yourself into your couch and watched those videos of Space Mountain and it’s a small world a few times, you’ve practiced walking through crowds, and you have done your research about the smells, sounds, lights, and effects throughout the parks so that you can feel more in control and be a bit more prepared.

Now you are well on your way to being ready for your magical vacation, but it’s time to do a few mental stretches and brace yourself, because it’s time to make a really big decision about your trip: where to stay. Read more

Disney with Special Needs: Expect the Unexpected

10644286_940080739414062_6970172962227794158_oI am going to be upfront with you…my family is a bunch of theme park people. We love them. We are very lucky to live in a place that is less than an hour from two of the most popular not-in-Florida theme parks on the East Coast and just a couple of hours from many others. If you checked out our collection of season passes you would find that we are card-carrying pass holders to nearly 30 individual parks. So with all of these theme parks all over the place, you might ask, why the need to prepare so much for just another theme park? Read more

Disney with Special Needs: The Aspie’s Guide to the Galaxy … Or At Least Disney World Part 2

11935170_932111526877650_8485600397602333744_oPlanning a trip to Disney World can seem like a tremendously daunting task even for those mythical “average” families of 2 parents, 2.1 children, and exactly no special needs. Take a quick look around the parks, however, and you will find that there are very few of those types of families that actually exist. Every single family that heads to the Mouse House has their own “things” that they have to contend with, and that always starts with planning, which is why the first few tips I’m going to share with you are about how to tackle the planning stage in a way that will get every member of your family excited, prepared, and as confident as possible for your magical vacation. Read more

Disney With Special Needs: The Aspie’s Guide to the Galaxy …. Or At Least Disney World

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Editor’s Note: I am delighted to welcome Taryn to The Affordable Mouse writer’s team. Experienced in planning Disney vacations for family that includes adults with a variety of special needs, ranging from Asperger’s Syndrome, to vegan dietary needs, to senior citizens, Taryn will be writing about Disney With Special Needs. We are honored to be able to share her expert advice! Read more

Special Dining Needs At Disney: Dishonor on You, Dishonor on Your Cow if You Don’t Give This a Try

887400_10207682447046579_8845231618488336455_oWalking around Epcot can be exhausting but luckily there is no shortage of places to refuel.  From snack carts, quick service, to table service restaurants from around the world.  No matter what you’re in the mood for Epcot serves it.  You can try something from another country or something home grown!  Read more