Ride Suggestions for those with Severe Osteogenesis Imperfecta or Ankylosing Spondylitis at Disney

Blog, Planning, Ride Reviews, While You're There
We have some friends whose eldest son has Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bone disease).  He's had countless surgeries and visits with doctors.  Despite all he's been through, he is one of the most cheerful and forgiving people I know.  This family inspires me.  Their son has some very real limitations and obstacles in his life, but they are always looking for ways for him to do as much as he can.  They are the inspiration for this post because every family deserves to have magical memories. As with Autism, there is a spectrum for those with Osteogenesis Imperfecta.  Some are mildly affected and don't ever really realize they have it.  Others are much more sensitive.  My friend's son is somewhere in the middle.  When they went to Disney, their son was…
Read More
Priorities to Consider in Choosing When to Visit Disney World

Priorities to Consider in Choosing When to Visit Disney World

Blog, Planning
We Want to Go to Disney.  When Should We Go? One of the first things you need to decide when are planning a Walt Disney World vacation is when to go.   This is especially true of families with disabilities or special needs. You should take a good look at your family and their needs to determine what your priorities are and how that affects the time of year you want to visit Mickey Mouse. A few examples of things you might ask yourself: Does your child(ren) have a hard time keeping up with school?  If so you may be limited to school holidays and summer breaks. Do you need as few people around as possible?  Then avoid peak times like summer and the week between Christmas and New Years…
Read More
Understanding FastPass+ at Disney World

Understanding FastPass+ at Disney World

Blog, Planning, While You're There, While You're Waiting
What is FastPass+? FastPass is Disney's reservation system for rides. The system is slightly different in California versus Florida. The system in Florida is controlled through your "My Disney Experience" account on your official Disney World app. It is also called FastPass+ in Florida. Who Uses It? And How Does it Work? Anyone with a Disney World park ticket can use the FastPass+ system. You basically "reserve" a time slot to ride a specific ride during a one hour window on a given day.  There are only so many allotted slots per hour reserved for FastPass+. Once those slots fill up, guests either have to reserve an earlier or later time, or go with the standby line. You will still have some waiting in the FastPass+ line, but is significantly…
Read More

Timeline for Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation

Planning, While You're Waiting
I recently spoke with a Disney cast member family. We were talking about why Disneyland and Disney World were such different experiences. Disneyland is the kind of park you can make a spur of the moment decision to go to. Disney World takes a lot more planning. According to my friend this was a deliberate decision so Disney can provide two different types of experiences. Because Disney World is so large and insular, you should be aware of the ideal timeline for planning. Keep in mind it is not impossible to plan a last minute trip to Disney. I've done it for families who found last minute airfare deals. You just have to modify expectations when you do last minute planning. Ideally you decide you're going to Walt Disney World…
Read More