Vacationing at Disney World can be a wonderful experience. The magic of the parks comes to life when you experience attractions, watch shows, and meet characters. Many guests love the feeling of being in the Disney parks and really experiencing the hustle and bustle that comes alongside it. But what about guests who are more sensitive toward crowds, noise, and even smell? Sensory overload is a very real experience that people of all ages can be prone to. Being at a busy place like the Disney parks can bring sensory overload on anyone at anytime. If you or someone in your family tends to experience sensory overload, then here are some tips on how to reduce it during your Disney vacation.
Arrive Early
When you get to the Disney parks as soon as they open you tend to experience a quieter and lesser crowded park. If you’re staying at a DVC resort then you are able to enter the park 30 minutes before it opens. This is a great opportunity to head towards busier areas of the park so you can experience them before they fill up with people. Typically for crowds, the earlier you arrive the better. Guests can head towards low stress attractions to rope drop as well.
Take Midday Breaks
When the parks start to become crowded and hot, taking a midday break is a great way to reduce stress and sensory overload. Around noon or 1pm as the heat of the day sets in and more guests arrive you can hop on Disney transportation and go back to your resort to relax and cool off. This is a great time to enjoy the resort’s pool, walk the grounds, or even return to your room for a nap and a rest.
Book Lightning Lane Reservations
Waiting in lines can be stressful for those who experience sensory overload. If guests are unable to get a Disney Disability Pass from guest services, then they should consider booking Lightning Lane reservations for their vacation. These reservations allow guests to experience other areas of the park as they wait for a return window for the attraction they’re interested in. Once the return window is available, guests simply enter a shorter Lightning Lane line so they can experience the attraction faster.
Avoid the Parade Route and Castle During Showtimes
Guests begin lining the parade route and waiting in front of the castle around an hour prior to the showtimes for these events. If crowds are a trigger for you, then consider avoiding these areas during those times of day. Instead of waiting in the large crowd waiting for the fireworks show at night, consider hopping in line for an attraction instead so you can avoid the large crowd. Booking a reservation for a sit-down meal during the fireworks is also a great way to avoid these crowds.
Do you tend to get overwhelmed during your Disney vacations? We want to hear your tips on preventing sensory overload in the comments below!
Featured Photo: Megan Woodard
Written by
Megan Woodard
Contributing Writer
Megan was born into a Disney family. Her first trip to Disney World was when she was only 18 months old. Now as an adult, Megan loves to share the magic of Disney with her family. Keeping up with Disney news and Disney World knowledge is a fun hobby for Megan. Disney World is her favorite place to be and continuously brings back her childhood joy.
