Disneyland

It's the happiest place on Earth, right? Well at least it is again for my family. Just over six years ago we went to Disneyland as family; at the time I was engaged and being the oldest I still had younger brothers and sisters at ages: 4, 7, 13, and 15. What better way to spend time as a family? That is unless your sister is autistic, just started talking and can't handle crowds (she was the 7 year old).

It was still pretty early in the day, and we had gone on one ride: Pirates of the Caribbean (have to hit that first so the line isn't crazy long). Then we head over to It's a Small World and my sister lost it. There were just too many people and it was too loud. Absolutely the worst environment for her at the time. We were in a different city and country (I'm originally from Canada), and nothing was the same as home. Well after paying for tickets which I'm sure you know are not cheap, my Mom and sister spent the rest of the day in the hotel room with my poor sister in complete melt-down mode.

Fast forward 6 years. Mom is once again ready to try and brave Disneyland. Only this time my sister is now a teenager of 14 that still has problems with crowds, my brother who is 11 had Fetal Alcohol Effect (adopted) and can't keep his hands of off things and people and a grandson (my son) who is also autistic. Are we absolutely insane?

Well it was wonderful! From a friend I learned about the absolutely wonderful Guest Assistant Pass program. These things are an answer to prayers (really!). You go into City Hall just inside the gates and tell them why your child needs special assistance at the park. They don't want to know what your child has been diagnosed with they just want to know how it affects them in the park. For example my sister can't handle the crowds. These passes aren't just for the child, it also includes passage for up to 6 people accompanying them. We got passes for all 3 of our special children so our entire group was covered to travel together if wanted or break up into as many as three groups. So instead of waiting in all the long lines we got to go in the exits or Fastpass lane to ALL the rides. AWESOME!!! We got to ride all the rides we wanted to even thought it was crazy busy (4 hour line for Pirates of the Caribbean at one point).

If only we had know about this 6 years ago. We would have been going much more often. Disneyland I LOVE you again!!!