We’re going to back to Disney in April. To make it easy for me and to help save money, I’ve decided to go back to my old way of doing things. I am working on a new packing list. This list includes not only clothing and essentials that we bring with us, but groceries that we can use to make meals in our room.

When I use this list, I also plan meals that are easy to cook. I can buy the food that doesn’t need refrigeration and pack it into a large plastic container. I also write a list of the food we need to buy at the grocery store when we get to the hotel. If we haven’t checked in, they will keep our food in the hotel refrigerator and freezer.

We will eat breakfast every day in our room. Make and bring easy lunches and snacks to the parks. And eat dinner in our room except for a few nights. Having everything planned in advance makes things less stressful for me too.

My list include everything! I even write how many pairs of shorts, shirts and socks we all need. Even though it sounds like I’m over going overboard, it really makes being prepared easier. I know we can always buy something if we leave it at home, but I hate taking the time to do that.

What does Disney have to do with Autism? Walt Disney World held it’s Autism Walk at Wide World of Sports on November 15th of this year. They raised $25,000. There’s also people with Autism and Spectrum Disorders that visit Disney every day.

I found some information about making it easier to visit the Disney theme parks when you have someone with you who has Autism. I am not an expert, but having chronic illnesses I do need a “Guest Assistance Pass” too. So here’s the details about that first:

1. You do not need a doctor’s note to obtain a Guest Assistance Pass. In fact, any employee or Cast Member at Disney is not allowed to even look at that type of letter.
2. Go to Guest Relations and explain that your child has special needs. You will be asked how many are in your party and what type of assistance is required.
3. You can request for no waiting in line pass. This does not guarantee this for all attractions but you can request a Disability booklet for information from each park.

For more info on making your trip successful and happy I found a post by Utter Autism about a trip to Disney, which included tips like taking headphones along and taking breaks as often as possible.

Another article I found that was helpful is from Walt Disney World With Health Conditions. This even goes into details about character meals and parades.

For me, Disney is a place to go to get away from it all. Even if I don’t feel well, I can find something to do that doesn’t take much energy. Even if it’s people watching, or relaxing at the hotel pool, etc. I hope that the info shared will provide what you need to if you are trying to make a decision about visiting Disney.

For Autism Twitter Day, being held on December 16 on Twitter, held by Bonnie Sayers of Autism Family Adventures I will donate a Mickey Mouse 50th Anniversary Lanyard Medallion as one of the door prizes. Bonnie does so much for the Autism community. I am honored to help in such a small way.

Please see the banner for Autism Twitter Day in my sidebar. Join in on Twitter, learn and enjoy the time together too.

The Disney Parks are in full swing and covered with Christmas, Hanunakkah and Kwanzaa decorations. The hotel lobbies and stores are also adorned for the festivities. We’ve spent a day just going from resort to resort one day taking in all of the Christmas trees, gingerbread houses, ornaments, menorahs and Kwanzaa symbols.

One hotel we always enjoy seeing is the Boardwalk which has greenery and large ornaments and a huge gingerbread replica of an old fashioned Boardwalk. it’s a masterpiece!

To keep the spirit of Disney alive at home, we have many different Disney ornaments on our Christmas tree at home. We try to get each year’s special ornament and the one from Disney Vacation Club and Shades of Green.

Disney ornaments are very nice collectibles. There are boxed sets for characters. There are ornaments based on attractions, movies almost anything you can think of. You can even get them personalized. Oh and don’t forget the Christmas houses and tree toppers! I can’t control myself when surrounded by Disney ornaments.