Disneyland Paris with AUTISM: what's it like for autistic adults?

[@YoSamdySam]

Thanks for watching, captions coming in the next day or so!

[@graysthenewblonde177]

I am Autistic and Disneyland( the one in Southern California) is my happy place! It’s the original park, not as big and yes, it can be crowded but I’m able to hyper focus on the wonderful things it offers....an escape from the everyday noise and hustle of life. Also we go when the park first opens so it’s not crowded yet and then we take a break mid day when it does get crowded and go back at night.

[@adelaster]

Open to about 10:30/11 am, return 6:30/7pm (or later) is totally my strategy too! People will look at me crazy when I say that the 11am crowds are too "busy" for me, but I really most enjoy the music and the details and the ability to appreciate the carefully crafted immersion. Large amounts of loud pushy other people make that difficult. Disneyland first thing in the morning is so special. :)

[@Aconitum_napellus]

As a child I remember telling a psychologist that I didn't want to go to Disneyland/world and listing all the reasons I suspected it would be horrible. She didn't believe me.

[@emmabrice8295]

Oo thanks. Wish I’d had this on previous trips to Disney. Now I want to go again and won’t worry so much about the q’s

[@mollysmith6873]

Thanks for sharing. I'm autistic (& physically disabled) & am going to DLP for the first time in a couple of months.

[@kerrycates5587]

I do not have autism, however I do suffer from General Anxiety Disorder and Panic Attacks, I am going to DLP for the first time later this month and you have so perfectly and succinctly demonstrated my experience and concerns here; I have an Access Card UK which will allow me to get a priority pass and I can not express how much relief this creates, especially after watching this. thank you so much for making this video. It is very reassuring!

[@hakumeichan7346]

Thank you for the info, I didn't know you could ask for the priority card if you were autistic! I don't think I could ask for it, I don't have a certificate, just the psychologist test results and verbal diagnosis, and I never told my doctor I'm autistic, but it's nice to know if in the futur will be needed. I don't really have problems waiting in line if I have a lot of friends with me because I will shelter myself "inside" the groups and it makes it tollerable, but if I'm alone or with just one person with me it's impossible because I've problem being squished between people I don't know, expecially if they touch me. But my biggest problem in parks are the rides! I get really dizzy from the movement and after one or two I'm so out of it that if I don't stay away from rides for a few hour I will vomit. The noise and confusion and people don't help and I will seek quiet places, and usually there are none. I don't know if with the card you can go to quiet places, but that would be helpful! Thank you again for sharing your experiences and tips for navigating certain situation being autistic!

[@YoSamdySam]

You might be able to get some sort of letter from the diagnosing psychologist perhaps? This page tells you what you need for access: www.disneylandparis.com/en-gb/guest-services/guests-with-mental-or-cognitive-disabilities/

[@paulinejulien9191]

I saw that there are quiet places, apparently they’re the first-aid spots!

[@StacyForest738]

I learn something every time I watch a video. I had no clue waiting in line was an issue related to autism, I thought I was just really impatient and anxious. I wonder if it also applies to traffic? I have the same issue waiting on slow cars. It sounds silly but it can really be an issue for me.

[@numinous2506]

Same

[@rebeccaspence3601]

I went to Euro Disney 5+ years ago and it was an awful experience for me, not then knowing anything about autism, and putting me off ever going back. I am autistic and waiting on my assessments/diagnosis, after watching your video and learning of the priority card I would definitely reconsider going back when I get diagnosed ❤️

[@AmelieHarms]

I got a priority pass for my child at Copenhagen's Tivoli and it changed my feelings for amusement parks. Everything was so much better with that pass, and I could see that I needed it as well.

[@YoSamdySam]

I didn't know they did one! I will definitely look one up next time I go. I adore Tivoli.

[@AmelieHarms]

@@YoSamdySam It's named "Vis hensyn" or "Show consideration"-card. 👍

[@Jenny-ut8rs]

Disneyland Paris was my special interest for years haha! So much that I became a 'destination expert' on the TripAdvisor forum. I really do recommend this forum for preplanning, it's so very helpful and friendly. But just to let you know that the requirements for obtaining the priority pass changed last year, for autism a doctor's letter is no longer accepted. If you are from the UK you need to show a letter from the DWP showing that you have been awarded PIP or DLA. You are no longer asked what your disability is, just whether it is cognitive, physical etc. If you go on the Disneyland Paris website you will find the precise info there. Love your videos!

[@paulinejulien9191]

That actually sucks because I’m diagnosed but do not yet have those documents they ask for to prove it 😭

[@elisenieuwe4649]

Tip: In winter is super relaxing, since it's not crowded. I wnt there with a friend 10 years ago and we didn't have to wait anywhere in January. It was amazing. I can never go back though, since I don't think it can become so amazing again :p

[@xoxneekxox]

I'm so glad I found this video!!

[@bluebee9670]

I think I understand my sister better because of your videos.

[@johnsonfamily7828]

Great I have been to Disneyland in California. Now going back knowing I am autistic I will look into that card. Thanks for all the info.

[@fieryhellkitten]

I go to Disney often. I have been obsessed with the parks since I was little. The only issue I have is feeling drained at the end of the day (mentally). But it’s one of the few places I don’t feel overwhelmed.

[@marloesvanderveen6644]

Thank you for the video! I was really in doubt to go... Was realy afraid that they wont give out the priority pass. Now i dont need to worry about that! Thanks ❤️

[@paulinejulien9191]

Nice, I’m going there in 2 weeks, so glad for this video 🙏 unfortunately I can’t get a priority pass 😢 nervous about the queueing!

[@thevirtualjim]

Wow, thats really good! I enjoy theme parks alot, but I have some of the same issues you mention, although maybe to a lower extent than you. That card sounds really awesome. I think i worry about doing something like that because I'm like "well i can deal with all these things enough to still function, so maybe i don't need it?" Liek i don't want to 'take advantage' or anything. I am finally starting to use things that dampen noise and i tend to forget alot, so this is a good reminder to me to bring them to theme parks and such.

[@JadeAislin]

I've been to Disney California. At the time, I tried to walk with my family, but between the amount of walking and inclines I could not make, because of my arthritis, I had to rent a cart for myself. This did mean I could get into rides earlier. We also got to see some behind the scenes stuff on some rides because that was how the got the people who couldn't wait in the line it. Of course, that's also where I got 2nd degree burns because I had forgotten to put sunscreen on my knees and upper legs. Upper legs that the sun was constantly beaming down on as I was in the cart and not moving them much.

[@porschamcelrath8046]

I love Disneyland (I have a SoCal annual pass) but I could never wander around. As soon as I become aimless is when the misery sets in and I have to push down the panic. I always plan where I want to go, including meals, having a set itenerary makes it possible for me to enjoy Disney multiple times a year (despite the crowds and fireworks)

[@kittylynx8911]

Omg I can do that! I love Disney 💘 n my mom would always have a plan n I was always asking whats next this would be so much more enjoyable since everytime I would go I would have so many meltdowns omg thabk you for ur video!

[@clicheguevara5282]

Dolly Parton has a theme park in Tennessee and it's specially designed to be able to accommodate people with autism.

[@margretheskinderviken3767]

I have ADHD but REALLY struggle with sensory overload and a feeling of being overwhelmed.. I am soon going to DLP and am trying to manage the anxiety by planning as much as humanly possible. I like to explain my relationship to theme parks as a love/hate relationships (long story short).

[@ljmerrittproductions3188]

I am Autistic and i have gotten the green pass at DLP the last three times i have visited. It is a really great card however sometimes instant access is not guaranteed. I waited 35 minutes for peter pans flight with my green pass while i only had to wait ten Minutes for tower of terror (my favorite ride). Also, i was able to get my green pass at the hotel reception (which was Disney's Davy Crockett Ranch) which meant i could just walk into the park and get on my first ride straight away.

[@Nilguiri]

It sounds like hell on Earth! Blaring, crappy Disney music, enormous crowds, endless queues, and surrounded by American tat! I don't think I'll be going any time soon, or ever. I'm glad you enjoyed it, though.

[@YoSamdySam]

Not so endless queues ;) It's definitely not for everyone though.

[@Nilguiri]

@@YoSamdySam I'm sure I would enjoy it once I was there! But the more important and interesting thing is how you managed to overcome the urge to freak out and you could finally relax into it and enjoy it-with the help of your husband and the special queue pass thingy. That was fantastic. Best wishes!

[@OldBon3s]

I’m an American sorry some of us are total asshats anyways I hate Disneyland and Disney world with a passion!! It’s too much of everything and I also can’t handle seeing everyone being so “happy” it’s like clowns it freaks me the fuck out!

[@meta5175]

I remember when I went to Disney as a child I spent half a day repeated playing one of the rollercoaster 😂

[@Bambi_Spots]

I went to Disney when I was a kid and it was hell. I only went for a day and much prefered the days when I was staying at the hotel.

[@noabinnendijk361]

I... Did not realize the waiting in lines thing was an autistic problem. I've been to Disneyland Paris once without a disabled pass, because I didn't realize it was a thing autistic people could get. It was... not as fun of an experience as I hoped it would be.

[@minietina]

Wait whaaaat??? I've been going to Disney parks for as long as I can remember and I never knew I could ask for a priority card for being autistic. This could have helped so much oh man. Do you know if these are available at the other parks too or just Paris?

[@marshmallow7640]

Yes, they are available at other parks

[@Dragon34th]

LOL what was the most artistically silliest thing you unintentionally did on the double decker RER D train that goes past my house, then to Boissy Saint Leger?

[@Xena20]

When in the year did you visit if you don’t mind me asking? Xx

[@delilareindorp9192]

Waar kan ik een autipas aanvragen? Ook bij de GGD of ergens andera?

[@KBinturong]

I went to disney once. It was a bad experience for me. I could not be amazed at the decorum. I was thinking about how they make a lot of money. To me it was only walking and waiting. No fun at all. I don't know if I'm autistic thought.

[@robgeujen5695]

Hier een vraag van een Nederlandse kijker. Ik heb zelf ook autisme en ben groot pretparkliefhebber en autipas-houder. Volstaat die autipas alleen al voor zo'n priority card of is een doktersverklaring per se nodig? Mijn verklaring is al flink gedateerd

[@Poppettje]

When you go with your partner, doesn't he has to pay the park ticket because he 'takes care of you'? And did you get a lot of angry faces looking at you when they see you in the shorter line? Because that will also give me lots of stress I think. Would love to experience this & see if I can manage a funpark properly (instead of lots of anxiety & fights😇)🎢🎡.

[@YoSamdySam]

No didn't get any angry looks at all. It's pretty busy and the disabled access lines are not usually in the same place.

[@shadowfox933]

As much as I would like having discreet earplugs to help me with my auditory issues, it would be more of a problem to put anything in my ears

[@reemie786]

Glad they changed their system to a better one.

[@superdave0002]

What language do the cast members speak there?

[@xoxneekxox]

How to you get the card I have proof of disability benefits

[@garyfrancis5015]

I when in 2008 it was chaotic and a lot of waiting around and that was getting to Disney Land Paris. The Eurostar broke down the tunnel. They had to reboot the train and it all went dark. Then after the train got out of the tunnel, But all the passengers got off the small station of Calais. And waited for another train. It's 5pm by the time we got to Disney Land so we lost the whole first day. I was also going to say that in the real world a rat in a restaurant could get the foods standards agency to shut down the restaurant. In the world of Disney the rat the chef. For those who are refund lovers, the whole Eurostar price of refunded because of the train breaking down on the way there. So the Eurostar was free.

[@davidpercival8231]

I am autistic person from the uk I love Disneyland Paris since I was young I love baloo and Marie the cat best my dad takes me every year I am so upset that I can't go this year I hug my Marie plushes every night I also cry I have server learning disabilities my one thing I want to do is get married and I am madly in love with a girl 12 years older than me and she says I am too young at 33 she is 47 this makes me very upset

[@anjachan]

oh yeah ... I know that ... someone tells you something and you get confused what that person means. Because you think everyone sees it right away.

[@85dera]

Ben je Nederlands? Jeetje je praat goed Engels Hoe zit dat precies met de auti pas en wat je nog meer zegt. Begrijp t even niet zo goed. Liefs

[@EleonoraFalcon]

Uit een eerder filmpje had ik begrepen dat ze Brits is maar dat ze in Nederland woont. Ze zei dat je met een autipas een priority card kan krijgen in Disneyland Parijs. --- From a previous video I understood that she is British but that she lives in the Netherlands. She said that you can get a priority card in Disneyland Paris if you have an autipas.

[@YoSamdySam]

Ja ik ben Brits maar ik woon in Nederland. Het Autipas is niet erkend bij Disney maar ik heb het toch meegenomen want mijn "officiele" brief van de huisarts verscheen niet zo officiele... Hier staat de informatie voor Nederlanders: www.disneylandparis.com/nl-nl/gastenservices/gasten-met-verstandelijke-of-cognitieve-handicap/ En sorry voor mijn taalfouten ;)

[@lieke3588]

Ik heb laatst een bericht achter gelaten op de site van disneyland, en een nederlandse medewerker nam toen contact met mij op. Hij vertelde mij dat een autipas genoeg was voor een priority card en een gratis begeleider ticket, en dat je dan dus geen doktersverklaring nodig hebt. Ik ben nog niet geweest, dus ik kan je nog niet vertellen hoe het ging met de pas, maar volgende die medewerker kon het dus.