Walt Disney World is known as the “most magical place on earth”. But us moms know that it can be overwhelming. Exhausting. Overstimulating. And simply…too much. This is especially the case if you have kiddos who are highly sensitive.

What does “highly sensitive” even mean?

“the highly sensitive person (HSP) has a sensitive nervous system, is aware of subtleties in his/her surroundings, and is more easily overwhelmed when in a highly stimulating environment.”

Elaine N. Aron, PhD, The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You

Everything–such as sights, smells, textures, sounds, and even emotions–gets processed in a heightened way. This could also mean they are on the autism spectrum, diagnosed with sensory processing disorder or ADHD, or more often than not…they simply don’t have a diagnosis at all. 

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to wave a wand and *POOF*–gone are all the meltdowns?! 

Sadly, we are not real life Fairy Godmothers. While no amount of preparation can guarantee the complete elimination of meltdowns, the information you find here will help guide you through the Disney rides, attractions, shows, and restaurants from the lens of a mom with a highly sensitive child.