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Disney World with Sensitive Kids

Disney World with Sensitive Kids

Highly Sensitive Kids
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Podcast Episode Recap with Put On Your Travel Ears Are you planning a trip to Disney World with sensitive kids?…

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How To Prepare Your Highly Sensitive Child for Disney World

How To Prepare Your Highly Sensitive Child for Disney World

Highly Sensitive Kids
18 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no…

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Welcome to Moms Make it Magical. Find out how to navigate Disney World with kids who are highly sensitive and easily overstimulated.

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susan | disney & family travel with sensory sensitivities

momsmakeitmagical

former social worker • disney & family travel • homeschooling • 🇰🇷🇨🇦📍SE MI
✉️ susan@momsmakeitmagical.com
✨FREE disney ride planning printable⤵️
there’s something about having a trip to look fo there’s something about having a trip to look forward to, no matter how big or small. here’s what we have planned for 2025: ⭐️ @greatwolflodge sandusky ⭐️ @waltdisneyworld ⭐️ montreal & ottawa 🇨🇦 ⭐️ cancun @moonpalacecancun ⭐️ midwest lake house ⭐️ alaskan cruise aboard @disneycruiseline ⭐️ idaho i am most excited about alaska!! what are some of your travel plans for 2025? #familytravels #familytravelblogger #travel2025 #bucketlisttravel #familyadventures #travelwithkidstips #momsmakeitmagical
this is my whole purpose behind my blog, my IG, an this is my whole purpose behind my blog, my IG, and my youtube channel. inclusion matters. 💖 normalize kids, of ALL abilities, existing in various spaces. especially when it comes to travel. #familytraveltips #familytravelblogger #highlysensitivechild #neurodivergentchild #neurodivergentparenting #inclusionmatters #sensorysensitive #anxiouskids #equityandinclusion #momstruggles #momsunite #momsmakeitmagical
please tell me i’m not the only one. if you’v please tell me i’m not the only one. if you’ve been watching all the youtube ride pov videos, asking questions on disney facebook groups, and reading disney forums for answers… I WAS YOU. my own child’s sensitivities to loud noises, high thrills, villains, and darkness led me to doing extensive research for our own disney trips. …and i wished that there was a resource or SOMETHING to help parents like me. so i started creating ride reviews & ratings myself on my blog. and then i started making youtube videos talking through specific attraction details and what to consider and look out for. this is a FREE resource for you. no signups, gimmicks, no catch. learn from our own mistakes, lived experiences, and my anxiety-driven attention to detail ✨✨ if you want all the sensory details about the little mermaid ride at @waltdisneyworld to be better prepared for your disney world vacation, comment MERMAID below 🧜‍♀️ if you’re new, i’m susan! i’m a mom of 3, a @disneyvacationclub member, an out-of-state disney fan who goes to wdw about once a year. i share tips & insights on doing disney and family travel with a highly sensitive child! hope you stick around 🫰🫰 #disneyworld #ig_wdw #disneywithkids #disneymom #disneyattractions #disneyblogger #disneytipsandtricks #familytravelblogger #highlysensitivechild #anxiouschild #anxiousmom #autismtravel #neurodivergenttraveler #sensoryoverload #meltdowns #dysregulation #sensorysensitive #momsmakeitmagical
neurodivergent parenting isn’t for the weak 🫣 neurodivergent parenting isn’t for the weak 🫣 sensory sensitivities, sibling fights, executive functioning challenges, rigidity around routines… it goes on and on. but i’m always trying to remember that just like how our kids are trying to develop skills… so are we as parents. yup their meltdowns might trigger my own nervous system into fight or flight mode. but i’m slowly retraining my brain to not panic and feed into their dysregulation. it’s HARD work, and can be compounded with travels, vacations, and special outings. but practice makes progress 🫶 you got this, mamas. if you’re new here, hi! 👋🏼 i’m susan, a mom of 3, sharing relatable mom moments & travel tips with neurodivergent, sensitive, anxious kids. 💖 hope you stick around! #honestmotherhood #motherhoodintheraw #parentingchallenges #neurodivergentparenting #consciousparenting #highlysensitivechild #sensorysensitive #dysregulation #nervoussystemregulation #momsmakeitmagical
it’s technically 3 properties… but they are: it’s technically 3 properties… but they are: ✨swan ✨dolphin ✨swan reserve these are marriott properties, which is GREAT if you have @marriottbonvoy and are part of their rewards program (that’s my husband!). you can use points to stay here—and that can be a huge savings. location is ON PAR with other disney deluxe hotels. these hotels are neighbors to yacht & beach club, as well as the boardwalk. this makes them an easy boat ride or leisurely walk away from both EPCOT and hollywood studios 🙌 location matters SO much if midday breaks to reduce sensory overload is important to you. and guess what? staying here also lets you participate in EXTENDED EVENING HOURS, which is a perk for disney deluxe hotel guests only. this is when certain parks have special hours for guests staying in these hotels… which means lower waits and less crowds, if your kids can handle staying up a little later 💖 so would you ever consider staying here? if you’ve stayed at any of these @marriotthotels before, would you do it again?? 🤔 #disneyworld #disneyhotels #disneyplanningtips #orlandohotels #disneywithkids #disneywithtoddlers #highlysensitivechild #sensoryoverload #middaybreak #disneyvacations #sensorysensitive #autismtravel #momsmakeitmagical
i’ll be honest. i’m a bit of a lightning lan i’ll be honest. i’m a bit of a lightning lane (& previously genie+) hater. i don’t love the price gouging and confusion that comes with the continuously changing prices… for something that used to be FREE. so you can see why i like to embrace a lot of activities & magic that ISNT always centered on rides. an added layer to this is having sensitive & risk-averse kiddos who might not be into the rides as much. some of my fave things to do that DON’T involve rides: ✨build a light saber (much cheaper at @disneysprings at once upon a toy!) ✨run around the hub grass at magic kingdom ✨play at the boneyard dig area at animal kingdom ✨meander the various trails at animal kingdom ✨explore every nook & cranny at the world showcase pavilions ✨participate in epcot scavenger hunts ✨rent surrey bikes to ride around the boardwalk ✨ride the monorail, skyliner, or boats for fun ✨play at the various playgrounds at the disney resorts ✨have beach time at select disney resorts ✨catch live music at @disneysprings are you all about the rides? or have you taken time to do other activities too? if you’re new here, i’m susan! 👋🏼 i’m a mom of 3, @disneyvacationclub member, out of state disney fan, family travel blogger, sharing tips and insights traveling with highly sensitive & anxious kids. if any of that resonates, i hope you stick around!! 🫶 #disneyworld #disneyattractions #disneyworldactivities #disneyitinerary #disneyplanning #disneytipsandtricks #disneywithkids #disneyblogger #highlysensitivechild #sensorysensitive #autismtravel #sensoryoverload #momsmakeitmagical
what are your favorite travel foods? kimbap (김밥) is so nostalgic for me as this was our go-to in my childhood for picnics, day trips, and road trips too. and i love being able to share this with my own children ✨ it can be a little labor intensive to make it the traditional way, but the nice thing about this is that it’s super easy to customize! omit the things you don’t like, or add things you’d eat instead. my version in the video: -seasoned rice (with sesame oil and salt) -seaweed -hot dogs (just used @hebrewnational_ franks!) -imitation crab -burdock root -yellow pickled radish -blanched spinach -carrots -egg you can also make this completely vegetarian. or sub the meat with tuna. i also love adding perilla leaves from my garden. 💖 i’d love to learn about your favorite travel snacks, maybe from your own cultures or traditions! have you ever tried kimbap?
what are some of your fave airports with kids? pi what are some of your fave airports with kids? pictured: evans terminal at DTW (detroit) airport other good ones— ✨minneapolis airport ✨ICN (seoul, south korea 🇰🇷) airport ✨palm beach airport (florida) share other ones below ⬇️⬇️ i’m a firm believer that having kids, even sensitive/anxious/neurodivergent kids, shouldn’t stop you from traveling. and creating spaces where kids can simply be kids, without judgment, can be so reassuring as a parent. follow @momsmakeitmagical for more family travel & disney tips with a highly sensitive child ✨✨ #highlysensitivechild #familytravel #anxiouschild #anxioustraveler #familytraveltips #airport✈️ #flyingwithkids #travelwithkidstips #autismtravel #neurodivergentparenting #momsmakeitmagical
the trauma 🫠 here’s another reminder that ju the trauma 🫠 here’s another reminder that just because your child is tall enough for ride doesn’t mean they will actually enjoy it. it has been 3 years since he rode it and he still refuses 🤪 follow @momsmakeitmagical for relatable mom moments, and tips & insights on travel to disney and beyond with a highly sensitive child #riseoftheresistance #disneyworld #disneyattractions #scaredstraight #disneywithkids #highlysensitivechild #autismtravel #sensoryoverload #disneytipsandtricks #disneyblogger #sensorysensitive #momsmakeitmagical
there’s very little that can’t be made better there’s very little that can’t be made better by a snack tray offering 😅 other ways to reset when the going gets tough with the kiddos: ✨a COLD glass of water ✨a walk outside ✨a silly dance party ✨a bath with favorite toys ✨an audiobook/toniebox keep these ideas in your toolbox whether you’re traveling with kids or just at home and you all just need a reset! 💖💖 follow @momsmakeitmagical for relatable mom content, travel tips with sensitive kids, and lots of disney love ✨ #resetbutton #selfregulation #consciousparenting #snacktray #kidsnacks #nervoussystemregulation #meltdowns #sensoryoverload #highlysensitivechild #sensorysensitive #disneyblogger #neurodivergentparenting #relatablemom #momsmakeitmagical
hakuna matata, no worries, if this is you too! if hakuna matata, no worries, if this is you too! if you’re new to the whole disney world thing, 60 days is the magic number when your booking window opens to make dining reservations and other enchanting extras (like bibbidi bobbidi boutique). BUT what happens if you forgot about the 60 days? or if you booked a trip less than 2 months out? it’s okay, your trip is NOT a wash. and here’s why: 1️⃣ there is plenty to eat without dining reservations. yep, i said it. we love to order groceries for our room and some of our fave eats are quick service OR have a walk-up option on the day of. 2️⃣ i don’t love having a ton of time sensitive commitments on my disney trip (or frankly ANY vacation) so while dining & enchanting extras can be great… it is exactly that in my book, an “extra”. too many makes the trip feel stressful and results in a lack of flexibility. 3️⃣ i’m cheap 💸💸🫣 disney is already an expensive trip between hotel, park tickets, travel costs, and purchasing lightning lanes (also totally optional!!). table service dining & enchanting extras are generally pretty expensive. so if i can cut costs somewhere, this is usually where i’ll do it. have you ever dropped the ball on your 60 day window? if you’re new here, hi!! i’m susan, a mom of 3, disney/family travel blogger, and i share tips & insights from the POV of a mom with a highly sensitive child. if that resonates, i hope you stick around! 🫶 #disneyworld #disneytipsandtricks #disneywithkids #disneywithtoddlers #disneyplanningtips #disneydining #autismtravel #highlysensitivechild #sensorysensitive #sensoryoverload #disneyblogger #momsmakeitmagical
happens every time 🫠😓 follow along @momsmak happens every time 🫠😓 follow along @momsmakeitmagical for more realistic & honest family travel insights especially with highly sensitive kids 💖 #travelwithkids #fluseasonsucks #highlysensitivechild #travelingmom #travelingfamily #familytraveltips #parentinghumor #momhumor #honestmotherhood #highlysensitivechild #sensorysensitive #autismtravel #momsmakeitmagical
is this you?? if you’ve been watching all the y is this you?? if you’ve been watching all the youtube ride pov videos, asking questions on disney facebook groups, and reading disney forums for answers… I WAS YOU. my own child’s sensitivities to loud noises, high thrills, villains, and darkness led me to doing extensive research for our own disney trips. …and i wished that there was a resource or SOMETHING to help parents like me. so i started creating ride reviews & ratings myself on my blog. and then i started making youtube videos talking through specific attraction details and what to consider and look out for. this is a FREE resource for you. no signups, gimmicks, no catch. learn from our own mistakes, lived experiences, and my anxiety-driven attention to detail ✨✨ comment BLOG for a link to the blog, or comment YOUTUBE for a link to my youtube channel 💖 if you’re new, i’m susan! i’m a mom of 3, a @disneyvacationclub member, an out-of-state disney fan who goes to wdw about once a year. i share tips & insights on doing disney and family travel with a highly sensitive child! hope you stick around 🫰🫰 #disneyworld #ig_wdw #disneywithkids #disneymom #disneyattractions #disneyblogger #disneytipsandtricks #familytravelblogger #highlysensitivechild #anxiouschild #anxiousmom #autismtravel #neurodivergenttraveler #sensoryoverload #meltdowns #dysregulation #sensorysensitive #momsmakeitmagical
practice makes progress… you’ll figure out wh practice makes progress… you’ll figure out what works and what doesn’t. you’ll find the natural flows of doing travel with your family. it’ll feel scary and overwhelming at first.. but then you do it. and it feels doable. and even when things go wrong, you know you’ll be able to figure it out. and even for our kids, they get a chance to practice too. the more you avoid a hard thing, the bigger and harder it seems. but our kids will learn that taking steps, practicing “how to travel”, will make it feel more doable. and they’ll be better off for it! follow @momsmakeitmagical for more parenting, family travel, and disney tips and insights with a highly sensitive child ✨✨✨ #practicemakesprogress #parentingwins #highlysensitivechild #sensorysensitive #swimlessons #familytravelblogger #familytraveltips #travelwithkidstips #anxiouskids #anxiousmom #dontavoidthehard #resilience #consciousparenting #momsmakeitmagical
why? lets talk about this, parents. forcing a sca why? lets talk about this, parents. forcing a scared or overwhelmed child onto an attraction isn’t building bravery—it’s breaking trust. it can lead to meltdowns, anxiety, and a rough day for everyone. IT IS NOT WORTH IT. caveat: there’s a big difference between giving a gentle nudge of encouragement vs. pushing past visible distress. the hardest part? learning to tell the difference. ✨ it takes patience, empathy, and really tuning into your child’s cues. when we respect our kids’ autonomy, we empower them to feel safe and supported. and honestly? that’s the kind of magic they’ll remember. 💕 have you ever had to pause and pivot with your kids? let’s talk about it below! follow @momsmakeitmagical for more on doing disney & family travel with a highly sensitive child 💖 #disneyworld #themeparkattractions #bodilyautonomy #consciousparenting #highlysensitivechild #neurodivergentparenting #meltdowns #sensoryoverload #anxiouschild #autismtravel #disneywithkids #disneywithtoddlers #disneytipsandtricks #familyvacationtips #familytraveltips #sensorysensitive #momsmakeitmagical
here are some examples ⬇️ board games— -col here are some examples ⬇️ board games— -color brain, disney edition -eye found it, disney edition -it’s a small world books— -disney jr. character encyclopedia (can double as an autograph book!) -any 5-minute stories series -any disney little golden books tv shows— -mickey mouse clubhouse (NOT funhouse) -the lion guard movie CLIPS— -elsa singing “let it go” from frozen -timon and pumba singing “hakuna matata” from lion king -mirabel singing “the family madrigal” from encanto we can’t be the only ones where our kids were scared of disney movies? 🤔 let me know what helped YOU ⬇️ if you’re new here, i’m susan! i blog about disney & family travel with highly sensitive kids. i’m not a TA, but just a mom sharing my real & honest experiences so that hopefully YOU feel encouraged and supported to start traveling and exploring with your kids 💖 #disneyworld #disneywithkids #highlysensitivechild #highlysensitiveperson #sensorysensitive #autismtravel #sensoryoverload #disneymovies #scaredofmovies #overstimulation #disneygames #disneybooks #disneyblogger #meltdowns #momsmakeitmagical
what are some expectations that you’ve had to ad what are some expectations that you’ve had to adjust or let go of while on vacation, whether it’s to disney world or elsewhere? #disneyworld #disneyblogger #familytravelblogger #familytraveltips #disneywithkids #disneytipsandtricks #highlysensitivechild #adjustyourexpectations #consciousparenting #familyvacationtips #sensorysensitive #sensoryoverload #meltdowns #autismtravel #neurodivergentparenting #momsmakeitmagical
this is what jet lag, the polar vortex, and all 3 this is what jet lag, the polar vortex, and all 3 kids being sick with a traveling husband does to you 🫠🥴 share this if it’s relatable ✨✨ and remember, screens are a tool. 👍 #screentime #screentimeforkids #survivalmode #momlifebelike #honestmotherhood #parentingmemes #neurodivergentparenting #everythinginmoderation #screensareatool #momsmakeitmagical
more deets ⬇️ this was me packing for our tri more deets ⬇️ this was me packing for our trip to the philippines last month! in our current house, we have a guest room where it becomes my “dumping ground” gathering the things i need to pack for our trip. but in our old house, i would just have a designated corner in our bedroom to start piling things up. THIS helps me more than a list because physically finding and putting something aside to pack makes the actually putting-into-luggage-bags process so much easier for me. does it look like a disaster zone beforehand? YUP. but does it help me minimize forgetting things that we need?? 💯💯💯 note: i do use lists for things that cannot be packed until the morning of 📋 what’s your packing style?? let me know ⬇️⬇️ follow along @momsmakeitmagical for disney & family travel tips as a mom of 3 (esp with highly sensitive kids)✨✨ #packingtips #packinghacks #momtraveler #travelingmom #momtipsandtricks #packingwithkids #packwithme #highlysensitivechild #momsmakeitmagical
friendly PSA: for parents of both neurotypical & friendly PSA: for parents of both neurotypical & neurodivergent kids—sometimes OUR definition of “fun” or what we think or HOPE the kids will enjoy isn’t always the case. let go of that power battle to “force the fun” 🥴 i invite you to follow your child’s lead, with a lens of curiosity, to see what piques their interest. see what bring them unexpected joy. and let them linger there! don’t rush to the next thing. i promise this little mindset shift helps so much for ANY family vacation or outing. this is especially true if you have a sensitive, slow-to-warm-up, anxious, or neurodivergent child 💖💖 be sure to follow @momsmakeitmagical for more tips & insights on doing disney, family travel/outings with highly sensitive children ✨✨ #disneyworld #familytravelblogger #disneyblogger #highlysensitivechild #consciousparenting #autismtravel #familytraveltips #travelwithkidstips #mindsetshifts #momssupportingmoms #momsmakeitmagical
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