When it comes to Walt Disney World Parks, I have found that the most talked about or “popular” rides may be filled with thrills and excitement, but for children with sensory sensitivities, they can often feel like a whirlwind of chaos.

As a parent of a child who experiences the world a little differently, I’ve learned that the real magic lies not in the Avatar Flight of Passages or Star Wars Rise of the Resistances, but better yet in the gentle adventures that embrace my child’s unique needs.  Join me as I talk about some of the rides that I have found work and showcase the magic for my sensory sensitive little one over the years.  But first let me introduce myself.

Hi, I’m Brittany, a Disney loving, travel agent mom to a neurodivergent pre-teen daughter whose home away from home has always been Walt Disney World.  Since our very first visit to Disney I just knew we would have to take on this magical world a tad differently then other families, due to my daughters sensory sensitives that include but are not limited to her inability to tolerate loud noises or dark spaces and the fact she becomes extremely overstimulated in moderate to large crowds.  While over the years she has outgrown many of her sensitivities one thing remains: Walt Disney World looks very different for us.  Listed below I’ve compiled a few of our favorite go to rides over the years…

Magic Kingdom

1. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: A nostalgic ride through the hundred acre woods.  Both the standby lane and lightning lane are full of interactive decor to keep any little ones hands, mind and feet moving.
2. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: An interactive ride shooting targets to save the galaxy. While this ride is full of bright lights and colors it’s sure to keep you on your toes and locked in.
3. Peter Pan’s Flight: A flying adventure over scenes from the original Peter Pan movie. 
4. Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid: Go underwater in a moving seashell through scenes from the original Little Mermaid. 
5. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover: A relaxing, behind the scenes ride through some of Tomorrowland’s attractions.  This ride is constantly moving which helps lines to stay under control, it’s relaxing, smooth and a total nostalgic gem.

Epcot

1. Living with the Land: A relaxing boat ride exploring history, agriculture and the ecosystem. Totally educational with a twist of Disney.
2. Nemo & Friends SeaRider: Ride through the underwater world of Finding Nemo in a seashell.  The best part about this ride is when you exit your seashell you enter into a real live aquarium great for any age to explore different underwater animals, learn and cool off. Not to mention some great photo opportunities.
3. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure: Enter into the world of Gusteau’s restaurant from the movie Ratatouille. Gain a new perspective as you ride around in a ratmobile with Remy in this 4D adventure.

Hollywood Studios

1. Mickey & Minnies Runaway Railway: A whimsical ride through a cartoon adventure alongside Mickey, Minnie & friends.
2. A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration: Melt & laugh in your seat at this hilarious presentation of For the first time in forever.  
3. Toy Story Mania!: 4D interactive shooting gallery featuring Toy Story Characters. Become a toy in the standby and lightening lanes where everything around you from crayons to uno cards are larger than life, colorful and sure to keep any child locked in.

Animal Kingdom (Last but not least, this is our FAVORITE Walt Disney World Park!)

1. Na’vi River journey: Take a boat ride through the bioluminescent world of Pandora. Warning this ride is dark, but we have found it to be very calming and relaxing with the sound of the water, music and animal sounds constantly playing.
2. Kilimanjaro Safaris: Go on a real life African safari tour and see all the wildlife Animal kingdom has to offer.  
3. Rafiki’s Planet Watch: Take the Wildlife Express Train to conservation station & a real life petting zoo. Great for children of any age!

Did you find this information helpful? Make sure to share it with friends and family and follow for more.  And remember, I’m just a message away. Let’s discuss your Disney plans and make them a reality – reach out here today!

By Brittany Schultz