Why You Should Read This

There are uncountable numbers of guides out there that give different perspectives on a trip to Disneyland Paris, and just as many opinions on how to do Disney “right.” Well, fortunately – or unfortunately – there is no “right” way to do most things, and Disneyland Paris is the same. There are, however, some things we can do to prepare, both physically and mentally, to give ourselves the best chance of doing Disneyland well.

Like all of the other guides out there, this guide is ultimately one more perspective on taking a trip to Disneyland Paris, though one that takes into consideration the different needs of neurodivergent individuals.

Disneyland may call itself the happiest place on earth, but it isn’t as easy for some of us to access that happiness. My hope in writing this is that it will allow you to anticipate some of the challenges you or your loved ones may face in a trip to Disneyland and to feel more confident in your ability to provide a fun and exciting time while at the Parks.

If you read this guide and think that the information or perspective won’t work for you and your family, then the best thing you can do is ignore it! You are the best expert on you, so take this advice and use of it what you will!

It is also true that much of this information is available elsewhere. In writing this I am not going to provide any world-shattering advice (sorry!), or to reveal the secrets of the perfect Disneyland trip (though if you happen to know these, let me know!). Instead, this guide will gather together many different aspects of a Disneyland trip in one place, knowing that each trip to Disneyland may not involve every factor we talk about here. Think of this guide as ‘helpful tips and knowledge for the neurodivergent person or family.’ A buffet of knowledge, if you will, that you can choose the best options for you and leave the rest behind.

 

It should be noted, though, that there is no entry examination to be able to read this guide. No one needs to “prove” their neurodiversity to be able to benefit from the planning within. In fact, there is a very good chance that someone who is non-neurodiverse (ok, that is a mouthful) will get their hands on this and decide to read it. And what do I say to you, hypothetical non-neurodiverse reader? I say welcome! I am confident that you can also learn from this guide. About Disneyland Paris, and also perhaps about the experiences and invisible challenges faced by the neurodiverse person, many of which may not look like challenges for those who are not among their ranks.

  • If you would rather have this information in a PDF, I’ve included that version here for you to use.