On our recent trip to Walt Disney World the first stop we made upon entering the Magic Kingdom park was guest services to request the Guest Assistance card for Cody. It basically offers us the opportunity to avoid long lines and use an alternate entrance or sometimes the fast pass entrance. It’s a true benefit that I don’t take for granted. Cody has a tough time in long lines, which means the entire family has a tough time, so I’m grateful for this option when we visit the Happiest Place on Earth.
When we arrived at the airport after our vacation came to a close, the first thing I noticed was the long line to get through security. With the Guest Assistance card still on my brain, I figured it couldn’t hurt to ask if TSA offered an accommodation to those with special needs. I approached the first agent that I saw and politely explained that long lines are a challenge for my son and wondered if there was another option. The very kind agent pointed me to the wheelchair line where she said the wait would be much shorter, if at all. She explained that if the agent there asks, to tell them that she sent me over and if needed, repeat my concerns for Cody. We went through the line, all four of us, in less than five minutes, no questions asked. I need to emphasize that this may have just been luck or it may, in fact, be a policy with TSA, but I would encourage anyone who has someone in their travel party with special needs(especially those who struggle with lines) to at least ask, very politely, upon arriving at the airport. I even made a point of tweeting how grateful I was to the Orlando airport TSA agent who had been so helpful and accommodating to our family.
Another suggestion that I think is very important is to not feel intimidated when you get to the screening area. While Cody is as tall as an adult and doesn’t necessarily look like he has special needs, his autism definitely affects his ability to understand and follow directions at times. It’s important that I be his voice and express to the agent that while he may seem non-compliant, it’s not the case, it’s just that he doesn’t exactly comprehend what’s being asked of him. When I did that the agent actually offered for me to stand next to her and help with giving him directions – what a relief, seriously. Something else that is key for us is to be sure he is flanked by myself and his Dad so there’s someone on either side of the screening machine to guide him. I realize we can’t all have the benefit of two adults when traveling with our special needs kids, but mostly I want everyone who does travel with them to know that TSA is(at least in my experience) very understanding and accommodating.
It’s so nice to hear a *good* TSA story these days! And kudos to Disney for making everything easier, too.
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I’m so glad I could share a good story. I hear too often of the not-so-good ones and often get worried as I approach the checkpoints when I travel for fear of something awful happening me or a passenger near me, but I’m so grateful that hasn’t been the case. And yes, I love Disney for offering the Guest Assistance card!
What a great idea! I’ll definitely try that. Since out special needs son is just 4 years old, it’s taken me awhile to get up the courage to ask for special accommodation. But when I do, it seems like people are only too happy to help! Two more examples:
1)calling the airline ahead of an international flight to request special assistance on either end (we basically had a personal valet to walk us through customs and security!), and also–
2)telling the girl at the movie box office that our SN son might not settle down for the movie, so could we please give it a try and pay her *after* the movie if it all went well. The answer? Of course!
Asking for help goes a long way. Thank you for your blog!
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Thank you so much for the comment, Antonia, and for the added suggestions. Anything to make things just a little smoother is so helpful!
It’s important that I be his voice and express to the agent that while he may seem non-compliant, it’s not the case, it’s just that he doesn’t exactly comprehend what’s being asked of him. When I did that the agent actually offered for me to stand next to her and help with giving him directions – what a relief, seriously. Something else that is key for us is to be sure he is flanked by myself and his Dad so there’s someone on either side of the screening machine to guide him.
This looks like a good game to take for our upcoming road trips. We will be visiting my mother and that would be a 5 hour drive. Although my kids are not very young anymore, teens and preteens can get pretty bored too. Shut the Box would definitely keep them entertained.BarcelonaShortStay
This looks like a good game to take for our upcoming road trips. We will be visiting my mother and that would be a 5 hour drive. Although my kids are not very young anymore, teens and preteens can get pretty bored too. Shut the Box would definitely keep them entertained.
This looks like a good game to take for our upcoming road trips. We will be visiting my mother and that would be a 5 hour drive. Although my kids are not very young anymore, teens and preteens can get pretty bored too. Shut the Box would definitely keep them entertained.
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We were in Orlando just last week because my husband had a conference to go to. The craziest part of our visit was the afternoon thunder, lightning and rain storms. You could literally take a bottle of shampoo outside and wash your hair, it rained that much. Apparently it is the start of hurricane season in Florida! Nevertheless, it was beautiful, nice to get a little heat. We didn’t do Disney but we did hit Universal Studios — the side with the newest Harry Potter area and wow, it was very cool — even to a bunch adults. We did Disney/Universal and a Disney Cruise when our kids were younger but would love to do it again now that they are adults! Disney/Universal never get old!!!manta ray night snorkel
You could literally take a bottle of shampoo outside and wash your hair, it rained that much. Apparently it is the start of hurricane season in Florida! Nevertheless, it was beautiful, nice to get a little heat. We didn’t do Disney but we did hit Universal Studios — the side with the newest Harry Potter area and wow, it was very cool — even to a bunch adults. We did Disney/Universal and a Disney Cruise when our kids were younger but would love to do it again now that they are adults! Disney/Universal never get old!!!
These are great ideas and easily translate to autumn in a beautiful location like the Isle of Wight With a rich farming and smallholding heritage harvest brings the very best of produce in abundance. I love being minutes from the sea then strolling over to a farmer laden with apples ‘taters’ (potatoes) kale and chard, onions, and eggs! Bucolic bliss!Amalfi
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I always enjoy these posts, Nancy. Not sure if I’ll ever make it to Namibia but I feel lucky to have shared your adventures via the blog! So much to see and wonder about – the animals, the rivers, and the wonderful people who welcomed you. Thank you for sharing with us.
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Hello, Travel is the best hobby for many people all over the world. I think it is the best way to create positivity in life. Many people travel all over the world as soon as possible. I also want to travel alone. The places that you mention in the article to travel alone is best places all over the world. I really need this information.
Hello, These are great ideas and easily translate to autumn in a beautiful location like the Isle of Wight With a rich farming and smallholding heritage harvest brings the very best of produce in abundance. I love being minutes from the sea then strolling over to a farmer laden with apples ‘taters’ (potatoes) kale and chard, onions, and eggs! Bucolic bliss!general store
Due to where I live, Alaska Airlines is the airline to go with and if you travel on it enough, the mileage rewards are terrific all the time. Many of the airlines you recommend do not fly up in Alaska.USA Traveler
Hello, I have found that sealing my bowls with the Clear acrylic sealer I get at the local building supply store really helps to stiffen the all-purpose rope bowls I make. They end up pretty rigid, so they are functional as well as decorative, and the sealer protects the surface from stains. I’m not sure if this would be an issue with your dyed cord – do you rinse the cord or wash out after the dye has set? If not, there could be bleeding issues with the sealer.
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Yes! Although am I the only one who gets so darn swollen on a plane that I have to wear my loosest shoes and pants? Even with travel socks my feet swell and I gain about two inches round my middle. So gross. I’m actually thinking in future I might just wear wrap dresses instead cause I end up majorly uncomfy normally.
I have always wanted to do this but I’m worried about the paint cracking when we travel. We have wrinkling in the corners Ton our original wallpaper from the walls flexing during travel. Is that NOT a problem with the paint?DC party rental
Yes! Although am I the only one who gets so darn swollen on a plane that I have to wear my loosest shoes and pants? Even with travel socks my feet swell and I gain about two inches round my middle. So gross. I’m actually thinking in future I might just wear wrap dresses instead cause I end up majorly uncomfy normallyfree software club
Great tips but the funny thing here is, my kids are great travelers. I am NOT. I’m the one that needs all of the toys to keep me occupied so I can ignore all of the crazy traffic!Omio Coupons
Hello, Travel is the best hobby for many people all over the world. I think it is the best way to create positivity in life. Many people travel all over the world as soon as possible. I also want to travel alone. The places that you mention in the article to travel alone is best places all over the world. Visit (whitelightsky.comsite for more information.
Hello, Travel is the best hobby for many people all over the world. I think it is the best way to create positivity in life. Many people travel all over the world as soon as possible. I also want to travel alone. The places that you mention in the article to travel alone is best places all over the world. Visit whitelightsky.comsite for more information.
Hello, Travel is the best hobby for many people all over the world. I think it is the best way to create positivity in life. Many people travel all over the world as soon as possible. I also want to travel alone. The places that you mention in the article to travel alone is best places all over the world. Visit whitelightsky.com site for more information.
Beautiful Article. You know Albania has a lot of castles too as a part of its cultural heritage. One of the most distinguished is the one in Porto Palermo. Porto Palermo is a small but beautiful bay, where the water is so clear it looks like the boats are floating.visa to China
I really impressed after read this because of some quality work and informative thoughts. I just wanna say thanks for the writer and wish you all the best for coming
I’ve been lurking here for quite awhile … funny the topic that gets me to comment is about traveling and eating. My husband and I joke about food and travel, “I’m just here for the food.” Do you know that line from the movie “Ever After?” Our favorite memories of trips are the meals eaten.
Hello, Beautiful Article. You know Albania has a lot of castles too as a part of its cultural heritage. One of the most distinguished is the one in Porto Palermo.https://www.facebook.com/sakuramotorbikerental/ Porto Palermo is a small but beautiful bay, where the water is so clear it looks like the boats are floating.
I’ve been lurking here for quite awhile … funny the topic that gets me to comment is about traveling and eating. My husband and I joke about food and travel, “I’m just here for the food.” Do you know that line from the movie “Ever After?” Our favorite memories of trips are the meals eaten.jeftine avio karte
I can’t wait to get the train tape. I’m just waiting for bub to get a little bit older so she has a longer attention span so I’m not wasting rolls of the stuff for 5 minutes of playing.Private Desert Safari Dubai
This is a very important information! Thank you for this article, it’s very useful in trips.
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Another possibility? Find a side hustle you can use to finance your travels. My husband and I are musicians (classic rock/country) who play at small- to mid-size venues throughout Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. This has enabled us to visit a lot of places we might not have been able to under normal circumstances, plus makes routine travel expenses such as mileage, lodging, and meals tax-deductible!from Toronto to Niagara Falls
SO glad that I found this post, as the husband and I are travelling to San Diego for a week in May! Our favorite part of travelling is finding off-the-beaten-path places to eat, and he takes pride in ALWAYS finding the best obscure places. We are from Nashville, and I’d have to say that one of the best places I’ve eaten there is Cabana, on 21st Avenue in Hillsboro Village (not too far from the Bound’ry). Also great is Bricktops on West End for their flatbreads, and Piranha’s for sandwiches downtown.Orlando Vacation Packages
Filippis. That is where my mom and date dated over 50 years ago and that is where my husband proposed to me…Fond memories ?Orlando Vacation Packages
Filippis. That is where my mom and date dated over 50 years ago and that is where my husband proposed to me…Fond memories ?Travel
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