In the unlikely event your special needs family member gets separated from you, you may want to consider putting your contact information on a laminated business card in their pocket. While we haven’t used them ourselves, we recently found a website, www.tottoos.org that for a fee will make temporary tattoos that read “If I am lost, please call [your cell phone number here]”. This is an excellent idea especially if your special needs family member has limited communication, is a runner, or even for very young children.

Dress alike (same colored shirt, same type of hat, etc).  It makes it much easier to find a family member in a crowd and your pictures turn out great.

Don’t sit or stand on the stairs in order to watch a parade or wait while others in your family are on rides. You will be told to move.

At Walt Disney World, if you are riding the Monorail, you can use the handicapped entrance/car. This is very helpful when there is a large crowd waiting to get on the Monorail and your child has issues being in noisy crowded areas.

You can get maps and shows schedules for every Disney park at any of the park's Guest Relations, even the Guest Relations in Downtown Disney.

Something you may not be aware of: You can ride a covered boat from Hollywood Studios to Epcot or vice versa. It takes about 30-45 minutes to get from one park to the other. It is a relaxing ride that our son really enjoys, especially if he sits outside in the back of the boat. There are several resort stops along the way, including the Swan and Dolphin hotels and the Boardwalk, were you can get off the boat and do some shopping and eating. To get on the boat at Epcot, go down the path to the right before you cross the bridge from United Kingdom into France. To get on the boat at Hollywood Studios, do not enter the park; walk toward the water in front of the park and the boat launch will be on the left (if the park entrance is at your back). There is also a walkway between these two parks if you don't want to ride the boat or bus.

You can also ride a free boat taxi between Universal Orlando Resort and the three hotels located on Universal's property.

If you are staying on Disney property and can afford it, stay along the Monorail.  It is much easier to get to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot.  Walt Disney World does have bus service to all the parks and attractions including Downtown Disney, the water parks and all the Walt Disney World resorts. If a bus or boat or monorail is just too much sensory input or too long a ride to get to the parks for your special needs family member, you can always drive your own car or even take a taxi.  Parking is free for those who stay on Disney property.

Staying on Disney property and Universal property also enables you to get into the parks early or stay late at select days and times at different parks. The parks are generally not as crowded at these times (but are more crowded during the regular park hours) and it can be less stressful for your special needs family member. However, if your family just doesn't do mornings or is in bed by 9 pm every night, don't veer too far from your normal sleep routine. You may have some cranky family members which could escalate into inappropriate behaviors and meltdowns. And it's not just the kids in the group who this applies to.

If you are unsure whether your special needs family member will like a ride, parade or show, many people have posted videos of the rides, shows or parades on YouTube.  Another idea is one of your party members go on the ride, watch the show or parade first by themselves and tell you if they think the special needs family member would enjoy it. Then you can make a truly informed decision.

What if Dad and Mom both want to ride Rockin' Rollercoaster or The Incredible Hulk, but the kids can't? You can use the "child swap" feature at most rides.  As everyone goes through the line, inform the ride attendant/cast member you want to child swap. The line attendant will give you a child swap card to present to the ride attendant. At the point where you get on the ride, the first adult rides the ride, while the second adult waits with the child(ren).  After the first adult finishes the ride, the second adult gets on the ride (without having to wait in line again) and the first adult waits with the child(ren). 

Tip from Kathleen:  Remember that most hotel rooms have blackout shades and/or drapes. Great for adults who don't want to be awakened by the sunrise but potentially scary for kids who are afraid of the dark. Remember to pack a night light!

Tip from Sally: Earplugs are helpful for our son...He will now ask for them when he needs them, mostly just for rides, but sometimes when walking in crowds also. We always take a box of them with us because they can be dropped or lost. However, the first aid station has them also.