Magical Trip Planner (for Families with Special Kids)

Magical Trip Planner provides expert planning for families with disabilities or special needs.

Hi, my name is Mona Lane and I am the owner and manager of Magical Trip Planner. I've been a Registered Nurse for 27 years. My husband and I cared for and adopted special needs children. We now have 2 grown children and 4 adopted children and 4 grandchildren. We love to travel as a family, but with our size and many unique needs this was often difficult. Traveling with special needs children offers many challenges. I can share my planning expertise and tips to make traveling with any type of disability a memorable and enjoyable vacation.

The most important thing to remember on your vacation is PLANNING! Everyone needs to get away once in awhile and a little planning and preparation can reduce stress and avoid problems. Planning ahead will avoid most of the common obstacles of traveling with special needs. If your travel dates are flexible, visit your destination during none peak times. This will reduce cost, crowds and wait times. It is important to maintain a schedule even if it is little different than home. Disney and most other theme parks offer accommodations as needed for each person’s individual situation. I can give you particular advice on your unique situation. Pre-arranging equipment needs will also help your vacation go more smoothly.

Always be FLEXIBLE and have a sense of humor. Every child reacts differently to the sights, sounds and smells of a new place. Make your plans with frequent breaks and rest periods. If someone in your group is tired and cranky or overloaded, no one will have a good time.

Be PREPARED with comfort items from home. Bring headphones, sunglasses, blanket or hoodie for children with sensory issues. Bring snacks and small toys that can be used to satisfy restlessness while waiting. I make a picture itinerary for our children so they can see each day what activities are planned.

ADVOCATE for your child and your family. During your travels you're likely to run into individuals who don't know what to do or how to react to an individual with special needs. As diplomatically as you can, let people know what you need and expect them to make accommodations for your child's special needs. Most people will be more than happy to help. If you are offered a room or seating accommodations that just won't work, politely decline and explain again what you need and why.

Plan a day of REST (or maybe 2!) Even the most experienced travelers need some quiet time before during and after their travel! Expect both your kids and your own body to need some down time when you arrive at your destination and again when you arrive home. Take a BREAK everyday from your activities. It is amazing how much a short nap will refresh your whole family.

ENJOY the small and unexpected moments. Making memories with your family is what it is really all about. Offering your child new experiences and seeing things from their perspective is a great opportunity for the family to bond.

Don't expect perfection. Traveling, like everything else, is an acquired skill. If you're first trip doesn't turn out perfectly, don't give up! Sit down (after you've rested) and analyze your vacation. How could you have prepared differently or more effectively? Which things worked well and which ones didn’t.

We love Disney Destinations! We travel several times a year with our special needs children. We have stayed at all resort levels and in all seasons. We can use our expertise and knowledge to work for you.

We can book special discounts...and we watch for rate reductions and apply the savings for you!

• All information is confidential and never shared
• Concierge Style Service at no extra cost
• A Personal Planner who will assist you with details
• Complimentary Service for your dining arrangements
• We can save you time and money

If you have someone in your group with special dietary needs, limited mobility or medical issues, you have come to the right place. Maybe you've always dreamed of a family vacation or a cruise but were afraid your special situation could not be accommodated.....

No matter what your needs are, we can show you how to enjoy a dream vacation!

Mona Lane Vacation Specialist

Graduate College of Disney Knowledge

Special Needs Planning

www.magicaltripplanner.com 832-752-1033