Autism-Friendly Florida Travel Day | UK Family, Virgin Atlantic & Animal Kingdom

Travelling from the UK to Walt Disney World with kids can feel overwhelming — especially for autistic or neurodiverse families. In this vlog, join us for Day 1 of our Walt Disney World December 2025 series, as we share our Florida travel day from the UK, showing how our neurodiverse, autism-friendly family navigates flights, airports, and arrival at the resort.

This video is helpful for:
• UK families travelling to Walt Disney World
• Parents flying long-haul with children
• Families visiting Florida for the first time
• Autistic and neurodiverse families planning Disney trips

I’m Sam — a UK Disney content creator, mum, and lifelong Disney superfan with over 30 years of Disney experience. On this trip, I’m travelling with two neurodivergent children (autism & ADHD), alongside my sister and parents, sharing honest, real-life Disney experiences and practical tips for families.

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✈️ UK TO ORLANDO TRAVEL DAY (STEP-BY-STEP)

We start our Disney holiday with a full UK travel day, including:
• Pre-travel night at Premier Inn Bath Road (Heathrow)
• Heathrow No1 Lounge review (food, cinema room & accessibility)
• Flying Virgin Atlantic Economy Delight direct to Orlando (MCO)
• A special moment as my daughter becomes an honorary travel stewardess
• In-flight entertainment, meals, snacks & kids packs
• Mobile Passport Control (MPC) explained for UK travellers

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🏨 DISNEY’S CARIBBEAN BEACH RESORT (ARRIVAL NIGHT)

After arriving in Florida, we head to:
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (Jamaica Building – Room 4461*)
(Room number incorrectly stated in the video — oops!)
• Full 5th sleeper room tour and bathroom walkthrough
• Dinner from Old Port Royale quick service (Disney pizza night!)

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🐘 DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM – CHRISTMAS DAY

We spend Christmas Day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, sharing:
• Disney resort bus transport
• Festive Christmas decorations
• Disability stroller tagging at Guest Services
• Honest discussion about overstimulation, transitions & sensory challenges
• Tusker House character breakfast with Mickey, Goofy, Donald & Daisy
• Zootopia: Better Together at the Tree of Life
• The world’s largest Mickey cinnamon roll at Starbucks
• Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
• Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond musical
• Chip & Dale in dinosaur costumes
• Kevin from UP character spotting
• Autism-friendly reflections and learnings from the day

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🎨 BONUS DISNEY RESORT VISIT

We also explore Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, including:
• Finding Nemo and Cars (Radiator Springs) sections
• Quick-service snacks on the Disney Dining Plan
• Finding Nemo cheesecake & Little Mermaid cupcake

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🧩 NEURODIVERSE DISNEY PLANNING TOOLS

I share how my downloadable, printable Disney planner for neurodiverse kids helped reduce overwhelm for my children on this trip.

✨ Available via my Etsy shop (linked below), including:
• Walt Disney World planners for neurodiverse families
• Disney Cruise planners
• Golden Statue scavenger hunt printable

🔗 Etsy shop: https://neversayneverland.etsy.com

🔗 Disney World Planner for Neurodiverse Families
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/19022...

🔗 Disney Cruise Planner for Neurodiverse Families
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/43081...

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🔗 USEFUL LINKS MENTIONED

🎥 Applying for Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS)
   • Disney DAS Pass Explained (UK Guide) | How...  

✈️ Virgin Atlantic Special Assistance
https://flywith.virginatlantic.com/gb...

🛂 Mobile Passport Control (MPC) information
https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizen...

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📸 Follow us on Instagram:
@neversayneverland_adventures
Daily autism-friendly Disney tips, UK travel advice & behind-the-scenes moments