Published about 9 hours ago • 6 min read • Newsletters
June Travel News
Summer has officially arrived, and the travel world is buzzing! From brand-new experiences at Walt Disney World to exciting Adventures by Disney itineraries and a very special group cruise announcement, there is so much to share this month.
As a travel professional dedicated to neuro-inclusive travel, I know that true vacation magic happens when everyone in the family feels safe, regulated, and supported. I provide the essential tools, custom sensory guides, DAS support, and strategic planning needed to make your next getaway smooth, predictable, and deeply magical. Best of all? My planning services are 100% free to you. You get the exact same online pricing, plus my neuro-inclusive expertise, and exclusive onboard credits, at absolutely no additional cost to you!
Now, let's talk travel TSA & Airport Ease: The Sunflower Lanyard & TSA Cares The airport doesn't have to be a trigger point. Two incredible, free programs can completely transform your airport experience:
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard: This globally recognized lanyard discreetly signals to airport staff that your child has an invisible disability and may need a bit more time, clearer instructions, or extra patience. You can request one for free at most major airport information desks or order one online ahead of time.
TSA Cares: In the USA, this is a dedicated helpline (1-855-787-2227) that you should call at least72 hours before flying. You can request a Passenger Support Specialist to meet your family at the airport, guide you through an alternate security screening process, and keep your family unit together without the chaotic rush.
Sneak Peek into my next adventure: Exploring the Last Frontier I am incredibly excited to share that I am heading to Alaska for two journeys, combining a spectacular 7-day family cruise on the Disney Wonder and in the same month a 14-day expedition with National Geographic Expeditions. One of my primary missions on this journey is to deep-dive into the National Geographic Global Classrooms / Explorers-in-Training program. This hands-on, field-based learning style is structured in a highly engaging, visual, and tactile way that our neurodivergent children absolutely thrive on. I can't wait to bring back firsthand strategies on how to turn an Alaskan vacation into the ultimate, sensory-friendly natural classroom.
Photo credit National Geographics (used with permission)
🎡 Walt Disney World — Summer Magic & Fall Planning Cool KIDS' Summer is officially underway, bringing new entertainment and experiences for families this season. Several major updates have also recently opened:
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – back on the tracks and ready to roll!
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin – updated and ready for you to lock in your high score.
Bluey's Wild World at Conservation Station – a sensory-friendly, must-do character experience for little ones.
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets – a fun, hilarious new twist on a classic coaster.
Soarin' Across America – a stunning airborne tribute celebrating America's 250th anniversary.
🎡 Disneyland & CA Adventure — Summer Magic & Fall Planning
Bluey's Best Day Ever! Is live and a must see!
Huge Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Updates
New Characters:Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Darth Vader
The Mandalorian & Grogu Mission: A brand-new storyline just debuted on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run featuring Mando and Grogu.
Free Youngling Saber Expo: For children ages 3 to 9, Savi’s Workshop is hosting a complimentary, hands-on Loth-Cat Crew experience to learn the ancient art of lightsaber building.
Nighttime Spectaculars Are Running Every Night
The iconic Paint the Night Electrical Parade is back, lighting up the Disneyland parade route.
Wondrous Journeys Fireworks and the Tapestry of Happiness projection show bring Main Street and it's a small world to life.
World of Color – Happiness! is anchoring the night over at Disney California Adventure.
The $50 Kids' Summer Ticket Offer: From now through September 7, 2026, children ages 3 to 9 can get a 1-Day Park Hopper ticket for just $50 (with 2-day and 3-day discounted options also available).
Disneyland Hotel Savings: Families looking to stay in the magic can save up to 15% on select Sunday through Thursday night stays at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort through September 7th.
Hotel Pool Parties & Perks: All three resort hotels are hosting high-energy summer pool parties with games, music, and surprise character pop-ins. Pixar Place has also launched Dug's Dance Party on the rooftop lawn.
⚓ Disney Cruise Line & Cruise Specialist Perks
Last Chance Window: Save 50% off the 3rd, 4th, and 5th guests on select sailings! This offer ends June 14!
Disney Treasure: Save up to 25% this summer on select sailings aboard Disney’s masterpiece.
🌟 Exclusive Booking Bonus: When you book any Disney Cruise Line vacation through me, I provide up to $1,000 exclusive onboard credit the agency I work with Fairytale Journeys Travel - a platinum level Earmarked by Disney agency is also offering $100 to the first 40 who book with us to spend on merchandise, spa treatments, or shore excursions as a thank-you for trusting me with your family's core memories. Universal Orlando & Luxury Sailings
Universal Orlando Resort: Summer packages currently include FREE dining cards worth up to $1,000 when bundling select hotel and park tickets. Halloween Horror Nights tickets are also live so let’s lock those in early!
Aulani & Adventures by Disney: Aulani Resort in Hawaii is now accepting 2027 bookings. Plus, Adventures by Disney 2027 Land Tours have dropped, featuring brand-new itineraries in Thailand, Croatia & Slovenia, and a completely reimagined Sicily & Amalfi Coast.
Luxury Cruising: Premium lines like Virgin Voyages, Regent Seven Seas, and Silversea are now open for booking all the way through 2028.
The DAS Interview:
Disney's Disability Access Service (DAS) is primarily designed for guests who, due to a developmental disability (such as autism or similar cognitive conditions), cannot tolerate extended waits in a traditional standby queue.
Log into your Disney account online and request a live video chat through the Disney website. You can do this between 60 and 2 days prior to your park arrival. If you're outside the USA, be sure to use a VPN.
The family member requesting the pass must be present on the video call with you. The Cast Member will chat with you both and take a quick digital photo to link to their park ticket.
You do not need a doctor's note or medical documentation. Instead, focus entirely on describing what happens to you or your child physically and emotionally in a standard, crowded line environment and why a virtual wait is necessary for their disability.
Once inside the park gates, use the Disneyland or My Disney Experience app to request your first return time. You can hold one DAS return time and one Virtual Queue boarding group at the same time. The DAS passholder must tap in first at the attraction.
Follow Along on Instagram for my visual breakdowns of DAS tips, real-time walkthroughs of park quiet zones, and travel sensory hacks.
Tickets go on sale May 5th for Walt Disney World Resort guests and May 12th for all other guests. Party nights sell out every year, especially October dates, so if this event is on your list for 2026, I recommend planning early. Halloween is already sold out!
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event
August 14-16, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center
Dr. Bess is a Doctor of Psychology and an independent travel professional with Fairytale Journeys Travel with a focus on neuro-inclusive travel. Her vast experience and travel concierge services are 100% complimentary to you. She is not an employee of Walt Disney Company or other travel suppliers; however, they compensate her directly for the care and detail she puts into planning your vacations. Your relationship with Dr. Bess is focused on travel strategy and itinerary planning. As such, her services as a travel advisor do not constitute a psychotherapy relationship or clinical mental health treatment.
“All of our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”