Hi there! I’m Travis Rose—Disney lover, autism mom, Army wife, and the heart behind this site. Discover why I created this website and get Disney tips with heart. Here you’ll find some of my favorite Disney World tips to help you make the most of your magical experience.
My husband is a retired Army Special Forces veteran with 20 years of service and a 100% disability rating. We have three kids—two grown, and our youngest, Aiden, is autistic. Navigating military life and parenting a child with special needs taught me how important it is to find joy where you can… and for us, that joy came from a surprising place: Disney World.
A Kinder Place to Ask Questions
I started the Shades of Green & Disney Tips for the Military Facebook group after seeing people in other forums get shut down or mocked for asking simple Disney planning questions. I wanted something better—a kind, helpful, inclusive community where anyone could ask for Disney World tips for families without fear of being judged.
That group started with military families, but the heart behind it is for every family—especially those who are planning their first Disney trip, have children with autism or special needs, or simply want honest advice without the overwhelm.
From Overwhelmed Parent to Confident Planner
When I started planning our first Disney World trip, I was totally overwhelmed. Between the parks, resorts, dining reservations, Genie+, and the Disability Access Service (DAS), I didn’t know where to begin. It felt like a full-time job.
But I figured it out—and I’ve kept learning with every visit. Over time, I realized how many others were just as overwhelmed. That’s why I built this website—to share Disney planning tips for beginners and repeat visitors alike. Whether you’re staying at Shades of Green Resort or heading to the All-Stars, I want to make your planning smoother and less stressful.
Why Disney?
I’ve loved Disney since I was a little girl. Mickey Mouse and Pluto were my favorites, and I had a Mickey Mouse piggy bank I treasured. But growing up in a financially struggling household, Disney trips weren’t an option. Life was hard, and “magic” felt like something other people got to experience.
Later, after becoming a mom—and especially after our youngest was diagnosed as autistic—our world shifted again. We focused on therapy, routines, and creating a safe environment. When my husband suggested a trip to Disney, I brushed it off as too expensive and chaotic for our special needs family.
But eventually, I changed my mind.
How Our First Disney Trip Changed Everything (Autism, Military, and Magic)
In January 2020, we finally made the leap. I expected the trip to help my son, and it did—but I wasn’t prepared for how deeply it would affect me. At 45 years old, Disney gave me something I didn’t know I was missing: healing, joy, and the feeling of being a kid again.
It was more than just a vacation. It was therapy for our family. Disney World became a safe and welcoming space for our autistic child to explore new environments, build confidence, and try new things. For my husband, a combat veteran, it became a place of calm. For me, it reignited something long buried.
Now, we visit multiple times a year—not just for the shows and rides, but for the people. The Cast Members. The community. The way Disney makes every person, regardless of their background or needs, feel like they belong.
Why I Keep Sharing Disney Planning Tips
This site is for anyone who’s felt overwhelmed planning a Disney vacation. Whether you’re a military family, a parent navigating autism-friendly Disney travel, or just someone who wants to make the most of their trip without feeling lost—I’ve been there.
I’m here to share everything I’ve learned. Honest, practical, and experience-based tips for Disney with a special needs child. Resources for military families staying at Shades of Green Resort. And encouragement for anyone trying to bring a little more magic into their lives.
If you’re planning your first Disney trip or your fifteenth, you’re welcome here.
