Disney On Ice Treats San Diego's Autistic Kids To Magical Moment

SAN DIEGO, CA — As a mother of two autistic sons, Shirley Fett said she personally understands the challenges parents face when taking their children to a big event.

In fact, anything that’s new can cause so much anxiety in an autistic individual that they and their loved ones often shy away from outings. But when Feld Entertainment, the company behind “Disney on Ice,” reached out to the Autism Society of San Diego with a plan, Fett and her colleagues jumped at the opportunity.

Sixty members of the nonprofit, including Fett, were given the opportunity to privately interact with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and other characters prior to the show’s opening night on Thursday in San Diego.

“When (Feld) contacted us with this idea and offered us 60 free tickets, I knew it was going to be popular,” said Fett, who has volunteered with the nonprofit for more than 15 years. “The 60 tickets were claimed within five minutes.”

The ticket holders, many of whom are autistic, were given an opportunity prior to the show to play a life-sized Inside Out emotions board game with the characters of the movie, and they were also able to meet Disney stars Mickey and Minnie.

But more importantly, Fett said they were able to share the experience of attending a live show with other children and families — an experience they would typically avoid.

“I think this opportunity is really special and needed because when our families try to go to public events, it is sometimes difficult for children with autism to take it all in,” Fett said. “They need an environment where they can get acclimated, and Disney on Ice is providing that to us by letting us go in early, interact with each other, and sit together.”

It’s also exciting for the families because most of their children love Disney movies, Fett said.

“The messaging is something very familiar to them,” she said. “Anything involving Disney, they love.”

Disney on Ice’s “Follow Your Heart” plays at the Valley View Casino Center through Jan. 28. Tickets start at $15.

For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.DisneyOnIce.com.

--Courtesy photos