A Halloween Adventure in Autism (11/12) New Thread Begun on TR Board!

[DisMomAmy]

In addition, there have been lots of other changes to the attraction.... a new musical score, new speaking parts for Presidents Washington and Lincoln, and really an entire new theme that will pemeate the presentation. Hmmm. How will he react??? Autistic spectrum kids can be quite rigid and usually do not accept change well.

(Amy and Scrappie have just thought, "That's really the understatement of the year, Kath!")


Kathy

Yes - I would agree that that is an understatement!!

Thank goodness we live in a day when we can pull up any video on the internet!! We watched a lot of videos before our trip in 2007. The only problem with that is if something is different from the video!

Thanks for those links!! I can't wait to take Alex there! Am I the only one who thinks Barack looks a little funny?? Not that I could do any better.

 

[mousescrapper]

Autistic spectrum kids can be quite rigid and usually do not accept change well.

(Amy and Scrappie have just thought, "That's really the understatement of the year, Kath!")

yes I can attest to that.....Michael can't wait to see HOP next fall and is very excited about more presidents speaking! that was his one complaint after seeing it in 08.... though it would have made his day if Teddy said something!

I hope Billy will be chanting more HOP in a happy face!

thanks for the links!

 

[irish dancer]

Thanks for the YouTube links. Very interesting. Of course it was still closed last month when we were there. Will have to check it out next time. I hope Billy likes the changes or at least tolerates them.


Went to the Disney store today and picked up some of those plates. They were out of the Nemo ones so I'll have to check the other store Thursday when I take the girls to gymnastics as it is close to the other mall. I guess I should be lucky from the looks of it most have had their stores closed but I have two to choose from in local malls.

I always look forward to the double digit day as for some reason it seems like the trip comes faster then. Hope you have a great Disney Party.

 

[KathyRN137]

I will have to watch those youtube clips -- I am curious to see the changes -- all of the reviews I have read have been very postive so far.

The only problem with showing Billy the YouTube clips is that he has now figured out that he can search for videos of the different WDW attractions! After HOP we watched MuppetVision 3D, Mickey's PhilharMagic, and Toy Story Midway Mania clips!!

DS8 was inconsolable that it was closed and he couldn't go see it, it was on his list of "must sees". But then very excited about the reason, Obama. Go figure!

Very very smart to be prepping him and how great that you found those links!

Oh, I have learned from experience that it pays to be prepared!! I still have to work on his social stories for the trip...

We have not visited HOP since the 90's as DH lumps it in w/ COP (not to be visited unless under duress) but I really want to see the updates....we're thinking of planning our next trip to be in March again as spring was so nice at WDW

That's okay, not everyone enjoys the history-related attractions. We all have our preferences. I have to say that my "once-in-a-lifetime-is-enough" attraction has got to be the Country Bears!!


Kathy

 

[KathyRN137]

Confession time...I have NEVER done the HOP. Unless I did when I was little but I definitely don't remember it!

Other things that I've never done at Disney as an adult

Country Bears
Main St Vehicles
Tiki Room
Tom Sawyer Island
Astro Orbiter
Race Cars
American Adventure
Ellen's Energy Adventure
Movies in China, France, Canada
Circle of Life
Lights Motors Action
Journey in Narnia
Sounds Dangerous.

Also never been to the waterparks or the mini golf courses!

I've been five times and I, too, have yet to do the attractions highlighted in red! There's never enough time to see and do it all!!

Kathy

 

[KathyRN137]

Yes - I would agree that that is an understatement!!
Thanks for those links!! I can't wait to take Alex there!

yes I can attest to that.....Michael can't wait to see HOP next fall and is very excited about more presidents speaking! that was his one complaint after seeing it in 08.... though it would have made his day if Teddy said something!

I just knew you guys would understand 'zactly what I was talkin' about!!


Kathy

 

[KathyRN137]

Went to the Disney store today and picked up some of those plates.

I always look forward to the double digit day as for some reason it seems like the trip comes faster then. Hope you have a great Disney Party.

The Disney Store should give me a commission or something, ya think?

Kathy

 

[cjackearl]

And Youtube saves the day! I wish the HOP would have been open when we were there but no such luck. I hope Billy enjoys the new version.

What are social stories, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[brookelizabeth]

The new Disney plates are really cute-perfect for the party, and SUCH a good deal!

VERY exciting about Billy mentioning the party and then inviting Catie!!! And he looks adorable with his new plushies!

I've read really good things so far about the HoP changes. I am resisting clicking on the YouTube videos because I want to be surprised! I hope they do help with Billy and the changes made to the attraction-hopefully he will still enjoy it just as much!

 

[KathyRN137]

And Youtube saves the day! I wish the HOP would have been open when we were there but no such luck. I hope Billy enjoys the new version.

What are social stories, if you don't mind me asking?

Christine, a social storiy is a tool we use to help Billy cope with difficult situations by turning them into a visual story and showing the appropriate responses that are expected.

For example, currently Billy is working on not getting upset and angry (crying, stomping feet, kicking) when he is told he cannot go to the movies. He is very rigid and wants to see movies he is interested in seeing on the actual opening day... which he remembers from commercials and advertisements!! Sometimes we can't see the movie on that day or sometimes we don't want him to see the particular movie at all.


Because he associates treats like movies and dvds with rewards for good behavior, he also gets upset when he doesn't get them because he thinks it's because he hasn't been "a good boy!"

We use a social story to reinforce the correct response we expect from him when he is told he cannot get what he wants...

It's not enough, it seems, to sit down and talk with him... he needs to "see it" visually to understand.

Hope this helps!


Kathy

 

[KathyRN137]

I've read really good things so far about the HoP changes. I am resisting clicking on the YouTube videos because I want to be surprised! I hope they do help with Billy and the changes made to the attraction-hopefully he will still enjoy it just as much!

Hey there, Brook! Don't be afraid to check out these clips... they are about "the making of" and only show little pieces of the attraction... not the whole show!


Kathy

 

[mom2mek]

All caught up! Great finds at the Disney store! Oh, how I want that chip and dip!!! Love those UP characters - that movie was so sweet and so funny!

I have never seen the HoP - I'm ashamed to say. Whenever we go by, we have just missed a showing and never feel like waiting around for the next one. Apparently, the President hasn't either - "Are these wax" he said in the first clip! LOL! "Oh, robots!" I just found that kinda funny!

Yay for the party date!!!

Sara

 

[Dreamer & Wisher]

I've read really good things so far about the HoP changes. I am resisting clicking on the YouTube videos because I want to be surprised! I hope they do help with Billy and the changes made to the attraction-hopefully he will still enjoy it just as much!

I want to be surprised too.

Christine, a social storiy is a tool we use to help Billy cope with difficult situations by turning them into a visual story and showing the appropriate responses that are expected.

For example, currently Billy is working on not getting upset and angry (crying, stomping feet, kicking) when he is told he cannot go to the movies. He is very rigid and wants to see movies he is interested in seeing on the actual opening day... which he remembers from commercials and advertisements!! Sometimes we can't see the movie on that day or sometimes we don't want him to see the particular movie at all.


Because he associates treats like movies and dvds with rewards for good behavior, he also gets upset when he doesn't get them because he thinks it's because he hasn't been "a good boy!"

We use a social story to reinforce the correct response we expect from him when he is told he cannot get what he wants...

It's not enough, it seems, to sit down and talk with him... he needs to "see it" visually to understand.

Hope this helps!


Kathy

Those are really creative. I think they would be helpful to a lot of kids. Did you make them in Microsoft Word? Do you make plans for your trip into Social Stories?

 

[KathyRN137]

Those are really creative. I think they would be helpful to a lot of kids. Did you make them in Microsoft Word? Do you make plans for your trip into Social Stories?

Honestly, I just talk to Billy's teacher about whatever the "current" issue is and she makes them up for use at home and at school. I sent her an e-mail asking her what she uses to make them so I can answer your question properly!

I have used social stories in the past for our Disney trips, mostly regarding flexibility issues when we cannot do exactly what he wants to do... like watch Mickey's Philharmagic three times in a row!! Unfortunately, they have gone the way of my trip notes and I can't find them right now, so I'll probably have to make up some new ones...

Thanks for reading!

Kathy

 

[Hedy]

I want to be surprised too.


Those are really creative. I think they would be helpful to a lot of kids. Did you make them in Microsoft Word? Do you make plans for your trip into Social Stories?

I hope Kathy doesn't mind me popping in, but when I worked in special ed, we used boardmaker.
Amy also used social stories, if you click on the PTR, you can see some cards she made. (Frankly, I think a lot of people at WDW could use them: Just because I cannot walk up to Le Cellier, does not mean my trip is ruined. I can calm down by grabbing a beer at the UK)

 

[KathyRN137]

Disney Dining Rambling, er, Discussion:


Well, I've got less than a month to go before I make our ADRs.

I'm a bit apprehensive about using the online system... however, maybe it will help expedite the entire process. I'll try it and if I don't like it, I can always call Disney Dining and do it the "old-fashioned way." None of my desired ADRs are all that crucial, so I'm not stressing.

Too much.

My only concern is that Disney is now offering free dining Sept-Dec with pin codes... if they open it up to the general public, then there will be a lot more urgency when it comes to locking in those ADRs as soon as possible. I like to try for early meal times to avoid crowds and waiting.

We seem to have a mix of old favorites and new experiences so far... of course, we'll have a chance to finalize the wish list at our Countdown to Disney party with DSis and DNiece. (DBIL owns a bike store and this is his busy season, so he will most likely not be coming.)

Everyone seems to have at least one dining choice that they really want:

Billy: Play and Dine at Hollywood and Vine (lunch)
Tricia: 50's Prime Time Cafe (lunch or dinner
Caitie: Biergarten (I think)(lunch or dinner) (New to us)
Ed: Brown Derby (lunch or dinner)(New to us)
Me: Torn between pre-park opening breakfast at Crystal Palace or Tusker House (New to us)...AND...possible dinner at 'Ohana with mrsksomeday and yodaK.


Of course, the crucial planning element here is deciding where we will be on each day of the week...and hopefully co-ordinating schedules with mrsksomeday. For that I need park hours and EMH schedules, which will not be available until August 1st, the same day I can make ADRs. I probably will not be waking up early and calling/logging in first thing in the morning...but August 1st falls on a Saturday, so at least I don't have to worry about being at work.


The F&WF will be wrapping up in Epcot but we will actually be doing our best to avoid it. I know...I know. But WS just gets so jam-packed in the evenings because of the festival! Its probably better for the kids if we tour WS earlier in the day so we can really enjoy the live entertainment and Kim Possible Missions.


We're definitely not doing the DDP because we will not be able to use all the credits. Most breakfasts will be at the villa to save time, so even if we get the Quick Service and pay OOP for our TS meals, I can't see us being able to use the CS and two snacks per day!


Well, that's my rambling on Dining... I'd better stop because I'm starting to get hungry!!


Kathy

 

[mousescrapper]

Hi Kathy....

first I like your social stories you shared, the little pictures are great!

the ones I have used for Michael have basically been text, so I appreciate the other version too

to the dining....

isn't it crazy how we ponder and plan where and how we will eat on days over 3 months away....but then how exhilarating it is at the same time!

I think your pick's are nice...except one possible flaw...3 of your 5 are all at DHS and are either lunch or dinner...are you thinking of possibly going to DHS 3 different times?

are you on a park hopper to do that too? JAT

I'm still game on you trying Tusker at AK for your pre-park breakfast, for selfish reasons that I want to know what you think but thinking at AKV how close you are to that vs treking up to MK at 8 am...I know you have a love affair w/ Pooh...but this is a wild adventure!

Lastly I just wanted to throw my 2 cents back out there on the DDP...OK yes my trip is over 16 months away but yes I have already priced out the variables of no DDP and OOP TS meals, QSDDP and OOP TS meals and then the reg DDP.

and to my utter amazement

when we travel next yr according to Disney we'll be paying 4 adult fares, plus 2 child fares and because we'll be there during Thanksgiving I'm figuring in some extra $$ on 2 TS meals (I know this doesn't exactly fit you, but go w/ me here....)

I priced out in 09 pricing (and 08 to get a feel for inflation), what each plan would cost us and then what the cost OOP our must 3 TS meals would cost (you don't want to know I'll save it for my PTR) and it was actually more than the differnece for us if we took the QSDDP vs the reg DDP

It seems like alot of food...but it actually would cost less....

I'm sure as smart as you are you probably already have figured out how much your TS meals will cost OOP vs DDP...but just wanted to put that out there, my Disney fuzzy math surprise!

don't mean to confuse you any further

looking forward to what you all decide and how the online ressie goes and what you get!

Scrappie

 

[Hedy]

I'd say Tusker House depends on your food interest. There are a lot of exotic-ish dishes, but also eggs, bagels, donuts, biscuits, and bacon (I'm sure Tricia will be happy). However, if you think your crew will only eat the normal breakfast stuff, you might want to go someplace else (but Tusker House has yummy passion fruit juice).
The DIS has October hours http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/oct09.cfm?requesttimeout=1000

 

[mrsksomeday]

Me: Torn between pre-park opening breakfast at Crystal Palace or Tusker House (New to us)...AND...possible dinner at 'Ohana with mrsksomeday and yodaK.


Of course, the crucial planning element here is deciding where we will be on each day of the week...and hopefully co-ordinating schedules with mrsksomeday.

Bill loves, loves, loves 'Ohana . He says as long as no one minds that I cut up his food etc, he says it would be great to have dinner with your family!

As for co-ordinating the schedules, We arrive on Nov. 4th and are doing Planet Hollywood that night, other than that, you tell me what day you want 'Ohana and we follow you there .

** Confession time, yes I am an OTP (obsessive trip planner) but I normally don't even look at the crowd calendars . Bill and I usually do Epcot the first full day because we sleep in a bit the first morning to get his body back to normal after the travel day. We base our park days on Spectromagic and now since it isn't every night Fantasmic.

We are flexible, whenever you want to meet, we will be there .

 

[Dreamer & Wisher]

I hope Kathy doesn't mind me popping in, but when I worked in special ed, we used boardmaker.
Amy also used social stories, if you click on the PTR, you can see some cards she made. (Frankly, I think a lot of people at WDW could use them: Just because I cannot walk up to Le Cellier, does not mean my trip is ruined. I can calm down by grabbing a beer at the UK)

Thank you!!

Everyone seems to have at least one dining choice that they really want:

Billy: Play and Dine at Hollywood and Vine (lunch)
Tricia: 50's Prime Time Cafe (lunch or dinner
Caitie: Biergarten (I think)(lunch or dinner) (New to us)
Ed: Brown Derby (lunch or dinner)(New to us)
Me: Torn between pre-park opening breakfast at Crystal Palace or Tusker House (New to us)...AND...possible dinner at 'Ohana with mrsksomeday and yodaK.


Kathy

We have had Biergarten, Ohana, and Tusker House breakfast. We loved them all and are planning to go back to Ohana on this trip. We haven't been there since they changed the potato side dish to the noodles. It is great place to watch Wishes, you can hear the music in the restaurant.

Tusker House Breakfast has a really wide variety of offerings. Very good food for adventurous eaters as well as your typical Mickey waffles, eggs and bacon.

Biergarten has a wonderful atmosphere, I enjoy the food a lot. Spaetzle are so yummy! The music and dancing is a lot of fun. They do the Chicken Dance.

We want to try Hollywood Brown Derby too. I want to use the Fantasmic dinner package.