ADHD and DCL?? Am I nutz?!

[*Huey*]

My daughter was recently diagnosed with ADHD and is quite a handful. She's in kindergarten this year and loves it so I know she will like the atmosphere of the club. She does have to work at keeping on task in school and I was wondering how structured the activities are. She will do great with more "free play" than with "sit still and do this right now."

She loves the MK (haven't tried any other park yet) but gets real testy with waiting in lines. She needs the "instant gratification." Will there also be quite a bit of "wait your turns" at the club for instructions, etc.?

I am a single mom and look forward to "alone" time (but I'm not looking to "get rid of her from dawn til dusk"!). She's watched both the 2000 and 2001-2002 videos and loves the look of the club and would probably stay there all day (drag her out kicking and screaming!!) but I also want her club-mates to enjoy themselves too! (Not to mention the counselors! - Don't want her to be blacklisted!)

I haven't made any definite plans since I don't really know what I'll get myself into! She's taken the "fun" out of quite a few activities for me and I'd hate to spend upwards of $2000 for me to be miserable.

I've also read the thread about worries of kids falling overboard... Needless to say, that is a major concern of mine too!!

She will be at least 7 before we will cruise. Can anyone offer me any pointers?? I would like to do one of the 7 days... been to Nassau on the (now defunct) Premiere Cruise Line and would prefer not to return...

Thanks!

 

[tkd lisa]

My kids are both ADHD. We are going on the inaugural Western Caribbean on May 11th. When we get back, I'll let you know how it went. They are 8 and 10 now.

 

[starwood]

DS is ADHD and we cruised 7 day last August. He loved every minute of it. He didn't even spend too much time in the clubs (although he enjoyed it when he was there). He went in the pool (especially the Mickey slide). He loved being able to get his own ice cream whenever he wanted. He loved the shows. He was a little irritable in St. Thomas - probably would have been better off just staying close to the ship.

I think your DD would just love the cruise and don't worry about the counselors, they are equiped to handle it. Just make sure she's not there for too long a stretch.

 

[taswira]

You mentioned you cruised on another line once before. Was your daughter with you? I know you would like to do the 7-day, but I was thinking perhaps if your daughter has never cruised before and given her ADHD, a shorter cruise might be a good introduction for her to see how things go and whether she likes it. That way, if she didn't, you wouldn't both be stuck for 7 days onboard the ship. As you said, that's a lot of money to spend for you "to be miserable."

Also, I'm not sure to whom you should speak, but you might try calling DCL and talking to them about your situation. Ask if any of their kids program counselors have experience with ADHD. That might not be necessary, but it might make things easier for all concerned.

I don't know how much waiting in line is involved in the clubs, but I know the kids seem to travel everywhere in organized lines and are expected to be quiet and well-behaved. Your daughter may not have any problem at all with this, but you might try experimenting by introducing her to similar situations before committing to a 7-night cruise. As for falling overboard, that isn't too easy to do so that shouldn't be a major worry.

Good luck!

 

[*Huey*]

I guess I'm just concerned with the staff's ability to cope with her. She has her ups and downs but for the most part, she does great on her meds. I have read elsewhere on the boards that the kids are shuffled around quite a bit (the organized lines that taswira talked about) so that might be what will keep her interested. Amazingly, most everything Disney holds her attention quite well (the apple doesn't fall far from the tree!!)

From the sounds of it, there's plenty of activity around the ship outside the lab so I'm not too concerned with finding things to do together.

It's funny, but I think I almost favor the 7 day just because she might get sick of it after a few days... then we won't have to have a meltdown when it's time to leave. (Kind of a "well, that was fun, time to go" attitude even tho I'd be disappointed at disembarkation...)

 

[vicnmickey]

Being a single mother of ADHD DS11, I understand your concern of wanting some alone time. When you have had just enough of the bouncing, tapping and talking constantly from the time they wake up until five minutes after they have fallen asleep(lol). You deserve that few minutes or hours just to get away. My son did wonderful on our first Disney trip in 2000, unmedicated, we had a few close calls of pushing moms buttons to closely, but we had a blast. I can not wait to cruise in 2003 for the first time with both of my children. Have a great time.

 

[patches-4]

Having to live in a household with 2 kids DS161/2 ans DD 111/2 both with ADHD and DH with it too, I can feel for you. Both kids were diagnosed in Kindergarten and both started on meds then. They both are doing great and had a wonderful time on our recent cruise. I know they are older than yours but I feel sure your DD will enjoy herself doing all the things there are on the cruise. By the time you go your cruise you both will know more about how she is reacting to her meds and I would still give them to her on the cruise. I know from experience that the least little thing can overstimulate children with ADHD and I would think going on a Disney cruise would top the list, but you should go and enjoy yourself you deserve the break more than most people know. Gook luck.

 

[kimline]

i took a 8 year old who not only has adhd but also cerebal palsy and confined to awheelchair most of the time. She loved the clubs and they cruise we were on a 4 day and she wanted to stay longer. The counselers did an excellent job with her. Go and have fun, your child will love it and so will you.