ASD at DLP - advice please?

[AprilDuck]

Hello
DH, DS (6), DD (4) and I are going to DLP shortly - we can't wait!
DD has autism spectrum disorder. I have read about the easy access pass on the DLP website. I was wondering if anyone could advise what documentation I would need to supply to request a pass?
Any other tips on taking a DC with ASD to DLP very gratefully received!

 

[DLPdaft]

Does anything on this thread help?

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3118420&highlight=gac

 

[AprilDuck]

Thank you for your reply DLPDaft, this is very helpful!

 

[MissSkellington]

Hi!

Congrats on your upcoming trip! Our DS also has ASD (high functioning Aspie) and the access card is really a wonderful thing, we just picked up our doctor's letter last night.

Allowing DS to pack a small bag with a few of his favorite items really helps to settle him in the car for the drive, as well as the hotel when he just needs some time alone to unwind after a long and noisy park day.

Has you child been to the park before? If verbal and if she might be interested, perhaps print off a park map for her to get acquainted with the layout and allow her to circle all the things she wants to ride (or not ride...lol) and given her young age, perhaps look online at the various characters she might meet, both fun and might help calm her in case she's frightened by them in the park. Or print off a list of them and have her check them off as she finds them....keeps little hands and brains busy.
Character Central has a great list of characters and where you're likely to find them in the parks...

Your DD might be a little young, but DS takes his iPod everywhere (he's 11) and its mostly filled with Disney park songs, theme songs, ride soundtracks and Star Wars music...lol...but it's great for when we have to make the transition of hotel checkout and the sad walk to the car to go home. He's always so sad to leave and having the music right at hand, almost as though he's taking part of the park home with him has really made it much easier and a bit happier process. I don't like leaving either, maybe I need my own iPod.

Hope you have a magical trip!!

 

[AprilDuck]

Thank you Miss Skellington for all these great ideas. I think she will particularly like the map!
It's good to hear that your DS seems to enjoy the magic!
One thing I am a bit worried about is food. We have been before a few times, but DD was really young back then. She is quite restrictive in what she will eat, which we can cope grand with at home, but might be a bit more difficult with the limited choices in DLP! I had looked at the menu for the Auberge, but there is no chance that she will eat the children's meal. She seemed to like the characters last time we went, so hopefully she will still enjoy it on this trip.
Hope you have a lovely trip too!

 

[MissSkellington]

Oh I understand the food issues...DS is a rather picky eater, nothing mushy (no bananas, mashed potatoes, etc)...lots of food aversions...we also wanted to do Auberge this trip mainly for the characters but the food is just way too far out there...lol

Buffets are the best option we've found for us, we've opted for Inventions 3 evenings for this upcoming trip (we took advantage of the current offer which included half board, otherwise we wouldn't eat there so often! Lol) and one evening at Walt's as the kids menu includes burger and fries...

Perhaps pack some snack for her...I figure, even if DS eats fries and chicken nuggets for 5 days, it's ok as he eats really well at home. I'm sure you'll have a lovely time no matter what!

 

[AprilDuck]

Miss Skellington, I hope you don't mind me asking, what has your experience of using the easy access pass been like?
I phoned the GP yesterday and they are going to give me a letter explaining DD's conditions. I am just starting to worry a bit what it will be like to use the pass, if this makes sense. DD's disabilities are invisible, and I'm just wondering if we might get some funny looks? Did you find it ok?

 

[MissSkellington]

I don't mind a bit!

We've had a great experience with the access card (even more so than the ones we've received in the stateside parks)....as you mention, to look at DS you'd never know there was anything going on, unless you're familiar with ASD and catch him in an off moment. And I'll admit, we've gotten looks and a few glares from people in the queue not understanding why we get to enter a different way, or bypass a long queue...but honestly, I'm there to enjoy my time with family, and can't be bothered with those who question it, because I know what's going on with DS, it's no concern to them.

I think that since they require the letter that's taken to City Hall, where you get the pass...that there is no question that there's an issue of some sort, and the card is warranted. I've never encountered a single CM that didn't go out of their way to aid us, or answer questions regarding the pass. We've been allowed to use it to queue in the roped handicap area for parades and Dreams (and though the card says one guest with DS for this area, often, in low crowds they've let us all in)...we've used it for character meet and greets...when lines were just outrageous, or no queue at all and people pushing. And of course on the rides.

Don't worry! As long as you have your signed/stamped doctor's letter...I think you'll have smooth sailing. And don't worry if you get looks, which you will. They either don't understand that their is such a card, or what the need would be. none of their business anyway. Lol

 

[AprilDuck]

Thank you so much again for your reply; it has set my mind at rest so much!

 

[MissSkellington]

Thank you so much again for your reply; it has set my mind at rest so much!

Yay!! Happy to help...I'm sure you'll have a great trip.