ASD -- which restaurants to avoid?

[lisahoo]

We are planning our first ever trip with our DD's, age 7 & 10. DD #1 has HFA/Asperger's -- both are princess crazy and they were Elsa & Anna for Halloween.

We made our plans less than 180 days out (first timers, live and learn!) and I was able to get a few ADR's for Character Meals -- do any of these sound like they might be too loud for my daughter? We usually bring headphones for her when we go out to dinner -- and she frequently complains in church that the music is too loud. She's usually OK with the headphones on (just some $5 cheap headphones with the cord cut off -- not real noise-cancelling ones)

So -- I'm trying to avoid situations that may overwhelm her -- she's sensitive to overly loud environments & strong smells

I have 1900 PF for the night we arrive, then:
Crystal Palace
Hollywood & Vine/Fantasmic
Tusker House
Akershus
Cape May for the morning we leave

I was thinking of trying to fit in Chef Mickey's for a breakfast, but I hear it's really loud & boisterous. I couldn't get BOG for dinner, may try for lunch once we hit the 60 day mark. CRT is going to be closed for reno when we are there.

Anyone have thoughts on my dining plans or experiences to share? I am open to coaching and advice!

THANKS!!

 

[Kellykins1218]

My ASD kids hate loud noises and chaos but they LOVE character meals. All of them. Everything that would normally drive them crazy, they thrive on at DW. I don't get it, I just enjoy it. I guess it's the Disney magic we hear so much about. (Ok, maybe that it's just that they are so fixated on the seeing the characters that they don't notice anything else, but I'm leaning towards that magic thing.) I hope you all have a wonderful time.

 

[scrapshappen]

I asked a similar question just a couple of days ago. My DS has SPD and other neuro traits that are both similar and different to ASD. Here is the thread:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3347346

 

[emldrl]

I have been researching for our first trip as well, and I have seen a LOT of people post that Hollywood and Vine, in particular, is super loud, enough to give healthy people headaches. Obviously I don't know firsthand, this is just what I've seen posted. If you haven't yet, check out the dining review board. That's where I've seen this posted a lot. Hope this helps, and I hope you all have a wonderful vacation!

 

[lisahoo]

I asked a similar question just a couple of days ago. My DS has SPD and other neuro traits that are both similar and different to ASD. Here is the thread:

Thanks for that link! It can be tricky to know what terms to search on in here! Everything moves so fast!!

 

[ladyjubilee]

Since she's high functioning, have you asked her what sounds she likes and does like?

My son is a sensory seeker, but will cover his ears. It doesn't always mean he is avoiding sound (as I found out when I tried to take him out of a Skillet concert.)

Knowing what sounds, pitches, experiences are the core problem might help.

I know we wouldn't do Chef Mickey as I suspect it would bother him.

 

[lisahoo]

Since she's high functioning, have you asked her what sounds she likes and does like?

My son is a sensory seeker, but will cover his ears. It doesn't always mean he is avoiding sound (as I found out when I tried to take him out of a Skillet concert.)

Knowing what sounds, pitches, experiences are the core problem might help.

I know we wouldn't do Chef Mickey as I suspect it would bother him.

I will ask her -- but we aren't telling them until Christmas morning for a late January trip, and I'm trying to arrange as much as I can while there are still a few ADRs to be had.

I guess I'll pack the regular headphones and look into the heavy-duty ones, just in case.

Thanks for the advice!!