Autism and "It's Tough to be a Bug!"

opusone

Imagineer Wanna Be
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Sep 7, 2011
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Two years ago, my autistic son enjoyed "Mickey's Philarmagic!," but we shied away from "It's Tough to be a Bug!" because we were worried about sensory issues. Is it really that much different from "Mickey's Philarmagic?"
 
Two years ago, my autistic son enjoyed "Mickey's Philarmagic!," but we shied away from "It's Tough to be a Bug!" because we were worried about sensory issues. Is it really that much different from "Mickey's Philarmagic?"

YES! (Spoiler alert) There are stingers that poke you in the back and bugs that walk in a herd under your feet. Spiders from the ceiling and loud. It is also dark. The waiting area is close and they pack people in. In other words it is a sensory nightmare.
 
Two years ago, my autistic son enjoyed "Mickey's Philarmagic!," but we shied away from "It's Tough to be a Bug!" because we were worried about sensory issues. Is it really that much different from "Mickey's Philarmagic?"

SPOILER ALERT:

Huge difference between the 2. My son doesn't like getting wet at Philharmagic, but he will put up with it. At It's tough to be a bug, he has had a meltdown every time. Air puffs out with a loud noise for the fly swatter and wasp spray. The stink bug stinks. The back of the seats have stingers and bugs walking(rollers and pokers). The seat you sit on has bugs walking (rollers). Spiders also come down from the ceiling and are in touching distance of some people. The darkness is very dark.
 
Thank you so much... we will definitely be skipping "It's Tough to be a Bug!" again. I hope your replies didn't spoil the attraction for others, but it was very beneficial for my son's purposes.

Thanks again!!
 

If he liked Philharmagic, he might like the Muppets movie at the Studios.

Mary
 
Thank you so much... we will definitely be skipping "It's Tough to be a Bug!" again. I hope your replies didn't spoil the attraction for others, but it was very beneficial for my son's purposes.

Thanks again!!

You're welcome. I'm glad it helped1

If he liked Philharmagic, he might like the Muppets movie at the Studios.

Mary

Yes! My son prefers Muppets to Philharmagic!

Captain EO has been out of the question. He stayed for the pre-show and twice we had to walk through because he was too afraid of the show when they said the floor moves.
 
I attempted to get DS(19) to sit thru Bugs on opening day, but did not manage to actually get to see the whole thing untill 2 years ago(6th or 7th attempt) he would have a meltdown at the mention of this show. did not have a problem with any other shows at all. it can be pretty intense for kids with sensory overload issues. on our last visit in June 2011 he about blew a gasket during "stitch" at epcot. I wish I had known then what this attraction was about. we went into it blind and learned a lesson.
 
/
I have sensory issues and I HATED It's Tough to Be a Bug!!! It poked me and it actually hurt! And I am a "sensory seeker!" Definitely one to avoid!
 
I have autism and I don't talk It's Tough To be a Bug. I do, however, like Phillarmagic and the Muppets.
 
We tried It's Tough to be a Bug with DD (14). She's not diagnosed with Autism but has sensory integration issues. She didn't make it 1 minute. She literally fled the room with her grandma. She loves Philharmagic; likes Muppets (although she needs ear plugs). We didn't try EO (Shrunk wasn't playing).

I think skipping it is a great call. I stayed with DS (10) and we didn't really like it. IMO you're not missing much.
 
It's been 10 years since I took DD to that attraction, and she still talks about how scary it was! She has Aspergers.
 
I hate the stingers and after the first time I saw it, I learned that when they start talking about bees, I just scooch towards the edge of the seat. Works every time. I don't remember anything about bugs under feet, but more bugs under butt. Again, if you don't like that feeling, when you hear the announcement "please stay seated to let small bugs out first" or whatever it is, you can (if you're able to) "hover" over the seat.
 
My 11 y.o. son has PDD-NOS and sensory integration issues. He loves Philharmagic and Muppets but hates It's Tough to Be a Bug. It has been a few years since we last tried Bug so maybe we should try again at some point but not sure it is worth the risk of possibly ruining his day.
 
Two years ago, my autistic son enjoyed "Mickey's Philarmagic!," but we shied away from "It's Tough to be a Bug!" because we were worried about sensory issues. Is it really that much different from "Mickey's Philarmagic?"

DD loves Mickey hates Bug.

Denise in MI
 
My son does great with the new Star Tours!! Of course, Star Wars is his area of hyperfocus. But there are no bursts of air or water.
 
my DGD doesn't like Bug either and I finally figured it out recently after listening to a young teen named Ben who spoke out about his Aspergers!!! Ry ( my DGD) doesn't not like 3 D movies at all and the butterflies that convert in bug are big confusing mess for her.Dark is also an issue lately so the 2 combined may be it plus things in the dark bumping....a thought anyway!
 
My neuro typical dd was 6 when she saw it-it scared the pants off her and ME TOOOOOO!!!! I did not even attempt to take my aspergers son to it, he is barely getting used to 3D movies now. It took him over a year of studying and watching utube to be able to conquer roller coasters-which he and I did at Hershey last month 9/11!!!!!
 
Two years ago, my autistic son enjoyed "Mickey's Philarmagic!," but we shied away from "It's Tough to be a Bug!" because we were worried about sensory issues. Is it really that much different from "Mickey's Philarmagic?"

Please skip. it was unnerving for my son and he's not autistic:scared1:, we will definitely not be doing this with my niece and nephews
 
Also, if they can't do It's Tough to Be a Bug, Captain EO and Honey I Shrunk the Audience in Epcot probably won't work either for sensory issues.

:-) christie
 





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