Best Resort for family with autistic child?

[thumpersfriend]

Hi, just returned from a visit to the Poly and loved it. It was just my 28 yo daughter and myself. We loved the resort and have usually stayed at the FW cabins, which we love also. I have an only granddaughter who is 2 now and diagnosed with autism. I am wondering if the Poly would be a good resort for her since she doesn't like crowds too much yet but will not go until she is at least 4 years old. Is there someone who could give encouragement to me, it seems so silly maybe to worry about this when she has so much more to deal with in her life from now on. I will write more about the Poly soon.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I think Poly would be perfect for a child with autism. It's not as hectic, more relaxed atmosphere. I have a son with Asperger's syndrome so I know that you wouldn't want to get "overloaded". I think the Poly might just be the ticket. Also, I've never stayed there, but I wonder if Ft. Wilderness might also be another option. SInce you have some time I'd investigate both of these.

 

[Kimberly]

My oldest brother has cerebral paulsy and does not like large crowds as well. But the Polynesian is probably the perfect resort for our family because it's just a very laid back attitude about everything, and even the people that go there seem more "laid back" than at the other resorts. My oldest brother loves to swim, and i know he could just spend all day in the Polynesian's pool... yet i probably could too.

We usually go during the "value" or the "regular" season though when the crowds are not as high in any of the theme parks either. You'd enjoy the grand floridian too, but the polynesian just seems like a resort that EVERYONE enjoys.

 

[thumpersfriend]

I just got back from the Poly this afternoon and it was very busy and lots of kids, was a great time though. I know that FW is much more quiet and since we are new to autism , we are not sure if crowds really are a problem or not. How do they do waiting in lines for the childrens rides? I couldn't believe the long 45 min wait lines for these little ones. Maybe should consider going the first week in May? Thanks for any insight in this, like I said I am a new and ignorant grandma to autism. Thanks so much.

 

[mkymouse4ever]

Wish I could be more encouraging but you will have to base your decision on what is best for your granddaughter. And you and mom know her best. Also consider when you would be visiting, Polynesian is very popular, So a visit during a busy time would be very crowded. However, if you where planning something in a less busy season, it might work. I am sure the folks at the polynesian, would assist you and your family, I would let them know the situation, and let them know that you might need a little more room / space for quiet, or any other request you have.

Unfortunately the Poly is noisey and loud at times near the pool areas. So I would ask to be on the far sides of the main area's. The are very nice, both gardens and beach areas. We have stayed in Figi & aorerotoa and really enjoyed these buildings. Less people in the area's, much quietier, and overall tranquil. OR the other side (far side) would be tahiti or rapa nui they are also equally nice. Of course they are farther from the main ceremonial house but very tranquil if you need to allow her some quiet atmosphere.

Good luck, have a wonderful time and see the world through her eyes. MKY

 

[SB in KY]

My BF' has 2 sons with autism and we have made 2 trips to WDW with them....first, let me say that while both trips were difficult in some ways they also had some very magical moments for both boys that we wouldn't trade for anything...my main suggestion would be to look for a home away from home resort...it was REALLY helpful to have the option of going back to the room for some meals when waiting at a restaurant just couldn't be handled...not to mention the extra room... we liked OKW best, can park close to the door, lots of room to run, no interior corridors, etc. Driving to some parks was helpful too...sometimes at the end of the day waiting on a bus was just too much (especially if the bus was really crowded).

Also be sure to check out the Disabilities board and allearsnet.com....there is a good section there on taking children with autism to WDW. You can bring a letter from her physician stating her diagnosis and specific difficulties and take it to guest services and get a pass that allows you to bypass the line for many attractions. That enabled the boys to do many things that they would never have been able to do otherwise...it was very helpful.

 

[PB'sMOM]

You sound like a caring, thoughtful, loving grandma-Not ignorant. There is so much to Autism-no one knows everything about it. I know that there are different levels/types-so to speak. It is great that your family knows of it this soon-many kids are not diagnosed until 4+.
Depending on how she does with crowds and different surroundings-it is good that you are thinking ahead.
I have stayed at the Poly twice and LOVE it. It seems very relaxed even at Peak times. I am sure if she needs a quieter area-the CM could arrange that-if they are contacted in advance.
Disney has a department it is called Special Services(I read about it on another thread). this department deals with special needs of visitors.
If I am not mistaken she may be able to bypass some of the long lines- since she is special needs.

Welcome back to Michigan-you missed our lovely snow storm over the weekend-LOL.

Cindy M.

 

[thumpersfriend]

Thank you, it got very noisey at the side of the quiet pool. We were on 3rd floor Tokelau and it was almost obnoxious, older kids. Even with the patio door closed it was really loud, even at l0:30 at night. I thought that even though the view was fabulous, the noise didn't do a thing for me. Thought about another longhouse too. I know that it was spring break for the east coast, lots of people from Pennsylania. Plus it was grad week-end too. The volcano pool was wall to wall kids and people, can't see the enjoyment in that but I am not a kid anymore, they were having a great time though. The conveinience of having Tiffany town car was so great. WE are used to renting a big van, getting groceries and staying at the FW cabins. We love it there too and will stay there if that is what my granddaughter needs. Just wanted my kids to get another experience down there. I appreciate all your help!

 

[thumpersfriend]

I can't believe all the good advice I am getting from you all, thank you very much. Bypassing the lines sounds wonderful for her. When my kids were little we really had a good time waiting in the lines but they were not autistic either. Having meals in our own place is really nice too, guess I think of myself too, got tired of cooking! However I could see her in the quiet pool or on the beach in the white sand. Also could see her riding with us on the golf carts at FW cabins too. Glad I have a few years to decide. It is just fresh in my mind since I had such a great time at the Poly, I hated to come home. Most of the snow is gone now here.

 

[Nik's Mom]

Hi,
One of my ds's has autism. We've stayed at Poly and WL with him and both were excellent choices for us. We will be at AKL next week because he is an animal fanatic. We loved WL because ds enjoyed the stream in the lobby that ended up pouring into the swimming pool outside! He also loved the boat ride to Mk. The Poly was also nice because of the monorail. Both resorts had some secluded spots for quiet time. Be sure to visit the DISabilities board for tips on going to WDW with autistic children, and make sure you get a GAC when you go!

 

[thumpersfriend]

Thank you all!!! I just visited the disabilities board here and it is just what I need!!!!! Finally I feel much more hopeful. Can't tell you how much this all means to me.

 

[shelly3girls]

It sounds like the Home Away From Home locations would work well. The BCV have many quiet areas including a quiet pool. We also find the GF to be pretty quiet but enjoyable, very relaxing.

 

[tigger2on]

You might find that renting points from a DVCmember on their board and staying in a villa worthwhile. Depending on what time of year you go, you can get a 1-bedroom for cheaper than a room at the Poly. We have a disabled daughter and have already stayed at a studio at BCV ( tight fit.. smaller than POly room) and a 1-bdrm... we loved it. Full kitchen, large balcony, HUGE BATHROOM, washer and dryer, 2 tvs. Our 1 bdrm last year was at BWV.... had 2 pools, 1 quiet pol and a roolercoatser clown/ circus pool with slide. Also had a great kiddie pool. Boardwalk was great for watching nightly illuminations!!!
We are going again this Oct. and have a 2 bdrm booked with rented points for Old Key West!!!

 

[AJKMOM]

I vote for a Home-Away -from Home Resort, too. With our autistic son, who is now 16 and been to WDW 11 times, we felt it was the best to have more space. Check out the cabins at Ft. Wilderness, great when the inevitable melt-down occurs. The disabilities board has a lot of experts to answer all your questions. You should start lurking on the DVC rental board, too, to rent points for a vacation.

 

[landmark]

My DS is highly functioning autistic. We are currently gearing for our 4th trip to the world. We have stayed at the CR, SOG, POR, POFQ and AKL. It really depends on the individual, however, the best resorts for my DS happen to be SOG and POR if I had to say which ones don't stimulate him. All the activity and colors in the CR tend to stimulate him a bit but you are at a very stimulating place afterall. The only problems we have at AKL is he's very affected by patterns on the floor so the wooden floor in the lobby sets him off a bit with some jumping and hand flapping but usually we can get him to look at the ceiling and that helps. POR has a soothing southern decor resort wide and SOG is also very subtle. It all depends on how much stimulation each child can handle. My DS seems to do very well if he has his outlets... we carry notepads with us and when he starts to feel over stimulated he will begin to write math problems in his notebooks. He does 4th/5th grade math in both regular numbers and roman numberals when he feels stressed.... He's in Kindergarten.

Definitly plan on going in value season if your granddaughter is affected by crowds. Our most recent trip was during peak season and by far was the most difficult trip for my DS yet. We went because DH just returned from deployment, however, it was just too crowded for DS. He does much better during value season. Even the resorts were packed.

 

[minkydog]

My DS is highly functioning autistic. The only problems we have at AKL is he's very affected by patterns on the floor so the wooden floor in the lobby sets him off a bit with some jumping and hand flapping but usually we can get him to look at the ceiling and that helps.

My DS10 does the same thing. I never know when we are going to come across and interesting square or a line in the pavement. DS will stop in his tracks to examine it in detail. Escalators are his particular favorite--all those parallel lines in beautiful synchronous motion.

To get back to the OP--we usually stay at FW with our DS10. He is severely autistic and does not do well in hotel rooms or other strange places. He is non-verbal, but he shreiks & hoots loudly. We have a camper which has been our salvation with him. We take the "little house" with us and he instantly feels at home. If you are not campers, I would suggest the cabins. The atmosphere in FW is much more relaxed, the surroundings are calm, and if they need to flap or holler it isn't as likely to bother anyone. The golf carts are a blast, too.

 

[disneyfan67]

My son Sam is Autistic and this upcomming trip will be his third at Disney and his third stay at the Poly also. He loves the Poly and it's so laid back that we have never had a problem. We stayed 4 days at the CR and he liked it but when we transfered over to the Poly for our last full day he was in heaven. The Poly has a magic all to it's own and my son just loves it there.