Best resort properties for kids with sensory issues

bschrader

Earning My Ears
Joined
Dec 4, 2009
Messages
2
We have a young child with a sensory processing disorder. Have you found some resorts / properties to be more or less desirable (or easier to find a quiet space to decompress)?

In addition to speaking with guest services about a GAC, any other advice (like things not to miss or to avoid at all costs)?

Thanks!
 
Here is my list of the best in order

OKW
WL/VWL
Tree houses (have not stayed there)
AKL Kidani

I recommend south point canal front upper floor as a request at OKW.

If your child has a limited diet from the sensory issues, I would recommend upgrading to a 1br, which has a big living room and full kitchen not to mention a big whirlpool and full laundry. There is a nice quiet pool right near those buildings which you can often have all to yourself.

bookwormde
 
I agree book, about the kitchen for sure. Actually just the concept of space is one that has always been important for us. We have primarily stayed off site in a timeshare villa because it gives DS a chance to feel like he is at home and for him that allows relaxation and decompression.

My biggest tip after having an undiagnosed child for a long time but dealing with the issues nonetheless, is to take it slow. We tried pushing DS to hurry from one thing to another and quickly realized that did NOT work. We might think, "Excellent! No line!" but he would rather have the time to warm up to the idea of a new ride while waiting in a bit of a line.

At all costs we avoid anything 3D. NOt only do you have the whole visual issue but they are LOUD and random thigns happen unexpectedly.

I also bring ear muff kind of things to let him wear when he needs to--WDW tends to be VERY loud on all rides and attractions. We take a break when he needs to, which generally means he and I sit on a bench and watch people go by and chat while DH takes the other two on rides.

My other biggie is water. One thing DS struggles with with his SPD is figuring out when he is thirsty. Or hungry for that matter. My mantra is "when in doubt give him a drink and a snack." Sounds nutty but if he is hungry or thristy he is all out of whack and his tolerance plummets. That is easy to overlook on vacation when you are on the go. He is actually a little underweight for his height so this has not led us to any problems.
 
If you're looking for options in moderates, we love Port Orleans. There is a playground area there that is often unused, and a lot of quiet little nooks to get a break from all the noise and stimuli. The food court there is noisy (like all food courts) but again, you could take food for carryout to one of the quiet areas throughout the resort.
 

I also agree that the Port Orlens is good. We loved our stay it was not very bussy or noisey ( we go in April).
 
We had a great exp with my 2 children on the autism spectrum (who both have sensory issues to varying degrees) at the Polynesian. That's where we are going back to in March!! It was quiet, laid back, and just plan wonderful. They LOVED it... and so did we!!
 














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