Can this be done or am I crazy

[andysmom]

We will be going to Orlando at the end of August. I have never been to Universal so don't know if this is do-able or not.

We have 1 day and would like to do the 2 parks. My son has special needs and has selected a few things to do. Any suggestions to my plan? Am I crazy, can this be done in a day?

Dispicable Me: Minion Mayhem
Transformers
Men in Black
DiagonAlley
Kings Cross
Hogsmeade
Forbidden Journey
little time at Camp Jurassic if there is time
RipSaw Falls
Popeye and Bluto Bilge Rat Barges

He would also like to meet Spongebob Squarepants, but I don't know where he is so I couldnt add it in.

Thanks for any and all help or advise. I am nervous.

 

[johde]

We will be going to Orlando at the end of August. I have never been to Universal so don't know if this is do-able or not.

We have 1 day and would like to do the 2 parks. My son has special needs and has selected a few things to do. Any suggestions to my plan? Am I crazy, can this be done in a day?

Dispicable Me: Minion Mayhem
Transformers
Men in Black
DiagonAlley
Kings Cross
Hogsmeade
Forbidden Journey
little time at Camp Jurassic if there is time
RipSaw Falls
Popeye and Bluto Bilge Rat Barges

He would also like to meet Spongebob Squarepants, but I don't know where he is so I couldnt add it in.

Thanks for any and all help or advise. I am nervous.

At first glance, as someone who has never taken a special need person, the plan seems doable. But I may be naive.

Ignoring any special needs for a minute. Despicable Me and Gringotts (assuming that's part of Diagon Alley) are the only rides that have long lines all day. Most everything else is going to have busy times as slow times. If you look online there are several 1 day 2 park touring plans. Touring plans has a plan with everything you want and more here: http://blog.touringplans.com/2014/0...ding-world-two-park-touring-plans/#more-68048 . Cutting out what you don't want would allow for potentially going slower.

 

[pcstang]

I agree with the above. I think it is doable with possible exception of gringotts. I would personally save that for last. Are you staying onsite? I also have no experience with a special needs child at the park. However, I have read on these forums that universal is eager to help you and your child out. I believe once you talk with guest services they will give you a card that you take with you. If the standby line is long the TM will give you a return time to come back and not have to wait. Again, I have no experience with this but have seen this happen when I'm at the parks. Sponge bob is located near the kid zone just before E.T. In the sponge bob store. Can't remember the exact name of the store. I'm sure more enlightened users will chime in to be answer your questions.

 

[andysmom]

Thank you for your response. We are staying off site. My son has Aspergers among other things, but that is what is keeping the rides to a minimum. We are not doing Escape from Gringotts, I think it might be a bit to much for him. I have spoken with guest services and there is a pass where we could get a return time for a ride if the wait is too long and due to other issues that might be necessary but I don't want to count on anything. I will check out the touring plans that have been suggested. I appreciate the help.

 

[damo]

Thank you for your response. We are staying off site. My son has Aspergers among other things, but that is what is keeping the rides to a minimum. We are not doing Escape from Gringotts, I think it might be a bit to much for him. I have spoken with guest services and there is a pass where we could get a return time for a ride if the wait is too long and due to other issues that might be necessary but I don't want to count on anything. I will check out the touring plans that have been suggested. I appreciate the help.

Are you not doing Gringotts because of the wait times or because you think the ride itself may be too much for him? Forbidden Journey is much more intense of a ride, if he doesn't like intense rides.

 

[pcstang]

are you not doing gringotts because of the wait times or because you think the ride itself may be too much for him? Forbidden journey is much more intense of a ride, if he doesn't like intense rides.

Agreed.

 

[2girlsmom]

My daughter is Aspberger's as well, and I would say this plan is doable, especially as you don't have any shows in the list, which seem to extend the time needed in our experience. Yes, get the assistance pass for your son. This will allow you to get a return time equal to the standby line time on everything longer than 20 minutes or so, and this works well especially on rides like Forbidden Journeys, as we can shop in Hogsmeade while waiting for our time to return, then are sent through on a seperate line so total time in line is generally 10 minutes or less. We haven't yet been since they opened Hogsmeade, but I would think that the same situation would exist there if you decide to try Gringott's, they will give a return time, and you can check out the shops, etc in Diagon Alley while waiting for the time. This has been a godsend to us, as my aspy can wait, but needs to be occupied with SOMETHING while doing so if it is more than 15 minutes or so, shopping or window shopping works for her.

 

[Senator Tressel]

It can be done AND you're crazy. The two are unrelated.

 

[KorbensMomma]

It can be done AND you're crazy. The two are unrelated.

I just laughed so hard when I read this, thanks I needed a giggle.