character meal with ASD

[Lisa0620]

Have to make ADR's for our next trip and I'm struggling with what to do about character meals. Younger DS would really enjoy them. Older son with Asperger's is not interested; not scared of characters per se, but definitely will feel a little anxious and not eager to be approached. The two places I'm considering are Crystal Palace and CRT. The food looks a lot better at CP, but I think older DS might get a kick out of the castle and sword at CRT. Anyone have an opinion one way or another? Or any tips about how to subtly let the handlers know that older DS is not really interested in participating? I figured we'd seat him on the "inside" if possible.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Two suggestions.

First is to let both the server and the podium host know. (And if you see a handler, let that person know also.)

Second is to look at how you are seated, and have older son seated furthest away from the aisle.

 

[JESW]

How old is your Aspie? My ds is 15 now and has been going to Disney since he was 22 months old. We have done many character meals over the years and they have never bothered him. Once his sister came along (4 years younger) we did the Princess breakfast in both the castle and Norway. One of my most favorite pictures over the years is when ds was about 9 and into Pokemon and in the picture he is with Cinderella and she is holding one of his cards and talking to ds about it - such a wonderful character interaction!

When ds was into Stitch we saw him as many times as we could so we have several pictures of him. One trip ds even wore the Stitch hat and had him sign both ears.

And then he was into Donald so we have pictures with him.

None of these encounters were ever planned - we were just happy they happened. You never know how he might react. If he doesn't want any interaction the characters are very quick to pick up which kids to stay away from - they will never force themselves on him.

Have him sit in the back so they won't come right at him and then he can decide if he wants to interact or not - he may just surprise you!

Good luck!!

Jill

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Hi,

Our son is autistic and non verbal, doesn't like eating out at all.

Personally I would look for somewhere with a more relaxed setting, and more spacious too.
Somewhere like Chef Mickey's that has more of an open feel to it and is not as cramped. Buffet style serving may also be less stressful for you, as you can just help yourself without feeling too intimated, if that's the word, as opposed to having the food brought to you.

 

[Lisa0620]

Two suggestions.
First is to let both the server and the podium host know. (And if you see a handler, let that person know also.)
Second is to look at how you are seated, and have older son seated furthest away from the aisle.

Thanks so much, wonderful advice.

How old is your Aspie? My ds is 15 now and has been going to Disney since he was 22 months old. We have done many character meals over the years and they have never bothered him. Once his sister came along (4 years younger) we did the Princess breakfast in both the castle and Norway. One of my most favorite pictures over the years is when ds was about 9 and into Pokemon and in the picture he is with Cinderella and she is holding one of his cards and talking to ds about it - such a wonderful character interaction!

Thanks, Jill! He will be just 9 on our trip. Our first trip I was so worried about overloading him that I think I underchallenged him! We only did 1 TS, Sci Fi, which he LOVED. We stood in line to meet Buzz and younger DS got his autograph, but older DS opted out. This trip we'll be on the dining plan and I'm trying to choose restaurants that are kind of an experience or are in a really cool setting, so he has something to enjoy visually to help compensate for it being too loud/crowded etc. He's not interested in meeting ANY characters, he's fairly clear on that point. I thought I would make an autograph book for him just in case he starts to feel left out, but go in with the expectation that he'd rather not talk. (But of course secretly I'm hoping for a magical "Pokemon" type moment too...) I'm actually so bummed that they added the princesses to the CRT dinner. I know that's probably heresy, but I could tell he wanted to go IN there last time, but if there's anything worse than having people talk to him, it's having GIRLS talk to him.

Personally I would look for somewhere with a more relaxed setting, and more spacious too.
Somewhere like Chef Mickey's that has more of an open feel to it and is not as cramped. Buffet style serving may also be less stressful for you, as you can just help yourself without feeling too intimated, if that's the word, as opposed to having the food brought to you.

I wondered about Chef Mickey's b/c I know he'd love the Monorail, but all I've read about it is that it's super loud there. A buffet would be really good for him because I'm kind of worried about the kids' menus filling him up. It's so funny when I read other people's negative reviews that say things like "the characters barely interacted with us" or "they completely skipped our table" I think -oh good, maybe that will happen for us too!

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I actually don't think Chef Mickey's is that loud, others like Ohana definitely are.

Personally as I said earlier I would choose a location that is quieter and also offer buffet service.
It is also nice to be able to have the advantage of looking round a resort too.

I would still consider Chef Mickey's or 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian, I think both would suit your needs and from my experience, from what people have also told me they are some of the quieter one's.
Though naturally with young, excited children around I guess you have to bear that in mind too.

 

[christymarie]

We have two boys on the spectrum and did a CP breakfast. We found it very relaxed as we had one of the latest ADRs so there was a lot fewer people and the character interaction was great. My younger DS (severe classic autism) is the one not into characters and he perched himself by the window and watched people going by the whole dinner while my older DS (Aspie) sat by the isle and had characters to his heart's content.

I'm a big fan of CP but definitely do breakfast as late as you can.

 

[kehlyrsmom]

My oldest DD(10) has asperger's by DS(8) moderate autistic/apraxia of speach and both have sensory issues (total opposite of each other). We have been taking them to WDW since 06 and another trip planned this fall with them.

We have done CP on several occasions both have really enjoyed it, breakfast has better food in my opinion. My son's favorite is Chief Mickey's we have also done that several times as well so far only for dinner and have been quite happy with the food. We have also done CT and we were greatly disappointed with the food quality especially since it takes two dining credits if you are on the dining plan. The character interaction was very limited, the kids did not enjoy CT very much. We have also done Akeshuers a couple of times for breakfast, the food is very good and the characters are great as well this in my opinion is much better the CT.

In 5 days my hubby and I are heading to the WDW for our anniversary and we are going to try Donald's Safari breakfast at AK. I have a breakfast planned this fall with the kids there but depending on what we think in a few days will determine if I keep this ADR for the fall or not. Though I have heard really good reviews so far about it so we are looking forward to trying it.

 

[bookwormde]

What you are thinking about is exactly what we did when our DS wa younger and it worked well (characters were made aware of his needs). If there is noise sensitivity then headshones can help if the venue is loud.

bookwormde

 

[Jule]

Me and my family went to WDW at New Year this time and because it was so busy we were advised to book our meals to save waiting. We booked the character meal at CP. Were a family of adults, my younger brother is 23 and really not into character meet and greets and neither is my dad. The good thing about CP was that when the characters came to our table they didn't stay very long, they just waved and then carried along. I'm sure if we'd taken out our camera and requested photos they would have stayed longer. That was without us even saying anything to the minders that walk round with them. So I'm sure if you just mentioned that your older son might get a bit anxious they will sort something out.

 

[SueM in MN]

Good advice already, but I wanted to just add that it is easy in all the character meals to seat one or more people so that the characters can't even get to them. In most, one side of some tables is against a wall or partial wall. When checking in, you can ask for a table that fits your needs.

The handlers and characters do take their cue from you and will spend as little time with a member of your party as you want. And, if one child wants pictures/autographs and the other doesn't, that's OK too.

 

[Lisa0620]

We've settled on CP for breakfast, for our first park day. I showed DS some pictures of the restaurant interiors and he oohed and aahed over the character topiaries. I also showed him some pictures of the characters and explained that he could talk to them if he wanted to or not if he didn't want to and would that be okay and he seemed very agreeable (but is sure he won't want to, which is fine.) I will let them know what his needs are when we check in and ask for a window table. I'm hoping that it will be a really nice way to start our vacation to enter a near empty main street....

Thanks so much to everyone. Your advice was very helpful!

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Hope you and your family enjoy it Lisa.

 

[Lisa0620]

Hope you and your family enjoy it Lisa.

Thanks so much. I'll report back (in six months!) how it went...

 

[SmallWorld71]

Personally, I think CM's is quite loud as is CP. CRT was pretty quiet when we went. (Although the lobby/ check-in was chaos.) I'm sure experiences can vary though. CP is a family favorite in spite of the noise. We find the food to be the best of the three.