Considering Trip to Universal. Daughter has mild autism.

[momto4girlz]

We've been to Disney many times over the years and love it, but I'm considering Universal because of the Harry Potter stuff. My youngest daughter, 11 yr old, started reading the books several months ago. She actually listening on Audible. She "ear reads" better than she "eye reads". Not sure what book she's on, but she now calls herself a Potterhead. I'm thinking...I have to consider Universal for this kid.

My concern is this: She has mild autism. Along with that comes anxiety. At Disney there are plenty of things to do if you don't do intense rides and roller coasters. I've always been under the impression that everything at Universal is geared toward a teen and up crowd. I would hate to take my Potterhead to Universal only to find out that all the Harry Potter Attractions are too scary for her. (and honestly, me, too!) I don't do roller coasters or scary stuff either. Would we be throwing our money away?

 

[bumbershoot]

My son has been doing whatever he could fit on (except The Mummy) since he was 6.5. He doesn't like the acromantulas in forbidden journey (didn't help that there was a ride stop with one in front of my face) but can handle it.

If she has read the books (story is story and audiobooks are just as much a book as a handheld one) then she knows the creatures/monsters in the story. Watching some YouTube videos might help determine which rides might be good.

But apart from that there is a LOT to see in the Wizarding worlds that she'll probably love. My teenage cousin has more than mild autism, and even though he refused to go on ANY ride at all he still LOVED the place. We bought him a wand and helped him work out the spells, he had butterbeer, we wandered...it was lovely. And he hadn't even seen beyond the first movie as far as I know (and hasn't read more of the books than that).

 

[momto4girlz]

Thanks! That's very encouraging to hear/read! Youtube is a good idea.

 

[bobbie68]

Hi my DD has mild/high functioning autism. She has a lot of sensory issues that comes with it. We have been going to Universal for years now and she loves it. Every year she went on more and now goes on mostly everything. She is a Potter head and absolutely loves it there. There is so much to see and do and if you stay on site the hotels are so close if you need a break. I agree you tube is a good idea. We don't like Forbidden journey much to much in your face. Good luck!

 

[wilkeliza]

I would say she will be able to enjoy HP with out the rides if they end up being an issue. Forbidden journey, Gringotts, and Dragon Challenge are coaster and FJ ad DC are intense. Gringotts doesn't go upside down or anything but has a pretty decent drop in the beginning. FJ has a few things that get in your face and has temperature changes and possibly even a get wet spot (spider spit). Definitely watch rides videos. If she can't do the rides there is so much to see and interact with that a Potterhead will still have a great time.

 

[Disney Ron]

Potterheads need to go to UO! She'll have a blast.

 

[momto4girlz]

Thanks, y'all. This have been helpful.

 

[autismmom1]

Yes, go! I would suggest staying onsite, so you can do Early Admission/Entry...the Harry Potter shops get crowded, which may cause discomfort, depending on sensory issues. Otherwise, it's such a neat experience for those of us who've read the books and seen the movies!

 

[toonaspie]

You will still want to take her there to experience the various shops and details for the lands if nothing else. You can also do Hogwarts Express both ways on the park-2-park. I would definitely skip Dragon Challenge. Flight of the Hippogriff is supposed to be a family coaster though it was a bit too high for me (it is at least very short ride like 1-2 minutes). I was terrified of going on Gringotts and Forbidden Journey but both rides ended up being less intense than I had expected them to be. (The trick with FJ is NEVER look down ).

You can also request to go through the queues of both attractions without riding as well.

I would also invest $50 in buying her an interactive wand so she can do the interactive wand experiences in both lands. You'll also want to do the Ollivander's wand experience prior to this.

As far as the shows go, they were doing a Celestina Warbeck performance when I was in Diagon Alley and the audio was far too loud for my sensitive ears. I would keep away from the stages during show times.