DD(17) with Autism - Any tips on meeting the Characters

[missyf]

Hi Everyone,

This is my first post on the disABILITIES Board. I am the mother of a 17 year old DD with Autism. We are planning a trip to DisneyWorld this comining November/December. She hasn't been in about 7 years, and although she loves everything Disney she is not a big fan of DisneyWorld (or traveling anywhere for that matter).

So we are planning a short trip, just to see how she will handle it.

I know she would love to meet and see the characters, but sometimes the lines to meet them are very long. I know we could do character meals, but she is really a picky eater and would not eat much of what is offered on the menus.

Does anyone have any tips or advice on the best places/times to meet up with the characters.

Thanks for all of your help.

Missy

 

[Jotash]

Get the Guest Assistance Card. We went to the Hall of Fame with DS who has autism and they let us in through the back to meet the characters. Also, for when they're out on the street, DH or I would wait in the line and when we were next whoever was with him would bring him over. This worked at AK and MGM. I always explained to the people behind me what was going on, that I was waiting in his place because he couldn't tolerate the lines. No one seemed to mind and most parents understood.

 

[belle&beast]

At Epcot there are lots of opportunities to meet characters without waiting in line at the World Showcase in the different countries' pavillions. From what I understand you can ask at guest services and they should be able to tell you which characters will be where at each park. We also had great luck at the Character Connection in Epcot- no wait at all 2 times visiting. I hope I helped! Have a wonderful trip!

 

[spotdog]

Bump

The character meals are a relaxed way to meet characters. Is there any exception where Disney allows those with special needs who don't eat much, to attend at a child's price (as long as they are with a full price paying adult) ?

 

[ducklite]

Bump

The character meals are a relaxed way to meet characters. Is there any exception where Disney allows those with special needs who don't eat much, to attend at a child's price (as long as they are with a full price paying adult) ?

As an overall policy, no. WDW considers the cost of character meals to be primarily for "entertainment." That said, often servers will notice someone with special needs hasn't eaten much, and will voluntarily charge a children's price instead of the adult price.

Anne