Dining and autism

[ttintagel]

I've heard a lot of people say that their ASD kids did well at the Garden Grill at EPCOT with Chip and Dale, because the walls between the booths are so high you can't see the families eating next to you and it makes it less distracting for their kids.

 

[pixarmom]

I've heard a lot of people say that their ASD kids did well at the Garden Grill at EPCOT with Chip and Dale, because the walls between the booths are so high you can't see the families eating next to you and it makes it less distracting for their kids.

Yes!!! This has been wonderful for our youngest son. Before our trip, we call Disney Dining and request a booth for disability-related reasons on all of our ADRs. Disability Services suggested this to us last year and it's been really helpful.

 

[pixarmom]

Also wanted to add that we love Hoop Dee Doo, and our youngest was really looking forward to it. But when we arrived, it was too much and he entirely shut down. He covered his ears and then promptly fell asleep with his head on my lap under the table. We carried him out at the end and when he woke up, he wasn't upset by the experience, just disappointed that he missed the show. If he wants to try it again, we might consider a balcony table instead.

 

[PlutosUnDr8d]

Yes!!! This has been wonderful for our youngest son. Before our trip, we call Disney Dining and request a booth for disability-related reasons on all of our ADRs. Disability Services suggested this to us last year and it's been really helpful.

My son liked Garden Grill, except I made the mistake of telling him it was a buffet (had never been there) and he got upset that we still had to wait for them to bring food, going on about "why do they call it a buffet if you have to wait for your food? That is not accurate!". THEN they brought salad first, lol! He was not pleased. ; ) He changed his tune when they brought a platter of meat. Except that it had "stuff" on it (sauces).
Interesting idea about the booths--do you call after making all your ADRs? Just wondering if you can accomplish this with one phone call.

 

[PlutosUnDr8d]

I have a 2 yr old and a 5 yr old. My 2 yr old will be 3 when we go back to Disney and my 5 yr old is autistic. Is there anyone with any kind of experience with character dining and autism. Are there any restaurants you think I should steer clear from or are there any restaurants you had a great experience at? Just trying to get an idea of where to take them when we go back in February. We had a great experience at rainforest cafe and will be going back!

Crystal Palace was nice--Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, all come by your table. They seemed to adjust their responses to each table (more or less interaction). Buffet, with kid-friendly food.

 

[pixarmom]

My son liked Garden Grill, except I made the mistake of telling him it was a buffet (had never been there) and he got upset that we still had to wait for them to bring food, going on about "why do they call it a buffet if you have to wait for your food? That is not accurate!". THEN they brought salad first, lol! He was not pleased. ; ) He changed his tune when they brought a platter of meat. Except that it had "stuff" on it (sauces).
Interesting idea about the booths--do you call after making all your ADRs? Just wondering if you can accomplish this with one phone call.

I make our ADRs online, so for me, it's a separate phone call to add the booth requests. I know where booth seating is available and where it's not, but some CMs have gone so far as to suggest areas of a particular restaurant that may work well when a booth is not available. All the restaurant CMs and Disney Dining CMs we've encountered over several trips have been wonderful. Many have told us they will make it happen because they consider it an accommodation, not just a request. (We don't count on it, but we really appreciate the effort and encouragement.) There is one exception. The last time I called, I explained our son's disability, and the dining phone CM repeated over and over again how they "never do this" and it's "just a request." But that's rare - most are very helpful.

 

[PlutosUnDr8d]

Thanks, Pixarmom, good to know!

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

I'm a 20 (yes I said 20) year old with autism. I reccomend Garden Grill, Crystal Palace, and Cape May. What characterss does your kid like?

 

[Amazynglydisney]

I'm a 20 (yes I said 20) year old with autism. I reccomend Garden Grill, Crystal Palace, and Cape May. What characterss does your kid like?

He loves Disney Jr characters and of course mickey and the gang and frozen characters.
I've heard the Hollywood and vine breakfast has Disney Jr characters but I was wondering how good their breakfast is and how much I should expect to pay there I've never eaten at Hollywood and vine.

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

I haven't either but I do know that Doc, Sofia, Jake, and I think handy manny are there

 

[Amazynglydisney]

Good to know... I will probably call and reserve if there's availability. Thank you so so much

 

[tikisunset77]

I would have to agree Crystal Palace is a good starter character meal. It is so open and airy in there because of all the windows. What I love about Disney-The handlers and characters understand there will be kids not having any part of the interactions and will welcome you telling them. They really pick up on the cues of each child. Also you can easily go outside if your little one needs a break. My special needs son(5) loves interacting with the characters while my older son (6) has always been a bit standoffish around them.
Sometimes there is music and a "parade" around the room that the kids can join the characters in-to get some of their energy out which can be nice if your child is into that. I think the Crystal Palace had some of the best food I've had in Magic Kingdom -breakfast standard fare and lunch was simple and fresh. Just remember it is Disney- if your child will only eat a certain favorite food and you think it could help them enjoy the character meal more- ask the hostess and see if they can make it. They really aim to please.

 

[Amazynglydisney]

I would have to agree Crystal Palace is a good starter character meal. It is so open and airy in there because of all the windows. What I love about Disney-The handlers and characters understand there will be kids not having any part of the interactions and will welcome you telling them. They really pick up on the cues of each child. Also you can easily go outside if your little one needs a break. My special needs son(5) loves interacting with the characters while my older son (6) has always been a bit standoffish around them.
Sometimes there is music and a "parade" around the room that the kids can join the characters in-to get some of their energy out which can be nice if your child is into that. I think the Crystal Palace had some of the best food I've had in Magic Kingdom -breakfast standard fare and lunch was simple and fresh. Just remember it is Disney- if your child will only eat a certain favorite food and you think it could help them enjoy the character meal more- ask the hostess and see if they can make it. They really aim to please.

Awesome will have to check out crystal palace as well thanks so much for everyone's feedback

 

[CaraMiaBelle]

My ASD son was 7 on his first (and so far only) trip. We knew to keep him away from characters, but his younger brother and sister wanted to see them, so we did a TON of character meals. We just sat him buffered between the 2 of us, with his back to a wall and facing outward, if possible. Amazingly, about halfway through our trip, at Crystal Palace, he suddenly shocked us by saying he wanted to get up and talk with Tigger! Tigger even had him hopping around in a circle with him. It was the most awesomest thing ever! Tigger and Crystal Palace will always have a special place in our hearts now. : ) He went up to many characters for the rest of our trip as well.
And I will also recommend Garden Grille. It had hands-down the lowest sensory input of the character meals we went to and my kids actually loved the food there!