Epcot Holiday Around the World w/HFASD not quite 5yr old?

[justmeinflorida]

We have a trip coming up and one of our days will be in Epcot. We've never been to Epcot Holiday Around the World and was wondering if it would be something to even attempt with our HFASD little boy. Anyone do this with a child that has HFASD?

 

[gap2368]

I think it will depend on your son on how well he handles it

 

[lanejudy]

I'd say it may depend on your son's interest and attention span, as well as your intentions for your day(s) at Epcot. We did Epcot at the holiday time when DD was 5. It was her first trip and we really didn't know what to expect or how to plan it. She had very little interest in viewing/touring/visiting the countries if there wasn't a Kidcot station, store or ride. The holiday themed performances caught her attention for a bit, though she didn't quite grasp the concept without Santa. We used her stroller quite a bit, she did love the Candlelight Processional but she was used to going to church. But your son may have a different temperament or interests (DD still doesn't do well with storytellers and such). I'd say be prepared to move along if he isn't interested, or maybe split up if one of you is particularly interested in a performance but your son isn't.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[gap2368]

just a thought but would your child be in a stroller they could sit in it and play a game on a phone/ iPad this might help if they are not into what is going on and it might make it possible for you to stay an extra 5 minutes, but with kids with ASD 5 minutes can seem like hours to them.

 

[justmeinflorida]

I'd say it may depend on your son's interest and attention span, as well as your intentions for your day(s) at Epcot. We did Epcot at the holiday time when DD was 5. It was her first trip and we really didn't know what to expect or how to plan it. She had very little interest in viewing/touring/visiting the countries if there wasn't a Kidcot station, store or ride. The holiday themed performances caught her attention for a bit, though she didn't quite grasp the concept without Santa. We used her stroller quite a bit, she did love the Candlelight Processional but she was used to going to church. But your son may have a different temperament or interests (DD still doesn't do well with storytellers and such). I'd say be prepared to move along if he isn't interested, or maybe split up if one of you is particularly interested in a performance but your son isn't.

Enjoy your vacation!

DS is really good if he's engaged in what is going on. Are the performers really engaging with the children?

just a thought but would your child be in a stroller they could sit in it and play a game on a phone/ iPad this might help if they are not into what is going on and it might make it possible for you to stay an extra 5 minutes, but with kids with ASD 5 minutes can seem like hours to them.

Yes we usually don't go anywhere without a stroller (that is his "place") but I was hoping that we could get him to interact with what is going on. He spends so much time watching videos and/or playing games on either his Kindle, Fire TV, Dad's phone, Mom's phone, his DS or PS3, I really look forward to the us time.

 

[gap2368]

I really look forward to the us time.

I so understand this hopefully you can do this or most of this and he will love it or maybe just like it and learn something new. I could try and talk to him about it this might help some so he knows what is going on.

 

[Marthasor]

It will really depend on your son. At 5, my DS would not have sat and watched. If he becomes engaged, great, but I would either be prepared to move on if he isn't interested, have someone occupy him with something else, or, if you really want to watch, give him a preferred activity (ipad, etc.).