Experiences? Disney Cruise with Autistic toddler

[TheTikiHoovs]

Hey everyone!

We are going on a Disney Cruise with our 3 year old son who is possibly autistic (still waiting on diagnosis but will have one once we sail). We picked a Disney Cruise because we feel like it would be a little bit less for him to handle in comparison to the parks but will still have tons of Disney Magic for him to enjoy. Does anyone have a experience with taking a young toddler with Autism on a Disney Cruise? Did they handle it well? Were they able to participate in the Oceaneer Lab without being too overwhelmed? We are flying down (first time for him on a plane) the day before to help him transition. We also booked a concierge room so check in on the boat (past TSA) will be hopefully smooth sailing.

This is our first BIG trip with our son so I am kinda freaking out....


Thanks in advance!

- Mama Tiki Hoov

 

[k8Davies]

OMG I am so glad you asked this question, as I was thinking of a Disney Cruise with the 2018 trips coming out.

My Son who is also 3 and Autistic has been on WDW on a family trip, last November. Have to say (as I've said in previous post) it was Amazing, Disney could not be more helpful and I totally recommend it, but I would also love to know about the cruise.

As with the flight, now I know every ASD child is different, but we had a 9 hour plan ride to WDW. I was a nervous wreck beforehand and it wasn't bad at all, we took his ear defenders and his Ipad and he was very good for most of the trip, some issues around the plane food but apart from that couldn't believe how good he was.

Any way back to the cruise, I'm sure they will be just as good or better than they were at WDW, so will have to keep an eye on this thread .

Also if you could post a little trip report afterwards, I would definitely be interested in reading it.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Hey everyone!

We are going on a Disney Cruise with our 3 year old son who is possibly autistic (still waiting on diagnosis but will have one once we sail). We picked a Disney Cruise because we feel like it would be a little bit less for him to handle in comparison to the parks but will still have tons of Disney Magic for him to enjoy. Does anyone have a experience with taking a young toddler with Autism on a Disney Cruise? Did they handle it well? Were they able to participate in the Oceaneer Lab without being too overwhelmed? We are flying down (first time for him on a plane) the day before to help him transition. We also booked a concierge room so check in on the boat (past TSA) will be hopefully smooth sailing.

This is our first BIG trip with our son so I am kinda freaking out....


Thanks in advance!

- Mama Tiki Hoov

since you say first flight for him I would start practicing at home with walking thru check point. this worked well for us. Mommy first then "Bobby" with no touching sides and daddy last. my grandson is a flapper and had to touch even with being told not to. thanks to guy in line behind us telling TSA agent he touched or he was going to have to through the pat down. mom was told she could go with but she was not going to be able to touch or hold his hand. ended up sending back thru and he was able to not touch clear but he was upset and not happy. plus he will not be able to hold a lovie or toy. I am not sure about headphones being able to stay on or not, grandson did not use. stroller has to go thru scanner if foldable. be prepared for him to walk thru check point if he can walk. if stroller too large for scanner he will have to come out and the stroller checked differently which will take some extra time. know you are planning check in on boat but you will still have TSA for the flight down and back. is he potty trained? of not can be a problem with kids area and used to be no swim diapers in pools don't know if that has changed.

 

[DLgal]

You can go to Open House hours in the Club/Lab. No way in heck would I leave an autistic 3 year old during secure programming. No way. Those counselors are all very nice but they are not trained fully in autism and other developmental disorders and really are very clueless about the nuances of how to communicate and handle meltdowns. We had a serious issue with out autistic son on the Dream when he was 6. He is now 11 and STILL says he didn't like the club on the ship.

I would hesitate to leave a typically developing 3 year old during secure programming. The age spread of 3-12 all together is problematic for the younger set, IMO. The place descends into chaos regularly and the little ones get forgotten.

The good news is that there is a LOT of Open House time so you can go in with your child and play together.

Bring noise cancelling headphones for the safety drill. It is LOUD.

Request a private table for dinner. You will feel more relaxed not having to worry about how your child might affect stranger's mealtimes or trying to explain why your child isn't interacting typically with their 3 year old (they pair together like families at dinner time). We have always requested a private table and it's been no problem. I'm not about to spend my vacation explaining my kids selective eating habits and meltdowns and getting a bunch of "advice" from other parents on how I should handle it.

 

[SMD]

I would start contacting Disney now about a possible private muster drill. Otherwise you'll be kicked off the ship if he's not able to fully participate in the public one.

 

[TheTikiHoovs]

Hey everyone!

Thanks for all the replies! I truly appreciate the time you took to reach out to me with all of your personal insight!
After talking it over with my DH I think we will be leaving DS with my mother in Orlando while we sail. Luckily for DS My mother has been kind enough to offer to take him early in the day to The Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs while we're out so he doesn't miss out on the Disney experience. We are planning another cruise for 2018 by that time he will be 4, fully potty trained, and we will hopefully have a clear diagnosis which might help us a little bit when it comes proper preparation for a Disney Cruise. Again thank you for all your replies! I will definitely write back in once we book our Spring 2018 cruise


- Mama Tiki Hoov

 

[SMD]

Something else you can try is a short 2-3 night cruise on another line. There won't be Disney characters, but there would be many of the same things you'll see on a Disney trip, and it's shorter and most lines are cheaper so it would be a good test to benchmark what you'll need to do on the longer Disney cruise.

 

[lanejudy]

I know you posted that you have decided to leave him with grandma, and that may be the best option for your family. I wanted to add some thoughts...

How well he copes with a cruise vacation may depend on what challenges he has -- and the diagnosis isn't going to change that. Consider what his main challenges are: sensory-avoiding, sensory-seeking, crowds, communication (which can be hard for many 3-yr-old), food, schedule and routine, behavioral, etc.

You are cruising concierge, which may be quite beneficial for a child with autism, maybe even more so for such a young one. You'll have a quieter (well, at least less crowded) check-in and embarkation. Concierge may be able to help you arrange for a private muster drill -- I have heard these are available by contacting DCL's Special Services department. Just keep in mind that even if not required to be at muster with the crowds, the siren sounds EVERYWHERE so you can't avoid it even in your stateroom; bring earmuffs for him if sound is an issue. Concierge guests typically are guaranteed a private table at the MDRs unless you request to be seated with others. Concierge may also be able to help with other requests either pre-cruise or during the cruise.

I would not count on the Oceaneers Club/Lab CMs to work with that young a child with a developmental disability unless he is already functioning adequately in a larger childcare environment at home on a regular basis. CMs are not able to give him direct 1:1 assistance. The Club/Lab can be hectic with a lot of activity and kids doing various activities. You may be fine bringing him to Open House times, which are scheduled for at least one hour per day in each kids' space.

As a 3-yr-old, you do have the option to use the Nursery instead of the Club/Lab. CMs there are also not able to give direct 1:1, but the staff-to-child ratio is much lower for the little ones compared to the Club/Lab, so the Nursery may be better able to give him more direct attention as long as he doesn't have significant behavioral issues. I believe you are able to provide foods for him to eat and indicate times you want him to eat, which is not allowed at the Club/Lab. You could try a short time and see how it works. Be sure to stop by the first day for open house (this is usually the ONLY open house for the Nursery) and discuss your concerns, allow them to watch him play, and see how it goes.

Be aware that the pools require all children to be potty-training and do not allow swim diapers. Children in swim diapers are allowed in the designated water-play area on the pool deck.

Enjoy your cruise -- either adult-only or as a family!

 

[wilkeliza]

I would start contacting Disney now about a possible private muster drill. Otherwise you'll be kicked off the ship if he's not able to fully participate in the public one.

Um that is not the case at all! In almost all cases if you talk to the muster CM or they see a child having a melt down then wille excuse 1 parent and thr child while a representative for the cabin says behind. In all my DCL experience I have never heard of anyone being thrown off the ship for their child having a melt down during muster.

 

[SMD]

Um that is not the case at all! In almost all cases if you talk to the muster CM or they see a child having a melt down then wille excuse 1 parent and thr child while a representative for the cabin says behind. In all my DCL experience I have never heard of anyone being thrown off the ship for their child having a melt down during muster.

I can't speak specifically to DCL, but other lines do it. There's a huge fine for skipping a muster, they like to avoid it. I doubt Disney just lets it go when other lines find it severe enough to kick people off.

 

[TheTikiHoovs]

I know you posted that you have decided to leave him with grandma, and that may be the best option for your family. I wanted to add some thoughts...

How well he copes with a cruise vacation may depend on what challenges he has -- and the diagnosis isn't going to change that. Consider what his main challenges are: sensory-avoiding, sensory-seeking, crowds, communication (which can be hard for many 3-yr-old), food, schedule and routine, behavioral, etc.

You are cruising concierge, which may be quite beneficial for a child with autism, maybe even more so for such a young one. You'll have a quieter (well, at least less crowded) check-in and embarkation. Concierge may be able to help you arrange for a private muster drill -- I have heard these are available by contacting DCL's Special Services department. Just keep in mind that even if not required to be at muster with the crowds, the siren sounds EVERYWHERE so you can't avoid it even in your stateroom; bring earmuffs for him if sound is an issue. Concierge guests typically are guaranteed a private table at the MDRs unless you request to be seated with others. Concierge may also be able to help with other requests either pre-cruise or during the cruise.

I would not count on the Oceaneers Club/Lab CMs to work with that young a child with a developmental disability unless he is already functioning adequately in a larger childcare environment at home on a regular basis. CMs are not able to give him direct 1:1 assistance. The Club/Lab can be hectic with a lot of activity and kids doing various activities. You may be fine bringing him to Open House times, which are scheduled for at least one hour per day in each kids' space.

As a 3-yr-old, you do have the option to use the Nursery instead of the Club/Lab. CMs there are also not able to give direct 1:1, but the staff-to-child ratio is much lower for the little ones compared to the Club/Lab, so the Nursery may be better able to give him more direct attention as long as he doesn't have significant behavioral issues. I believe you are able to provide foods for him to eat and indicate times you want him to eat, which is not allowed at the Club/Lab. You could try a short time and see how it works. Be sure to stop by the first day for open house (this is usually the ONLY open house for the Nursery) and discuss your concerns, allow them to watch him play, and see how it goes.

Be aware that the pools require all children to be potty-training and do not allow swim diapers. Children in swim diapers are allowed in the designated water-play area on the pool deck.

Enjoy your cruise -- either adult-only or as a family!

Thanks so much! I will keep this all in mind for our Spring cruise

 

[TheTikiHoovs]

Something else you can try is a short 2-3 night cruise on another line. There won't be Disney characters, but there would be many of the same things you'll see on a Disney trip, and it's shorter and most lines are cheaper so it would be a good test to benchmark what you'll need to do on the longer Disney cruise.

There are a few cruises to nowhere outta my home state of TX, I am considering trying one of those to get the first flight outta the way and the boat experience down. Thanks so much for the suggestion, my family appreciates it!

 

[TheTikiHoovs]

You can go to Open House hours in the Club/Lab. No way in heck would I leave an autistic 3 year old during secure programming. No way. Those counselors are all very nice but they are not trained fully in autism and other developmental disorders and really are very clueless about the nuances of how to communicate and handle meltdowns. We had a serious issue with out autistic son on the Dream when he was 6. He is now 11 and STILL says he didn't like the club on the ship.

I would hesitate to leave a typically developing 3 year old during secure programming. The age spread of 3-12 all together is problematic for the younger set, IMO. The place descends into chaos regularly and the little ones get forgotten.

The good news is that there is a LOT of Open House time so you can go in with your child and play together.

Bring noise cancelling headphones for the safety drill. It is LOUD.

Request a private table for dinner. You will feel more relaxed not having to worry about how your child might affect stranger's mealtimes or trying to explain why your child isn't interacting typically with their 3 year old (they pair together like families at dinner time). We have always requested a private table and it's been no problem. I'm not about to spend my vacation explaining my kids selective eating habits and meltdowns and getting a bunch of "advice" from other parents on how I should handle it.

Thanks so much for the info

 

[wilkeliza]

I can't speak specifically to DCL, but other lines do it. There's a huge fine for skipping a muster, they like to avoid it. I doubt Disney just lets it go when other lines find it severe enough to kick people off.

Again I've never heard of Disney having someone removed. They will try to locate the person if they are missing so who knows what happens if they don't show up that way but if you show up and your child or travel companion is unable to stay due to a disability they won't kick you off the ship. They will excuse you to your room where you can watch the muster drill on the t.v. as long as there is another boat present on the deck to partake in the live muster drill.

 

[ACJT]

Again I've never heard of Disney having someone removed. They will try to locate the person if they are missing so who knows what happens if they don't show up that way but if you show up and your child or travel companion is unable to stay due to a disability they won't kick you off the ship. They will excuse you to your room where you can watch the muster drill on the t.v. as long as there is another boat present on the deck to partake in the live muster drill.

In our experience with our asd son, a DCL cm had us sit near the exit to the lounge where our drill was located. We were told that if it became too much for our son one parent was free to take him back to the room. Thankfully he made it through ok. I got the impression that the DCL staff were very willing to accommodate his needs.

 

[SMD]

Again I've never heard of Disney having someone removed. They will try to locate the person if they are missing so who knows what happens if they don't show up that way but if you show up and your child or travel companion is unable to stay due to a disability they won't kick you off the ship. They will excuse you to your room where you can watch the muster drill on the t.v. as long as there is another boat present on the deck to partake in the live muster drill.

It's been documented that other lines remove people from their ship for not participating in the muster drill. Disney probably doesn't refer to it as mandatory because they allow people to not participate. That was why I suggested the OP asking about a private drill, which is something that other lines offer. Which is better, to get on board and assume Disney will excuse you from something that's mandatory, or attempt to make arrangements in advance to mitigate potential issues?

 

[wilkeliza]

It's been documented that other lines remove people from their ship for not participating in the muster drill. Disney probably doesn't refer to it as mandatory because they allow people to not participate. That was why I suggested the OP asking about a private drill, which is something that other lines offer. Which is better, to get on board and assume Disney will excuse you from something that's mandatory, or attempt to make arrangements in advance to mitigate potential issues?

Of course if you can calling ahead of time is best. However you said if the request is denied and they can't make it through Disney will kick them off which just isn't the case on Disney ships. Yes other cruiselines may do it but not Disney.

 

[SMD]

Of course if you can calling ahead of time is best. However you said if the request is denied and they can't make it through Disney will kick them off which just isn't the case on Disney ships. Yes other cruiselines may do it but not Disney.

I should have said could be kicked off the ship. I think in some circumstances they would remove people from the ship if they didn't participate, but more likely it wouldn't be because of a 3 year old who tried to participate. However, I wouldn't assume Disney doesn't remove people from the ship before sailing for a variety of reasons just because they haven't had a highly publicized incident like other lines have.

 

[Natalie Chapman]

Have you looked into the organization Autism on the Seas?

 

[TheTikiHoovs]

Have you looked into the organization Autism on the Seas?

OH MY GOODNESS! I never heard of them but thank you so much for the info