Experiences? Disney Cruise with Autistic toddler

[unwritten01]

Autism on the Seas allows perks like private muster - good pricing too - you just have to be flexible and go with them - guessing based on their low cost to families obviously this is their major source of revenue. In the end, nobody knows your kid like you know your kid so I am going to bet you made a good choice . God bless!

 

[lanejudy]

Just be aware that other than respite services, AotS does not really offer anything for DCL cruises that you could not obtain yourself. And they do not go into the kids' spaces on DCL except during Open House; the respite services tend to be offered in another location. Some people do feel their services are worth the premium charged just to be part of the group, though, so research for yourself and be sure to ask exactly what you are getting.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[DisMommyTX]

We have done many cruises and WDW trips, and my son definitely does better on the land than on the seas. Our first 7 night cruise with a 4 yo with special needs felt like we were trapped in a luxurious prison cell for a month. I swear that was the longest week of our lives. Definitely start him out on a shorter cruise! At 8 yo our son loved the Disney kids club, but still wouldn't stay for more than 30 min by himself. Fortunately, Disney is the only one that allows all ages of kids together, so he was thrilled to hang out as long as his sister was there too. Plan on keeping him with you and visiting during open family time.

Every child is different, and our son actually loves the characters, rides, fireworks, and total chaos at the parks. He also prefers the extra space and private pool when we stay off-site. On cruises, he enjoys the live music and pools as well as just being with us 24/7 (no work, school, therapy appointments, etc.) The rest of us love cruising enough that we keep trying it with him and now he does a lot better, but he would probably rather be home with grandma given the choice. Unfortunately, he is a bit too much for grandparents to handle for extended periods. You will figure out what works best for your family.

 

[happymommy]

I have a friend who did a Disney cruise with her extended family, and her nephew has autism. Her sister (the mom) brought along their babysitter so she could take him back to their room (the babysitter had her own room, paid for for the cruise by the parents), to let him decompress, nightly.

Just a thought. No, it's not cheap to do this, but it was their only way to bring him along. He could only handle so much, and could in no way handle the stimulation of the kids' club.