Facing a few challenges on upcoming family trip, advice needed. a bit lengthy :)

[LovesTimone]

Hi this is my 1st post here on disAbilities, even though I have come here many time looking for info to help friends out planning there trips to see Mickey and the Gang. I have always been able to find the answers but I haven't had much luck with these challenges. I really need some help and advice.
So many, Thanks in advance.

I am helping my friend plan her upcoming trip in March. She will be visiting WDW with her DH, #1DS with DDIL and 3 Grandchildren, DGD13, DGS 11 and DGS 9 (he will turn 9 next month), #2DS with DDIL. They are driving as they live in the panhandle ( Florida)

They are Vacation club members and at this time have booked the 2 Treehouse's, for 7 nights. I will have some questions and need suggestions for if this is the right fit for them once I get the details out.

Here are the challenges that they are facing right now for this trip.

My friends DH has had some health issues in the last year, and a couple of surgeries, while he is getting back on his feet, he is not quite there yet, his Dr. said he can go he will need to use a scooter or wheel chair. Challenge #1 - So my Friend thinks it would be better for them to rent a scooter from a company listed here and have it waiting for them at the resort, and her DH wants to bring one with them, which means they will have to rent someway to transport the scooter, and he doesn't want to get on the buses with the scooter he feels its a hassle, and doesn't want to hold everyone else up.

My friends DGS 9 has some challenges, I really don't know what the medical diagnosis's are so I will try to explain them the best I can. His physical appearance is normal for a 9 year old boy. He walks and runs, and speaks fairly clearly and eats on his own. He has problems with loud noises and over stimulation, becoming hyper and aggressive at times and visual issues not with his eyesight but more with the way something looks, especially with food. He has what my friend calls "moments", where he will scream, hit, kick, bite, and other time when he will just fold up into a ball and not move or say anything for hours or days, which usually means a trip to the doctors office or hospital. He does attend a special school and does well especially in math he works about a 8 or 9th grade level, and plays soccer on a city team ( the doctor and family therapist both agree this would be good for him) and uses ear plugs to block out the noise, and he is quite good and made all county. As far as the triggers they know what to look for, the over stimulation and loud noise they use noise cancelling head phones, and or ear buds with classical music. They took him to the firework for new years eve for the first time with ear buds and head phones and he did great. Challenge #2 is food related, his food can not touch, if it touches it creates problems.
Challenge #3 Food has to look a certain way for instance green bean can only be kitchen sliced, no whole or French sliced, he will not eat them, they just got him to eat pizza out at a restaurant, before it had to be in a certain box or he would not eat it. The therapist said that the family needs to move forward as a whole, go out to eat and encourage him to try but be prepared for him not to eat and be okay with that. He does love sub sandwiches as long as they are on a sub rolls he will eat them, Can they take a sub from a quick serve into a TS restaurant? and how should the handle with server?

They are in family counseling, with all the issues the DGS 9 has been having the other 2 children are becoming resentful of him, and acting out at school and at home. Challenge #4 suggestions for each parent to spend some one on one time with the other children, to make it special for each of them.

So back to the Treehouse's, my Friend is now worried that they are to far away to make it easy to return if someone needs to. Her DH thinks its best to leave them were they are at and they will have their own transportation if they drive to the parks and also because with 3 bedrooms my Friend and DH will be in the master with #DS2 and wife in the other bedroom and one of the older children in the bunk bed room most likely DGD 13, and in the other unit, DS#1 and wife in the master bed room, and DGS9(he needs a door closed in order to sleep) in one bedroom and DGS 11 in the other. I can see each others point... so what do you suggest?

Any other suggestions or advice is much appreciated.

 

[gap2368]

I do hope your friend ask you for advice with this

but I think one thing the family can do is bring there own food for there son with food problems this way they know there would be something for him to eat

 

[nikkislaght]

My son 10yrs old has Autism , ADHD, SPD , OCD , Anxiety and an eating disorder.. so it seems what you are describing echo's some of my sons behaviors and issues..
as for the food issues.. we take our own and supplement it with foods from Disney , if he is up for the challenge..
He wears sunglasses to cut out visual nose and also either a hat or a hoodie. and then he can retreat under the hood if all gets too much.
ear buds attached to an MP3 player.
we go during the school year to offset some crowds.. I know not everyone can or will do this. but we I feel a calmer happy family vacation is better for our all round health during the school year, than a crowed crazy one on summer break..
My son is obsessed with matchbox cars.. (thankful for small things) and so we always have one or two in my backpack .
I always have snacks for him. crunchy ones as he is a seeker.

Knowing the triggers is sooo important.... they pipe smells into the park . so if your friends sons has a trigger to smells you need to be aware of that..
we do youtube videos before we leave so that he will know what rides he wants.. and yes this will be our 7th trip and yes we still youtube the rides..

no new vacation clothing , unless its a certain brand.. Under Armor for him... compression clothing is his thing..

divide and conquer , we go with friends and we split up sometimes. better for everyone to have some time apart,, this cuts down on resentments building up.. no need to spend the whole time together..
we have a plan for the day. my son is getting better about things not working , but sometimes will go into a melt down if the only ride he wanted to do is down.. so we plan for that.. always have a back up ride that we head for .
when son was younger we did social stories for him.. maybe that is something your friend can do..

I try not to rely on electronics to calm my son down.. with his ADHD this actually makes his behavior worse.. but can be of help to keep him calm in a really long line.. as long as give him plenty of warning that he will need to put it away as we get to the ride itself..


As for the dad and his wheelchair use... either way its going to be a "hassle" parking and getting to park. V using a bus.. I would be looking at it from the perspective of what happens if I need to get my child out there fast. rather than me being a burden..
I use a cane.. not at wheelchair stage yet. but it will come one day.. and my plans for escape will always hinge of how fast I need to get my son out of an area . rather than will it be a pain for me to get on a bus with a chair.. because no matter what mode of transportation , a wheelchair will always make for more work ..

Our trips now are not the frantic running around like our first trip.. my expectations on both my son and me are pretty low.... 1: to have fun, 2: if something is closed , thats ok.. unless its done for refurb, it still could open again. 3 : its ok to be tired at DL. and its ok to rest. 4 : knowing all our limits and splitting up is a wonderful thing to do..


Hope you all have fun..

 

[LovesTimone]

I do hope your friend ask you for advice with this

but I think one thing the family can do is bring there own food for there son with food problems this way they know there would be something for him to eat

Yes, she asked me for help, or else I would not have been so forward to post something so personal like this. I have helped her plan a couple of vacations when her kids were at home. What I posted was the questions she asked and she did know I was going to ask here, she helps with the care of her grandkids and this type of communication is just not her thing.

They are planning on having food for him at the resort, and some snack items to carry for him and the other kids into the parks.

 

[LovesTimone]

me

My son 10yrs old has Autism , ADHD, SPD , OCD , Anxiety and an eating disorder.. so it seems what you are describing echo's some of my sons behaviors and issues..
as for the food issues.. we take our own and supplement it with foods from Disney , if he is up for the challenge..
He wears sunglasses to cut out visual nose and also either a hat or a hoodie. and then he can retreat under the hood if all gets too much.
ear buds attached to an MP3 player.
we go during the school year to offset some crowds.. I know not everyone can or will do this. but we I feel a calmer happy family vacation is better for our all round health during the school year, than a crowed crazy one on summer break..
My son is obsessed with matchbox cars.. (thankful for small things) and so we always have one or two in my backpack .
I always have snacks for him. crunchy ones as he is a seeker.

Knowing the triggers is sooo important.... they pipe smells into the park . so if your friends sons has a trigger to smells you need to be aware of that..
we do youtube videos before we leave so that he will know what rides he wants.. and yes this will be our 7th trip and yes we still youtube the rides..

no new vacation clothing , unless its a certain brand.. Under Armor for him... compression clothing is his thing..

divide and conquer , we go with friends and we split up sometimes. better for everyone to have some time apart,, this cuts down on resentments building up.. no need to spend the whole time together..
we have a plan for the day. my son is getting better about things not working , but sometimes will go into a melt down if the only ride he wanted to do is down.. so we plan for that.. always have a back up ride that we head for .
when son was younger we did social stories for him.. maybe that is something your friend can do..

I try not to rely on electronics to calm my son down.. with his ADHD this actually makes his behavior worse.. but can be of help to keep him calm in a really long line.. as long as give him plenty of warning that he will need to put it away as we get to the ride itself..


As for the dad and his wheelchair use... either way its going to be a "hassle" parking and getting to park. V using a bus.. I would be looking at it from the perspective of what happens if I need to get my child out there fast. rather than me being a burden..
I use a cane.. not at wheelchair stage yet. but it will come one day.. and my plans for escape will always hinge of how fast I need to get my son out of an area . rather than will it be a pain for me to get on a bus with a chair.. because no matter what mode of transportation , a wheelchair will always make for more work ..

Our trips now are not the frantic running around like our first trip.. my expectations on both my son and me are pretty low.... 1: to have fun, 2: if something is closed , thats ok.. unless its done for refurb, it still could open again. 3 : its ok to be tired at DL. and its ok to rest. 4 : knowing all our limits and splitting up is a wonderful thing to do..


Hope you all have fun..

He wears sunglasses to cut out visual nose and also either a hat or a hoodie. and then he can retreat under the hood if all gets too much.
ear buds attached to an MP3 player. - I know he wears glasses when playing soccer, I know he normally does not wear glasses for everyday. He always has them on when my friends send pictures of his games. I will let her know.

Knowing the triggers is sooo important.... they pipe smells into the park. Thanks for the reminder on the smells, as I am not sure if this is a trigger or not.

They started with YouTube videos before Christmas, and he seem to enjoy watching them, and he wants to drive the cars.. at MK, and fight the pirates. They watch something every night to kept it fresh in his mind.

divide and conquer - There will be 6 adults and 3 kids, and they are planning on dividing up, but what they are looking for is something special for each parent to do separately with each of the older children. The family therapist really is encouraging some one on one time with each of them. Something more than just riding a ride alone, some kind of experience to help build back the relationships.

I found out a lot of information here, and have been relaying it on to her.

 

[powellrj]

I think I can help with the wheelchair questions a little. If it were me, I would use a wheelchair through the airport with the help of a porter and then use an off-site scooter for the WDW trip.

I am not being a jerk when I ask this question. If he doesn't want to use the busses, how is he planning to get to the parks. Is he planning to drive? If that is the case, he will need to have a scooter that will fit in the car and will break-down to transport. We prefer to drive, but my DH can pick it up and put it in and out of the trunk and then put it together. I wouldn't suggest using a wheelchair in the parks unless he has someone that can push him at times because if you don't use a wheelchair all the time, it is really hard on your upper body.

 

[gap2368]

Yes, she asked me for help, or else I would not have been so forward to post something so personal like this. I have helped her plan a couple of vacations when her kids were at home. What I posted was the questions she asked and she did know I was going to ask here, she helps with the care of her grandkids and this type of communication is just not her thing.

They are planning on having food for him at the resort, and some snack items to carry for him and the other kids into the parks.

ok I just have seen a lot of people post things on here and I feel like some times the friend should post.

I have a lot of the same problems your friend son has I think what Nikk said was very good advice I have problems with certen smells and I just a smell that I like and put it on a pice of cloth and smell that when I am in an area that has a smell I do not like I use 2 different smells ( orange and another one I forgot but it really helps to calm me down) that way I can change from one to the other ear buds and ear protection are great also sunglasses and a wide from hat or even un umbrella so I can have some space I have a few fidget things like a soft pice of long cloth ( I use this to spray my orange smell into) silly putty some times rocks I bring gum to chew

I think knowing her son triggers and trying to avoid them ( some times easer said then done) and having a plane for if/ when something sets him off like finding a quiet place letting him cry yell or what ever he needs to do for a few minutes also knowing that they will not be able to see and do every thing I think having a little lower expatiation like telling the child we are going to try and do this 4 rides to day and then we can see what else we can do that why he is not thinking we are going to do these 10 rides and see these 3 show and so on and I would highly recommend taking a bread they do not have to go back to the hotel room just find a quiet spot and sit for 30- 45 minutes and eat lunch or have a snack ( sometimes inside even QS can be quite over whelming ) but just some where to let him process the day and all that is going on around him he can even go to first aid and lye down and maybe listen to some music

 

[gap2368]

me


divide and conquer - There will be 6 adults and 3 kids, and they are planning on dividing up, but what they are looking for is something special for each parent to do separately with each of the older children. The family therapist really is encouraging some one on one time with each of them. Something more than just riding a ride alone, some kind of experience to help build back the relationships.

I found out a lot of information here, and have been relaying it on to her.

I think for the older kids something as simple ( and I do not know if both parents want one on one time with one child or both)

but I would say that each child get to pick a theam park and at that one they get to chose a place to eat ( can be QS or sit down with even a price limit or if the children are old enough give then a price limit for there food and say if you have some money left you can get something from a gift shop and give them each the same amount of money to spend on there specie time ) and then they can chose a FP ride to book at that park either before or after eating and have some time between either eating so they can just walk around and do something I would do maybe 3- 4 hours with each child since there is only 2 and so many adults I think this could be doable and then they could meet the rest of the group

some other idea might be a dinner pacage like fantastic one night or the desert party at the MK for wishes or going to disney springs to have lunch play minnie gulf renting a boat on bay lake or maybe if they have a car go to the orlando eye and have lunch there.

 

[lanejudy]

divide and conquer - There will be 6 adults and 3 kids, and they are planning on dividing up, but what they are looking for is something special for each parent to do separately with each of the older children. The family therapist really is encouraging some one on one time with each of them. Something more than just riding a ride alone, some kind of experience to help build back the relationships.

You might find some answers of special one-on-one activities on the Disney For Families Forum. There's really a lot of options depending on how much time they want to spend apart from the whole group, budget and interests. Some suggestions, depending on each child's interests:

• a meal of the child's choosing (while the rest of the party dines elsewhere), or maybe just going for dessert if not a whole meal
• a few hours of dedicated 1:1 with the child in a park -- maybe the rest of the party is resting at the resort or at a different park or just doing other things in the same park
• Pirates League
• Tea at the Grand Floridian
• a shopping trip at Disney Springs
• mini-golf
• Disney Quest if it is still open when the go
• a spa day for mom/daughter
• an evening walking the Boardwalk while the rest of the family does something else
• horseback riding at FW
• a carriage ride at one of the resorts offering these
• a jet-ski or boat rental
• fishing
• depending on when they go, there might be a sporting event at WWoS
• one of the special tours
• resort hopping to see some different resorts of interest (maybe AKL or Boardwalk)

That's just a few that immediately come to mind. I'm sure others can add more suggestions.

DH wants to bring one with them, which means they will have to rent someway to transport the scooter, and he doesn't want to get on the buses with the scooter he feels its a hassle, and doesn't want to hold everyone else up.

They can rent an ECV that is portable, it will come apart into about 5 pieces that can be loaded into a vehicle. This can be rented at home or in Orlando from an off-site vendor. From what I've heard of the Treehouses, this may actually be a good option for them unless they have reserved the accessible Treehouse because they'd only need to take the battery inside each night for charging, the rest could stay in the car.

The therapist said that the family needs to move forward as a whole, go out to eat and encourage him to try but be prepared for him not to eat and be okay with that. He does love sub sandwiches as long as they are on a sub rolls he will eat them,

They can bring food into the parks. If the boy likes sandwiches, maybe that would be an option. Encourage him to order off the menu, but have a PBJ as a back-up if needed. Also, about the "food touching" issue -- they can request items "on the side" so that may help. If ordering Counter Service, have the boy go ahead to find seating or get his drink and that gives Mom/Dad a chance to shift items on the plate before bringing it to the table in front of him.


I'm sure they can have an enjoyable vacation. It's very kind of you to offer help with their questions.

 

[LovesTimone]

You might find some answers of special one-on-one activities on the Disney For Families Forum. There's really a lot of options depending on how much time they want to spend apart from the whole group, budget and interests. Some suggestions, depending on each child's interests:

• a meal of the child's choosing (while the rest of the party dines elsewhere), or maybe just going for dessert if not a whole meal
• a few hours of dedicated 1:1 with the child in a park -- maybe the rest of the party is resting at the resort or at a different park or just doing other things in the same park
• Pirates League
• Tea at the Grand Floridian
• a shopping trip at Disney Springs
• mini-golf
• Disney Quest if it is still open when the go
• a spa day for mom/daughter
• an evening walking the Boardwalk while the rest of the family does something else
• horseback riding at FW
• a carriage ride at one of the resorts offering these
• a jet-ski or boat rental
• fishing
• depending on when they go, there might be a sporting event at WWoS
• one of the special tours
• resort hopping to see some different resorts of interest (maybe AKL or Boardwalk)

That's just a few that immediately come to mind. I'm sure others can add more suggestions.

These are great ideas, especially the fishing and horseback riding for the 11 year old he loves the outdoors, and the spa day or shopping at a outlet mall, as they have a car might be the ticket for the 13 year old girl.



They can rent an ECV that is portable, it will come apart into about 5 pieces that can be loaded into a vehicle. This can be rented at home or in Orlando from an off-site vendor. From what I've heard of the Treehouses, this may actually be a good option for them unless they have reserved the accessible Treehouse because they'd only need to take the battery inside each night for charging, the rest could stay in the car. - I will let her know, I we are emailing and she said they are leaning toward renting here, and getting some type of attachment for the back of their SUV, that could house the luggage and cooler for the drive down and back, then be used to put the scooter on while they are at the parks.



They can bring food into the parks. If the boy likes sandwiches, maybe that would be an option. Encourage him to order off the menu, but have a PBJ as a back-up if needed. Also, about the "food touching" issue -- they can request items "on the side" so that may help. If ordering Counter Service, have the boy go ahead to find seating or get his drink and that gives Mom/Dad a chance to shift items on the plate before bringing it to the table in front of him.


I'm sure they can have an enjoyable vacation. It's very kind of you to offer help with their questions.

- Thanks for your help.

 

[redberyl]

They need to have a backup plan for their son, if he can get so overstimulated he withdraws for days, to the point he requires hospitalization. Disney can be overstimulating even for neurotypical children, it's an assault on all the senses, it's the whole point of the park that there will always be something new to experience. If he gets out of control at the park, how will they calm him down, and/or get him out of the park? If he can't handle the park, is there someone who can just chill at the hotel or pool with him? I wouldn't plan on him being able to spend as much time at the parks as the other kids. If heneeds hhospitalized, what's the plan going to be? Does someone just go to the local hospital with him, or does the whole group pack up and go home? Maybe he will go and have the time of his life, but be prepared for worst case

 

[LovesTimone]

They need to have a backup plan for their son, if he can get so overstimulated he withdraws for days, to the point he requires hospitalization. Disney can be overstimulating even for neurotypical children, it's an assault on all the senses, it's the whole point of the park that there will always be something new to experience. If he gets out of control at the park, how will they calm him down, and/or get him out of the park? If he can't handle the park, is there someone who can just chill at the hotel or pool with him? I wouldn't plan on him being able to spend as much time at the parks as the other kids. If heneeds hhospitalized, what's the plan going to be? Does someone just go to the local hospital with him, or does the whole group pack up and go home? Maybe he will go and have the time of his life, but be prepared for worst case

They have been taking him out to more crowded areas, which in the past they shied away from. Restaurants at peak times, the mall during Christmas time or on Saturdays. They are working with the Doctors and Therapist very closely. If he gets out of control or as my friends says has one of his moments, they will handle them as they normally do, bringing along his things, as well as a oversized stroller think jogging stroller but longer and made for a older child, with large shade that he can pull down all the way if needed, while he calms down. My DH and I live in Orlando , and are AP holders and we have been looking for spots that they can head to for some quite time. I also have researched them on here. I have maps of each parks and indicated on them where to go. There are 6 adults so someone can always go back to the resort. As far as when he withdraws this seems to be happening less and less, playing soccer and options, techniques, verbal cues the therapist have been giving them seem to be working, nothing perfect but they are getting so much better. My friend says the minute they figured out how he could play soccer things started getting better, everyone on the team knows him, and they treat him like any other kid. If something does happen one of both parents or a combination of either of a parent and aunt or grandmother will go to the hospital. Its been over a year since he has had a withdrawal that lasted more than a few hours. keeping finger crossed here and lots of pixie dust. Their doctor has given them a doctor here to contact and hospital info to take along with them, This was the first thing that they got in order. They have planned in down time, pool time, and just hanging out time.

 

[elmom]

You got lots of help. Just adding my two cents. If the man needs to use a wheelchair or scooter, he might need to develop a thicker skin about holding people up. Some people will be annoyed, but tough. It's his vacation too. Most people are nice.

A little note about fireworks. My daughter couldn't tolerate them at all when we visited when she was 2. We twice got on its a small world and they let us ride it until the fire works were over (it wasn't busy). So it might not work out, but it worked for us.

 

[dja14]

My kids have some of the same issues, especially when they were younger.

We carried some food we knew they would eat. This time they are older but my 14 yr old is still pretty restrictive. I found her menus online to look for something ahead of time. There are still a couple place she will only probably eat fries or chicken strips, but I think it will help. They also liked buffets when they were younger, sometimes the plate would have only one or two things on it, but they were really happy. It also helped they could see what they were getting (no sauce, etc)

We like to have our car for leaving as fast as we can (which still is not fast, especially from MK) Neither my kids or husband could handle a bus if someone was in a meltdown. We also didn't even try to stay all day. Since they are staying onsite they could use the cars (I would guess they will need at least 2) but they could also use buses if they split up.

There have been a lot of great ideas for the older kids. I would really let them pick one special thing and help planning the whole trip (meals, etc) I wouldn't put them in charge but give them a real voice. Their special thing could be just them and their parents but also I think it helps kids to give back to others and planning a special thing for the whole extended family (where the adults would comment-this was such a great idea) really makes kids feel good.

 

[gap2368]

I am not sure but the son might do well if he had a DAS pass again I do not know just what yu have said but then again he might do fine with out it since they re going with large group of people he may do better with out it

 

[LovesTimone]

You got lots of help. Just adding my two cents. If the man needs to use a wheelchair or scooter, he might need to develop a thicker skin about holding people up. Some people will be annoyed, but tough. It's his vacation too. Most people are nice.

A little note about fireworks. My daughter couldn't tolerate them at all when we visited when she was 2. We twice got on its a small world and they let us ride it until the fire works were over (it wasn't busy). So it might not work out, but it worked for us.

The scooter is just a temporary thing, I think that they are going to do a mix of using the buses and driving. I think once he realizes its no big deal he will be okay with it.
As far as the noise they have; his noise cancelling headphones, ear buds/ipod with classical music & sounds such as waves and soft rain, and are bring the these ear plug he use for soccer.

 

[LovesTimone]

My kids have some of the same issues, especially when they were younger.

We carried some food we knew they would eat. This time they are older but my 14 yr old is still pretty restrictive. I found her menus online to look for something ahead of time. There are still a couple place she will only probably eat fries or chicken strips, but I think it will help. They also liked buffets when they were younger, sometimes the plate would have only one or two things on it, but they were really happy. It also helped they could see what they were getting (no sauce, etc)

We like to have our car for leaving as fast as we can (which still is not fast, especially from MK) Neither my kids or husband could handle a bus if someone was in a meltdown. We also didn't even try to stay all day. Since they are staying onsite they could use the cars (I would guess they will need at least 2) but they could also use buses if they split up.

There have been a lot of great ideas for the older kids. I would really let them pick one special thing and help planning the whole trip (meals, etc) I wouldn't put them in charge but give them a real voice. Their special thing could be just them and their parents but also I think it helps kids to give back to others and planning a special thing for the whole extended family (where the adults would comment-this was such a great idea) really makes kids feel good.

With the dinning, he eats really pretty much everything as long as it looks a certain way, and does not touch on the plate. Trying to find items that looks like what he will eat is the issue. They are going with several buffets, and have been doing their home work on menu items. They do have a plan in place for food items to bring with them.

I sent my friend the suggestions on special activities, and they are going thru them now.

 

[bopper]

For the older kids, i would use the list shown above:

• a meal of the child's choosing (while the rest of the party dines elsewhere), or maybe just going for dessert if not a whole meal
• a few hours of dedicated 1:1 with the child in a park -- maybe the rest of the party is resting at the resort or at a different park or just doing other things in the same park
• Pirates League
• Tea at the Grand Floridian
• a shopping trip at Disney Springs
• mini-golf
• Disney Quest if it is still open when the go
• a spa day for mom/daughter
• an evening walking the Boardwalk while the rest of the family does something else
• horseback riding at FW
• a carriage ride at one of the resorts offering these
• a jet-ski or boat rental
• fishing
• depending on when they go, there might be a sporting event at WWoS
• one of the special tours
• resort hopping to see some different resorts of interest (maybe AKL or Boardwalk)

And pick 2-3 for each kid that seems up their alley, and let them choose from that. Too many choices are tough for kids.

Also, another thing to consider is have a designated "take DS9 back to the room" person for each day. So maybe mom is Mondays, Dad is Tuesday, Grandma Wed, etc etc.

Also don't try to pack too much in...or maybe go back for a "swim" for DS9 and the other stay out?

 

[SchneiderFam]

And just a comment that the Treehouses are not WC accessible unless you reserve the special WC accessible ones. There are 4 of them total, two set of two.

 

[LovesTimone]

For the older kids, i would use the list shown above:

• a meal of the child's choosing (while the rest of the party dines elsewhere), or maybe just going for dessert if not a whole meal
• a few hours of dedicated 1:1 with the child in a park -- maybe the rest of the party is resting at the resort or at a different park or just doing other things in the same park
• Pirates League
• Tea at the Grand Floridian
• a shopping trip at Disney Springs
• mini-golf
• Disney Quest if it is still open when the go
• a spa day for mom/daughter
• an evening walking the Boardwalk while the rest of the family does something else
• horseback riding at FW
• a carriage ride at one of the resorts offering these
• a jet-ski or boat rental
• fishing
• depending on when they go, there might be a sporting event at WWoS
• one of the special tours
• resort hopping to see some different resorts of interest (maybe AKL or Boardwalk)

And pick 2-3 for each kid that seems up their alley, and let them choose from that. Too many choices are tough for kids.

Also, another thing to consider is have a designated "take DS9 back to the room" person for each day. So maybe mom is Mondays, Dad is Tuesday, Grandma Wed, etc etc.

Also don't try to pack too much in...or maybe go back for a "swim" for DS9 and the other stay out?

Also, another thing to consider is have a designated "take DS9 back to the room" person for each day. So maybe mom is Mondays, Dad is Tuesday, Grandma Wed, etc etc.- Great idea this one will be going at the top of my email to her today. Having this in place will be so helpful so that everyone is prepared if the need comes and he needs to leave the park. Also they can tell him in advance who that person is... so no surprises, which is a big thing for him.

They have built in some later mornings heading into the park, and a couple of pool afternoons.