Fantasmic with autistic kids, doable or disaster?

[disneydenisel]

We leave in a few weeks and it just dawned on me that I would LOVE to see Fantasmic.

Have you taken your autistic kids with sound sensitivities to this show and is it too overpowering? Is there a way to leave early if the kids are in distress? Where can I find out showtimes ahead of time so I can figure out whether we should go or not? My kids are 7 and 4.

Last year, we went to WDW and I got to ride one ride (K Safaris) over six days . I hope that if I can't ride rides, I can see Fantasmic this year. Expensive tickets for no rides...! Advice?

 

[Bugsmom73]

This was before Teddy was even showing symptoms. He was 13mos but he and DD hated Fantasmic. DD is neuortypical though, she just doesn't like really loud noises but now she loves the villains, so her love may win out.

My advice, get earplugs or ear covers and sit in the back. Teddy is usually a sensory seeker not an avoider. He loves fire works.

 

[pokemon_master]

I'd go for it. My older brother also hates loud noises as well, normally we just let him cover his ears or we let him stay behind in the hotel/at home so he doesn't have to be near the big noises.

I didn't know that a mild fear of loud noises could be down to Autism. Thanks for clearing things up.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

The biggest factor when going to a show-like attraction is not necessarily the 'noise factor', our son is Autistic and it's a lack of patience that's the problem, especially if there is an element of waiting around for a show to start or maybe a lack of understanding of what is going on.

Unfamiliar surroundings are also worth considering as we find Joshua can get upset or stressed at times, if it is something he has not done or seen before.

The majority of the rides in the Fantasyland area of MK are short time-wise and they tend to load pretty quick, such as Peter Pan etc - for us these are much more suitable in our circumstances.

 

[DIS-NH]

We're arriving on Sunday, and going to MNSSHP on 10/31. Normally we
avoid parades and fireworks due the loud noises. This time we are going to try a pair of hearing protectors (bought them at a sporting goods store). They should block most of the offensive "bangs".

 

[mbb]

Hi Denise!!

We left carrying our screaming twins when they were 4, about 2 minutes into the show.

Not so much so fun!!

So we skipped it for a few years, and tried again last February.

Sat in the back most row we could...and had a wonderful time

Brought their blankies (to wrap around their heads, and eyes) and figured if they couldn't stand it, we'd just leave (easily this time, no climbing tons of stairs!! LOL)

Budget for some time distractors, snacks, and glow spinny things for the wait

 

[winniethepoohsmom]

You never know how it will go till you try it. It is loud my autistic DS loves the visual part but not the loudness of the show, but he deals with it because he loves it otherwise. I would try sitting further back to make a quick getaway if needed and try earplugs or a headset and snacks and distractors. I hope it works out for you. Do you know about getting a GAC for your autistic DS so you don't need to wait on long lines for the rides?

 

[disneydenisel]

Do you know about getting a GAC for your autistic DS so you don't need to wait on long lines for the rides?

We were able to get GACs last year by going to Guest Services, so I guess we will try that again. Does it work for the lines to get into the theater too, or do we stand in the regular line with everyone else? I have not been to Fantasmic there ever, so it sounds like sitting in the back will give us a good view and quick exit? I think we might try ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones? What do you guys think? Any idea how early we should show up for a 7pm show?

 

[disneydenisel]

Sat in the back most row we could...and had a wonderful time

Brought their blankies (to wrap around their heads, and eyes) and figured if they couldn't stand it, we'd just leave (easily this time, no climbing tons of stairs!! LOL)

Budget for some time distractors, snacks, and glow spinny things for the wait

Hi back ! Thanks for your ideas. I think we will go for it....try for the back row, bring light things and ear plugs and gameboys and food. We'll be on CA time so it will only be 4pm our time when it starts...they should be okay, I think. Now I just have to figure out which day to attempt it. If we have to abort, it may affect the rest of the trip. Maybe the 3rd or 4th night, since we'll be at the Beach Club Villas and close by. Thanks again!

 

[Bugsmom73]

SOunds like you have a great plan. MY DH really enjoys this show.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

If you want to try it, maybe you can sit near an exit for a quick escape in case your son doesn't like it. We've done this a few times with our Asperger's son over years. He's now 11 and we have a much better idea of what he will like. In fact, he's able to tell us whether he wants to try something or not and we abide by his wishes.

Both my boys (the other is 8) have something against the Haunted Mansion, I think because of the word "haunted." Neither has ever wanted to try it out. Last week, we went to a pumpkin patch at their school where they had middle school kids in costumes along a trail. The trail was all decorated with graves and scary things and the middle schoolers would jump out or follow you as you walked. Neither boy was scared at all. I told them, "If you can handle this trail, you can definitely handle the Haunted Mansion." They still said No Way! It can be puzzling trying to figure out what kids will enjoy!