Fun things that cost extra?

[DBC]

We are going to Disney World in early March with our 2 boys, 10 & 11. Our youngest is autistic, but relatively high functioning. When we last went in 2002 we got the Special Assistance Pass which was really necessary at the time. We have decided not to use it again this time. He is somewhat more tolerant of waits and crowds and we are uncomfortable dealing with the issues that arise with using the card with a "normal looking" child. I really don't want to get into a discussion of the virtues of using the pass at this time, so I'll move on to the question.

I'm willing to pay extra money to be able to avoid lines or do something fun. For example, staying on property for the front of the line pass at Universal worked great last year. The E-ride night would be a great answer, but it looks like they don't hold them in March. I'd pay for a tour if it included mostly going on rides, but the backstage stuff would bore him to the point of going nutty.

At this point the only thing on the agenda is an Illuminations cruise. We looked at Cirque du Soleil but that's really not something he'd go for. He loves the rides. We're thinking about a tandem parasailing ride. Character meals are tough because he's a very picky eater and not a huge fan of the characters.

Otherwise I've been searching for something without luck. Any of you attraction experts have any ideas?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[maxiesmom]

I was just wondering, what resort are you staying at?

 

[myboysmom]

and you do not need to stay on property or pay extra to use it. The system is designed for the most popular attraction. All you need to do is put in your ticket media into a special machine and out comes a pass for you to return and get to the front of the line. I believe it is an hour window. You can use that time to do other things in the park, go eat, go to a show... it really helps keep the lines moving.

We found that this also helped keep the stand by times down. If the wait was less than 25 or 30 minutes we would "stand by" if not we would get a fast pass. We were able to almost walk on many rides, and both trips were in peak holiday times.

You may only hold one fast pass until the time to for you to return to the ride expires. Example: You hold a fast pass for Buzz Light Year's Space Ranger Spin for 1:00 pm. You may not get a fast pass for Space Mountain until 1:01 pm.

Have fun!

 

[sters]

If your boys like the characters, I"d suggest a character meal or two so that your sons can get some interaction with the characters without having to wait in line for them at the pakrs.

 

[Hieatt]

I would definitely book a Fantasmic dinner package.

 

[Tabetha]

The water parks might be fun, if it's not too cold. The experience there varies from crazy slides to tamer splashy fun.
Maybe a Trail Ride at Ft. Wilderness - or even a carriage ride. And Ft. Wilderness has a petting zoo, I think, if your son enjoys animals. (and to be honest, I've always wanted to do the campfire singalong!)
He might have fun being driven around in one of the Water Mice.

 

[DBC]

I was just wondering, what resort are you staying at?

We are staying 2 nights at Wilderness Lodge and 3 at The Swan

 

[DBC]

I would definitely book a Fantasmic dinner package.

Thanks for posting. We did this last time around. 3 of us loved it (I'm looking at a picture of the 3 of them at Mama Melrose's right now), but Cam hated the show. Way too much noise for him. He hald his ears and buried his head in my shoulder the whole time.

We're going to bring his CD player and Spongebob CD in case that's an issue at Illuminations.

 

[DBC]

and you do not need to stay on property or pay extra to use it. The system is designed for the most popular attraction. All you need to do is put in your ticket media into a special machine and out comes a pass for you to return and get to the front of the line. I believe it is an hour window. You can use that time to do other things in the park, go eat, go to a show... it really helps keep the lines moving.

We found that this also helped keep the stand by times down. If the wait was less than 25 or 30 minutes we would "stand by" if not we would get a fast pass. We were able to almost walk on many rides, and both trips were in peak holiday times.

You may only hold one fast pass until the time to for you to return to the ride expires. Example: You hold a fast pass for Buzz Light Year's Space Ranger Spin for 1:00 pm. You may not get a fast pass for Space Mountain until 1:01 pm.

Have fun!

Thanks, I should have mentioned that I've researched the fast pass and will be using it to it's fullest extent.

 

[DBC]

The water parks might be fun, if it's not too cold. The experience there varies from crazy slides to tamer splashy fun.
Maybe a Trail Ride at Ft. Wilderness - or even a carriage ride. And Ft. Wilderness has a petting zoo, I think, if your son enjoys animals. (and to be honest, I've always wanted to do the campfire singalong!)
He might have fun being driven around in one of the Water Mice.

He loved Typhoon Lagoon last time. I figured it might be too cold, but with the water being heated maybe we'll try it.

Thanks

 

[Tabetha]

FWIW, we were there in early April last year, and spent an afternoon at Typhoon Lagoon quite comfortably.
Admittedly, we're Canadian, so "cold" is relative.

Good luck finding some excellent fun!

 

[tarheelmjfan]

There's nothing that compares to the benefits at Universal, but WDW's new Extra Magic Hours are definitely a start in the right direction. I don't know if you've looked into the changes, but on-site guests will not only be allowed into a certain park an hour early, but there is also going to be extra hours some evenings. Similar to E-ticket nights, but it will be free to resort guests. Have a great trip!

 

[dairyou]

We did the Sea Raycers when we were there a week ago. It is out of the ordinary and my kids loved it! One got to drive (13 years old) and the other rode with dad. I can see I won't be doing drivers training when my oldest is ready. He was a safe driver, but I was very nervous! It cost us $40.00 for a half an hour. We drove around the lagoon at Poly which went through to the GF and in front of MK.

It was great fun!

Deb

 

[Muffy]

Yes, e nights are long gone. With EMH's in the evening on certain nights you can enjoy the parks after closing for 3 extra hours. Have a great time!

 

[madthemouse]

Something that we do every year is to rent the pontoon boats. One at the Poly to ride around Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake ( a great view of the Castle). And we also rent from POR to travel to OKW and Downtown Disney.

 

[bobcat]

Have you thought about getting ear plugs to deal with the noise at wdw? I had a student who was autistic that used them for gym class because of the noise. Tried to use them other times when he wanted to block us out but we wouldn't let him.

Fast pass will be an excellent way to cut down your ride time. As will the extra magic hours, both morning and the new evening hours.

The only your that I know of that includes ride time is the sunrise safari at AKL. They only hold it a few times a wekk and you have to be a concierge guest at AKL. You can check on the resorts board for more info if you are interested.

Good luck finding more info.

 

[JanaV]

I have to second the ear plugs idea! We're just back from our first trip with dd, 4. She HATES loud noises, we didn't see any of the fireworks and she was not happy in a lot of the shows because they're all so loud. But we bought her a pair of the headphones that they wear in gun ranges while shooting - it literally saved our trip. As soon as she felt uncomfortable, she put them on. The were about $15 at Gander Mtn. (local outdoors store). I would recommend these over the earplugs as the plugs don't always stay in and can be uncomfortable.

As far as activities, our ds, 9 LOVED Disney Quest. He and his dad spent an entire day there. Also the Tarzan and Lion King shows at AK are full of action that ds loved (trampolines, roller blading, etc.). We also did Cirque de Soleil and that was awesome. Tons of action going on - trampolines, BMX bikes, tightrope walking, it was truly amazing.

Good luck and have a great trip (how can you not??).

 

[sugermouse]

WDW has several miniature golf courses which my kids love.

 

[stevelamb121]

i am from the uk! can i book the fantasmic dinner package at guest services at the parks, and any idea of cost?

would really like this!

 

[DBC]

Have you thought about getting ear plugs to deal with the noise at wdw? I had a student who was autistic that used them for gym class because of the noise. Tried to use them other times when he wanted to block us out but we wouldn't let him.

Fast pass will be an excellent way to cut down your ride time. As will the extra magic hours, both morning and the new evening hours.

The only your that I know of that includes ride time is the sunrise safari at AKL. They only hold it a few times a wekk and you have to be a concierge guest at AKL. You can check on the resorts board for more info if you are interested.

Good luck finding more info.

Boy, that's good info. We could never get up for the morning EMH, and I had no idea they were running them in the evenings.

Thanks for the ideas everyone.