Help Me Help Her!

[3DisMunchkins]

I have a coworker headed to Disneyland for one day on Saturday...surprise trip from her husband for son's 4th bday. She knows I have APs and visit quite often and I would love to offer her some good advice.
My first advice would be stay longer than one day and get there early, but I don't think that's an option. So...I'm asking for your best advice!
She has a four year old with some mild physical and sensory disabilities and I have encouraged her to inquire at City Hall for options. I just don't want this process to take up too much of their day. anyone have experience here? She thinks her son will enjoy meeting characters and riding the "kid friendly" rides.
I'm still working on the arriving early, but they're staying near LAX and don't want to wake him too early.
Thanks in advance to the greatest Disney Lovers out there!!

 

[az4boys]

If they are wanting to ride FP rides, get Maxpass.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Buy their tickets ahead of time from Disneyland online, or on the app (can you buy tickets on the app?). It's amazing how many don't think to do that and lose a good chunk of morning time waiting in a ticket line.

I'd say get there as early as they are willing to wake him up. Sleeping near LAX isn't exactly easy so it might happen on it's own.

Tell them about places to relax and recharge so they can break when he gets cranky. Mickey's magical map, animation academy, ride the train all the way around, etc.

 

[gottalovepluto]

As for the mild physical and sensory issues of the 4yo... do they affect the child's ability to wait in line? If they are trying to qualify for the DAS program they will need to explain the child's needs to the CM. Why (ie the diagnosis) does not matter, just the needs. If the needs can be met by taking breaks through the day then they should not waste time trying to get into the DAS program at City Hall as breaks will naturally happen during a trip. Since they will arrive mid-late morning the line could be very long, last trip I remember it going from 5 min wait to a 45 min wait in the 5 mins it took us to get it. Gosh did we luck out! You just never know. Also, if they want to try the day waiting in lines and see how it goes but it doesn't work out they can always go to City Hall then and explain their needs. If his issues are more serious and they don't think they will be able to wait in lines with him they will have to start at City Hall no matter what the line.

 

[Mamato4boys]

My 4 year old, who also has some sensory issues, is most looking forward to riding the train, Storybook Land Canals, and buying a giant lollipop from the candy shop. When we went last (he was a month shy of 3), his favorite ride was Its a Small World and he loved playing in Toontown. At least one of the houses with a play area, the cars throughout town, etc. I'm not sure how he felt about characters... he didn't flip out, but he would usually lean away from them, refuse to talk, and then wouldn't look at the camera. Then again, he did the same thing when he met the train conductors and they gathered around to take a picture with him, so it was probably less about the characters and more about unknowns.

The thing that helped us the most was having a stroller with a large muslin blanket (so air flows well) tied over the front. He spent a fair amount of time in it, peeking out and taking in the sights. All the people, lights, and noise was just overwhelming, but he seemed to feel like the blanket made the stroller into his own little space where he was removed from everything. I think this time we will take headphones for him, too.

If they are going to California Adventure, too, I would highly recommend the Playhouse Disney show, Bug's Land, and Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (my kids could play here for hours!).

 

[Daisyducks]

If they are going to California Adventure, too, I would highly recommend the Playhouse Disney show, Bug's Land, and Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (my kids could play here for hours!).

Is redwood creek challenge open now?

 

[StarlitNight05]

Is redwood creek challenge open now?

Doesn't reopen until 3/11 from what I have seen.

 

[Mamato4boys]

Doesn't reopen until 3/11 from what I have seen.

Oh, bummer! Too bad it can't help OP's friend, but I'm glad it should be open for our trip (not until June).

 

[Daisyducks]

Doesn't reopen until 3/11 from what I have seen.

Thanks! I wonder if it will be the same.

 

[Skyegirl1999]

My 4 year old, who also has some sensory issues, is most looking forward to riding the train, Storybook Land Canals, and buying a giant lollipop from the candy shop. When we went last (he was a month shy of 3), his favorite ride was Its a Small World and he loved playing in Toontown. At least one of the houses with a play area, the cars throughout town, etc. I'm not sure how he felt about characters... he didn't flip out, but he would usually lean away from them, refuse to talk, and then wouldn't look at the camera. Then again, he did the same thing when he met the train conductors and they gathered around to take a picture with him, so it was probably less about the characters and more about unknowns.

The thing that helped us the most was having a stroller with a large muslin blanket (so air flows well) tied over the front. He spent a fair amount of time in it, peeking out and taking in the sights. All the people, lights, and noise was just overwhelming, but he seemed to feel like the blanket made the stroller into his own little space where he was removed from everything. I think this time we will take headphones for him, too.

If they are going to California Adventure, too, I would highly recommend the Playhouse Disney show, Bug's Land, and Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (my kids could play here for hours!).

Storybook Land is also currently closed (reopens soon, but again, not by Saturday).

 

[Skyegirl1999]

Oh, bummer! Too bad it can't help OP's friend, but I'm glad it should be open for our trip (not until June).

Tom Sawyer's Island (or Pirates' Lair) is another play area that they could try, and if they're just doing DL (which I would suggest, no need for parkhoppers on a one-day trip where you aren't arriving early), they couldn't have done Redwood anyway...

We love the Redwood Challenge area, too, though!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I would suggest that they look at the list of height requirements now so that they know what to bypass and don't waste time looking at or waiting for rides that the 4 yo isn't even tall enough for anyway. If her son is tall enough for everything, then I would look at some YouTube videos of ridethroughs to field what might be interesting or what looks to be too scary. Download the DLR app now to see what the park hours and schedules will be and what rides will be down for refurb. The line for City Hall can be LONG as the day goes on, so if they arrive later, I would skip it and just see how things go. If they don't need to visit CH, they shouldn't waste the time. Check the menus on allears.net to get an idea of what will work for the 4 yo and where to find it. So much time can be wasted trying to find food items with hangry kids. They can meet the major characters (the Big 5) in Town Square off and on throughout the day. That way they won't have to hunt them down. Get a birthday button (most shops have them at the registers and some CMs have them, too) for the birthday boy!

 

[starshine514]

I agree, the biggest thing they could do is be there at opening. On my daughter' birthday last month, we were there when the gates opened and my dad headed straight over to City Hall with her and got a button. There was no line there yet at park opening (otherwise, we would have just done a register). So, if they needed a DAS, that would be the best time to get it.

Are they doing park hoppers? If not, is their son obsessed with Cars (like my almost-4-yr-old daughter is)? If my daughter got to choose, she would spend all day in Carsland.

Is he obsessed with the Mickey characters? Be at the Toontown entrance a few minutes before Toontown opens. The characters will come out and you can usually meet all of them pretty quickly.

Is this his first time at Disney? Don't start with Peter Pan. It's pretty dark and can scare kids off of the dark rides in general. Actually, most of the dark rides in Fantasyland are kinda scary. Make Small World the first dark ride.

Show her how to use the app. Menus, entertainment schedules, bathroom locations - it's all there.

 

[cmpeter]

If a DAS pass will help, they can apply for it at the green umbrella kiosks, you don’t have to go to City Hall. That should help avoid some lines. There is a great Facebook group (tips for special needs at Disney) that has an excellent pinned post with all the details.

 

[DLgal]

Has this child ever been to Disneyland? If not, they shouldn't waste time at the beginning of the day waiting in the line at City Hall (it can get VERY long). They should simply try some lines first to see how their child copes. If it's a total disaster, then they will know what to say to the CM when they ask how waiting in line is difficult for the child. Without prior negative experience, the CM will likely deny a DAS request. Not all children with disabilities need a DAS. This child is 4, so the rides he will want/be able to ride are likely not the big thrill rides anyway. I would recommend they just go with the flow and enjoy their day. Let the child lead and do what he seems interested in. It doesn't need to be hyper planned in advance.

 

[3DisMunchkins]

Thank you all! I think I've got her at least considering going earlier. She told her husband she wanted to be there 30 min before park opening (unfortunately it's a MM but still better than later). He just kinda laughed, but I figure at lease setting that goal will help.
Thanks for the advice on waiting for the DAS. They are willing to take it slow and just let DS run around as he wants so the pass may not be necessary. I let her know she can always get it later if needed. I honestly have never met her son so I'll just let her know the options are out there. Where are the "green umbrellas"?
Tom Sawyer's Island is a great idea!

What is the current construction situation at DL...are there still walls up on main street? I've warned her about refurbs and she's becoming a pro at the ap!
thanks All!

 

[cmpeter]

There is one at end of main street, right in front of Jolly Holiday Bakery. There is one right across from haunted mansion entrance. The one in Fantasy Land is right beside Dumbo and one in Tomorrowland between Buzz and Star Tours.

They are marked on the map...I think as Guest Services or Information (since they handle more guest questions than just DAS pass related.) One you have the pass setup, you go to one of these kiosks to get your return times too.

 

[smartlabelprint]

Has this child ever been to Disneyland? If not, they shouldn't waste time at the beginning of the day waiting in the line at City Hall (it can get VERY long). They should simply try some lines first to see how their child copes. If it's a total disaster, then they will know what to say to the CM when they ask how waiting in line is difficult for the child. Without prior negative experience, the CM will likely deny a DAS request. Not all children with disabilities need a DAS. This child is 4, so the rides he will want/be able to ride are likely not the big thrill rides anyway. I would recommend they just go with the flow and enjoy their day. Let the child lead and do what he seems interested in. It doesn't need to be hyper planned in advance.

This is not a good idea for a "sensory" child. Once they go to the "other side" there is no coming back and could actually ruin the rest of their trip.

 

[smartlabelprint]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015HJHELG/ref=twister_B015HJHE6G?_encoding=UTF8&th=1 ear muffs if they're sensitive to sound. Chewlry also helps our kids regulate. Make sure to bring tons of snacks and water. Every two hours minimum for intake. Potty after snacks on a schedule-we set a timer.

Also, running around doing what the kid wants is not ok for our family. Ours needs direction in a place that is overstimulating to self-regulate. The stroller helps or we sometimes use a soft sided back carrier. You'd have to get a stroller as a wheelchair tag at City Hall rather than being able to use a DAS from the green tent (which can have long waits too).

Do they have a parkhopper? I'd avoid if they only have one day. One day is also not as great. Ours cannot handle long stretches of overstimulation so we go for a week but max 6 hours a day. That's with a long nap/quiet mid day break at the hotel.

 

[DLgal]

This is not a good idea for a "sensory" child. Once they go to the "other side" there is no coming back and could actually ruin the rest of their trip.

This is a complete generalization. I DO have a "sensory kid." My only two children are autistic. We have a DAS for our younger son (he's 11 now) who has EXTREME sensory sensitivities. When he was 4, we didn't need the DAS. He has been going to the parks regularly since he was 8 weeks old. We live 15 min away. We didn't get him a DAS until he was around 6. Prior to that, he didn't have the anxiety and meltdowns when people would bump into him like he does now. We handled the loud noises with ear defenders and he was fine with lines.