how to handle this all

[grumpy&princess]

My biggest concern for our trip coming up is my son. He has extreme melt downs dealing with anything waiting in line or having to be stuck in a very crowded line. My youngest aspie as well also has this problem but she is a little easier to handle as she is only 45#. My one step daugher is mildly MR, PTSD and many other things. I am not sure how in the world we are gonna handle 3 kids with special needs plus both me and hubby in scooters. Boy this trip is either gonna be a trip of a life time either being a good one or a bad one . Just want some info on how we can handle all their special needs.

 

[bookwormde]

Fast pass is going to be your best bet, followed by GAC where there is a good quite alternate waiting area.

An extra relaxed pace is going to be important, Christmas time is going to complicate things as far a crowd level.

If you can stay on site, that is a big plus, especially if you can do a at the park based DVC 2br.

Watch for precursors, so it does not get to a full blown melt down (not as easy as it sounds).

With your crew, you will likely need to be together so be sure to have then not on the GAC that a group of 8 is OK

bookwormde

 

[peemagg]

I would also suggest a good touring plan. Touringplans.com is one that is used and there are other ones out there that people seem to like.

 

[grumpy&princess]

Thanks we got the GAC last time and it was a life saver. I didnt know that they would allow a group of 8 on a GAC? When we went last time it was only 4 of us.

 

[bookwormde]

8 is a special request (with justificaiton which should be easy with your family)

 

[livndisney]

Thanks we got the GAC last time and it was a life saver. I didnt know that they would allow a group of 8 on a GAC? When we went last time it was only 4 of us.

Allowing more than 6 on a GAC is a case by case decison made by GS not people on a message board and will be dependent on crowds, ride capacity etc.

If 2 people in the party are using ecvs, that will also impact ride capacity. Even if a GAC is issued, CMs may still ask you to split up. For example if a ride can handle 1 ecv, you can be asked to split up.

 

[grumpy&princess]

the last time we went it was 4 of us and 2 of us used scooters and we had no problem with them splitting us up. But its always good to know what to expect.

 

[livndisney]

the last time we went it was 4 of us and 2 of us used scooters and we had no problem with them splitting us up. But its always good to know what to expect.

I think you may have misunderstood my point.

My point on the GAC for 8 was even it is granted, you should still expect to be split up simply because the rides maynot be able to handle two scooters at a time. And the scooters may cause you to wait longer. For example at TSM, where the ecv line can be longer than the regular line. (This also happens often at the Safari, Jungle Cruise and Small World to name a few).

You stated you have a child that melts down if he has to wait in line. It looks like you may be going at Christmas. This is one of the busiest times possible. Not waiting in line is not going to be an option. You will wait in line for food, restrooms, rides, shows whatever. To minimize waiting, you should have a good touring plan and use fastpass. This will not only help keep you out of lines, but will help keep you out of the busiest areas of the parks.

You may also want to consider splitting your group on your own. One group can ride A while those that may have a hard time with ride A, ride B.

 

[grumpy&princess]

We know not waiting in a line is not possible. We dont mind splitting up just would rather prefer to not since there is only 2 adults and 3 of the kids have difficulties so we just worry that if while one of us is not there and one melts down who watches the others or if the one who has two of the kids with problems and they both melt down. I went in July before and dont want to deal with that again as that was a big trigger for my youngest being hot and then getting wet from the rain that came everyday. This is our only other option is to go during their winter break. i didnt know if someone had any tips on how to help defuse a child or get their mind off waiting.

 

[peemagg]

Since I see in another post you are looking for a stroller for the youngest, I would get a stroller as wheelchair tag for her. I would also probably see if there is a GAC that they could give you to help with the kids that have their own issues. Some (but not all) rides and attractions have an alternate waiting area. If you can wait there it might also help.

If you have not looked at one before. I would suggest you get the book "Open Mouse" by PassPorter. It gives lots of information about various conditions and ideas to handle it.

 

[grumpy&princess]

thank you all for all your help.

 

[krisnme]

I always let my DS bring in his gameboy or ipod. He uses a wheelchair for CP but also is HFA. Waiting, crowds, smells and the heat are all triggers for him but the games and headphones really help to distract him. I also try to mix the rides he likes and can do, with the ones he has to wait for others to ride so he does not spend half the day waiting and disappointed. A small bag of treats and tiny toys (like happy-meal toys) can be used as bribes if all else fails!
Have you considered bringing along another adult or even hiring a nanny for the day to be an extra pair of hands? I know I have heard of these type of services available, but honestly don't know how you would contact an agency that provides assistants. Thank goodness I have family to help me! I hope all works out for you.