Illuminations(etc): DS sensitive to loud noise?

[twinmum]

Hello! Our son with CP (age 8 when we go to WDW) is sensitive to really loud noises. Fireworks have been a problem, but have always been nearby (e.g. neighbourhood celebrations). He's starting to tolerate concerts etc. Will Illuminations (and others) be too much for him? This is our first trip and we trying to plan everything. Should I assume watching from a boat would be WAY too much for him?

 

[smileyk8]

Obviously i don't know the limits of your child, but illuminations is probably the loudest fireworks display at disney with the largest proportion of very loud bangs. Personally i wouldn't take a child with such sensitivites to watch it, but if you do i would definately recommend staying a fair distance away- not on the boats. I've seen some people using ear plugs or even earphones with some music on whilst these displays are on. This might be worth a go. Good luck

 

[diswheels]

Hi! I have CP as well. Fireworks really bother me. Even with my bose headset but is minimal jumping. I have seen 3 firework displays since I got the headset. It doesn't block the noise completely but it is a big help with loud booms. I also use it for live shows and movies. I am bringing it to disney world in a couple of weeks It cost 200.00. It is worth the money and is very confortable to wear. The headset has a battery pack that is attached to it. You can adjust the noise level if you need. It really is a godsend! Let me know how it works! I probably wouldn't do the fireworks cruise either. Please tell your son that I have the same problem with loud noises and that he is not alone. I am 31 and struggled with loud noises until I bought the headset.

Ashley

 

[poohbear7]

I have found using a headset on my grandson helps him a lot to tolerate loud noises. He is very sensitive to loud noises and he used to hate fireworks.

 

[barkley]

we bought ds a pair of the ear protectors that folks who work on airport runways or in gun fireing ranges use. the nice thing is that you can hear someone speaking at a normal tone but it muffles loud sounds. we purchased them in the sporting goods section of a store-maybe $15 dollars? very comfortable.

i would plan on taking ear protection with me at all times at wdw-the last time we were there we noticed that they have realy increased the volume of the speaker systems. it was horrible anytime a parade was going (even if you were not viewing it)-the sound blared all over the place. we've also found that allot of the restaurants can be very loud (we had to leave a couple).

 

[wvdislover]

My DD9 uses Mack's earplugs that we buy at Wal-Mart. She used them off and on all week at WDW. You would definitely need something at Illuminations. It is loud. DD9 actually spent most of the show sitting on a step playing her GameBoy.

 

[Schmeck]

I would agree with the advice about avoiding the boats for Illuminations - there's no 'quick escape' possible out there, is there? Illuminations is loud, the fire special effects can be intense, and it can get very crowded, very quickly.

You could try watching from a distance, and then getting closer on another night?