January, what fun things to wear for an 8yo boy?

[1m1b]

We're going to WDW end of January, and I've never been to Florida at all. I've read the weather can be variable, with wide swings in temperature (20-80). I want to get some cute things for my ds to wear at the park. They'll be Christmas presents. He has autism and is kind of young, so younger things can appeal to him. Would he be able to wear some of the cute Disney costumes they sell, or would they be too warm? I think the size 7/8 would fit him, and there are a bunch of cute ones! I found Olaf on ebay, and he's into Olaf right now, goes around quoting him. Mickey Mouse, Olaf, Captain Hook, etc. have long sleeves and would be warm. Peter Pan has short sleeves.

I think I read people saying they wear short sleeves in January and take a sweatshirt. If I go that direction, should I order the sweatshirt ahead from the Disney store or wait and buy it when we get there? The Disney store online lets you customize (Olaf on the front, text on the back, that kind of thing), but maybe the ones on property are much cuter?

Anything else cute you recommend for a 7/8 yo boy who runs kinda young?

 

[Thing 1]

You are so right about temps. It can be nice and warm or really cold! We do layers. undershirt to turtle necks to hoodies and hats and gloves. You could work a costume into that but we just never have. We wear all disney clothes.....tshirts and hoodies. One year it was 26 degrees when we headed out to EMH at AK. Also be sure that the costume is very comfortable especially if there is an issue with sensitivity with cloths. Buy ahead for sure!! At WDW they will cost a lot more and you will have to take the time to find them once you arrive. Amazon, Disney Store on Line, Target, Kholes etc has a lot of choices. Have fun planning...we LOVE January.

 

[Bob Dolewhip]

We went in early January and it was like Northeast Fall weather. We had friends who went late December and it happened to be unusually cold that year, so I would definitely be prepared with clothing you can layer.
You will most likely need a sweatshirt at night so I would go ahead and order it in advance, especially since you can customize some things at the disneystore online. Also, Zazzle and Disney have a deal and they are running 30% promotion today (9/18). If he is a big fan of a certain character that might be hard to find that is a good opportunity to get a sweatshirt with his favorite critter.

 

[1m1b]

Ooo thanks for the tip on Zazzle! That's a good sale, and I didn't know about them!

 

[jvz82]

We usually go in late December and I would say it's almost always shorts and t-shirt weather. At times it can be chillier in the morning and at night, but not bad. I have definitely been there in December before and had to wear jeans and long sleeves, but that hasn't been the norm for my experience. Then again, we're from Minnesota so we'd probably be wearing shorts and t-shirts in 50 degree weather, lol.

My son is 7 and on the autism spectrum, and I don't think I could surprise him with a shirt because he'd probably not like it, lol. He's been very involved in the planning including the clothing, because I don't want to spend the money and then have him refuse to wear it! He chose a Pirates of the Caribbean shirt and a Star Wars shirt. I also have just a Disney Parks t-shirt that my parents got him when they went in the spring, so he'll probably wear that too. The two of us sat and looked at Disney shirts on Etsy together and he showed me stuff that he liked, so that really helped. Maybe try to involve him a little bit just to get an idea of what he wants?

 

[1m1b]

I hadn't looked on Etsy yet, hmm! You're correct that he's extremely picky about his clothes. He wears only camo if he can, as in shirts, pants, jackets, everything. We have a no camo to town rule, so that forces him to stretch a bit. His ABA worker got him a black Mickey t-shirt, and he looked at it, wasn't impressed. Then he figured out black went with his black camo and would be kinda rad, so now he's wearing it, lol.

I'll definitely go look at Etsy! He's helping with the itinerary, so he'll probably have opinions on the shirts too. I hadn't really thought through it, but I'll probably not take any camo to Disney. Costumes he's better with, because the hoods let you pull in, a sensory retreat. But since it's probably too warm to wear that, I like the Disney t-shirt plus Disney sweatshirt idea. He gets really cold, so he'll welcome the sweatshirt.

Have you done the DAS? Is it good for all the days or do you have to redo it each day? How early should we get to the park if we intend to ask for that? And how many punches are on it? I'm sort of horrified, because I thought by the charts I had seen online that the crowds would be 2-3 level. Then I downloaded the Lines touring plans app and it's saying 5. Ugh. He can't do 50 minute lines or whatever that will mean. And if he has to hold it together a lot in a situation like that the first time, then he'll start stimming and be really, really hard to work with. So if we did it once, it would ruin the rest of the day and be over. He's ASD1, which makes people think oh no big deal, but his behaviors are very wow, ASD2-3 on the GARS, very physical. So if there are going to be long lines that day, I'm going to need the DAS. I feel awkward asking for it, because really people don't meet my ds and go immediately oh yeah, see it. But it's very, very real, and if he's hitting you over and over, having repetitive behaviors and jumping on you because he can't self-regulate, it will be awful. Stresses me out just thinking about it.

Do you have any things you've used in lines to make them go better? I'm (hopefully!) getting a new phone before then, and it should be bigger, which should give us more options. I was kind of in a quandry, because if we take a bag to have things (water, headphones, noise canceling earbuds, etc.) then we have to go through some kind of security, yeah? And does that take a long time? And, can I ask a dopey question? Does everyone go through metal detectors going into Disney? Is it like airport security? They pat you down? Or it's just check your bags and done? So if I need to do the DAS *and* bag check before 8am EMH, what time would I need to be there?

The rides are going to be good sensory input. He did great with me when we went to the state fair, but it was just the two of us, very fast-paced, and almost no lines. Are there attractions that you skip and just don't even tell him about? Or do you use limits or timers?

 

[North of Mouse]

January can be all over the place weather wise, sometimes extreme variances of temps within a few days - we've experienced it all!!

We've needed gloves, hats, coats, etc. especially if it's really cold, overcast, and the wind kicks in. Can't comment on what outfits for a young boy, but will say to bring a little of everything!
We no longer go in Jan-Feb. for those reasons, and also no longer slow times.

 

[gatorlisa]

Do you have any things you've used in lines to make them go better? I'm (hopefully!) getting a new phone before then, and it should be bigger, which should give us more options. I was kind of in a quandry, because if we take a bag to have things (water, headphones, noise canceling earbuds, etc.) then we have to go through some kind of security, yeah? And does that take a long time? And, can I ask a dopey question? Does everyone go through metal detectors going into Disney? Is it like airport security? They pat you down? Or it's just check your bags and done? So if I need to do the DAS *and* bag check before 8am EMH, what time would I need to be there?

I just wanted to chime in about security. If there are things you can bring with you that will help your son, don't be afraid to bring a bag. Disney does do a search of any and all bags brought into the parks, but it goes very quickly most of the time. They do have metal detectors, but most of the time not everyone goes through those (it's some version of semi-random selection). But again, goes very quickly. I haven't seen any pat-downs at Disney, but imagine they only do those if they select someone to go through a metal detector and a person has some condition or device which would prohibit them from going through one. I have allergies and have to carry epi-pens, so going bagless isn't really an option for me. I have never spent more than 5 minutes going through Disney security. So, I think if there are things that you can bring that will be helpful in managing waits and crowds with your son, go ahead and bring them with you. That extra couple of minutes to go through security will be worth it for you.

 

[Dinohood]

i know you said no camo but i'm also asd maybe you can find disney shirts that look like tyi die that looks like camo he might like that and just bring one camo shirt cause if he gets cold like i do he will wear a sweatshirt most of the time over it anyway.

 

[Pesky]

I know they have some character hoodies like Kylo Ren and Captain America. Might be the perfect thing for some fun light layering! The Kylo Ren I know is a bit darker than what you have described but if he is in to texture at all, it has some fun ribbing on the sleeves which can be neat to rub. Also, looks like there is a Maui sweatshirt in the Disney store from the new movie Moana which could be neat. There is also a mickey mouse hoodie with ears that is super cute.

 

[1m1b]

Ooo, a mickey mouse hoodie with ears, he'd love that!!!

 

[glassslippergirl]

At Target, I've seen tee shirts with hoods. My son has the Nemo one; it's orange and the hood has fins. They had a Mickey one with ears. It would be good for layering-- can be the bottom layer when it gets warm.

 

[1m1b]

Was that in big boys sizes or toddlers?

 

[jvz82]

I hadn't looked on Etsy yet, hmm! You're correct that he's extremely picky about his clothes. He wears only camo if he can, as in shirts, pants, jackets, everything. We have a no camo to town rule, so that forces him to stretch a bit. His ABA worker got him a black Mickey t-shirt, and he looked at it, wasn't impressed. Then he figured out black went with his black camo and would be kinda rad, so now he's wearing it, lol.

I'll definitely go look at Etsy! He's helping with the itinerary, so he'll probably have opinions on the shirts too. I hadn't really thought through it, but I'll probably not take any camo to Disney. Costumes he's better with, because the hoods let you pull in, a sensory retreat. But since it's probably too warm to wear that, I like the Disney t-shirt plus Disney sweatshirt idea. He gets really cold, so he'll welcome the sweatshirt.

Have you done the DAS? Is it good for all the days or do you have to redo it each day? How early should we get to the park if we intend to ask for that? And how many punches are on it? I'm sort of horrified, because I thought by the charts I had seen online that the crowds would be 2-3 level. Then I downloaded the Lines touring plans app and it's saying 5. Ugh. He can't do 50 minute lines or whatever that will mean. And if he has to hold it together a lot in a situation like that the first time, then he'll start stimming and be really, really hard to work with. So if we did it once, it would ruin the rest of the day and be over. He's ASD1, which makes people think oh no big deal, but his behaviors are very wow, ASD2-3 on the GARS, very physical. So if there are going to be long lines that day, I'm going to need the DAS. I feel awkward asking for it, because really people don't meet my ds and go immediately oh yeah, see it. But it's very, very real, and if he's hitting you over and over, having repetitive behaviors and jumping on you because he can't self-regulate, it will be awful. Stresses me out just thinking about it.

Do you have any things you've used in lines to make them go better? I'm (hopefully!) getting a new phone before then, and it should be bigger, which should give us more options. I was kind of in a quandry, because if we take a bag to have things (water, headphones, noise canceling earbuds, etc.) then we have to go through some kind of security, yeah? And does that take a long time? And, can I ask a dopey question? Does everyone go through metal detectors going into Disney? Is it like airport security? They pat you down? Or it's just check your bags and done? So if I need to do the DAS *and* bag check before 8am EMH, what time would I need to be there?

The rides are going to be good sensory input. He did great with me when we went to the state fair, but it was just the two of us, very fast-paced, and almost no lines. Are there attractions that you skip and just don't even tell him about? Or do you use limits or timers?

We are going to do DAS for the first time this next trip. The last time we went to Disney was when my son was almost 5 and he did not have his diagnosis yet. The trip was very difficult and it was actually one of those defining moments where I realized something was not quite typical about my child. We had to leave a long line due to his meltdown and we were asked by a cast member if he had autism (the cast member asked in a very respectful way). So anyway, needless to say we will definitely get the DAS this time. I feel similar to you, where it is awkward because he doesn't look like he has a disability and I feel like I'm cheating the system somehow. And sometimes I think "oh he'll be ok, he can handle it" but then we go somewhere, like our little county fair a couple weeks ago and leave with him kicking and screaming after he was randomly triggered and I know that we need it.

I do think we're going to bring some headphones or something. Noise is a big issue for him, he wears them at school often. Luckily the DAS allows you to mostly skip the lines (if the ride has a 45 minute wait, you just return to the ride in 45 minutes) so i think that will cut down on some of the meltdowns. I don't know what else will help us during waits. I've heard things like blowing bubbles can help but I think that might actually overstimulate him more. He gets excited and is suddenly tackling other people and just causing problems. But boredom isn't good either. Lol. I'm just trying to be as prepared as possible while still maintaining some flexibility throughout the trip.

 

[1m1b]

Thank you, I really appreciate your warning on that! I will definitely get the DAS then and not chance it. Like your ds, my ds is very physical when he's having problems, and it's very hard to manage. Kicking, jumping on my back, and the repetitive motions or sounds. And the repetitive things will be something that really bugs other people but maybe something that seems so inocuous at first that they just think he's bad.

Oh, you know what I should put in our bag? Gum! He's crazy good with gum. It's good sensory input, very calming. Did I read something about no gum in the parks? Well we'll take little napkins to catch it. He only needs to chew it for like 10 minutes. Bubbles are hard for him because of the apraxia, but you're right they're calming. They wouldn't take up a ton of room either, but I agree he could get really over the top silly with them. We do "How Does Your Engine Go" with the OT, and for that he goes from turtle (slow) to rabbit (too fast), back and forth, and it's hard to get him in-between. And people will think it's cute when they see him getting revved up, thinking he's just happy, and I just get scared because I know where it's going. Then people think you're over-whatever, because they don't get it. Sigh. But chewing gum won't make him rabbit. It's just calming. The brand we use is Spry. Need to order more, come to think of it.

It sounds silly, but they also make xylitol mints. They're a really strong flavor, which is good sensory input. They would last a while. Like we could do a deal, like every 5 minutes in line you get another mint. My ds would be all over that, lol.

I've got him reading to earn Mickey Bucks (an etsy file), but I suppose we could do them at the park. Like the first 10 minutes of waiting is mints and after that it goes to a Mickey Buck for every 5 minutes. But it just depends on what is motivating to the dc, kwim? And I'm not sure my ds would find a MB *that* motivating to enable him to hold it together. The task actually has to be in reach.

That's as far as I had gotten in my thinking. Our behaviorist says prepare for the worst and be pleasantly surprised by the best. We're probably going to need to do a lot of pre-talking about lines and how we feel. Self-regulation and being able to ask for a break is our big thing for this year, so maybe it will work together.

How did Wishes go? My ds is funny with noise. We did neurofeedback, which helped with noise issues overall, but he'll still react. My major concern is that I don't think I can take him to some spot on a sidewalk and ask him to stay there for an hour waiting with 40,000 people to watch this, kwim? So what I was going to do (or have done) is pay for tickets to the dessert party. Even that is a mess (waiting), but at least we're seated and have something to do and have room to roam. I think we can work with that. I'm just scared of 40K+ people with him. We've been working on getting him able to say a phone number, etc., and I'll label him. I haven't decided how I'll label him. He'll have the magic band. Do you label your kids?

 

[DrunkJam]

Actually, Disney clothing is great for autistic / sensory sensitive kids, as the clothing tends to not have actual labels, but has the size etc printed on the shirt.

layers can be difficult. Gilet type stuff? Allows free arm movement?