KTTK Tour W/ HFA Son

[melomouse]

Hi All -
So much help here - turns out my arthroscopic knee procedure had to be rescheduled, so we are headed to WDW January 26 with plans to rent an ECV for me from Walker's or Randy's. We will get the GAC also.
This trip is to celebrate DS's 16th birthday, and tho I promised him for years that when he's 16, I will take him on the KTTK Tour, I am now having 2nd thoughts. One is because I have to call Disney and see if they will accept his birth certificate as ID, as he doesn't have ANY photo ID.

The other is the more complicated issue of his hi-functioning Asperger's. We have been to Disney many times - it is really the only place at this point that I feel we are safe and welcomed on vacation and I don't have to worrry - too much - about what he says or does. (It's just the fellow guests I have EVER had a hard time from!)

I will be there with him all the way and he usually responds well to a little reminder about not to say things that may be less than socially appropriate. Most adults think he is fascinating and bright. I am just nervous about other tour goers being annoyed by him after they've paid so much extra for the tour.

I am sooo conscious, always, of the possibility of his being annoying to others. I have cancelled ressies at CG twice over the years because I feel if I can't stand someone else's whiny kid, I'm not going to subject anyone to the loud voice he often has. This kid has been travelling on cruises, vacations and many restaurants since he was 3 - he knows how to behave - you just never know what is going to strike him at any given moment!

Any thoughts, support, feedback would be appreciated! I'm a widowed mom also travelling with DD(11), so though I've managed on my own all this time, since '01, it's still challenging.

Thank you!!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would think that if he has not had much in the way of problems he should be OK on the tour. The only thing I might suggest is while everybody is getting together, try to give a quick warning to the Guide so if anything does happen they are aware of it. Also, you may ask them to not ask him anything that will put him on the spot with a problem.

 

[SueM in MN]

I would think that if he has not had much in the way of problems he should be OK on the tour. The only thing I might suggest is while everybody is getting together, try to give a quick warning to the Guide so if anything does happen they are aware of it. Also, you may ask them to not ask him anything that will put him on the spot with a problem.

I think that's a very good idea.
You might also want to do some social planning and scripting so that he knows what the ground rules are. You might also work out a specific queue to him that tells him he is getting a little out of the socially acceptable - some little signal that you and he have agreed on that won't be that noticeable to others.

 

[stenickar]

I would not worry about him annoying other guest. Typically developing adult guest do this all the time . We were on a bus to GF on a very hot August day, this one "guest" was so loud and rude . He did not recognize the glares from his wife as a cue to stop! My 11yo is nonverbal but gets very excited at times and can get loud. I just state loud enough for others to hear, "I know that you are excited (or fill in the blank), but you still need to have a quiet voice" etc... When you are on a tour there are always going to be those 1 or 2 guest that think it is a personal tour just for them, ignore them. I think someone else suggested preparing him for the tour ahead of time. Have you used social stories with your son? This may be a good way to practice appropriate behavior and questions that he can ask on the tour. HTH.

 

[Bugsmom73]

I would recommend social stories, scripting, and making sure the tour guide knows. Good luck.

 

[melomouse]

Thank you, all of you, for the ideas. He's really at this point very comfortable in Disney and hardly ever "melts" anymore. Unfortunately, the "social stories" for him have not been the greatest tool - we used them years ago with some success, but now it's about rehearsing for action. Unfortunately, no one can predict the "curve ball" and it's that which I worry about.

Stenickar - LOL - Thanks for the reminder!!

 

[brergnat]

I took the KTTK tour last year. One thing I would warn you about is that there is a LOT of time where the tourguide is talking and telling stories, etc. If your son is into Disney a LOT, and likes to hear about how stuff works, and history, then this would be a good tour, but if he tends to not pay attention to stuff like that, I'd skip the tour. It is a 5 hour walking tour with minimal breaks to sit down, use the bathroom, etc. It's mainly all about the history of the MK and I thought it was fascinating, but I'm not sure how much your son will really enjoy it. Again, it all depends on his curiosity level and his ability to listen quietly and respectfully during the tour guide's presentations.

At the very worst, you can walk away from the tour if something drastic happens. Depending on the situation, and how far into the tour it happens, they might refund all or part of the price you paid. Even then, though, it's only $60. If it's about taking that 50/50 chance that something horrible might happen, I'd go for it if it's something your son REALLY wants to do. I wouldn't worry too much about the other guests. I'd mention his condition to the tour guide (and they all have YEARS of experience under their belts, so I'm sure they will know how to handle any "out of place" behaviors).

Go for it! It's a great tour.