Large family travel?

[Mom2howmany]

i made the mistake of trying to google "large family autism universal studios" and learned I may be the only insane person out there. Surprisingly I learned that taking large families to theme parks is way more rare than taking an autistic child. But taking a large family that includes an autistic child is non existent.

So I can google some tips for the autism but has anyone out there taken a lot of kids to universal? We have 7 kids. And even more nuts we want to go the very end of December. From growing up at Disney I know this probably isn't the best time (but probably not the worst day) but I work with what we got.

I mean are there places we're going to be able to get a table or will we want to stick with counter service. What about transportation? I guess it doesn't help that I grew up in Florida so went to Disney a lot but my very old self has never been to universal so I'm a tad clueless. I read about first time trips and universal with autism but I'm worried I'm forgetting something.

 

[HM]

Where are you planning on staying? Onsite or offsite?
If you can swing staying onsite during the end of December, your trip will likely be a lot more enjoyable with shorter lines for all of you using the Express Pass (Deluxe resorts only). You could get two connecting rooms at Royal Pacific and have four queen beds and two bathrooms and EP for everyone.

As for dining, you can make reservations very easily at the table service restaurants, often the day of. The Open Table App on your phone or online can help you with that. Counter service for your family will be easy as well.

 

[MommaoffherRocker]

i made the mistake of trying to google "large family autism universal studios" and learned I may be the only insane person out there. Surprisingly I learned that taking large families to theme parks is way more rare than taking an autistic child. But taking a large family that includes an autistic child is non existent.

So I can google some tips for the autism but has anyone out there taken a lot of kids to universal? We have 7 kids. And even more nuts we want to go the very end of December. From growing up at Disney I know this probably isn't the best time (but probably not the worst day) but I work with what we got.

I mean are there places we're going to be able to get a table or will we want to stick with counter service. What about transportation? I guess it doesn't help that I grew up in Florida so went to Disney a lot but my very old self has never been to universal so I'm a tad clueless. I read about first time trips and universal with autism but I'm worried I'm forgetting something.

I don't have an advice on Universal, we have never never been. But I wanted to let you know I understand where you are coming from. We have 5 kids, with one on the Autism Spectrum (he is on the low end). It is hard to find information on traveling to the parks with that many kids! The biggest thing I have learned from Disney is not to over plan. I would want to get as many rides in as possible, but I always have a better time when we are more relaxed. Good luck planning your trip, I'm sure you guys are going to have a great time!

 

[damo]

Doing Universal the end of December is much easier than doing WDW. However, it is going to cost you a pretty penny. The easier way is probably to get two rooms at the Royal Pacific since that will give you unlimited express pass from the day you arrive until the day you leave. This really makes a vacation awesome since your wait times will be much lower than without the pass. This probably would be very important to a large family with an autistic child. With the unlimited express pass you just go to any ride (except Gringotts, Forbidden Journey, Pteranodon Flyers and Kang and Kodos) whenever you want and get in the express lines. You don't have to set up times or do anything like that. For the rides that don't have express, you can either wait in line or do them during early admission when lines are lower.

Dining isn't an issue at all.

 

[Robo56]

The other plus at staying onsite is that if your child with autism needs a break in the day it is easy to catch a boat back to RPR let them rest and then meet back up with everyone later.

Those who stay onsite enjoy early entry (one hour before non onsite quests). A lot of onsite guest hit the parks on early entry, hit the rides they want then go back to hotel for pool and a rest then head back to the parks later in the afternoon or evening.

It is so much more easy to navigate these parks. Not a lot of planning necessary for having a great time. You will find this a much more laid back great time for your family.

Have a great time

 

[kohlby]

Does your child with autism have any sensory quirks? Though my youngest doesn't have autism, he has sensory issues and the stroller has been VERY helpful. He had a safe place to hang out. He'll be 7 in a few months and we're taking the stroller for him on our next trip. (And the noise reduction headphones - those are essential for us!) I don't have a lot of kids, but I do have other kids, so it also helped us handle him better so the other kids could do what they wanted. Actually, he had a phase where he wouldn't go on ANY rides! At Universal, he had a blast eating yummy snacks and chasing birds and we were able to do the rides the other two kids wanted. (The next year, he refused to do any rides at Disney - but after 6 days, finally started doing rides). Staying onsite makes it easier if someone is overstimulated and your party needs to break up - whether it's the child with autism or a younger child. The ages of your crew also matters - will they want to go to bed at different times? That's another reason for staying onsite. We're planning a trip with 5 kids ages 7-15 (3 ours and 2 bonus kids) and staying at Cabana Bay since we can't afford two rooms at RPR but want onsite to give us more flexibility in case we split up. (And for the extra early hour!) Though, if we were going that time of year, we would seriously consider spending the extra for RPR for the express pass. We normally stay at RPR and the transportation is super easy! It's a boat and comes often and is an easy ride.

Attach a short rope to your stroller if you take one. Then you can have a child hang onto the rope when walking between attractions. This can help a child not wander who doesn't need the stroller but needs reminding to stay with you. I only have 3 kids and that helped us so much with a wanderer. Add in the crowds you're going to face and it can be even more important. Make sure the rope is short, so the child doesn't loop around any people though.

Also, use some of the other tips you've read for your specific children's quirks as it will help make it go more smoothly for everyone. (This includes all the kids). For example, I have a child who refuses to use the bathroom without me going into the stall with her if it's an automatic toilet. This slows us down so much. (She'll be 10 in a few months, so old enough to not need my help in there normally). I give her a post-it note before she uses the bathroom and she puts it over the sensor so she can do it without me. It's little things like this that can add up to make a big difference in time saving and the child's comfort.