I think some of the OP’s responses seem to have got a bit lost…
Even the site you linked to mentions that half the harnesses are for toddlers and the other half for older children with special needs such as Autisim. I usually agree that each parent needs to do what is best for their kids. But it seems the OP is under the impression that harnesses and child leashes are common in the US. And they are not.
This is very true but the OP has already acknowledged that their belief that harnesses were common in the U.S. was misplaced.
Given the OP stated after this that they would still want to use harnesses, I think they were searching for any feedback on the products in the links. Also, I think it’s worth noting the OP is aware that harnesses might not work, which, as I see it, shows they are aware those in the links are intended for a situation different than their own (albeit a related one).
Most importantly though, I don’t see why these products should be dismissed just because they’re for special needs children; all the time certain things are used for a different purpose than was originally intended. My advice would be to contact the companies, explain the situation, and ask their advice. You might find out for example that they only sell to those with specific health insurance, or other such things. Whatever you do find out, at least you’ll be making progress.
Moreover, many of the suggestions in the thread (strollers, contact cards, etc.) are good, but have been repeated after the OP acknowledged them (according to some of their previous messages, strollers are not a preferred option and they have chosen to use temporary tattoos to display contact information). The OP also said they would be traveling to other theme parks and some suggestions specifically relating to Disney (such as learning to identify a cast member) don’t really apply to the OP’s situation. I understand this is a Disney-specific forum, and that it would help improve suggestions if the OP provided more details on where else they might be visiting, but I don’t think that means general (e.g. non-Disney) travel advice shouldn’t be given here.
Really, you think so? Have you ever seen a 10 year old (or 8 year old) with a harness at Disney (or anywhere)?
Yes, me. I wore a harness on our family vacations when I was 12 and 13.
...to me it would stand out like a sore thumb - would be 'very' hard not to notice...I would feel for any child being humiliated in that manner.
My memory of when I wore a harness is hardly 100% complete, but I remember enough to know this just isn’t true. I don’t recall anyone making jokes or pointing fingers at me; some people probably did, but the point is that I either didn’t notice, if I did I forgot, and my parents had thoughtfully explained to me not to let such judgements bother me and weren’t worth a second thought. Of course I felt embarrassed initially, but I soon got over it and once I adjusted I realized people really don’t spend that much time looking at others . I certainly didn’t feel “humiliated” either.
They may not 'get it' now, but when they get to Disney and you harness them, everyone, and I mean everyone, will do a double take and they will fast become miserable and embarrassed...please don't make your children the center of jokes, laughter, and finger pointing.
I understand what you’re trying to say, but I can’t help but feel this is a little melodramatic.
First, I really don’t believe people visiting Disney spend their time staring, laughing and making jokes at others expense; they go to enjoy the amusements and events, and while I’m sure it does happen, it is likely going to be very infrequent and pretty brief.
Second, the implication is that Disney can’t be enjoyed unless people are constantly aware of, and acting upon, the possible opinions of everyone else. Personally, I would like to think that Disney can be enjoyed in anyway visitors wish (provided they aren’t negatively impacting others), and while I understand this is perhaps only an ideal, I really struggle to see how choosing to uphold anxieties based on the misunderstandings – or worse judgements – of others is a good idea.
Seems like at your children's ages they should be listening to your advice to them - maybe that would benefit them by making sure they listen to you now.
This is a fair point but I don’t think it is the issue here. From reading all the responses in the thread, it seems many think the solution centers around discipline. This is certainly part of it, but what about other factors such as distractions and possible accidents? Surely with all the activities, rides, colors, characters, and everything else Disney offers, the point is to get distracted – it’s a vacation after all. If the children have never been to Disney before, is it not fair to expect a greater degree of distraction?
Also distractions will occur for adults as well as kids and these will perhaps be greater for a foreign visitor than a domestic visitor. If the OP is concerned these sorts of things will reduce their ability to keep everyone together safely, should the debate not include a slightly more thorough discussion about this rather than “kids should know to listen”?
I'm assuming they are not stupid and know to stay with mom and dad when out and about.
I must say I think this is quite rude. I understand you are evidently not judging those with disabilities, but you are saying easily distracted children, especially those who also have anxious but hard-working and well-intentioned parents, are stupid. I’m not offended now, but if I had known that an adult who had seen me wearing a harness viewed me as "stupid", I can imagine being pretty upset for a while. I didn’t think I was stupid, and my parents didn’t think I was when they made the decision. Considering they did so with the best intentions, and trusted me to understand they too had their own worries would indicate to me, they're highly intelligent and caring.
