Hi everyone! I wanted to share an experience I had on a Disney cruise last year and see if anyone else has had something similar. During the cruise, I ended up meeting a wonderful group of younger kids who were on the autism spectrum. The group included a 5-year-old with autism, a 7-year-old who is nonverbal, and a 10-year-old with Asperger’s. We really hit it off and spent a lot of time together—playing games, swimming, and just having a great time. At the start of the trip, I was hanging out with some older teens my age, but I quickly found myself gravitating toward the younger group. I spent time with them in places like the Oceaneer Lab and Oceaneer Club, which were perfect for their age. I helped one of them go on the waterslide and hung out by the pool, just enjoying the relaxed vibe. We even visited the arcade and had meals together. However, I had some frustrating experiences with the teen areas like Vibe and Edge. I didn’t really feel at home there, and it was hard to connect with the other teens. I noticed that some of the activities felt a bit too high-energy or not very inclusive, which made me feel out of place at times. That’s when I started spending more time with the younger kids. I felt like there was less pressure to fit into certain social expectations, and we all communicated in a way that felt more comfortable for me. Some people seemed surprised that I was choosing to hang out with kids younger than me instead of sticking with my age group, but honestly, it just felt right. One of the highlights of the trip was visiting Castaway Cay. It was such a relaxing experience, and the kids I was with had a blast. The atmosphere was perfect for a quieter, more laid-back day. One thing I do want to mention, especially for those who are sensitive to sound, is the ship’s horn. It’s really loud and might be overwhelming for kids with sound sensitivities, which is something to keep in mind for anyone on the spectrum who may struggle with loud noises. It can be a bit much, especially when it goes off unexpectedly. Just something to consider if you’re planning to cruise with kids who are sensitive to sounds. This got me thinking: Is it common for neurodivergent teens to connect more easily with younger kids, especially when their social and emotional development doesn’t quite match their age? Or is it more about finding a shared communication style and ease of connection, regardless of age?
I’d love to hear from others who’ve had similar experiences, especially in the Disney clubs or while spending time on Castaway Cay. Disney cruises offer so many unique opportunities, and this was definitely a trip I’ll never forget.
I’d love to hear from others who’ve had similar experiences, especially in the Disney clubs or while spending time on Castaway Cay. Disney cruises offer so many unique opportunities, and this was definitely a trip I’ll never forget.
