Need advice for dining/event planning with DS(5) with sensory/anxiety issues

[sleepydwarf]

Hello everyone,

We are planning our first disney trip for Dec 6-13th. The day for making advance dining reservations is this Monday, 6/9/08. I am unsure what to do because I don't know how DS will do with waiting in lines, sit down meals, crowds, etc. I realize that it depends upon the child, but is there a link for events/meals that went well with children with disabilities similar to mine (DS considered by some to be mildly autistic). For example, I would like to do Fantasmic but worry about the crowds and waiting times. Any feedback from great appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[1stluvispooh]

Well I don't really know what you exactly are looking to do besides Fantasmic. Which in 3 visits have yet to see do to my DD's sensory issues. You may want to try earplugs. But I hate to say if you want to try it have a quick exit plan in case of meltdowns. I know you haven't been to the world yet but do you know how your child does with characters? My DD does very well so I make sure that we have a couple of character meals. She will actually sit and eat (which is a trick in itself) and what for the characters to come to her. You may want to try one the first day you are there and then judge if you want to add some more later. Since you will already be their and it isn't a busy time of year getting an ADR shouldn't be a problem. As for attractions, every kids is different an it's all trial and error. My only suggestion would be t bring a small comfort item and whatever else will calm your child. Just make sure that the comfort item in our case Mickey doesn't go over the rail and into the stream in Fronter Town! Something I don't want to repeat

 

[mechurchlady]

What would help is outings to the mall for example. Learn how your child does in a local restaurant for example. At the grocery store you can learn how they do in lines. Then with that information you can better plan the trip. I have read about parents doing that above things. They take the kid to the mall and get them used to crowds and take them in the grocery store so that they get used to lines. Those outings let the parents see what the kid can and cannot handle.

From what I have read some kids are seekers and others are avoiders. You do not state what your child is. Two kids in the same restorant may result in one kid blissfully having a great time while the other is in full meltdown. One kid will be happy in line with skittles, an ipod, and ear plugs while others wont.

It is best to read the board to see which restaurants fit your child.

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

My daughter just turned 5 and was recently diagnosed with Sensory Integration Disorder. This diagnosis comes after years of Social and Sensory issues. I am just starting to learn what that means for us and our future trips to WDW. That being said, we have gone to WDW three times in the last 9 months and are planning a Sept trip. My daughter doesn't like the characters at all (except for the face characters such as the princesses). And we sometimes go with friends and have eaten at Chef Mickeys, Cap May Cafe, Crystal Palace, Donald's Safari Breakfast, Princess Storybook Dining, Cindy's Royal Table, Hollywood & Vine and 1900 Park Fare. Each time is a bit different but I have learned to place her on the inside seat so that I am always between her and the characters. I usually say somthing when the characters come up and try to greet her like "she's very shy!" and they get the message and move along. While my daughter is too frightened to interact with them she does like to watch them from across the room. Some would say why even eat at character meals at all, and I must say I've had a few uncomfortable situations, but she is getting better and LOVES WDW! She has very strong vestibular issues and so when she is seeking the rides at WDW are the best for her. She will hold her hands up on BTMRR, Test Track but she absolutely cannot stand Soarin or anything that has an optical illusion so we avoid thos rides.
There have been meltdowns so I carefully watch her and we go back to the resort immediately if I sense she is getting too tired. Also, I always take our own stroller, a Maclaren Volo, which is her "safe spot". I have not used any of the GAC or other options but they are there if you need them.
WDW is one of the safest, most enjoyable places for my daughter and I. All castmembers are ready, willing and able to help if you just ask. I try not to get too embarassed because having a child with sensory issues can make you "stand out" at times and while I am only human I try very hard to brush it off, and say oh well.
IMO WDW should be exprienced by all children because it is a place of magic and dreams come true and no matter who you are or what problems you may face at WDW everything just seems "happy"!. So try the character meals, worst case is you tell your server to have the characters avoid your table.
HTH!