** Official ** March 2011!!!

[SnowWhite607]

I dont like hearing about all the possible "huge" crowds either. I like my Mardi Gras trips cause they are less crowded than my regular June trips. Since its a short one for us, I hope we dont spend most of our time waiting in line. With that said, I always make rope drop and always go with a detailed plan. I guess it will be okay.

15 days

 

[Vickis3js]

Well its great you have support. My hubby and I have no family to help at all so that is the toughest part plus the meltdowns. I am shocked to hear how early they diagnosis kids, my DD didn't get her officially diagnosis till she was about 9. Kids like my daughter LOVE stimulation and surprisingly do well in a stimulated environment like Disney.

My DD was diagnosed PDD-NOS when she was 3, would have been sooner but actually took a year to get her in to see the developmental specialist. My DD is the exact opposite she does not do well with over stimulation. People and loud noises freak her out. THanks to a TON of therapy at home and at school for the last 7 years we all have learned to cope. We are actually able to go at Christmas and with reading her and her knowing how to read herself we can manage it with little to no melt downs.

If you would have asked me when my DD was 2-5 if we would have ever been able to take her to WDW the answer would have been a NO WAY NOT EVER. The mall would freak her out. We have to take breaks and we use an ipod for her alot. We used music therapy when she was younger so when she senses its getting too "loud" in her head she will ask for the Ipod. It helps her focus on one noise and one thing instead.

I think it all depends on the child. We chose to not use the card that they give you. We figure that she will one day have to be out on her own and she needs to learn to cope with her differences. If its too much for her then we leave. I want her to feel like she is a "normal" child, although I hate that word because really what is normal these days.

 

[KellyNTink]

I am also a little nervous about the crowds...but, I keep thinking if we could do Disney in high crowds and HIGH heat and humidity in June...then we can do this and love it, too.

Thanks moms for the input/ideas on my son and Fantasmic. I booked the package, but I'm still waffling on whether or not we want to do this. I do think he would love the show. I know the line will be tough for him, though.

Also, I feel like crying because I'm hearing from other moms that GET IT on how heartbreaking, frustrating, tough, etc. it is having a kiddo with special needs. My son right now has the ADHD diagnosis...he's 9. I am not convinced there are more labels to come. He is very sensory and was a REALLY late talker. I am also intrigued by how early other kids get diagnosed these days. I wonder if my son had been seen early by someone else if he'd been diagnosed on the spectrum and with various language and processing disorders. He was in speech therapy from 18 months to 3 1/2 years old, made rare eye contact, was extremely sensory in areas of eating, dressing, environmental noise, he didn't point at things, had EXTREME meltdowns over what others would perceive as 'small' things, when he was 4,5,6 he would often use obscure words in place of the correct ones (example, "Mom, can you cook it in the elevator [instead of microwave]), I could go on and on...

He has progressed a LOT, but focus remains an issue, he is still pretty picky about his clothes (wants to live in either sweatpants or shorts..HATES the feel of khakis or jeans), VERY black and white thinker, struggles with reading, struggles with anxiety, etc., etc. Right now he wears a strong ADHD diagnosis with "very poor working memory" (a hallmark executive function problem of ADHD) Sometimes I wonder if we need more testing for processing issues as things crop up at school. He is extremely visual, but I wonder about possibility of APD. I have to say one of the most AMAZING things to me when he started meds for ADHD was on DAY ONE he suddenly could make eye contact with everyone and that has remained the same! He's been on ADHD meds for almost 2 years. I didn't realize for him that was a sign of his mind going a zillion miles per hour.

 

[Sandy Mouse]

14 days out and I still have not received the DME packet. I talked to my TA more than a week ago and she put in a request for another packet to be mailed to me.
I'm not freaking out about it, but I am a little worried.

 

[janiejake]

14 days out and I still have not received the DME packet. I talked to my TA more than a week ago and she put in a request for another packet to be mailed to me.
I'm not freaking out about it, but I am a little worried.

In 2006, didn't get our packet in time~~I just ended up creating my own tags for the luggage(after seeing a pic of what the tags looked like), and there was absolutely no issue~~our luggage was collected by DME and delivered to our room. Just as if it had 'official' tags on it. We are 3 weeks out and do not have our tags, either. Hope I don't have to go to 'plan B' again, but at least I know it is an option, and it works.

 

[Minnie Mommy Mouse]

I am also a little nervous about the crowds...but, I keep thinking if we could do Disney in high crowds and HIGH heat and humidity in June...then we can do this and love it, too.

Thanks moms for the input/ideas on my son and Fantasmic. I booked the package, but I'm still waffling on whether or not we want to do this. I do think he would love the show. I know the line will be tough for him, though.

Also, I feel like crying because I'm hearing from other moms that GET IT on how heartbreaking, frustrating, tough, etc. it is having a kiddo with special needs. My son right now has the ADHD diagnosis...he's 9. I am not convinced there are more labels to come. He is very sensory and was a REALLY late talker. I am also intrigued by how early other kids get diagnosed these days. I wonder if my son had been seen early by someone else if he'd been
diagnosed on the spectrum and with various language and processing
disorders. He was in speech therapy from 18 months to 3 1/2 years old, mad
rare eye contact, was extremely sensory in areas of eating, dressing, environmental noise, he didn't point at things, had EXTREME meltdowns over what others would perceive as 'small' things, when he was 4,5,6 he would often use obscure words in place of the correct ones (example, "Mom, can you
cook it in the elevator [instead of microwave]), I could go on and on...

He has progressed a LOT, but focus remains an issue, he is still pretty picky about his clothes (wants to live in either sweatpants or shorts..HATES the feel of khakis or jeans), VERY black and white thinker, struggles with reading, struggles with anxiety, etc., etc. Right now he wears a strong ADHD diagnosis
with "very poor working memory" (a hallmark executive function problem of ADHD) Sometimes I wonder if we need more testing for processing issues as things crop up at school. He is extremely visual, but I wonder
of APD. I have to say one of the most AMAZING things to me when he started meds for ADHD was on DAY ONE he suddenly could make eye contact with everyone and that has remained the same! He's been on ADHD meds for almost 2 years. I didn't realize for him that was a sign of his mind going a zillion miles per hour.

I'm not a doctor, I have to kids w/ASD, the youngest has moderate autism and a slew of other tag along disorders, & was diagnosed at 2 1/2. I knew at 18 months something was wrong because after meeting all developmental milestones on time he began to regress & resist eye contact at 12 months. My oldest got diagnosed a year after the first with Aspergers & ADHD. He was 4 1/2. The ONLY reason we caught it that early is b/c of the family history & several of Aidan's therapist politely suggesting he needed to be tested too. These are my only kids, to me, there quirks were "normal.". Aspergers is a hard diagnosis to catch, most kids do not get diagnosed until ages 11-13.

Your son sounds similar to my oldest. If you have any questions or want to chat further, please email me directly or PM me. We have been going to WDW since shortly after Aidan's diagnosis in 2003. I was prepared mentally for a horrible experience, but we fell in love w/how wonderful & supportive the Disney corporation & CMs treat special people. We keep going back b/c there is no place else we feel so "normal."

Hang in there! You'll have a wonderful trip & do what you gotta do to help your family enjoy this. Mama knows best, so go with your gut & do what you feel is best for DS. Just feel comfortable knowing lots of families have to do things a little different & think outside the box to make their Disney dreams come true. I'd like to believe we all want a magical trip & don't mind the people who need a some extra help should get just that!

Blessings,

 

[mommy2mrb]

I am also a little nervous about the crowds...but, I keep thinking if we could do Disney in high crowds and HIGH heat and humidity in June...then we can do this and love it, too.

Thanks moms for the input/ideas on my son and Fantasmic. I booked the package, but I'm still waffling on whether or not we want to do this. I do think he would love the show. I know the line will be tough for him, though.

Also, I feel like crying because I'm hearing from other moms that GET IT on how heartbreaking, frustrating, tough, etc. it is having a kiddo with special needs. My son right now has the ADHD diagnosis...he's 9. I am not convinced there are more labels to come. He is very sensory and was a REALLY late talker. I am also intrigued by how early other kids get diagnosed these days. I wonder if my son had been seen early by someone else if he'd been diagnosed on the spectrum and with various language and processing disorders. He was in speech therapy from 18 months to 3 1/2 years old, made rare eye contact, was extremely sensory in areas of eating, dressing, environmental noise, he didn't point at things, had EXTREME meltdowns over what others would perceive as 'small' things, when he was 4,5,6 he would often use obscure words in place of the correct ones (example, "Mom, can you cook it in the elevator [instead of microwave]), I could go on and on...

He has progressed a LOT, but focus remains an issue, he is still pretty picky about his clothes (wants to live in either sweatpants or shorts..HATES the feel of khakis or jeans), VERY black and white thinker, struggles with reading, struggles with anxiety, etc., etc. Right now he wears a strong ADHD diagnosis with "very poor working memory" (a hallmark executive function problem of ADHD) Sometimes I wonder if we need more testing for processing issues as things crop up at school. He is extremely visual, but I wonder about possibility of APD. I have to say one of the most AMAZING things to me when he started meds for ADHD was on DAY ONE he suddenly could make eye contact with everyone and that has remained the same! He's been on ADHD meds for almost 2 years. I didn't realize for him that was a sign of his mind going a zillion miles per hour.

my nephew has Aspergers and wasn't diagnosed until he was almost 9...went to DLR when he was 7 and had a terrible time with waiting and noise issues...he now wears headphones or his Ipod when needed....he has come along way and had figured out ways to deal with his issues...is a freshman in HS and doing quite well in his special ed classes mostly B's and is mainstreamed for his electives and getting b's there too!
I hope you will have a fun trip! and that your son will be able to enjoy all that he can!

 

[DisMomAmy]

I am also a little nervous about the crowds...but, I keep thinking if we could do Disney in high crowds and HIGH heat and humidity in June...then we can do this and love it, too.

Thanks moms for the input/ideas on my son and Fantasmic. I booked the package, but I'm still waffling on whether or not we want to do this. I do think he would love the show. I know the line will be tough for him, though.

Also, I feel like crying because I'm hearing from other moms that GET IT on how heartbreaking, frustrating, tough, etc. it is having a kiddo with special needs. My son right now has the ADHD diagnosis...he's 9. I am not convinced there are more labels to come. He is very sensory and was a REALLY late talker. I am also intrigued by how early other kids get diagnosed these days. I wonder if my son had been seen early by someone else if he'd been diagnosed on the spectrum and with various language and processing disorders. He was in speech therapy from 18 months to 3 1/2 years old, made rare eye contact, was extremely sensory in areas of eating, dressing, environmental noise, he didn't point at things, had EXTREME meltdowns over what others would perceive as 'small' things, when he was 4,5,6 he would often use obscure words in place of the correct ones (example, "Mom, can you cook it in the elevator [instead of microwave]), I could go on and on...

He has progressed a LOT, but focus remains an issue, he is still pretty picky about his clothes (wants to live in either sweatpants or shorts..HATES the feel of khakis or jeans), VERY black and white thinker, struggles with reading, struggles with anxiety, etc., etc. Right now he wears a strong ADHD diagnosis with "very poor working memory" (a hallmark executive function problem of ADHD) Sometimes I wonder if we need more testing for processing issues as things crop up at school. He is extremely visual, but I wonder about possibility of APD. I have to say one of the most AMAZING things to me when he started meds for ADHD was on DAY ONE he suddenly could make eye contact with everyone and that has remained the same! He's been on ADHD meds for almost 2 years. I didn't realize for him that was a sign of his mind going a zillion miles per hour.

Let me just add that you are doing the best for your son so don't beat yourself up over the timing of a diagnosis... My older son (now 9) was diagnosed with PDD-NOS/ASD at 27 months. He'd started speech therapy at 16 months. Knowing all that and the difference early intervention made with him, our younger son (now 7) wasn't diagnosed with Aspergers until last summer at 6 1/2. We all do the best we can & I learned a while ago that it doesn't do any good to look back and ask "what if".

Have a wonderful trip!!

 

[MonkontheMove]

I dont like hearing about all the possible "huge" crowds either. I like my Mardi Gras trips cause they are less crowded than my regular June trips. Since its a short one for us, I hope we dont spend most of our time waiting in line. With that said, I always make rope drop and always go with a detailed plan. I guess it will be okay.

15 days

I'm stressed about the crowds, too! We're arriving on 25 MAR. Originally the crowds were projected to be 8s, 7s, and below for the week. Now they are projected to be 9s and even some 10s!!! UGH!!!!!! I'm praying that there is some mistake...please, please, please let this be a mistake!!!!
Any tips for managing the most crowded of days at WDW?
Thanks!

 

[Toystoryfan32]

Hi fellow March Diser's. I have not been able to check this thread in awhile. I was just curious if anyone was planning a meet?

 

[sandym718]

If Kristi (who was active on the March group on Facebook) is here, could you PM me here or on FB? Thanks!

 

[MrsCies]

We are making our FIRST WDW Trip to celebrate (our first of course! and..) our Daughters 3rd Birthday. March 9-16th!

 

[SnowWhite607]

Hi fellow March Diser's. I have not been able to check this thread in awhile. I was just curious if anyone was planning a meet?

Check a few pages back. I think they are planning a meet on the 12th.

 

[lilandvisma]

I'd be interested in meeting anyone who will be there during the time we will 3/28-4/5.

 

[starstruck93]

Hey everyone! I can't seem to find the Facebook March Disney thread. Could someone please put the link on here... or on the first page of this thread? Thanks so much! April

 

[starstruck93]

Hey everyone! I can't seem to find the Facebook March Disney thread. Could someone please put the link on here... or on the first page of this thread? Thanks so much! April

 

[Tiggerlover91]

Sorry starstruck93...didn't work my way. I believe you have to search for WDW March 2011 and then ask for permission to join as it's a closed group.

 

[Meteora]

Last year we went during Easter week--can't possibly be as bad as that! And really, it was still manageable. We are getting so excited!

Just added a first-time event for us: a spring training game! We'll be seeing the Braves take on our home team, the Mets!

 

[Sweetpea2011]

I signed up for touring plans. Can anyone help me understand....for Sat March 26 it lists the overall crowd levels as 9/10. When it breaks it down by park, the lowest crowd level is listed at DHS, with a level of 4.4/10 yet this is the park to avoid due to the EMH in the morning.

I get that you should avoid any park during EMH if you aren't participating, but I thought that was due to the fact that it will make the park more crowded...so why is the crowd level for this day the lowest at that park??

It just doesn't make sense to me. Instead they recommend the MK as the Best Park, I'm assuming b/c it has extended hours, so it might mean the crowds will be more dispersed throughout the day?

Just confused and trying to pick the best places to go to on each day.

Our plan is to do a park a day for the first 4 days, and then the last two to vote on where to go back to and do again, or do what we missed.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Last year we went during Easter week--can't possibly be as bad as that! And really, it was still manageable. We are getting so excited!

Just added a first-time event for us: a spring training game! We'll be seeing the Braves take on our home team, the Mets!

Cool about the spring training game! We are Brewers fans but I'm hoping to talk my sister into going to the Braves' last game. We've never been to WWOS.