Other places with autistic at Easter

[AJKMOM]

DS, 20, autistic, loves WDW more than anything, but he has 10 days off at Easter.

We usually go at quiet times, so that isn't an option for us in April. Does anyone know another theme park that is special-needs friendly. We live in PA, and nothing is open up north. I would like to avoid Orlando all together, since we are going in November for his birthday.

Is every theme/amusement park super-crowded at Easter? I saw that Disneyland is, too.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[mechurchlady]

YEP, the week before Easter is a very busy time at all parks. WDW is the most disabled friendly. Sea World is a good place to go and some of them have thrill rides. Universal will be crowded also but I would stick with wDW.

Early planning and using tourguides, guide books, online stuff, and the Extra Magical hour helps with avoiding crowds. I would say SeaWorld if he likes animals and if not then Universal but you will be in crowds at that time and it is getting late for booking rooms for the trip. The price goes up at that time and some places may be booked tight.

Disneyland would be crowded but if you do mornings where you take the train around to Frontierland and hit Critter Country, Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Railroad then do the rest of the day at leisure. Second day you hit Buzz and Tomorrowland then Small World and finally Toontown. This wil leave the kiddie rides and DCA. Third day you hit Soarin then the rapids then Toy Story Mania and the roller coasters then wharf, bugs land, then Hollywood. If you move fast and do not mind doubling back you could other plans. If you hae another day you could do DCA Hollywood first. DLR does have options but you would be happier with WDW probably if it is crowded as they have EMH there as does DLR but I would rather be at WDW, my preference.

 

[AJKMOM]

I was hoping that someone could recommend places that were not in Orlando, since we're going there in November, or Southern California, since it will be crowded at Easter there, too.

I would be open to anywhere in Florida beside Orlando.

 

[bookwormde]

If you are looking for parks, everywhere is busy at Easter; we do not even try DC or anything like that because it is just not worth it, being so crowded. We have considered doing and Outer Banks trip but it would definitely not be swimming weather (just to enjoy the view and to get away).

bookwormde

 

[mechurchlady]

http://www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia/info/parkInfo.aspx
6 Flags Georgia is open April 4-12 for Easter around 10:30 am to 8 pm and on the 3rd in the evening.

Six Flags Arlington is only open the 10 - 12.

Busch gardens in Tampa
April 1 - April 3 9:00 - 7:30
Apr 4 9:00 - 8:30
Apr 5 - Apr 9 9:00 - 8:00
Apr 10 - Apr 11 9:00 - 8:30
Apr 12 - Apr 18 9:00 - 8:00

 

[Sebrina]

Bush Gardens Tampa is a good suggestion, that park is highly under rated and never really as busy as the big resorts.

 

[lucigo]

Have you considered a cruise? Our local autism group just took a cruise in Feb and everyone had a great time.

 

[AJKMOM]

Have you considered a cruise? Our local autism group just took a cruise in Feb and everyone had a great time.

Due to the downturn in the economy, we are staying close to home for this Easter, but could you tell me what cruise line you went on? Were there many activities designed for the autistics in the group? This intrigues me, because I would love to go on a cruise, not sure DS would. Thanks.

 

[lucigo]

Due to the downturn in the economy, we are staying close to home for this Easter, but could you tell me what cruise line you went on? Were there many activities designed for the autistics in the group? This intrigues me, because I would love to go on a cruise, not sure DS would. Thanks.

We went on the Carnival Fantasy out of New Orleans. We had a group of 35, including about 7 with autism, the rest being friends and family. Although we tried to schedule group activities, you know how it is with autism, they all liked different things! We had a couple that loved the water slides, one (mine) loved mini-golf, a couple who really liked ping-pong, most of them liked Camp Carnival and playing video games and the arcade. Even though we had many different levels of the spectrum, everyone found their nitch and all want to go again! Many of us loaded our pix to a web site I could send you the link if you want to send me a PM.

 

[disneyelaine]

Check out www.autismontheseas.com for group autism cruises.

We have never done one of these, but look interesting.

We do, however cruise often with our 12 yr old with autism. Disney
has always been wonderful. Norwegian has special perks that were nice for us, although we had to stay in a suite to qualify. Holland America is always nice because there is never many kids, a very tranquil environment, compared to the noise and activity level on Disney.

 

[KirstenB]

How about Williamsburg? They started opening Busch Gardens the week before Easter just for the week or 2 around the holiday. I took our dd's there last year during their spring break. It wasn't very busy at all. If you haven't been there, the only thing I'll caution you about is the park is VERY hilly. You get a bonus workout if you're pushing a stroller or wheelchair up those hills!