Pal Mickey? Autistic kid & family looking for info...

[PinballFamily]

Hi, all -

What a great place this is! I've lurked for a few days, (since finding the site) as we're way into our trip planning, and am glad I found this wonderful resource.

We're visiting WDW with our family shortly, and obtained a 50th Anniversary Pal Mickey (the new one with the tux) to take with us. It is used, but in great shape, but there are no directions. It does seem easy to operate, but...!

We got it because Pal Mickey came highly recommended via several sources (including that new WDW for folks with disabilities) as a great tool to help entertain and distract our 7-year old son with autism when we're in lines, etc. at the park. We would love to hear + and - stories about any experiences you have had with this guy.

P.S. If there's anyone who can point me to an online copy of the instructions that came with Pal Mickey or send us a copy/scan, we'd be most grateful. Many thanks.

 

[SueM in MN]

I don't have any information. Just saying welcome to disABILITIES

and bumping your question up so maybe someone else will see it and answer.

 

[MommytoMJM]

http://www.intercot.com/infocentral/misc/palmickey.asp

This spot has information on working him....hope it helps

 

[PinballFamily]

Thanks for the link! We knew there were three games, but didn't know what they were or how to access/play them. This info really helps. (Also didn't know about the "don't get him wet!" part...) but that makes a lot of sense.

We appreciate your help.

 

[KathyRN137]

Just wanted to say Hi!

We have been going to WDW with our autistic DS(8) and our typical DD(10) every year for the past 3 years and we LOVE how friendly and accommodating it is for autistic kids.

We bought PM for our 1st trip in '03 when he was 5 yrs old. He enjoyed holding him and hugging him tight when he was talking (must have had something to do with the vibrations). The only problem was that when he was not vibrating, my son really wasn't interested in holding onto him. Since we were not using a stroller, it did become a little awkward to carry PM around.

So, we found him more useful back at the room at break time or at bedtime to help my DS unwind a little.

It is definitely worth a try. Hey, anything to help him is worth a try, right?

Sorry, but I cannot help you with the directions. (It's been a long time!) Have a great trip!

Kathy

 

[amberdansmom]

Just wanted to say Hi!

We have been going to WDW with our autistic DS(8) and our typical DD(10) every year for the past 3 years and we LOVE how friendly and accommodating it is for autistic kids.
QUOTE]

You say you love how accommodating it is for autistic children. Would you mind elaborating on that? Have you ever used the letter from you pediatrician for a GAC? My DS7 is autistic and I have been tossing the letter around in my head and such for a while now. We will be going in December and any info would be greatly appriciated!

 

[stampin_fool]

We have brought our son's paperwork with us showing his diagnosis and received a GAC each visit. Without this little card we would never go because our DS can not wait in a line around all those people without having a breakdown. This card allows you to use the fastpass entrance or the handicap entrance to all rides (except meet and greets). If you have any questions, please pm me.

Ronda