Planning first trip

[Hilee]

Hello I'm wanting to start planning something positive for my son who is 3.5 and our family we've had a rough several years and need something to look forward to, even if it's not in the near future.

My husband and I have tossed the Disney idea around it's the ultimate thing to look forward to IMO. We've tossed around Disney Land or a Disney Cruise.

My son has moderate-severe autism though verbal, he has global delays, tethered spinal cord (not yet repaired) and possible very mild cerebral palsy along with a few other things. Because of this I'm a bit worried about either as they are crowded, any insight from other SN parents?

My husband also had a heart attack and has a serious heart condition/heart failure so he'd be unable to ride a lot of the rides I'm thinking? Love insight on that too if anyone has any.

 

[mamabunny]

First of all, you will find *tons* of tips for kids on the spectrum here - out on the main "DISabilities" forum page, look for the Magnifying glass in the "Search..." box, and use that to search for different topics. You will find all kinds of tried and true tips and tricks to help your little guy have the best possible time at WDW. Obviously, you can create another post to ask for specific help (like avoiding overstimulation, or how to deal with character meet-n-greats) but if you search first, you may find all kinds of info from other parents here.

As far as your hubby goes, if he will benefit from an ECV (what DisneyWorld calls a scooter) then that may be the way to go. Often folks with cardiac issues will use a scooter at WDW, simply because the *average* Guest at WDW walks between 5 & 10 miles PER DAY. By renting from an offsite vendor, he will have the use of the scooter at the Resort - and some of the Disney Resorts can be *huge*, with a 10+ minute walk just to get to the food court from some rooms.

Disney does have a DAS (search for more info for that - and Sue, our Moderator has a "sticky" out on the main board with more info) but I have a feeling he may benefit more from being on wheels to help avoid exhaustion. There's another post that Sue has stickied about rides, and some of the warnings posted; some will be inappropriate (for example) for pregnant people, or people with back or neck issues, or cardiac issues, etc.

By learning to use the search tools here, you will find a wealth of information - and we will all be glad to help you plan along the way!

 

[lanejudy]

I think you can enjoy either a parks or cruise vacation. They are very different, so what "works" best for your family will depend on your interests.

The cruise -- DCL cruises are lots of fun. My now 13-yr-old will choose a cruise over the parks if she had to make a choice. She was 7 on our first cruise. How does your little guy do in group environments (daycare, preschool, church nursery, etc.)? If he requires a 1:1 at all times, he'll have limited options for the Oceaneer Club/Lab with just "open house" times when an adult can accompany him. If he can function ok in groups, he'll be allowed to attend for "secure" programming (aka drop-off). Is he potty-trained? The Club/Lab do not provide assistance with toileting needs, he'll need to be completely independent (recognizing the need to go, getting there, undressing, doing his business, re-dressing, washing). As a 3-yr-old, you do have the option of putting him in the nursery for childcare; that costs extra per-hour. Cruising in general is a much more relaxed environment, which may be what you want for your DH. There are plenty of activities, but without the running from one ride to the next. They don't feel as crowded as the parks because the max capacity is set; that said, depending on the cruise, there may be more or fewer kids.

Disneyland is in California. Disney World is in Florida. I'm not sure which you mean. Both are amusement parks, actually CA has 2 parks right next to each other, while FL has 4 major theme parks spread out plus 2 waterparks. Some of the same rides exist at both, but some are different. Both locations have the DAS as mamabunny mentions. There are several attractions which are slow, non-thrill-ride, and also several shows that your DH could do. Depending on the child's height, most of the thrill rides may not be an option anyway.

Feel free to ask questions, it can seem overwhelming to a new planner.

 

[Hilee]

Thanks I'm going to do some searching around.
My son doesn't need a 1:1 but he always is in a 1:1 room or has a para 3:1 at most. He does ok in groups though typically, but he is not at all toilet trained and I don't see it happening soon with the autism combined with the spinal and kidney issues he has. He's completely mobile, but I feel at a park he'd need a stroller as he's an eloper. The good thing with rides is he's tall-- he's almost 42" already.
We're leaning towards California as we are big Marvel fans and they have more rights there over DW from what I understand.

 

[lanejudy]

I feel at a park he'd need a stroller as he's an eloper.

Request a stroller-as-wheelchair tag. That will allow you to bring the stroller through the queues. Disneyland has several queues that are not accessible, so you'd be getting a wheelchair-return time for those. DCA should be accessible as it's a much newer park.

Enjoy your vacation!