Poly building suggestions (autism)

[Geekerbell]

We have our WDW trip planned for the third week in September, hoping the crowds won't be that bad (last trip was over Thanksgiving so ANYthing has to be better than that was!)
We will be staying at the Poly in order to make use of the monorail and also thought the atmosphere would be relaxing. My question is this -

My 9 year old is on the spectrum (high functioning intellectually, but low socially/emotionally, major sensory issues, meltdowns, etc). We are trying to decide if we should request a specific building? I was looking at the map and it seems Samoa is close to the pool and a children's activity area (is this a park?) and thought this might be the best option? Then we would have easier acces to a play area for him to blow off some steam if needed.

Or should I go with a quieter area? Is there a way I can request a room on the end, so that if he does have a major meltdown, we would be less likely to disturb people in rooms on all sides of us? We had numerous staff last time "Checking in" on us, due to how loud DS was several evenings.

Last trip was just a disaster, so I'm trying to get everything planned early this time and go into it with reduced expectations. I want all of us to have a good time, including my other two boys.
We plan to get a stroller and GAC this time as well, which I think will help immensely, just so he can stay away from the bulk of crowds.

Sorry this was so long. Any help and/or suggestions are greatly appreciated!

 

[Reddy]

We took 2 Austic boys last August - we did our best to stay at the parks for as long as possible
I think people would look at you weird if he is in a stroller but then people looked at weird since I took a leash thread the handle around jean shorts (like a belt) (slip the dogend thur handle) the looped the other end around me
he is really noted for running off (even is noted for skating off when the school was teaching skating)
I wonder how tall your son is - would he be comfortable riding in one?? wheelchair might be a better thought

We stayed at ASMo & were on the backside of the fantasia building so the queit was nice but walked so much that boys were tired so maybe staying in parks then others could leave the area if they didn't want to be near you (in hotel it is hard to leave if they are stuck in the next room)

 

[Geekerbell]

We are going to rent one of the special needs strollers from Orlando Stroller Rental. It is a bit bigger and holds up to 100 pounds. I'm sure we will get looks, but we did last time also. In addition to being stopped by CMs when my husband had to chase DS down in the parks (he's also a runner), and then carry him kicking, screaming, biting, etc back to where we were. So this time, the stroller it is! LOL
Thanks!

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Samoa is centrally located with both pools on either side, it is also close to the Grand Ceremonial House.
It would be my first choice for a good central location.

 

[Geekerbell]

Thanks so much!

 

[bookwormde]

Have a good trip, every trip gets better.

bookwormde

 

[atmooney]

hi.
My son is also high on the spectrum and is also prone to meltdowns! Two years ago we went to Disney and got a special pass that really helped meet our needs. This essentially made the trip the best we have ever taken with our family. Do they still do that? So glad to see an Autism thread on here!

 

[Geekerbell]

hi.
My son is also high on the spectrum and is also prone to meltdowns! Two years ago we went to Disney and got a special pass that really helped meet our needs. This essentially made the trip the best we have ever taken with our family. Do they still do that? So glad to see an Autism thread on here!

Welcome!

They have the GAC (Guest Assisstance Card) - it is explained more thoroughly in the stickies at the top of the DISabilities board than I could explain. But we will be asking if possibly to use the stroller as wheelchair, so that Cam will be able to stay in it and be in his own space and not have to stand in the line. so the way I understand it is that if wheelchairs typically go through the main line for a ride, then that is what we will do, but will be able to use the stroller in the line. If it is a line where wheelchairs would go through a different line or entrance, that is where we will go in.

Take some time to look through the board, there are a few really good autism threads on here.
Thanks!

 

[Geekerbell]

Have a good trip, every trip gets better.

bookwormde

Thank you! that's what we are hoping!

 

[KPeveler]

hi.
My son is also high on the spectrum and is also prone to meltdowns! Two years ago we went to Disney and got a special pass that really helped meet our needs. This essentially made the trip the best we have ever taken with our family. Do they still do that? So glad to see an Autism thread on here!

What you are talking about is called a guest assistance card (GAC), which you get at City Hall. Yes, they still use these cards.

Be aware, that the cards are not designed to shorten wait times, and it even states that directly on the card. Some times the wait may even be longer, but you may wait in a different location.

The best advice I have heard is to use a touring plan to help reduce wait times, and then use the GAC within that plan to deal with issues that come up.

 

[atmooney]

Thank you all!

 

[hopefor4]

Hi there!

Good for you planning ahead. We took our Autistic son to the Poly last year and it was wonderful. You are right about it being relaxing. We stayed in (I think) Fiji. We had a ground floor, and could walk to the beach from the room which was a big bonus. Amazing at how just sitting in the sand digging calmed my son. It also allowed us to see the Electric Light Parade. My son was really fasicinated with the "Tiki men". He still talks about them.

The GAC was a great help. It allowed us to wait away from the mainstream and the cast members were great with entertaining him etc.

Have a great time!

Michelle

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome!

They have the GAC (Guest Assisstance Card) - it is explained more thoroughly in the stickies at the top of the DISabilities board than I could explain. But we will be asking if possibly to use the stroller as wheelchair, so that Cam will be able to stay in it and be in his own space and not have to stand in the line. so the way I understand it is that if wheelchairs typically go through the main line for a ride, then that is what we will do, but will be able to use the stroller in the line. If it is a line where wheelchairs would go through a different line or entrance, that is where we will go in.

Take some time to look through the board, there are a few really good autism threads on here.
Thanks!

Guest Assistance Cards are described in post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. You can find that thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature to get there.