Question on Passporter

[kaffinito]

Hi all,

I was wondering how thorough the Passporter guide is for people with Autism. I have yet to order the book because I am not sure how detailed it is. For example, does it explain which rides contain which features? Such as going backwards, very bumpy, or very loud? For example, knowing that Spaceship Earth went down and back slowly would have been very helpful and would have avoided a serious meltdown on our first trip to WDW.

I am thinking of getting the book but as I said, I am unsure as to how helpful it will be with regards to autism, so any feedback would be appreciated!

TIA
Karen

 

[SueM in MN]

I'd suggest you go to the Passporter website and download a sample of the book. That way, you can see for yourself what it is like. You could also see if they have it in your local library or in a book store so you could look at it before purchasing.

I was one of the peer reviewers on the first edition of the book, so I am very familiar with it. The first edition and the current edition are pretty much the same (just with updating and new attractions).
The ride information isn't really descriptions; they use a system of letters for different conditions and then have things people with that condition might have trouble with. My suggestion would be to just ignore the letters and read what's written about each attraction as if it is a description. Some of it may be repetitive, but you will miss some things that might be important to your situation if you just look for your 'letter'.
Also, for autism, there was not a distinction made between people with autism who are sensory avoiders and those who are sensory seekers. For that reason, I would not look at the ratings they have for some attractions (it may say "worst attraction for autism" or "best attraction"). They did have a large number of people give opinions about different attractions, but there was no way to indicate what was a problem for you. In some cases, the entrance might not be the best, but the attraction was great. The survey didn't allow for answers like that.
I think it is a very good book, but like most things, you have to look carefully to see how it applies to you.

 

[mrsksomeday]

Passporters Open Mouse is wonderful for Autism and many other disabilites. It will tell you if the ride is rough, dark, loud, etc. It has so many facts, it is so worth the money. You will not regret it.

 

[kaffinito]

Thanks Sue M in MN and mrsksomeday!

I will go check into it at the library as soon as I am able to. I didn't think of going to the library to see if I could use the book at all.

Thanks!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Another vote here for Passporter's Open Mouse. I got the first version, Passporter's WDW for your special needs (and purchased Open Mouse as soon as it was available) before our first post autism diagnosis trip with our DS (then 5, now almost 8) and it is FANTASTIC! It contains much more helpful information than I expected. Lots of great details on each of the attractions. Even as an annual visitor I look at the book before each trip because his needs have changed over time. Can't say enough great things about the book!!