Resort choice with autistic child....

[antkim]

I have a girlfriend that is planning a last minute trip with her dh and 2 ds's. Her 9 yr old has mild austism...my biggest concern is that he can "shut down" or "withdraw" when he is tired and over stimulated. Now...I know the parks will be crazy (and she is well prepared) but what resort would you chose under the circumstances? We have it narrowed down to POR and WL. In this situation would it be worth the extra $$ at WL? I know both resorts are relaxing and quiet but I have not stayed at POR so I can not give her my "personal" advice for her situation.

Just thought I would ask and see if any one here had helpful advice? She is going to book tonight so any quick help is appreciated!

Kim

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

I haven't stayed at POR, but I have stayed at WL and that would be my choice. It is a quick boat ride back to the resort from the MK and most of the time if they share a bus with another resort, WL is the first stop, sometimes they share with FW and will be the second drop, but from a back road. She would be able to quickly get into the resort and to her room and with the room opening into an inside hall might be better too, especially if he likes to take off and run.

ETA: Check out the disabilites board because there is alot more info on this subject on that thread, and some wonderful friendly folks, too.

Good Luck.

Suzanne

 

[auntie]

It is also connected (WL) by a bike/walking trail to FW. It's a nice, quiet, relaxing way to unwind..not crowded and enough nature to make it interesting(my son saw a huge tortise..and you will see ducks, bunnies, armadillos.

 

[antkim]

OK..you have convinced me that WL is the better choice. I have stayed there and know how peaceful it is and thought it a better choice BUT I did not want to sway her since I never stayed at POR. I thought of the walking trail since just last month we walked it and there were deer EVERYWHERE! Beautiful!

Thanks!

 

[stacy6552]

Here's another thought, just to confuse you. I have stayed in both places and many others as well. OKW is a wonderful place to go and quiet down away from the hussle and bussle of WDW. For anyone who needs to get away from it all, OKW is totally the place to go.

 

[disney-super-mom]

You may want to consider that the lobby of the WL can be a bit noisy at times with lots of people, music, and all the antics taking place at the WCC, and you'll have to walk into that to get to your room. I also have a DS (8) with mild autism, and although I don't think he would be too disturbed by this, your girlfriend's son could possibly feel uncomfortable with this, especially if he's already feeling overstimulated.

On the other hand, at POR (or any of the resorts with seperate guest room buildings, except the values which have WAY TOO MUCH stimulus) you can get off at the bus stop closest to your building and have a nice quiet walk to your room without any loud visual or auditory stimulus.

Just a thought for your friend to think about, although the WL is lovely.

 

[ProudMommyof2]

I would pick the WL because your friend could get bunkbeds and then the boys would not have to share a bed. The only caviat I would add is to ask for a south facing woods view. That way, her DS is less apt to be bothered by the fireworks over MK if he is already feeling overstimulated.

Good luck and here is hoping a little comes there way and they have an awesome trip. Also, make sure they are aware they can get a "GAC" card to help. Lots of info on the disabilities board!

 

[plutolovr]

My choice would be the Ft. Wilderness Cabins. There is nothing like going back to your own private cabin, no noisy neighbors, make yourself a cup of tea, get your kids some hot chocolate or warm milk and go to bed. It's quiet, quiet, quiet.

There is a separate bedroom which makes it perfect for families who need a little time apart.

 

[bbass1]

I Have A 10yr Old With Autism. We Are A Family Of Five And We Stayed At Por In 2005, 2006 And 2007. The Resort Is Very Peacefull And Has Quiet Pools If She Needs A Pool With Not Alot People. My Son Loves The Big Pool Also. I Haven't Stayed At Wl So I Can't Comment On It.

 

[Kimberle]

I would recomend AKL. It is very quiet in the room wings. If they can get a Savannah room, it is amazing to step out on your balacony and see zebras, giraffe's, etc. It's also quiet and peaceful. Thought the bus rides can be a bit longer than some of the resorts, they are pretty direct. They weren't crowded at all during our Aug stay.

Because of Wispering Canyon, the lobby at WL can be pretty loud. Though, the resort is lovely.

 

[MotherOf2Princesses]

I would say OKW. It is a quiet peaceful resort. There are several pools and a main pool with a water slide. If a pool with a lot of excitement gets to be too much then she could enjoy one of the quiet pools. Or you could consider a cabin at FW. The MK fireworks may be a bit much at the park but she could enjoy them from the FW lake.