Ride suggestions for HFA son

[aprila]

One of my sons has High Functioning Autism and was just wondering if anyone can tell me which rides aren't too loud and wild? He has some sensory issues that make him wince and cover his ears. He is excited but not sure till we get there what it will be like for him. We are definitely only going to do as much as he can handle but would like to know ahead of time what some of the more mild less noisy rides are.

 

[got2gp]

They are all fairly loud, but two that come to mind right away are, It's a Small World and Peter Pan. Maybe someone with more experience with Autism will have more imput for you.

 

[got2travel]

I wish I could help more. I have not experience with autism. Many of the rides are loud and 'busy' with a lot going on. I would say for the most part, avoid the dark rides, those where the ride is indoors. These will be the loudest, with a lot of colors and black light action. I think you'd be ok with Dumbo, Casey Jr Circus Train, Storyland Canal Boats, Autopia, Astro Orbitor, the Railroad, and maybe Matterhorn (its only loud when the Yeti roars, and that's only 3 times). A great place for a break would be Tom Sawyer's Island. There are many paths to wander around and many are not well traveled, so its pretty peaceful.

 

[AFMom]

Is your son sensitive to srobe lights? There are a lot of rides with these - you may want to watch for that as well! I would say take him on the train around the park first, maybe the bus and horse drawn carriage on Main Street. Then go to Dumbo, and the other outdoor Fantasyland rides. The Mark Twain boat and the Columbia, as well as the enitre Tom Sawyers Island will be great. All the indoor rides can get loud and usually have something that pops out! Start with Peter Pan, and then you'll have a good idea if he can go further. Star Tours may be something you want to avoid - lots of loud noises and flashing lights. The Haunted Mansion is dark, and can be spooky - but it's not real loud (the music gets a little loud once or twice), and the begining of the ride the lights go completely out and everyone thinks it's funny to scream at the top of their lungs. Oh - Pirates might be a-ok as well - really not loud - and can actually be pretty relaxing for us adults! Winnie the Pooh could be a good 2nd choice if he does ok with Peter Pan. Good luck - I'm sure he'll have a great time!

 

[Judy from Boise]

If noise is the only issue i would suggest a set of ear plugs ( or headphones) and experience everything.

 

[AngieWin]

I would definitely get headphones for your son. The bigger ones that cover the entire ear are better. I have several autistic children that I work with that take those with them to theme parks/baseball games/concerts/etc. We leave for DL in 7 days and if I think of any rides that would not be appropriate I will post when I get back. Does he have sensitivities (motion, lights, sounds, etc) that are stronger than others? What does he not have a problem with?

 

[disneydenisel]

Last March, my special needs kids (2 and 5) had trouble with the dark rides, but Peter Pan is SO short that they didn't have much time to be afraid. The Small World was too loud for my daughter who kept her ears covered the entire time. My son just fell asleep every time we sat in the boat. He even fell asleep on the Jungle Cruise. I had to drag my daughter onto the Pooh ride, and the CM gave her a flashlight to help her overcome her fear. She did okay, but it was loud too! My kids liked the outdoor rides like the Autopia and the Disneyland Railroad. The rode the Main Street vehicles and LOVED Dumbo. Toontown was a big hit.

I agree that if he will tolerate something covering his ears, it would be a good idea. I haven't tried that with my kids.