Seasame Place...GAC equivalent?

[disneynewman]

We are thinking about going there this summer. Does anyone know if they have anytihng similar to the GAC? We have a 7 yr old w/ Autism.

TIA!

 

[cm8]

We are thinking about going there this summer. Does anyone know if they have anytihng similar to the GAC? We have a 7 yr old w/ Autism.

TIA!

I am not sure if this answers your question, but they use a wrist band to ID disabled guest requiring assistance. I copied and pasted the info I found on their page this was taken directly from the page info................... hope this helps..........


Ride/Attraction Accessibility

A majority of rides, attractions, and shows at Sesame Place have special accessible entrances. The following is a list of these activities with descriptions and directions to any special accessible entrances. Special accessible entrances may be used by our disabled guests and up to three other guests (except where noted). Guests with parties larger than four will need to have the remainder of their party wait in line.

On all rides, guests using wheelchairs will need to transfer themselves onto the ride. All Sesame Place employees are trained to provide assistance, which include steadying a guest transferring to or from a wheelchair. However, they are not trained, and not permitted, to lift guests in and out of wheelchairs.

Although not required, wristbands will be provided at the Welcome Center for all disabled guests. The wristbands allow for the disabled guest and their party to be noticeable to our employees, allowing for immediate assistance on and off of attractions. If you choose not to make use of the bracelet we ask that you identify yourself as a guest in need of assistance when approaching the exit of a ride.

In addition, five of the water rides must be accessed by stairwells and may include the carrying of a tube. Guests that need assistance in accessing these rides should go to Welcome Center located at the entrance to Sesame Place. An Operations team member will discuss options for accessing these rides

 

[Hannathy]

Be aware that it is extremely loud and crazy with kids!!! If your child is sensitive to noise and mass craziness you may want to talk to someone who has been there. It can be very overwhelming most of the time. During the summer it is wall to wall screaming, running kids. (and a lot of the parents aren't much better!)

 

[aguerra01]

Sesame was very understanding to my sons' needs. We lived in the lazy river and they allowed us to go thru the exit when no one was trying to get out. They also allowed us to go thru a couple of times without having to get, since it was hard enough to get him in. We kept him in his stroller as much as possible, it was very crowded and loud. We also rented a Cabana and were able to escape for some quiet time. They have the children wear a wristband, since some of the entrances can be very hectic they let us go quietly thru the exit. We did wait at times, but I wasn't looking to be a line jumper just for an easier transition.

 

[pacrosby]

Be aware that it is extremely loud and crazy with kids!!! If your child is sensitive to noise and mass craziness you may want to talk to someone who has been there. It can be very overwhelming most of the time. During the summer it is wall to wall screaming, running kids. (and a lot of the parents aren't much better!)

We have been going to SP for the last 7 years and I can't say that I agree with this statement (and I'm alittle confused as to why that poster would say that when it would appear from his/her own words that they themselves have never actually been). It's a kids park. In my opinion it's no different than any other amusement/water park including WDW. If you've taken your child to other such parks and had no problem I can't imagine that you'd find a problem at Sesame Place. As far as the GAC I have no info (you could always just call them directly or check their website if you haven't already done so). I just wanted to comment on the suggestion that this place is some sort of chaotic nuthouse. It's a fabulous fun place for families with young children.

 

[Hannathy]

We have been going to SP for the last 7 years and I can't say that I agree with this statement (and I'm alittle confused as to why that poster would say that when it would appear from his/her own words that they themselves have never actually been). It's a kids park. In my opinion it's no different than any other amusement/water park including WDW. If you've taken your child to other such parks and had no problem I can't imagine that you'd find a problem at Sesame Place. As far as the GAC I have no info (you could always just call them directly or check their website if you haven't already done so). I just wanted to comment on the suggestion that this place is some sort of chaotic nuthouse. It's a fabulous fun place for families with young children.

You mis read my meaning I have been to Sesame many many times, actually for the last 25 years!!! Way before it became a water park. Living 10 minutes away kinda does that. My nephew worked there for several years so I have experienced Sesame street as it has evolved and it is a loud busy environment. many Autistic children can't handle noise and craziness and I thought I would point this out. Sesame is far more chaotic than Disney ever is. When they bring the bus load of day camp kids in the pools can get pretty wild. We have went, walked in and turned around and said not today.
(had season passes when my DD was young) Yes it is fun and great for young kids but it is not a calm place, lines can be long and people very pushy and a lot of toddlers screaming.

I hope the OP has a good time but I stand behind letting them know it can be loud and crazy in a much different way than any park I have ever been at, including Disney at Easter.

 

[pacrosby]

You mis read my meaning I have been to Sesame many many times, actually for the last 25 years!!! Way before it became a water park. Living 10 minutes away kinda does that. My nephew worked there for several years so I have experienced Sesame street as it has evolved and it is a loud busy environment. many Autistic children can't handle noise and craziness and I thought I would point this out. Sesame is far more chaotic than Disney ever is. When they bring the bus load of day camp kids in the pools can get pretty wild. We have went, walked in and turned around and said not today.
(had season passes when my DD was young) Yes it is fun and great for young kids but it is not a calm place, lines can be long and people very pushy and a lot of toddlers screaming.

I hope the OP has a good time but I stand behind letting them know it can be loud and crazy in a much different way than any park I have ever been at, including Disney at Easter.

Yes, I guess I did misunderstand. And while I respect your opinion, I also stand by mine We have been going since 2002, and go multiple times per season. The park has evolved greatly since the early years. Back in the eighties when it first opened it was only 3 acres; it is now spread over 14! Not to mention that a single day ticket now costs over 50 dollars!!! I'm not sure too many local day camps have the budget for that even with a group discount (I'm not saying they never come just saying they are not running rampant and taking over the park). Is it possible that it has changed somewhat since the days that you went there? Or maybe it is just that we have different levels of tolerance.

I worked as a speech/language pathologist for 16 yrs and am fully versed in the special needs of an autistic child. I stand by my assertion that SP is no more chaotic than any other very popular amusement/water park that caters to families with very young children. If the OP and her family have enjoyed others, she will most likely enjoy SP as well.

Sorry I didn't mean to call you out I was just thrown off by the phrases 'wall to wall with screaming, running kids' and 'overwhelming most of the time'. I just think that sends off a very negative message of what most people find to be a very wonderful and enjoyalble place. OK, so there are alot of little kids. What else would one expect of a theme park called 'Sesame Place' LOL

 

[Beccabunny]

We went to Sesame Place quite a few times when my daughter was younger. Every child is different, and these are just my observations based on what we experienced. There are several attractions and activities that we found to be great for sensory input (climbing, bouncing, etc.). We loved the variety of water slides because there were some smaller slides that we could ride together. The shows were wonderful, but we found them to be loud. Bring earplugs! She became annoyed by the relentless playing of Sesame Street tunes throughout the park, even though she loved Sesame Street at the time. She would walk around with her fingers in her ears (before we discovered earplugs). The Variety Club, which serves children with developmental disabilities, planned a day at Sesame Place specifically for children with autism, and one of the things they requested from Sesame Place was lowering the volume of the music. We went one day in the summer when there were MANY day camps present, and they most certainly did overrun the pool areas. Older children were in the areas reserved for younger children, and the attendants gave up trying to maintain control. We had no way of knowing there were going to be so many camps there. I doubt it's like that every day. It was still an enjoyable place, and we went at least a couple of times a year until my daughter lost interest in Sesame Street.