Sensory Sensitive Alternative for Character Breakfast?

[tweedlemom]

Hi! My DS5 is sensory sensitive. Last September when we went to Disney, he was scared of the characters, had difficulty with the loud noises/volume, got overwhelmed in some situations, but he still had a great time. We are going back next September, and though people rave about Character Breakfasts for their children, I know that he will not be able to handle it and I don't want to put him in a position where he feels uncomfortable. I'm thinking of doing an early lunch at Coral Reef instead. He loves fish and going to the aquarium, so I think this may be a good alternative. What Character Breakfasts and/or alternatives have other parents done for their sensitive kids? I'd love to hear your ideas!

 

[Mkrop]

Although DS4 has sensory issues esp loud noises he did amazingly well with the character meals. One that I though was very low key was Garden Grille at Epcot, it is served family style so no having to get up to a buffet, it is much quieter and the characters, Farmer Mickey, Pluto, Chip and Dale are awesome. There was no singing or dancing or parading like in other places. DS4 would not particpate in those activities but he loved meeting the characters. Hope this helps!

ETA Garden Grille is only lunch and dinner.

 

[OKWMom]

We have been lucky with my daughter at the character meals. So far, the noise level hasn't really bothered her.

The reason I am posting is I wanted you to know we went to Coral Reef for lunch a couple years ago and it was really loud in there. I have read other reviews on the restaurant board with others saying it is still loud. You may want to make a reservation for just when they open or just before they close for lunch.

 

[tweedlemom]

Thank you for the tips. I want to make the right decision for him and I really appreciate the input.

 

[Bugsmom73]

DD hated the characters when younger that were full faced but she loved the Princesses, so may a meal like that or even Hoop de Doo or Ohana's Luau.

 

[Joanna71985]

I would suggest not doing a character meal with a lot going on. For example, CP is very big, they do a parade every so often, and so on. However, LTT is very low-key, the food is brought to the table (and it is VERY good) and if he doesn't want to meet the characters he can sit inside the booth or at the back of the table (and you can wave the characters away. They are used to it). I also recommend Garden Grill. I want to suggest Play and Dine, but they do play some music and have dancing (same for CM). But it is not very loud. I think the one at AK might be good too (have not eaten there yet) but it will be changing soon. The current one is closing in Aug (I think) and will be re-opening in Nov.

 

[robyng]

This topic is interesting. We are heading to WDW in November and are very concerned how our DS (age 6) will do. He is sensory sensitive (sensitive to crowds, loud sounds, etc). In addition, he has some balance difficulties (he has 2 brain tumors and spinal tumor). He is also visually impaired (blind in one eye and extremely light sensitive in other) and has difficulty navigating at times. For shows, he will have difficulty seeing from far. But, we also have to keep our distance from the characters as he will need time to "warm up" to being around them. We want to make this trip a wonderful experience for him and any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[zaksmom]

Yes, character meals can be a bit overwhelming for all of us. When my son was younger, he did better with the more intimate character meetings. At MK, there are the meet and greats in toon town area. The lines are usually long, but when you get there you go in with a couple of families. We have even during slower times had a one on one with Mickey. He might be able to warm up if he approaches them rather than vice versa at the meals. My son has always taken his "ear muffs" to disney. Even now as a young adult he carries them, but rarely uses them. These are the type people use when target shooting etc. They look like earphones. He can hear us talking to him when they are on. It seemed to help with all kinds of overstimulation -- though he said it was just for noise! Plus it put him in control. He always wore them for fireworks.
Good Luck and have fun.

 

[JulieWent]

The Yacht and Beach Club has a really low key character breakfast with Minnie and Goofy, etc. That might be a great alternative if you're willing to leave the parks for one.

Julie

 

[mrsbert]

We went to Hoop,Crystal Palace, and LTT in May. Those drove me a little crazy My DS with SID did better than I did. I felt like I couldn't enjoy the meal. "Get the camera! Here he comes! Okay, okay; stand up!! Smile!!!!" I was nervous the whole time. My boys just rolled with the punches.

 

[walkena]

Hi there,

We also tend to seek out the low key options for our son. We had a relaxing stress free meal at Garden Grill. I like the fact that it is rather private (as far as a resturant at Disney can be ) in that there are not rows of tables all around you (just two circular tiers of tables). The characters drop by however they are not obtrusive.

 

[tweedlemom]

Thanks! I will definitely look into an early seating at Garden Grill as well as an early lunch seating at Coral Reef. Thanks for all of your help!!!