Shoes and sensory issues

[711heather]

We are going at then end of July. So I hope the shoes will feel good by then. We just got a note from his Dr today so I can give that to the Guest Service. I work in the school system so I had no choice but to go in the summer. I know it is going to be hot. I am thinking of trying the parks early in the morning or late in the evening. Hoping the heat will be more tolerable then and the crowds will be less. Not sure if this is a good tactic but I am not sure what else to do to make it easier.

 

[Earstou]

Using a touring plan would help you know where to go for the least crowds. DH was a teacher for awhile, so we could only go during the summers, too. I dreaded it until I went and used the touring plan. With it, the parks we would be in were sometimes almost empty! Highly recommend it!

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

We are going at then end of July. So I hope the shoes will feel good by then. We just got a note from his Dr today so I can give that to the Guest Service. I work in the school system so I had no choice but to go in the summer. I know it is going to be hot. I am thinking of trying the parks early in the morning or late in the evening. Hoping the heat will be more tolerable then and the crowds will be less. Not sure if this is a good tactic but I am not sure what else to do to make it easier.

Just an FYI a note from a doctor may not do you any good at guest relations, the best way to get a GAC (Guest Assistance Card) from them is to tell them what his needs are rather then give them a note from a doctor that they may note be able to understand.

 

[kehlyrsmom]

Our daughter has Aspergers and our son has moderate Autism. We have been taking them every year since 2006 they where 4 & 6 when we first started. We always take a note from our Dr. I highly recommend taking it, I always feel better having it if they have a major melt down somewhere and I could pull it out if needed especially at an airport etc.

My son loves crocs and that is all he wears at the parks the rest of us where very good running shoes/socks. My son also wears hearing protection headphones on the plane and at the parks. My daughter does not like the 3d films. We do take a break in the middle of the day usually and go swimming and do not always close the parks down.

Good luck I'm sure your kids will have a great time.

 

[Piper]

I cannot spend much time in the parks even with my ECV before I totally wear out. I also use a good touring plan. It allows me to be in the least busy parks and helps me to know what times are best for each attraction.

I took a friend and her (at the time) 5 year old daughter with me. She was amazed at how uncrowded the parks were and how easily we got onto the attractions that we wanted. She stayed after I left to rest and didn't use a plan--she had long waits. That first day converted her and she followed my plan after that (even when I wasn't there!)

 

[LilyWDW]

We are going at then end of July. So I hope the shoes will feel good by then. We just got a note from his Dr today so I can give that to the Guest Service. I work in the school system so I had no choice but to go in the summer. I know it is going to be hot. I am thinking of trying the parks early in the morning or late in the evening. Hoping the heat will be more tolerable then and the crowds will be less. Not sure if this is a good tactic but I am not sure what else to do to make it easier.

CM's most likely won't even look at a note. You have to be able to explain what the needs would be for the person who needs the GAC. They will also need to be able to SEE the person the GAC is for to verify the person actually exists.

 

[711heather]

I will let them meet my son and I think they should hopefully help us. Another thing my son does is hold an unsharpened pencil in his right hand an a pencil top eraser in his left hand at all times. He only puts them down if he gets a shower or goes to sleep. If he thinks someone is going to take it away or if it breaks he is in full melt down. He has had times he will hand it over for a short time if he knows where it is. I think I should be able to get him to put it in our backpack on rides. I will also take extra in case one breaks.

 

[lanejudy]

I will let them meet my son and I think they should hopefully help us. Another thing my son does is hold an unsharpened pencil in his right hand an a pencil top eraser in his left hand at all times. He only puts them down if he gets a shower or goes to sleep. If he thinks someone is going to take it away or if it breaks he is in full melt down. He has had times he will hand it over for a short time if he knows where it is. I think I should be able to get him to put it in our backpack on rides. I will also take extra in case one breaks.

711heather...just make sure you are able to explain your son's NEEDS for the GAC and I'm sure they will help. While some people insist on having one, as others have mentioned a dr's note is not necessary and may be refused, especially if all it says is "my patient is diagnosed with Aspergers. Please allow him immediate access to rides because he cannot wait in lines." GAC is not based on diagnosis, nor is there a GAC for FOTL access (except for Wish trip kids). Explaining what he NEEDS is the key to getting a GAC that can help. And use of Fastpasses and a good touring plan can be even more beneficial than the GAC.

Enjoy your vacation!