Should I cancel our trip?

[robyng]

I am not sure what to do. We are supposed to be going to WDW the week of Thanksgiving and my DS6 is petrified to go. He says he is afraid of the characters. We are already nervous about the trip and this is making me second guess whether we should go. DS is visually impaired, is losing his hearing, and has multiple brain and spinal tumors which affect his balance. He is also ASD. He is very sensitive to loud sounds, crowds, and waiting long. He melts down in these situations. I would love for him to experience WDW while he can get the most out of it (visually and hearing). Are they able to make accommodations for those who need to be closer to see (such as shows, parades)? He won't be able to see otherwise. But then I figure he'll be close to the characters and may not like that either. I'd hate to cancel but want what is best for him.

Any input is appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Goofyluver]

Although my son is not formally diagnosed as having autism...he is on the spectrum. He is also afraid of characters...although not as much as he used to be. He has severe hearing sensitivities...hates crowds...lots of stimulation. I would recommend going and getting the GAC...or Guest assistance Card. We used it on our trip a month ago...and it was a lifesaver. There is a link at the top of the disabilities board I believe. Please go...there are accomodations for seating...standing in lines if you so need...and he should experience it.

 

[robyng]

Goofyluver - Thank you for your encouraging reply. I have heard of the GAC but wasn't sure if it was for us. This must be the card his docs and therapists have been talking about. I want him to experience it, but I don't want it to be too overwhelming. I know the one thing he'd love is the parades. He loves to watch the Christmas parade from last year on TV. We'll be there during Thanksgiving week. Any recommendations on parades we should not miss? And, what time are fireworks, because we HAVE TO be gone by then? Any recommendations on where we should stay? We are just starting to plan all this, now that we know his next surgery will be after Thanksgiving.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILTIES!

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information.

It seems that he may be in a wheelchair. If not, and you have a stroller for him you can explain his needs and probably get a GAC that will allow use of the stroller as a wheelchair. That will allow you to take it into most lines which you otherwise could not do.

I have a grandnephew who is ASD and his parents got a set of shooting muffs which he can put on or take of as needed. This will allow some sounds to get through but keep out the real loud sharp noises. Check in any sporting goods store; I think they bought his in a Wal-Mart.

Normally wheelchair seating tends to be at the back of theaters, but if he has visual problems the GAC can indiacte that which will allow seating up front.

 

[robyng]

He actually is not in a wheelchair. We do have a stroller for him on days when his balance is worse than others (he kicks his younger brother out of it!). So, it may not be a necessary thing each day we are there. As for seating, he needs to be seated as close as possible so he can use what vision he has.

 

[ducklite]

You'll have no problem getting seated close where you need to. I've been to WDW with a visually impaired friend and the CM's were great with both him and his service dog. Just make sure you are specific about his needs when you get your GAC.

As far as the characters go, as long as you avoid the character meals, it's pretty easy to stay clear of them if you need to. I'll be honest, it's my experience that they are very perceptive to special needs kids and are as enthusiastic or reserved as they need to be.

The only thing I can suggest is to move your trip back a week, take the week after Thanksgiving to go. The crowds are almost non-existant and it will be much more manageable.

Anne

 

[robyng]

We have already figured we would be skipping the character meals. Although I am wondering if he'd be okay with Cinderella because she's a "person" versus a "character". I wish we could go a different week (your suggestion is a good one) but we have to be in FL for a family event the weekend prior and have only the week of Thanksgiving to vacation. I think I will talk with his therapists about what they think his needs there will be. I have not been to WDW in over 20 years so it is difficult to know what he will encounter that may be difficult. They have many patients that go to WDW so they can offer me some suggestions.

 

[ducklite]

What about going the week before your family event then? It will still be less crowded then it would Thanksgiving week.

Anne

 

[robyng]

I work in the schools and we're closed the Wed, Thurs, Fri of Thanksgiving week. So, I'm already off those days and only have to take the Monday, Tuesday off from work. And, I really want my son to miss as little school as possible as well. So, Thanksgiving week is really the only week we have. We wouldn't have planned a trip to Disney that week but we figured if we're already going to be in FL, we might as well go!

 

[Goofyluver]

A parade you must see??? Spectromagic. The time for Wishes is usually 10:00...so head out after the 9:00 showing of Spectro. Although my DS has until recently worn headphones at loud events...we buy the ones meant for gun ranges. They block out almost all noise.

When you go to guest services for the GAC...tell them exactly what your son's needs are. My son fatigues quickly...and has difficulty with crowds. They cared not a bit about his diagnosis...just wanted to know what his needs are. They allowed us to use an alternative entrance when needed. We Fast Passed everything we could...and if lines were short...we didn't use the GAC. But...if there was a long line or we couldn't get a FP for the ride...we used the GAC. It wasn't an automatic front of the line...although we usually didn't wait long at all. We used it when we knew we had to. And...like I said...it was a lifesaver.

 

[Goofyluver]

If you will be doing AK---the Jingle Jungle Jammin' Parade is wonderful and very colorful. Not too long...very cute!

 

[robyng]

Thanks for the advice on the parades. We will definitely check them out! We are planning on visiting MK, MGM, and AK. Not sure if the kids are ready for Epcot, although my son LOVES globes, maps, learning about countries so maybe he would enjoy it. I appreciate any input you can give as we want this to be a great trip (who knows when we'll be able to go again)!

 

[ducklite]

Epcot was always my sons favorite park--even when he was only 8-9. Don't write it off, there's a lot there for all ages.

Anne

 

[tweedlemom]

I was going to suggest going to Epcot your first day because it is the park with the least amount of characters. It may give your son a chance to ease into the theme park environment. Then do Animal Kingdom, MGM next, and save Magic Kingdom for last because it is SO full of characters and stimulation. Best of luck!

 

[fakereadhed]

My DD has ASD and loves WDW! We only had a problem with her and the characters on the first trip, before we knew she didn't like them. Sometimes kids come up with their own ideas of what to expect of you don't fill in the blanks for them. Really, the characters will only have as much interaction with him as he allows. You have to approach them, and they won't come to you unless you are at a character meal. Even then, in my experience they do not come too close to your child's personal space or touch your child unless the child chooses to interact with them. Maybe explaining this to your son would help.

 

[pcparamedics01]

I am not sure what to do. We are supposed to be going to WDW the week of Thanksgiving and my DS6 is petrified to go. He says he is afraid of the characters. We are already nervous about the trip and this is making me second guess whether we should go. DS is visually impaired, is losing his hearing, and has multiple brain and spinal tumors which affect his balance. He is also ASD. He is very sensitive to loud sounds, crowds, and waiting long. He melts down in these situations. I would love for him to experience WDW while he can get the most out of it (visually and hearing). Are they able to make accommodations for those who need to be closer to see (such as shows, parades)? He won't be able to see otherwise. But then I figure he'll be close to the characters and may not like that either. I'd hate to cancel but want what is best for him.

Any input is appreciated! Thanks!

I have an ASD son 9 and we went over the 4th of July. He is not afraid of the Disney characters but cannot wait in lines and is sensitive to noises. I would recommend earplugs and I also would definately get the GAC pass. Also go out and get the book passporter for special needs. It is a world of info.

 

[robyng]

I will get that book...thanks!

 

[robyng]

Okay, so we are all booked and have been watching airfares. If they don't become a bit more reasonable, that will be the reason we won't be able to go. It's incredible! I really want this to be a very special trip for the kids and have been spending a bit of time each day talking with them about WDW and showing them pics online. They actually seem a bit excited now, instead of scared. My mom has decided to go too for a bulk of the trip so she can help with our son. That will be a HUGE help. We cannot wait!

 

[cymomtx]

I have DS 16 and DD 11 who are both Aspie, we went Thanksgiving 2005, the crowds were not bad until the Wednesday (day before) Thanksgiving. We arrived the Friday before and enjoyed everything up until Wednesday, and checked out Thanksgiving day. Having the GAC made everything work alot easier for both children.

We are also going back this year, arriving on Saturday and leaving the day after Thankgsgiving.