Single mom taking 16 yr old ds with severe cog delays... Nervous...

[Blue dear.]

Hi Gang. I think I just need some encouragement. It's always been a dream of mine to take my son to WDW. He's 16 now - we're not getting any younger... figured I should just go for it. So I booked us a 3-night stay over spring break at the CR. He LOVES trains so I think he'll enjoy the monorail. I PLAN on taking him to MK and POSSIBLY HS if he does okay at MK.

At first my mom offered to go because she's knows I'm going to need some help. But now she doesn't want to go. There's really no one to ask - so it's just me and him.

He's semi-verbal, walks with a severe limp (so I may need to rent a wc), and gets extremely anxious and self-injurous if told "No." (bangs his head, throws himself down on the ground) He's also VERY VERY LOUD. He just has zero volume button. He can be a little startling, but I'm pretty good at ignoring the stares at this point.

When I told his dad I was taking him, his only reaction was, "Good luck with that."

While my son has no idea what WDW is, he does like Winnie the Pooh (Pa pa POOH!) and he LOVES riding in the car. I'm not sure if I'll get him to ride anything at the parks. My friends said that I'll just need to go at HIS pace - even if that means riding back and forth on the monorail for four hours and then going back to the room. So that's what I'm preparing myself to do. (MOST EXPENSIVE MONORAIL RIDE EVER.)

I'm reading these forums front and back so I'm getting every tip I can before we go. I know about the DAS and about WC rental. I just wanted to tell someone about my situation and see if you guys can offer any additional insight or suggestions.

I appreciate any help and advice.

 

[mousehockey37]

Well, the Magic Kingdom does have the Tomorrowland Speedway. That's riding in cars (and he can even "drive" them too). There's also the WDW Railroad and you can ride that as well. The Peoplemover is kind of like a car ride. You get in, sit down and just cruise around. You're up above everything, so it's "like" a car ride with the scenery passing by. Side note: To get up to the Peoplemover, there's a moving walkway belt that takes you up to it. So there's no steps to climb.

I think you've got a good idea of what to do. Don't forget that you can also take the monorail out to Epcot and back as well.

Most of the rides I mentioned here don't have a long wait. The speedway will probably be the longest wait of them all, but yes, go at his pace and start working on him now about some of the stuff I mentioned (if you think he'd buy into it). I've attached a few videos below, hopefully they catch his attention and you'll be able to do more than just the monorail.

Good luck!

 

[teller80]

My only advise is to ask is if there any way to postpone your trip and go when it's less crowded? And I'm very sorry your husband isn't more supportive.

 

[DisneyOma]

What are your plans if he has a meltdown in the parks? You need to think through what you should say to CMs who may not understand what is happening. I'm most concerned about the part where you stated he throws himself down on the ground when told no. There is no instant access at WDW, so how well does he handle waiting, from anywhere between 5 to 15 minutes to get on an attraction?

 

[Blue dear.]

Well, the Magic Kingdom does have the Tomorrowland Speedway. That's riding in cars (and he can even "drive" them too). There's also the WDW Railroad and you can ride that as well. The Peoplemover is kind of like a car ride. I've attached a few videos below, hopefully they catch his attention and you'll be able to do more than just the monorail.

Yes! Thanks for the videos! He enjoyed watching them! I remembered the train and speedway but had forgotten about the People Mover. Ironically he loves the merrigoround but he's super hard to get up on a horse and guess what he wants to do when he gets on there? RIDE A HORSE.

My only advise is to ask is if there any way to postpone your trip and go when it's less crowded? And I'm very sorry your husband isn't more supportive.

Ex-husband for a reason. ;-) I'm a teacher - so the only other time we could go would be summer. I did research on which was the best time and decided on Spring for weather alone. I've never been over spring break, so I'm kinda wondering how bad it'll be. HOPEFULLY though, all of the noise and crowds will drown out ds's loud tempo.

What are your plans if he has a meltdown in the parks? You need to think through what you should say to CMs who may not understand what is happening.

Yes, good points. And also, I've painted a pretty dismal picture of ds. I should point out that he acts up MOST when he's with me. Everyone loves him, truthfully. I worry more about his loud noises, "HEY!" and "UH-OH!" (repeatedly) but typically people just stare and then turn back around and try to ignore him. I've gotten used to his tantrums and will probably just smile at the CMs as in, "I got this."

 

[lanejudy]

You can watch YouTube videos with your son to get an idea of what he might like for rides. I strongly recommend buying your tickets in advance and booking your 3 FP+ attractions 60 days in advance -- March is spring break time with larger crowds and longer waits so those 3 FP+ can help a lot. You aren't locked into them, you can change your selections (pending availability) for a different attraction, same attraction but different time of day or even a different day (if you end up just riding the monorail one day).

My suggestions: bring whatever he might need/use as a "comfort" item to help him deal with any anxiety related to the crowds and waiting. That might be something to chew on, an iPad, earmuffs, music, etc. Carry in snacks and a waterbottle so you aren't at the mercy of the CS locations when he needs a snack.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[kwdw]

Does he already have experience being in a wheelchair? Sounds like he does walk - just with a limp. If he is used to the wheelchair experience in public - then I think that's a great idea - but you don't want that to be an issue if its not something he is used to - so I would prep for that if you can.

I would also suggest you go ahead and buy a 2 or 3 day park ticket so you can get those FP+ 60 days in advance. Sure, you may need to adjust them based on how your day is going - but it's better to start with something than nothing. I don't think "spring break" time is THAT crowded since "spring break" can mean about 3-4 different weeks to folks - and I love FL weather around then -- so I do think its a good time to go.

As for his being loud - don't worry. I've noticed that on occasion at Disney. For me - I might notice a loud exclamation, noise from another guest and glance their way. Typically - its a kid throwing a tantrum or someone who has some type of disability. I notice because it's startling and that's just human nature. Once I know the origin of the noise - I don't care and move on with my day. If he doesn't do well with longer shows - maybe those might be attractions to avoid - but otherwise, I think you'll probably get fewer stares at Disney than you do at home. Folks are mainly interested in their own experiences.

 

[unwritten01]

Your friends are right, and you are a wonderful mom to take him. With my son - it's movies. We spend LOTS of time on Great Movie Ride at HS. It's all good - with autism and a chromosome disorder - sometimes he melts - sometimes not. He is loud, and we deal with it - lots of others are as well...and don't worry about anybody else - never going to see them again so no matter. We are there for him, not them.

How about the flip side. Our son is awesome - as yours is - and there are way more fantastic times we share and still look back at all the pics (if he ever wants that is). I have told the Merida story before, and there are many more just like it. More often than not people show their good side, and we have been on buses and people remember him, his name, and start talking. I know you will have a wonderful and blessed time!

 

[Blue dear.]

Does he already have experience being in a wheelchair? Sounds like he does walk - just with a limp. If he is used to the wheelchair experience in public - then I think that's a great idea - but you don't want that to be an issue if its not something he is used to - so I would prep for that if you can.

I would also suggest you go ahead and buy a 2 or 3 day park ticket so you can get those FP+ 60 days in advance.

Typically - its a kid throwing a tantrum or someone who has some type of disability. I notice because it's startling and that's just human nature. Once I know the origin of the noise - I don't care and move on with my day.

You know what... he actually looks at a wc as a kind of "bike" for a bit and then typically wants off. But he can't walk for too long before he has to sit. But I'm going to play it by ear.

Gotta find out what you guys mean by "FP+ 60" - - Fast pass? I'll look it up!

And yes, EXACTLY - people are simply startled and look to see what the commotion is all about. Early on this was very hard for me to deal with but I find the older he gets, the less I notice.

What worries me about him being loud is that I hate to ruin anyone's time, you know? WDW is so expensive and people plan their vacays months and years in advance. I'm spending a small FORTUNE to stay at CR. I'm worried that the folks in the rooms next to ours will be like, *** PEOPLE??? ha ha KNow what I mean?

 

[Joanna71985]

Staying onsite, you can book fast passes (FPs) 60 days in advance

 

[gap2368]

You know what... he actually looks at a wc as a kind of "bike" for a bit and then typically wants off. But he can't walk for too long before he has to sit. But I'm going to play it by ear.

Gotta find out what you guys mean by "FP+ 60" - - Fast pass? I'll look it up!

And yes, EXACTLY - people are simply startled and look to see what the commotion is all about. Early on this was very hard for me to deal with but I find the older he gets, the less I notice.

What worries me about him being loud is that I hate to ruin anyone's time, you know? WDW is so expensive and people plan their vacays months and years in advance. I'm spending a small FORTUNE to stay at CR. I'm worried that the folks in the rooms next to ours will be like, *** PEOPLE??? ha ha KNow what I mean?

FP is fast pass if you stay at a disney hotel you can chose 3 60 days before your first day I would do 3 that you think your son will like at each park.

as fair is ruining other people vacation think of it like this you are spending just as much money as they are if he is having a meltdown and you can easily leave where you are then do this ( If you are in line) tell the CM when you leave and see if they can let you back in line when he calms down if it is a show that you think he would like ask the CM before you go in if we need to leave can we and how do we do it this way you will know if it is a good idea for you to try it.and if you need to leave you know what to do.

I would bring something for him for the noises and maybe a hat and sunglasses there is a lot of stimulation at disney and this thing can be a big help for that I would ask see how a wheel chair goes he may like this as a safe place for him.

you are a great mom

 

[Gracie09]

I wonder if he would like the winnie the pooh ride. If you are get a DAS you may be able to work back to back rides (or close) by utilizing FP and DAS. Also, if you think he would be okay with character meals, crystal palace has winnie the pooh.

 

[Blue dear.]

I was looking at the FP info... Thanks for explaining it to me. I guess I thought the DAS took the place of FP. ?? Now I'm really confused... You can do both?

I wonder if he would like the winnie the pooh ride. If you are get a DAS you may be able to work back to back rides (or close) by utilizing FP and DAS. Also, if you think he would be okay with character meals, crystal palace has winnie the pooh.

Thanks for the Winnie the Pooh ideas. I was wondering about the ride. Would be cool to "run into" Winnie the Pooh just to see his reaction. I know he loves Chuck E. Cheese but typically avoids the character... but that's kind of different.... And you've totally confused me with the FP/DAS thing....

And for those of you saying I'm a great mom - thanks so much! That's nice to hear.

 

[gap2368]

the FP every guest get the DAS is for people with disability it lest them go up to any ride and say there is a 60 minute wait time instead of wait in line for 60 minutes they will get to come back in 50 minute ( or until the park closes) and go in the FP line washes is much shorter

so the das is like a vertchural wait time you can only have 1 das return time at a time

here is what is on disney website about the DAS ( you may want to read the lest link before this one https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/me.../wdw-disability-access-service_2015-04-30.pdf

also this about cognitive disabilities https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/cognitive-disabilities-services/

and then another talking more about the DAS https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/me...bilities-services/wdw_cognitive_guide_rev.pdf

 

[zela02]

If you haven't already, I would highly suggest you check out the FB page Tips for Special Needs at Disney. It is managed by an agent who specializes in trip planning for folks with special needs. Her services are free and she is incredibly knowledgeable regarding all facets of the DAS, FP+, and all things Disney. She can help you immensely, and perhaps alleviate some of your stress.

 

[lanejudy]

I was looking at the FP info... Thanks for explaining it to me. I guess I thought the DAS took the place of FP. ?? Now I'm really confused... You can do both?

Yes, you can do both and WDW encourages use of FP+ in conjunction with DAS for those who need DAS. The FP+ attractions can be booked in advance, 3 per day, with more available onsite after using the first 3; they can also be changed if you find it necessary to do so. The DAS are limited to the current standby wait times minus 10 minutes, and you may only hold 1 active DAS return at any given time. So if you find a 2 hr wait in standby, your DAS is tied up for most of that. In the meantime, you can do FP+ and/or attractions with shorter waits using the standby queue.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Blue dear.]

Side note - - kinda scary making "dinner reservations" and possibly being charged $10/pp if we don't show up because ds is having a melt. The only place I'm dying to eat at while we're there (and that I think ds will enjoy) is Sci Fi Dine In Theater. I went ahead and made the res though. So want to go there!

Also - thanks so much to the folks sending me links to check out!!!

 

[Gracie09]

What you can do with the dad and fp is this. Make a fp reservation for say 10. Then if you get a das, you get that say at 9-9:30 assuming a wait of around 45 minutes at that time give or take. At 10:15 or so you ride using you fp then when you done your das time will be up so you ride again right away. You have to pay attention to the wait time when you get the das time. However, a das return time does not expire until the end of the day. So you can get one first thing if you want. But you only get one at a time.

I think pooh may also meet in Epcot (England) and although my dds love Epcot I don't know if you think your son would

 

[PlutosUnDr8d]

Side note - - kinda scary making "dinner reservations" and possibly being charged $10/pp if we don't show up because ds is having a melt. The only place I'm dying to eat at while we're there (and that I think ds will enjoy) is Sci Fi Dine In Theater. I went ahead and made the res though. So want to go there!

Also - thanks so much to the folks sending me links to check out!!!

You could probably find Youtube videos of that as well, to get him interested about the experience. Here's one:

Would it be a problem to "hitchhike", as they call it there, meaning be in the back row of a "car table"? My son and I always end up behind another family, which is okay, but not ideal. A call to the Dining Reservations might be helpful to request you own table (not sure if they have 2 seater "car tables"). Another poster alerted me to the fact that you can call the Dining phone number and request accommodations for all your reservations at once. For example, a quieter booth or near an exit, etc. Hope you have a magical trip!

 

[kandb]

Is it possible to not say "no" to him during the vacation? What kind of things will set him off, when you say no? Is it possible to think about those issues beforehand and see if you can give in to him, so it doesn't disrupt your vacation?