Somthing kind of important, but trivial

[carrie6466]

I've been reading a lot of the other boards here on the subject of the Rapunzel/Flynn M&G. When we were in WDW in Dec., we were able to dissuade dd from doing this beause of the extreme cold. We told her we'd do it next time we came. Not imagining that next time would be now.

Now I don't have a clue where to turn. I'm all out of turns. We get a GAC for her for rides, which she wouldn't be able to use for that (I'm assuming). She's got sensory issues and anxiety and if anyone accidentally touches her it could result in a catastrophy for me, in dealing with her. She thinks anyone who touches here, even by accident, is someone bad. It is from all the 'stranger danger'stuff they learn about at school. Important. I get that. But not every kid with ASD gets it the same way...anyway, the wait is pretty much out, too. So now I'm left with an 8 yr old who is going to want to see Rapunzel, see the little girls *mostly younger than her from what I'm reading* waiting to see Rapunzel, not realizing the hours that they are spending there, or there parents are spending...however that works are going to see Rapunzel and she isn't.

Then I hear about the fact that there may be another place to see them at Epcot. So I check into that *up up up* and find out it is somewhere that they train newbies *down down down*

I don't know what to do or who to ask. And you guys are probably the most knowledgeble/least nasty group of people I've come across so I'll explain and you can see where I can go with this.
a) I know my dd. I know how she is with strangers, with long lines, with heat and in crowds. So getting there early won't worK(crowd pushing at rope drop never works for us). Going straight to the M&P at the Garden won't necessarily work right out because last time we were there they were lagging at least one if not 2 shows behind. And everyone in the group had to wait there. Then it was in the freezin cold, this time will be opposite end of the spectrum. Doesn't matter much. If one of us (DH or I, no other kids with us) could wait and then just let her take our place once we were in, we could do that. I don't know if they'll allow that. We can't use the GAC, as far as I know. So what is left for us? Nothing? DD just won't get to meet Rapanzul?

We could try to stand in the line with her, but we run the risk of having someone possibly accidentally touch her, get screamed at by her possibly hit or even bit. Never good. Or the other thing is she doesn't like being touched, but she is a toucher. So we run the risk of her touching everything and then putting said hands in her mouth...you can all say "ewww" it's kind of grosser when it's new to you. Unfortunately the thing she touches could happen to be a stranger (never on purpose sometimes happens when she's not looking) then see first sentance. Plus it's hot and if I'm frayed , she's done. And now our day hasn't started yet.

She never forgets anything so I know this whole Rapunzel thing is gonna come back and bite me in the hiney when I least expect it ::sigh::

If no on can help then thanks anyway for listening.

 

[knitster]

That's a tough one. I have 2 kids who never forget ANYTHING, so I'd be in a panic, too. I have absolutely no advice, but I'll tell you that when we were there in May (during LOW crowd times), we passed the Rapunzel line 5 or 6 times (going in between BBB and Fantasyland and back again) and it was KILLER. It was by far the longest line we saw the entire week. I can't fathom my kids making it through that line without having a total meltdown.

 

[aggordon2]

Two things I would try:
1) At the M&G try talking to the handler (the CM that is always directing traffic and keeping everyone in line) and explaining the situation. They might have you wait off to the side (not on the line). Then the CM would let you know when to come over.

2) Go straight to Guest Services and explain the situation to them. They might come up with a solution. Maybe telling you when and where Rapunzel is going to show up. This way you can be there waiting for her. Or, somtimes I have heard that they might be able to have Rapunzel come out at Guest Services for your dd.

There is no harm in asking, and it just might work.

 

[Joanna71985]

It is possible to have one adult wait in line, and have the others meet up

 

[SueM in MN]

It is possible to have one adult wait in line, and have the others meet up

They have been doing that at times with families that don't have any special needs, so if you show your child's GAC and explain the situation, that would be the most likely accommodation they would give you.

Also, we were there during Spring break, when it was very busy. People were posting about the long waits. We actually went later in the day and they were only waiting one show out. The morning is most likely to be busy. The less busy is is, the more ability the CMs have to make sine accommodations.
The more busy it is, the more likely they are making accommodation for everyone - like having one person wait in line to represent a whole family.
They were able to make accommodations for us - I AM NOT GOING TO SAY WHAT ACCOMMODATIONS AND ASK OTHERS NOT TO LIST THEIR ACCOMMODATIONS EITHER.
WHAT IS POSSIBLE VARIES DEPENDING ON NEEDS, CROWDS AND WHAT IS POSSIBLE WHEN YOU COME.
You can show the GAC to the CM at the waiting area and ask when would be the best time to come back. The CMs at the attraction or at the status board at the end of Main Street can tell you that - Guest Relations doesn't usually know that amount of detail about individual attractions. We have found the status board CMs can sometimes be very helpful.
I would not expect anything really magical, like a private audience - that doesn't always happen even for guests on Wish trips. In Rapunzel's case, she is pretty tied up with the meet and greets.

Also, even though your DD can walk, many people get a stroller for exactly the situations you are talking about. The stroller is being used for accommodations for other needs - not for mobility.
You can get a stamp on the GAC/ sticker on the stroller that allows you to use it in lines.
That provides a buffer zone between your child and other guests and also a safe haven for your child to retreat to when things get to be too much. Many people have posted using a stroller as a wheelchair was the most helpful thing a GAC could do for them and they were able to wait in lines without trouble. A stroller helps not only in lines, but in getting from place to place without contact with others. You can rent a stroller at the parks or there are off-site rental places which rent larger strollers.
You can find more about renting strollers in post 2 of the disABILITIES FAQS. Post 6 of the FAQs has information about GACs, including about using a stroller as a wheelchair. The FAQs thread is near the top of this board or you can follow the link in my signature.

And finally, many people find that using a touring plan like touringplans.com or TourGuideMike can help decrease or eliminate their use of a GAC and helps in ways a GAC can't. By knowing which park and which attractions in that park are least busy, you can avoid long waits in line and also crowds outside of attractions - getting from place to place and in places like restaurants where a GAC is not used.
A GAC may not be handled the same in each attraction or even in the same attraction at a different time. This can be because of crowd levels, CM staffing and just what is available for accommodations at that attraction.
Using a touring plan and Fastpasses gives a much more consistent and predictable trip Quite a few people who have used a GAC in the past have posted that a touring plan and Fastpasses were much more helpful and they don't use or seldom have a need to use a GAC any more.
Several have posted that with a touring plan, they seldom waited more than 10 minutes for anything, even during busy times like Christmas.
Even if you only look at which park is likely to be the least busy, that will help a lot. For example, going to AK at the wrong day and time can mean a 1 hour wait for the Safari and Kali River Rapids. Knowing when to go can mean you walk right on as fast as you can get from the line entrance to boarding. Almost all attractions have similar 'down' times.

There are also smartphone (iPhone and Android) apps that have pretty up to date wait times posted so you can know what is going on and change plans if needed.

The last hint is to look at the posted wait time before using the GAC. For some attractions, using an accommodation may/will take longer than just going thru the regular line. We've seen people use a GAC at Small World to wait in the accessible area and end end up waiting twice as long as they would have just using the regular entrance. We have no choice because DD is in a wheelchair and cant walk. Twice when we went, the posted time was 15-20 minutes, but we waited much longer. In fact, we saw the people who had entered the regular line just before us get on, ride and get off while we were still waiting.
If you have a choice, keep in mind that best option is often the regular line.

 

[carrie6466]

That's a tough one. I have 2 kids who never forget ANYTHING, so I'd be in a panic, too. I have absolutely no advice, but I'll tell you that when we were there in May (during LOW crowd times), we passed the Rapunzel line 5 or 6 times (going in between BBB and Fantasyland and back again) and it was KILLER. It was by far the longest line we saw the entire week. I can't fathom my kids making it through that line without having a total meltdown.

That is how it was in December, too.

Two things I would try:
1) At the M&G try talking to the handler (the CM that is always directing traffic and keeping everyone in line) and explaining the situation. They might have you wait off to the side (not on the line). Then the CM would let you know when to come over.

2) Go straight to Guest Services and explain the situation to them. They might come up with a solution. Maybe telling you when and where Rapunzel is going to show up. This way you can be there waiting for her. Or, somtimes I have heard that they might be able to have Rapunzel come out at Guest Services for your dd.

There is no harm in asking, and it just might work.

It is possible to have one adult wait in line, and have the others meet up

This is probably the answer. DH says he will wait on line, while we wait somewhere else. If they will let us do this, we're good. I even changed our ADR at 'Ohana to 7:50. Rope Drop is 9 am that day, so hopefully we're good in that respect.

They have been doing that at times with families that don't have any special needs, so if you show your child's GAC and explain the situation, that would be the most likely accommodation they would give you.

Also, we were there during Spring break, when it was very busy. People were posting about the long waits. We actually went later in the day and they were only waiting one show out. The morning is most likely to be busy. The less busy is is, the more ability the CMs have to make sine accommodations.
The more busy it is, the more likely they are making accommodation for everyone - like having one person wait in line to represent a whole family.
They were able to make accommodations for us - I AM NOT GOING TO SAY WHAT ACCOMMODATIONS AND ASK OTHERS NOT TO LIST THEIR ACCOMMODATIONS EITHER.
WHAT IS POSSIBLE VARIES DEPENDING ON NEEDS, CROWDS AND WHAT IS POSSIBLE WHEN YOU COME.
You can show the GAC to the CM at the waiting area and ask when would be the best time to come back. The CMs at the attraction or at the status board at the end of Main Street can tell you that - Guest Relations doesn't usually know that amount of detail about individual attractions. We have found the status board CMs can sometimes be very helpful.
I would not expect anything really magical, like a private audience - that doesn't always happen even for guests on Wish trips. In Rapunzel's case, she is pretty tied up with the meet and greets.

I'm not expecting anything special from anyone. I just want to know how to work this out so DD can see Rapunzel. I wouldn't ask you what accomodations were made. I've been around here long enough that I understand the "don't ask, don't tell' policy.


Also, even though your DD can walk, many people get a stroller for exactly the situations you are talking about. The stroller is being used for accommodations for other needs - not for mobility.
You can get a stamp on the GAC/ sticker on the stroller that allows you to use it in lines.
That provides a buffer zone between your child and other guests and also a safe haven for your child to retreat to when things get to be too much. Many people have posted using a stroller as a wheelchair was the most helpful thing a GAC could do for them and they were able to wait in lines without trouble. A stroller helps not only in lines, but in getting from place to place without contact with others. You can rent a stroller at the parks or there are off-site rental places which rent larger strollers.
You can find more about renting strollers in post 2 of the disABILITIES FAQS. Post 6 of the FAQs has information about GACs, including about using a stroller as a wheelchair. The FAQs thread is near the top of this board or you can follow the link in my signature.

We have a stroller. As DD got bigger, we got the Mac Techno XLR, which holds up to 75llbs. What we paid for it was what it would have cost us in rentals over 2 trips. This will be our 5th trip with it! DD is just 52lbs, so we're good for a while yet. We do get the stroller/wheelchair sticker/stamp.

And finally, many people find that using a touring plan like touringplans.com or TourGuideMike can help decrease or eliminate their use of a GAC and helps in ways a GAC can't. By knowing which park and which attractions in that park are least busy, you can avoid long waits in line and also crowds outside of attractions - getting from place to place and in places like restaurants where a GAC is not used.
A GAC may not be handled the same in each attraction or even in the same attraction at a different time. This can be because of crowd levels, CM staffing and just what is available for accommodations at that attraction.
Using a touring plan and Fastpasses gives a much more consistent and predictable trip Quite a few people who have used a GAC in the past have posted that a touring plan and Fastpasses were much more helpful and they don't use or seldom have a need to use a GAC any more.
Several have posted that with a touring plan, they seldom waited more than 10 minutes for anything, even during busy times like Christmas.
Even if you only look at which park is likely to be the least busy, that will help a lot. For example, going to AK at the wrong day and time can mean a 1 hour wait for the Safari and Kali River Rapids. Knowing when to go can mean you walk right on as fast as you can get from the line entrance to boarding. Almost all attractions have similar 'down' times.

There are also smartphone (iPhone and Android) apps that have pretty up to date wait times posted so you can know what is going on and change plans if needed.

The last hint is to look at the posted wait time before using the GAC. For some attractions, using an accommodation may/will take longer than just going thru the regular line. We've seen people use a GAC at Small World to wait in the accessible area and end end up waiting twice as long as they would have just using the regular entrance. We have no choice because DD is in a wheelchair and cant walk. Twice when we went, the posted time was 15-20 minutes, but we waited much longer. In fact, we saw the people who had entered the regular line just before us get on, ride and get off while we were still waiting.
If you have a choice, keep in mind that best option is often the regular line.

As I said, we don't use the GAC much, because we do use FastPass on a regular basis and that works well for us. But if/when we need to use it, we have it.

I've been on Small World through the handicapped entrance, not for dd but rather when I was on an ECV because I sprained my ankle at TL and couldn't walk the next day. It wasn't pretty, we waited forever.

I have the android apps. I love them!! I have ADR's at off times to see her favorite characters. I don't do a tourning plan, because for us it's kind of pointless. We are there often enough that we usually get a chance to do everything eventually. We just leave when dd has had enough and go back to the hotel for a swim or a rest or something.

Thanks for the advice, everyone! My solution is this: I made my ADR at 'Ohana for an earlier time. I figure for our 7:50 ADR we should be done by 9 for rope drop and DH can go try to get in line. We'll see what happens from there. If that doesn't work out, my answer will be that we'll skip it again. I will trade her a Rapunzel M&G for something else she wants and hopefully the next time we go to WDW it won't be like this.

 

[ireland_nicole]

just want to give you fair warning, I don't think you're going to have enough time from Ohana- that breakfast was by far the slowest we had all week last trip, and we ended up after an hour and a half still not seeing Mickey- and honestly, I have read other reviews since that report similar. I think it may possibly come down to which is more important for you- rapunzel or the character breakfast. If you just can't make it, you could do what I am ashamed to admit I have done in the past- you could (gulp) lie to her and tell her that Rapunzel isn't in the parks right now. I'm not saying it's right, but I am 100% aware of the kind of meltdowns that can ensue as the mom of an ASD princess of my own. so, um, I might take that route. Or you could tell her there is an age limit, and she's too old (which works for dd because she will follow "rules". Please don't flame for the suggestion, I promise in every other situation I try to tell the truth, but sometimes a "white lie" can be necessary for the sake of sanity. (mind, I only try this on VERY rare occasions and only if I can be completely sure it will work and not be "found out" by her.)

 

[SueM in MN]

Also, from what I saw posted the weeks we were there, it was very busy in the morning. We were there in the afternoon and there was only one show worth of people in line. Since everyone is expecting busy, they try to get there at rope drop.
I would go talk to the CMs at the status board. If your DH has the kids a ways away, you can ask about it without your DD hearing. They may be able to give you some good hints.

The "don't ask, don't tell" is mostly to prevent specific expectations so people won't be disappointed. In the past, some people did give specifics and other guests prepared their child for 'that'.
When some accommodation other than 'that' was offered, it didn't go well, even though the 'other' met the needs. So, it's better to go in with a flexible mind than with a specific expectation.

 

[carrie6466]

just want to give you fair warning, I don't think you're going to have enough time from Ohana- that breakfast was by far the slowest we had all week last trip, and we ended up after an hour and a half still not seeing Mickey- and honestly, I have read other reviews since that report similar. I think it may possibly come down to which is more important for you- rapunzel or the character breakfast. If you just can't make it, you could do what I am ashamed to admit I have done in the past- you could (gulp) lie to her and tell her that Rapunzel isn't in the parks right now. I'm not saying it's right, but I am 100% aware of the kind of meltdowns that can ensue as the mom of an ASD princess of my own. so, um, I might take that route. Or you could tell her there is an age limit, and she's too old (which works for dd because she will follow "rules". Please don't flame for the suggestion, I promise in every other situation I try to tell the truth, but sometimes a "white lie" can be necessary for the sake of sanity. (mind, I only try this on VERY rare occasions and only if I can be completely sure it will work and not be "found out" by her.)

I would never flame you because lying was honestly my first thought. Her absolute all time favorite is Stitch, so if we have to pick Stitch is an absolute win. My dd is not only a rule follower, but also would like to be the rule police. I'm trying to teach her the whole MYOB concept, unsuccessfully to date

I'll probably tell her something to the effect that you need a ticket to see Rapunzel and Flynn and they were sold out. That sounds plausible; right?

Also, from what I saw posted the weeks we were there, it was very busy in the morning. We were there in the afternoon and there was only one show worth of people in line. Since everyone is expecting busy, they try to get there at rope drop.
I would go talk to the CMs at the status board. If your DH has the kids a ways away, you can ask about it without your DD hearing. They may be able to give you some good hints.

The "don't ask, don't tell" is mostly to prevent specific expectations so people won't be disappointed. In the past, some people did give specifics and other guests prepared their child for 'that'.
When some accommodation other than 'that' was offered, it didn't go well, even though the 'other' met the needs. So, it's better to go in with a flexible mind than with a specific expectation.

I totally understand why the policy is the way it is Really it was my unsuccessful attempt to try to be a bit light-hearted about it
I go with no expectations, because as dd gets older we have a different level of trip each time. Our son is 22 and doesn't usually go with us anymore, so really the whole trip gets based on what dd can handle and how her moods are throughout the day.

I will try to talk to the CM at the status board and see what the story is. As far as DD, I'm going to say nothing to her and just hope, since we are staying at BWV, that maybe Rapunzel will be at the Int'l Gateway one time when we're walking through there

 

[dclfun]

I'm thinking that since they just made Rapunzel an official "Princess", perhaps she'll be available more often, at a character meal, etc. I hope your dd gets to do the M&G but I've told white lies too when it was in the best interests of my child. We all do the best we can, and I don't have a special needs child- just a Mom trying to keep everyone happy!---Kathy

 

[carrie6466]

I'm thinking that since they just made Rapunzel an official "Princess", perhaps she'll be available more often, at a character meal, etc. I hope your dd gets to do the M&G but I've told white lies too when it was in the best interests of my child. We all do the best we can, and I don't have a special needs child- just a Mom trying to keep everyone happy!---Kathy

I saw that, too! Maybe by the next time we go it'll be easier to see her. I have no problem with the little white lies. Who doesn't love Santa and the Tooth Fairy?

 

[Sandy321]

can I just say that Stitch at Ohana breakfast is the best!!

I know its a "slow" breakfast - but that means that the character interaction is so great -

the way this breakfast is run, they seat a whole "section" at a time - that's why you see the tremendous lines for check in, and look and see so many empty tables -

but it boils down to - they seat a whole section, then when the characters come out, they are concentrating on that section only - and for our family - its been so magical!! and stitch is always on point in character - and couldnt have been more magical for our family!

so, if you go in, understanding why it takes so long, or why there is the long line or why there are so many people - for us, we get that - and its ok!!

I have no advice about Rapunzel - but I think others have given great advice and I wish you all the best! Play it by ear - you never know!!

 

[wtccheermom]

I just have to ask how to you guys manage all day in Disney without someone touching her? Maybe Disney during busy times is not the best idea for her.

 

[Kat77]

I just have to ask how to you guys manage all day in Disney without someone touching her? Maybe Disney during busy times is not the best idea for her.

I'm sure she has weighed that possiblity. I doubt they would be travelling during that time unless it is the ONLY time they can take vacation. In my experience it is much harder to pull my AS kid out during the school year than my other children. Therapy and school are in full swing and we need as little interuptions to our schedule as possible. Plus, absence for vacation is not an option when you know the kids will use all their sick days for doctors appointments.

 

[carrie6466]

I just have to ask how to you guys manage all day in Disney without someone touching her? Maybe Disney during busy times is not the best idea for her.

Honestly, she sits in the stroller a lot. Yep, even at almost-8. I don't care who looks at me funny. They can't see her anyway, because she has a cloth (for want of a better word, it's like a giant scarf) that she pulls down so no one can see her. She likes it that way.

Dh and I always try to make sure she is between us when we are sitting somewhere or walking around. Also, if there are seats lined up (like the plane or a booth in a restaurant) we put her to the inside, next to a wall. It's not that hard, if you work at it.
When people like cm's approach her, I just sort of step in front of her a bit. They've always gotten the hint without me having to say anything. If she is the one initiating the touching, like if she decides to hug a character or something, they always wait until she comes to them. That hasn't been a problem so far. If they put out a hand and she doesn't go to them, they don't usually do anything to approach her.

Some things we just don't do. If this ends up being one of them, so be it.

I'm sure she has weighed that possiblity. I doubt they would be travelling during that time unless it is the ONLY time they can take vacation. In my experience it is much harder to pull my AS kid out during the school year than my other children. Therapy and school are in full swing and we need as little interuptions to our schedule as possible. Plus, absence for vacation is not an option when you know the kids will use all their sick days for doctors appointments.

Unfortunately, this is true. She misses too much speech, OT and a social skills group she's in. I don't care as much about the school work, we an make that up. But, last time we pulled her out of school they got very testy with us. Sooo, we're giving summer a shot again.

We went in summer once for her birthday (bad trip, before GAC) and once when I won a trip that we had to take by a certain day. We'll see how it goes.

 

[kirstenb1]

I empathize with your situation, and am trying to picture a practical solution. If your dd is in her stroller, could your dh stand behind her, and yourself in front of her, thus insulating her from anyone touching her?

Our dd is 5, and has ASD. Since she can't read yet, and is terrified of the characters anyway, we haven't had your challenges yet. But we do try to have one of us in front and one behind, so to minimize anyone touching her. DD doesn't bite anyone, but she will bite things, like bookcases, railings, etc when she's stressed, so I understand a bit of where you're coming from. She bites, I pray she doesn't come down with some dread disease!!!

 

[kirstenb1]

We just returned from WDW, and one other, very small thing that helped was giving dd brand new fidget toys. In this case, I'd bought some Zoobies at Walmart. When she gets overloaded, it helps her to have something to move around and touch. She goes into a kind of fantasy world, with all kinds of scenarios, involving rescuing the Zoobies, etc. Sounds silly, but it really lets her recharge after being stressed by the real world. She just ignores the people around her, and focuses on the Zoobies, or little animals, or what have you.

 

[DCDisney]

Do make sure you read up on this meet and greet because it isn't just stand in line to meet the characters. There is a coloring period of time and then a dance where the kids join hands and then a bit of a mob to line back up for autographs. The parents are asked to wait at the side or at least were when we were there a few months ago. Would your daughter be able to decide if she wanted to meet Rapunzel if it was a different experience than meeting Mickey where she would almost certainly be touched?

 

[Reddy]

Do make sure you read up on this meet and greet because it isn't just stand in line to meet the characters. There is a coloring period of time and then a dance where the kids join hands and then a bit of a mob to line back up for autographs. The parents are asked to wait at the side or at least were when we were there a few months ago. Would your daughter be able to decide if she wanted to meet Rapunzel if it was a different experience than meeting Mickey where she would almost certainly be touched?

is there a you tube video of this so the OP can watch (let her DD watch) & see if this is possible -- the DD might want to decide not to do this after seeing the video

 

[knitster]

is there a you tube video of this so the OP can watch (let her DD watch) & see if this is possible -- the DD might want to decide not to do this after seeing the video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZT3RRQ-vPc