catnik
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 15, 2003
- Messages
- 867
I have been a lurker for some time on this board but now need some input/suggestions for our upcoming trip. We have 5 children, one of whom has a diagnosis of high functioning autism (HFA). We last took him to WDW when he was very young and did not have any symptoms/challenges. Presently, he is generally able to tolerate new situations but not loud noises or extreme crowds. He is on a gluten free/casein free diet which necessitates advanced planning for meals. He is stable enough that we feel we can now try a family trip to WDW. We are planning to go in October when the crowds and heat are not so unbearable. We will be staying in a 2 bedroom villa so we will have the space and ability to maintain a "quiet zone" for him to relax. We will have a car on site to avoid crowds/transportation delays with the bus system. We will use earplugs for "noisy" environments as needed, as he still can not tolerated head phones/ear buds for music distraction. We are planning to return to the villa each day for a rest period and are prepared that there may be times that one parent will take the other kids back to the parks while the other remains behind with our son. I understand that we can contact specific restaurants directly once we have made ADRs to discuss his dietary needs, yes? We are not planning many outside dining opportunities as we know we will have to be very flexible, but do want to go to a few of the family favorites {Chef Mickey, Sci-Fi (bad food, I know, but the kids love it!), Rose and Crown (Dad's special place), etc)}. So, my questions are as follows:
1) Do I make the ADRs and let them know at that time we have dietary issues? Or do I call each place individually to discuss food availability with the chef?
2) Should we get a guest assistance card ahead of time in anticipation of the meltdowns, or should we try to mainstream initially (I am leaning heavily towards the card with the expectation of using it only as needed....we try very hard not to focus on his challenges and to plan accordingly to allow him to succeed as much as possible, but I am also realistic in the knowledge that he is going to be so overstimulated that we may need the additional assist).
3) We will be preparing a good number of our meals at the villa. I know Garden Grocer delivers but they do not have much in the way of foods our son can eat. Is there a Whole Foods or other natural market nearby that I can buy his food? Our car space is limited and I would prefer to buy his food once we arrive vs bringing it with us (though if need be, we will make the room).
4) What else am I missing? Those who have traveled under similar circumstances, can you give me any pointers, suggestions, things to avoid, etc?
We so much want this to be a special trip for the whole family, but especially for our son. He has missed so many of the "normal" milestones in his life and we want this trip to be something he can enjoy. Thanks in advance for your help.
1) Do I make the ADRs and let them know at that time we have dietary issues? Or do I call each place individually to discuss food availability with the chef?
2) Should we get a guest assistance card ahead of time in anticipation of the meltdowns, or should we try to mainstream initially (I am leaning heavily towards the card with the expectation of using it only as needed....we try very hard not to focus on his challenges and to plan accordingly to allow him to succeed as much as possible, but I am also realistic in the knowledge that he is going to be so overstimulated that we may need the additional assist).
3) We will be preparing a good number of our meals at the villa. I know Garden Grocer delivers but they do not have much in the way of foods our son can eat. Is there a Whole Foods or other natural market nearby that I can buy his food? Our car space is limited and I would prefer to buy his food once we arrive vs bringing it with us (though if need be, we will make the room).
4) What else am I missing? Those who have traveled under similar circumstances, can you give me any pointers, suggestions, things to avoid, etc?
We so much want this to be a special trip for the whole family, but especially for our son. He has missed so many of the "normal" milestones in his life and we want this trip to be something he can enjoy. Thanks in advance for your help.
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