Suggestions for videos of WDW to help ASD kiddo know what to expect?

[herdtoDisney]

Hey there! I am looking for videos/youtube/whatever to show my dd, who is 6 and dx ASD, about WDW. Specifically about the parks (not AK actually as we are not going there, and not the resort as she doesn't get stressed over that).

She is very hesitant about the trip (in one month). She doesn't remember last time she went, when she had just turned 4, didn't have a dx yet, and had massive meltdowns resulting in us leaving the park early. She's come a long way! but is hesitant and also sensory avoidant. I'd like to prep her on some basics of what to expect, like maybe some rides (gentler ones) and the Skyliner and maybe the entrances, the entrance procedure?

I do know how to Google LOL but I don't really ever watch much online, and am working a lot right now and was wondering if anyone knew of good videos to show her-particularly if they are from an autistic person's perspective (if those exist). Of course, I only want to show her kid friendly ones too as far as language and stuff like that.

I did spend my commute today listening to a Dis podcast including a young man with autism and his experiences at the parks. It was informative! He really explained how he sees some things about them that seem to be like my dd feels (like about Characters and fireworks, ect).

TIA : )

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Hey there! I am looking for videos/youtube/whatever to show my dd, who is 6 and dx ASD, about WDW. Specifically about the parks (not AK actually as we are not going there, and not the resort as she doesn't get stressed over that).

She is very hesitant about the trip (in one month). She doesn't remember last time she went, when she had just turned 4, didn't have a dx yet, and had massive meltdowns resulting in us leaving the park early. She's come a long way! but is hesitant and also sensory avoidant. I'd like to prep her on some basics of what to expect, like maybe some rides (gentler ones) and the Skyliner and maybe the entrances, the entrance procedure?

I do know how to Google LOL but I don't really ever watch much online, and am working a lot right now and was wondering if anyone knew of good videos to show her-particularly if they are from an autistic person's perspective (if those exist). Of course, I only want to show her kid friendly ones too as far as language and stuff like that.

I did spend my commute today listening to a Dis podcast including a young man with autism and his experiences at the parks. It was informative! He really explained how he sees some things about them that seem to be like my dd feels (like about Characters and fireworks, ect).

TIA : )

I would start with You Tube videos of rides by ride name esp Point of View ones. you could always watch then watch with her. done this with a granddaughter granted not autistic but fearful of rides

 

[Groot]

Also, look for different Disney vloggers like Streaming the Magic.

 

[Groot]

Hey there! I am looking for videos/youtube/whatever to show my dd, who is 6 and dx ASD, about WDW. Specifically about the parks (not AK actually as we are not going there, and not the resort as she doesn't get stressed over that).

She is very hesitant about the trip (in one month). She doesn't remember last time she went, when she had just turned 4, didn't have a dx yet, and had massive meltdowns resulting in us leaving the park early. She's come a long way! but is hesitant and also sensory avoidant. I'd like to prep her on some basics of what to expect, like maybe some rides (gentler ones) and the Skyliner and maybe the entrances, the entrance procedure?

I do know how to Google LOL but I don't really ever watch much online, and am working a lot right now and was wondering if anyone knew of good videos to show her-particularly if they are from an autistic person's perspective (if those exist). Of course, I only want to show her kid friendly ones too as far as language and stuff like that.

Oh, last year (before all of the “stuff” happened), there was a group of vloggers go to Magic Kingdom for the day and one of them is on the spectrum herself. (Can’t remember her name though) and they showed how their day went.

 

[mamabunny]

Google for videos from these folks - they aren't neccesarly on the spectrum, but they have some good POV/introductory videos, and Pammie focuses a lot on ride vehicles and entrances/exits:

- Tim Tracker
- Pammie Plus Parks
- Big Fat Pandaa

 

[herdtoDisney]

Thank you all! I didn't even know POV videos existed, we watched a few last night, I will check out the v loggers later today! Dd already asked today to see more videos.

 

[MI_firefighter]

Another great option may be Resort TV1. They live stream themselves walking through the parks and on rides. If they aren't on a live stream, they have a library of previous trips to the parks.

 

[Groot]

Thank you all! I didn't even know POV videos existed, we watched a few last night, I will check out the v loggers later today! Dd already asked today to see more videos.

If you still need the name of the one vlogger, I just remembered what the name of the channel is on Facebook.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Thank you all! I didn't even know POV videos existed, we watched a few last night, I will check out the v loggers later today! Dd already asked today to see more videos.

sounds like you are on the right road. something one of my daughters said when she was younger was that watching the ride at park to decide was worse as it scared her more. we always said rides were for having fun and we would not make her ride something dangerous even if it looked that way

 

[fabfemmeboy]

sounds like you are on the right road. something one of my daughters said when she was younger was that watching the ride at park to decide was worse as it scared her more. we always said rides were for having fun and we would not make her ride something dangerous even if it looked that way

My parents always pointed out that they wouldn't put me on something dangerous or that would hurt me, but that didn't mean it wouldn't scare me because my anxiety was (and is) off the charts! Even now, as an adult, I watch POV videos for rides I haven't been on - both to decide whether I can ride them or not, and so I can know what comes in what order and for how long. For example, before I rode Everest for the first time, I watched the videos and counted how long it goes backwards so I can count it down in my head. I always get startled by the Mac truck in TT (and RSR) so I memorize when that part comes and can look away.

Another thing my parents taught me that was useful as an ASD kid was how to tell what kind of ride it is from the restraint system. For example, if there's not a restraint over your shoulders, that means it doesn't go upside-down. If it's a lap bar, it means you'll go up and down hills a bunch. If there's just a belt, it usually means like driving fast or bumpy in a car but not more than that. And if there's no restraints, like on some of the boat rides, there's not big movement. That meant that, even if the ride looked big and scary, if it was only a belt then that meant it probably wasn't as big and scary as I feared.

 

[DL1WDW2]

Awesome advice except for Splash Mountain ! Haha

 

[herdtoDisney]

My parents always pointed out that they wouldn't put me on something dangerous or that would hurt me, but that didn't mean it wouldn't scare me because my anxiety was (and is) off the charts! Even now, as an adult, I watch POV videos for rides I haven't been on - both to decide whether I can ride them or not, and so I can know what comes in what order and for how long. For example, before I rode Everest for the first time, I watched the videos and counted how long it goes backwards so I can count it down in my head. I always get startled by the Mac truck in TT (and RSR) so I memorize when that part comes and can look away.

Another thing my parents taught me that was useful as an ASD kid was how to tell what kind of ride it is from the restraint system. For example, if there's not a restraint over your shoulders, that means it doesn't go upside-down. If it's a lap bar, it means you'll go up and down hills a bunch. If there's just a belt, it usually means like driving fast or bumpy in a car but not more than that. And if there's no restraints, like on some of the boat rides, there's not big movement. That meant that, even if the ride looked big and scary, if it was only a belt then that meant it probably wasn't as big and scary as I feared.

Thank You for this advice!!! I hadn't thought about the restraints-but it makes perfect sense how you explained it! I will tell her about the restraints, she defenitely worries about rides going upside down even though I assure her I would not ever take her on one (as I don't like those either).