Sweet great-nephew with Downs Syndrome

[TooBoyz4us]

I am helping my niece plan their first trip to Disney. They have a 2 year old with Downs Syndrome.
I talked with her about some of the things he can and cannot tolerate, and she mentioned that he over heats easily and gets very impatient standing in long lines.

Can anyone direct me to tips that other Downs parents have shared, or anything that my niece can access at Disney to make the trip more enjoyable for everyone?

Thankyou!!

 

[lanejudy]

There is not much that can be done about the heat other than planning the trip for cooler weather season. The summer is HOT in Orlando. Walking around the parks is mainly outdoors, though attractions are primarily inside but not necessarily air-conditioned. You don't mention what time of year, so if they must choose to go during warmer weather, they'll want to dress appropriately, wear sun hats, have a canopy on the stroller, keep hydrated (CS locations in the parks will give free cups of ice water on request); some people like to carry a misting fan or something similar.

As for lines...there is no way to avoid standing in lines and/or waiting. Despite common misconception, there is no "front of the line" pass. Depending on his needs, they may want to look into a GAC card - but that can result in even longer lines at times. They may want to request a stroller-as-wheelchair which might help to keep him from overheating (stay under the canopy, maybe even a towel draped across for more shade), but it won't shorten the lines or waits. This would allow them to bring his stroller into lines. Most lines are mainstreamed anyway, but some alternate entrances can result in longer waits than if they carried him through the regular queue.

Some suggestions for keeping him occupied/entertained in line...bring some small toys - maybe something new that will be of great interest. Keep them in the diaper bag (or whatever bag is being carried) and only bring them out when needed in line. This will keep the "newness" and keep them attractive. Even a 2-yr-old can start to recognize colors or shapes or characters - play a simple version of I-Spy will pass some time as well.

Good planning, use of FastPasses as appropriate, and following (even loosely) a good touring plan will likely be their best bets for a successful trip. Good luck!

 

[TooBoyz4us]

There is not much that can be done about the heat other than planning the trip for cooler weather season. You don't mention what time of year, so if they must choose to go during warmer weather, they'll want to dress appropriately, wear sun hats, have a canopy on the stroller, keep hydrated (CS locations in the parks will give free cups of ice water on request); some people like to carry a misting fan or something similar.

lanelady-they are traveling in late October. My niece is aware of the potential hot temps.....and we have talked about a misting fan

Depending on his needs, they may want to look into a GAC card - but that can result in even longer lines at times. They may want to request a stroller-as-wheelchair which might help to keep him from overheating (stay under the canopy, maybe even a towel draped across for more shade), but it won't shorten the lines or waits. This would allow them to bring his stroller into lines.
Good planning, use of FastPasses as appropriate, and following (even loosely) a good touring plan will likely be their best bets for a successful trip. Good luck!

Could you explain the GAC card a bit more. What it is, and where she would get one if she decided to ?
Also, with the stroller-as-wheelchair request, how does she do that? Can they use their own stroller for that purpose?

Thankyou so very much for all of your help!

 

[anonymousegirl]

You can request the stroller as a wheelchair accommodation at Guest Services at any park. They will issue it for the duration of your stay. You will get a card to show and a brightly colored tag to attach to the stroller. This will allow you to bring it into queues just like it was a wheelchair.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I am helping my niece plan their first trip to Disney. They have a 2 year old with Downs Syndrome.
I talked with her about some of the things he can and cannot tolerate, and she mentioned that he over heats easily and gets very impatient standing in long lines.

What 2 years old enjoys waiting in lines?

 

[LisaBi]

I have a son who has Downs. He is 20 now (gasp....no way!). Anyway, the stroller as wheelchair was a life saver. Our first trip was at age 6. He couldn't walk/stand in lines, and was too big for us to carry.

 

[Jake06]

I agree with the previous post - get the tag to use the stroller as a wheelchair - this was a lifesaver. We took our DS with DS, for his 4th birthday. He had just started to walk and was very unsteady (and still is today at almost 7) on his feet. This kept him safe and everyone around him safe. I was worried he would fall and then trip other people.

DS does not like anyone in his personal space so he had "his" personal space in the stroller which worked out very nice. Since DS does not communicate we had to remember to give him a drink everytime we took one.

I was so worried the first year we went and we ended up having the best time. We had so much fun we have gone the past 3 years in August to celebrate his birthday. We have brought misting fans every year to keep him cool. He loves them! Hope your neice and great-nephew have a great time.

 

[SueM in MN]

lanelady-they are traveling in late October. My niece is aware of the potential hot temps.....and we have talked about a misting fan



Could you explain the GAC card a bit more. What it is, and where she would get one if she decided to ?
Also, with the stroller-as-wheelchair request, how does she do that? Can they use their own stroller for that purpose?

Thankyou so very much for all of your help!

Follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread. Post 6 of that thread is all about Guest Assistance Cards.
It will tell you where and how to request one and has information about using a stroller as a wheelchair.

GACs are not meant to shorten the wait, but to provide assistance. Using a GAC, the wait may be shorter, longer or the same as guests not using a GAC. The wait depends on things like what the person needs, what is available and how busy the attraction is. Over the course of a vacation, the wait tends to even out.