Taking ADHD kid to WDW...please share

[millerpjm]

your experiences? I am a mother of a DS with ADHD and I am starting to plan a trip to WDW for August 2011.

Any advice would be helpful, especially tips for in the park, and resort recommendations....

TIA!

 

[bookwormde]

If your child does not have any sensory or social limitations as long as you follow your child's "lead" you should need limited adjustments. Just have soem favorite activities while waiting in lines.

bookwormde

 

[scojos]

my ds has add (12) and find him to be less trouble at wdw than anywhere else!!
so much to do, tire him with pool trips, the heat knocks us around (its cold in the uk)
DS and ipods keep him occupied, so that helps, but his brother has asd so we just go at their speed...
he also loves dining out, so break up the day with a nice lunch (if poss somewhere with characters
tracy

 

[bubble098]

hi! my ds has adhd - he will be 9 when i take him wdw in 0ct this year!!

i am taking him on my own and we are staying on intern drive i go from giddy with excitement to having moments of "oh my word what am i doing"

but sure it will be fantastic!!!

my son has adhd and some sensory issues and is social clumbsy,


tips so far (not been before these are things i've picked up from other boards/forums!)
- i am hiring sp needs stroller from orlando strollers - they bring it to your hotel and collect at end of hols cheaper than hiring metal one at wdw and get it for whole hols so can use for universal as well
- need to get dr letters to confirm reasons why on medication etc
- try and get pass from disney and universal etc doesnt mean jump the queue but helps in other ways ie can take stroller through the wheelchair access (its called some thing like GDP??)


i just go at my sons pace, am lucky in sense that he is only child, and not worry if we spend 3 days going on same rides/seeing same things and not try other things!!!

good luck!!

 

[bubble098]

its a GAC!!! ha ha

 

[Brightsy]

My older son (10) has ADHD. We've been to Disney several times w/ him, starting at age 5.
I find it's easier for him to cope at Disney. So many kids there are kind of hyper excited anyways...LOL.
One thing that worked for him was looking for hidden Mickey's. It made the lines go faster for him. He also liked hearing about the rides, the history and behind the scenes stuff. Luckily we had a good source of info w/ us on many trips...LOL! (Yes, you Uncle CheshireFigment!)
At Epcot the KimPossible missions are amazing! (Do they still have those?) My older son loved it, and it let us see more of the world showcase than we usually did.

 

[SueM in MN]

its a GAC!!! ha ha

There is more information about GACs in post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. You can find that thread near the top of this board or you can follow the link in my signature.
In that same thread, post #3 has some links to park information and past threads that may be helpful.

My one piece of advice is that we have always found that our DD with ADD and our nephew with ADHD do much better waiting for things that they are interested in than for things they don't care about/don't want to go on anyway.

Also, many people have posted that using a tour planning service like RideMax or TourGuide Mike is more helpful than a GAC. Using one of those services, people have posted they seldom waited more than 10 minutes in line. The touring instructions help you avoid waits by routing you to the least busy parts of the least busy park. That will help also things besides attractions.

 

[tinkerbell423]

We were just in Disney in Jan and the (rude) CM told us that ADHD was not covered under IDA therefore my DD could not have a GAC. I have never been treated so rudely at Disney before and we go often. DS has aspergers and my husband had not problem getting a GAC for him (Of course he was picking out the rides he wanted to go on by licking the map at the time)

 

[Ka' eo]

Our 3 kids have ADHD. We've been going since they were toddlers. They get so excited, but honestly, I feel as though they are on their best behavior at Disney. There is so much stimulation that sometimes they can have a meltdown (luckily they don't all do it at the same time, LOL) but there are plenty of things to get them redirected towards.

The biggest thing for our kids (apart from running ahead, which we work on preteaching about ALL the time, esp at WDW) is they might get overstimulated and overwhelmed, so we make sure we take a break at the pool mid day at our resort. We have always stayed onsite close to the parks for this reason. (This year we are taking our first off site trip, but they are seasoned and I think they can handle it now).

The other issue we have is they don't sleep, so after an exhausting day at the park when my dh and I are struggling to keep our eyes open, they are literally bouncing on the beds.

Oh, don't push it. If it seems like he is getting tired, get outta there.....whereever you are and take a break.

Good luck. You'll have a blast!

 

[MouseMadness]

I agree with most posters here. My ADHD son FEEDS off WDW . He is on medication for it, plus Zoloft for anxiety/OCD disorders, but I have yet to have to get a GAC card. We don't even have major issues standing in lines. He is constantly busy looking at the que area, talking to people standing around, thinking about "what's next", etc. Like I said, he is on medication, but WDW is still stimulus overload (for any child, for that matter!). When we have had problems (meltdowns) they have been related to the anxiety/OCD versus the ADHD.

Just some advise, though. Be sure to get enough rest. You can still see alot and have loads of fun AND get in a good night's sleep and naps if necessary. Also, I can't stress enough, make sure he gets enough to eat. I always carry snacks around so if he says he is hungry, he eats something then and there. Hunger is a major problem for my DS, so pack something that can get him by until you can go and sit down for a meal. You'll have a great time

 

[millerpjm]

Thank you for all the replies....this is all very helpful information.

We're definitely planning to stay onsite...I have my fingers crossed for some type of discount - our budget is moderate but I'd love to stay at the Poly or Contemporary for the proximity to MK.

Snacks and breaks are great ideas also...

Please keep sharing - thanks!

 

[Ka' eo]

I agree with most posters here. My ADHD son FEEDS off WDW . He is on medication for it, plus Zoloft for anxiety/OCD disorders, but I have yet to have to get a GAC card. We don't even have major issues standing in lines. He is constantly busy looking at the que area, talking to people standing around, thinking about "what's next", etc. Like I said, he is on medication, but WDW is still stimulus overload (for any child, for that matter!). When we have had problems (meltdowns) they have been related to the anxiety/OCD versus the ADHD.

Just some advise, though. Be sure to get enough rest. You can still see alot and have loads of fun AND get in a good night's sleep and naps if necessary. Also, I can't stress enough, make sure he gets enough to eat. I always carry snacks around so if he says he is hungry, he eats something then and there. Hunger is a major problem for my DS, so pack something that can get him by until you can go and sit down for a meal. You'll have a great time

We have never used the GAC, because I did not know one existed. With our 3 kids this would be so helpful. I think I will try this next time. Lines have traditionally prohibited us from going on rides unless it is early morning and rope drop. I can't believe I did not know about this! This would have really been helpful when they were toddlers and completely overwhelmed!

OP, use Tom Sawyer's Island to get away and refresh. It helps our kids tremendously when they get overwhelmed and overstimulated.

 

[leise]

My DS (8) has ADHD and Tourettes and we are going in August!

A few things we have found with him -

* He gets very frustrated with too much planning - his older brother has ASD (and ADHD) and we have always gone round the parks with a visual timetable and a clear structure for our day to keep DS(10) calm - of course DS(8) can't handle this - if he sees something he wants to go on it / look at it / buy it NOW!!!! Trying to get him to stick to a schedule leads to huge meltdowns...

* He gets very hot very quickly - this is a kid who wants to wear shorts in the snow.....WDW in August has to be all about keeping him cool, keeping him hydrated and getting him an ice cream at regular intervals!

* We do get him a GAC, and have not had a problem doing so, when we explained his issues. He does need an alternate place to queue since he gets very frustrated very quickly, and being surrounded by loads of other people will really crank up the anxiety levels. It's not so much the time, as the crowds.

* When he starts getting over wrought we try to go back to the hotel for a swim to cool down or just a break. There's no point trying to keep going, it ALWAYS ends in tears.

* IPODS and DS's are the best things since sliced bread for using in the car, on the plane and in those stressful queues.

We also took letters from our doctor about the medication for customs etc.

Hope you have a great time!

 

[bookwormde]

You might consider WL also if a discount is available (the rack rates a less than the other deluxes).

bookwormde

 

[Ka' eo]

You might consider WL also if a discount is available (the rack rates a less than the other deluxes).

bookwormde

Yes, but it is further away and there is no monorail. When our DS who is an Aspie/ADHD had a meltdown at WL, our choice was a bus or the boat. Neither is good. If we'd been at CR, we could have walked home and spared all the people on the boat.

On that same boat ride, a man asked my DD who was 4 at the time, where she was from. She replied, "Susie's belly. She and Robert fight alot so it's not safe with them." (those were the names (although I have changed them here) of her bio parents. She is adopted. All this was going on while my son was being held by my dh while raging on the boat. People were glaring at us and I am sure they thought my dh and I were Susan and Robert and were horrible parents!

So I suppose I am a bit jaded by a horrible experience. LOL

 

[SueM in MN]

We were just in Disney in Jan and the (rude) CM told us that ADHD was not covered under IDA therefore my DD could not have a GAC. I have never been treated so rudely at Disney before and we go often. DS has aspergers and my husband had not problem getting a GAC for him (Of course he was picking out the rides he wanted to go on by licking the map at the time)

Technically, that is correct.
There are NO conditions or diagnoses that are covered by the ADA.
It is not the diagnosis that is covered, it is the needs related to a disability that are covered by the ADA.
Some people with ADHD have nothing that needs to be accomodated. Others do. The CM could perhaps have been less rude, but it is important to be able to explain the needs, not just give a diagnosis.

We have never used the GAC, because I did not know one existed. With our 3 kids this would be so helpful. I think I will try this next time. Lines have traditionally prohibited us from going on rides unless it is early morning and rope drop. I can't believe I did not know about this! This would have really been helpful when they were toddlers and completely overwhelmed!

OP, use Tom Sawyer's Island to get away and refresh. It helps our kids tremendously when they get overwhelmed and overstimulated.

Many people in that situation have said that using things like TourGuide Mike or Ridemax have helped them more than a GAC.
The GAC only helps in attractions and is not meant to shorten your wait in line. It may give you a quieter place to wait in some attractions. Here is an example of a quieter waiting place at Laugh Floor. You wait in a chained off part of the regular waiting area.

The Tour services can help you because they tell you where to be and when to avoid the busiest places and longest waits.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

We were just in Disney in Jan and the (rude) CM told us that ADHD was not covered under IDA therefore my DD could not have a GAC. I have never been treated so rudely at Disney before and we go often. DS has aspergers and my husband had not problem getting a GAC for him (Of course he was picking out the rides he wanted to go on by licking the map at the time)

I'm sorry but rudeness is often in the eye of the beholder.

I was reported as being rude when I stopped a child (who then went in tears to his mother) from a hazardous safety violation. If the child, who had climbed over a fence, had stayed where he was he could have been injured.

 

[tinkerbell423]

Technically, that is correct.
There are NO conditions or diagnoses that are covered by the ADA.
It is not the diagnosis that is covered, it is the needs related to a disability that are covered by the ADA.
Some people with ADHD have nothing that needs to be accomodated. Others do. The CM could perhaps have been less rude, but it is important to be able to explain the needs, not just give a diagnosis.






I explained her needs first and was then asked "why does she have these needs what's wrong with her" I told the CM (even though they really did not have the right to ask) ADHD and Sensory Integration issues. That is when she said ADHD is not covered by ADA. I have a son with aspergers and my DD with ADHD (she was not on meds for the trip the DR. was making an change and we had to wait for ins approval) I am very skilled at describing their needs. I have Never had a problem in the past, I always make sure my children are with me when I get the GAC and very clearly state their needs. I have never been asked what is wrong with him/her before however three different CM's asked me this trip.

 

[deerhart]

I have two boys (9 and 7) both with ADHD (one HI the other most likely combined). My oldest also has a speech delay and CAPD.

The BIGGEST problem we have at Disney is my youngest having something catch his attention and wander over to it and then ignoring us when we say its time to move on (over and over and over). He will also have something of ours in his hands and set it down and leave it. That is how he lost his mickey years the first year.

We don't have any problems waiting in lines first because we try to avoid any long wait in lines. When we have done a long wait, well mom and dad break out the blackberry for each kid and they either play brickbreaker or last year they were watching Icarly videos, hulu, or other youtube videos dad pulled up for them. We cdon't allow the mp3 players or dsi's to leave the hotel room (see above about the mickey ears!)

My oldest does feel a little awkward when dealing with characters, especially the girls (he doesn't like being on the spot for social situations) but also part of it is that he's almost 10 and thinks the girls are cute and doesn't want to admit it).

Really so long as we eat on time (so non of us gets too grouchy), and keep things fairly sane, Disney is no different for us then trying to maneuver grocery shopping or Christmas. Also, all the walking and exercise really starts to dampen the hyperactivity after awhile.

Though I will say that I have a great assortment of crying, I'm pouting because I am not getting my way, pictures of EACH child!

 

[clanmcculloch]

- need to get dr letters to confirm reasons why on medication etc

This is not necessary for Disney. I suppose if you're travelling internationally then it might be a good idea but it's certainly not needed for any domestic airlines or WDW. I do keep our medications in their original prescription containers when flying (domestic or international) though for pills that isn't even necessary (for liquids or needles it is important to be in an original prescription container).

We were just in Disney in Jan and the (rude) CM told us that ADHD was not covered under IDA therefore my DD could not have a GAC.

I explained her needs first and was then asked "why does she have these needs what's wrong with her" I told the CM (even though they really did not have the right to ask) ADHD and Sensory Integration issues. That is when she said ADHD is not covered by ADA. I have a son with aspergers and my DD with ADHD (she was not on meds for the trip the DR. was making an change and we had to wait for ins approval) I am very skilled at describing their needs. I have Never had a problem in the past, I always make sure my children are with me when I get the GAC and very clearly state their needs. I have never been asked what is wrong with him/her before however three different CM's asked me this trip.

Wow, that just shocks me. In this situation, I think I would have demanded a supervisor. The CM I believe was not following Disney policy by making this determination based on diagnosis. If you were able to explain the need regardless of the diagnosis then the need should have been what was used as the determination for the GAC. I'm shocked that 3 different CMs asked you for his diagnosis this trip. What would have prompted that many CMs to ask? That's just rude and I can't imagine a situation where it would be acceptable (and depending on the situation possibly a legal violation but I'm not at all versed in that).

Many people in that situation have said that using things like TourGuide Mike or Ridemax have helped them more than a GAC.
The GAC only helps in attractions and is not meant to shorten your wait in line. It may give you a quieter place to wait in some attractions. Here is an example of a quieter waiting place at Laugh Floor. You wait in a chained off part of the regular waiting area.

The Tour services can help you because they tell you where to be and when to avoid the busiest places and longest waits.

I'm one who LOVES TGM. OMG it made SUCH a huge difference this past trip over Christmas and we'll never go back again without it. We hardly used our GAC this trip.

We really like the alternate waiting areas at places like Laugh Floor because there's more room for DD12 to wiggle without bumping people constantly. Wiggling, bumping then being looked at for bumping is guaranteed to cause a meltdown for her. With LF though, the CMs routinely tell us that we can't use our GAC because they don't understand the purpose. They clearly believe we're just trying to skip the line since they often say things to the effect of "you'll get in just as fast in the regular line" when that has nothing to do with it. We just go through the regular line towards the waiting area (the queue has very wide lines) and then once we enter the loading/waiting area, we go over to the wheelchair area. It's actually not a good place to be as far as getting good seats inside goes (you end up on a far end of a row of seats) but it makes the wait so much better. LF is an absolute favourite for DD9 so we go quite a bit.