Trip to WDW with Autisic (5)yr old Boy

[Tinkerbell_n_neverland]

This Dec will be my first trip in 2 years to WDW with my Autistic 4 yr old son. Last time we were there my son had a few meltdowns but at the time we were unsure why and how to handle it. Since then we've realized the issue and have taken control of the situation. I am however concerned about waiting in line for the rides and sitting still for the parades. Also, my son sometimes is afraid of crowds or too many people, so I tend to take him for a quiet walk alone or someplace where we can just be alone and he can refocus. Someone told me that there is a card you can get for private waiting areas where autistic children can take a breather. I've looked across these discussion boards and cannot seem to find the right information about this. I want him to have a wonderful time. This is a trip to celebrate his 5th birthday as well. Does anyone have any advice for me? We will be visiting all 4 of the parks. Also, any hints on a nice birthday surprise? I also read a thread on autistic children in pin trading. I've never heard of that and I'd like some information on that as well. How could this help my son? Can you give me more information on all these questions please? Thanks so much!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Read the "disABILITIES FAQ" thread. It is a sticky thread listed at the top of the disABILITIES page. There is a post about the Guest Assistance Card or "GAC". That should answer most, if not all, of your questions. The GAC has been vacation saver for us!

 

[pilgrimr]

Also, any hints on a nice birthday surprise? I also read a thread on autistic children in pin trading. I've never heard of that and I'd like some information on that as well. How could this help my son? Can you give me more information on all these questions please? Thanks so much!

As previous post stated, the disability FAQ should answer questions on GAC. One thing we did for my son's birthday, was a character meal. There we had also ordered a birthday cake to be there at the dinner. WDW dining where you make reservation can help you with that. We celebrated at Chep Mickey and they also sang happy birthday. Also, stop by the park guest service and ask for a birthday sticker. CM usually make a big deal when they see it. Enjoy your trip.

 

[stampin_fool]

My son also has a diagnosis of autism. One of his most favorite things that we did with him was take the wishes fireworks cruise. He still talks about this and when asked what he would like to do on our next trip he always askes to do this again. You can, for an additional charge have them decorate the boat and provide a cake, check out allearsnet.com for information on this. It is rather pricey, we only did the boat ride and that was pricey and why we haven't done it again. It was however a lot of fun and a great breather for him away from crowds. They take you on a tour of the lake and then "park" the boat to watch the fireworks. They have soda and snacks for you and a blanket to wrap up in if you want.

Something less expensive, you could order a cake and have it waiting in your room, or have it when you go to one of the TS restaurants. Get him a birthday pin when you get there and see what happens.

Pin trading is a great way for our kids to have social interaction. The CM's wearing a green lanyard are only allowed to trade with kids. We have our son do this each trip to help work on his social skills, which are still not great.

Hope you have a wonderful trip and your son has a great birthday.

Ronda

 

[Schmeck]

Just to note - not all attractions have a waiting area, and sometimes using a GAC can make your wait time longer, not shorter, depending on how many others with GACs are waiting ahead of you.

A great way to avoid waits is to get to the parks right at (or before) opening, use Fastpass when available, and go during a less crowded time of year.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

We have an autistic son too, he is 12.

Have taken him to Florida many times now and are going back next year.
The GAC and our experience of Orlando are invaluable, though we find as he gets older his reaction to certain things is more difficult to predict.

He does enjoy the theme parks, but there are occasions when for some reason he doesn't want to go on some of the rides he has enjoyed over the years.

Personally find if the queue for an attraction isn't too long we try and encourage him to do what everyone else does and wait our turn, you will find that most families with autistic children just want to queue like most families do.
It also increases his patience we find.
Therefore we don't use the GAC unless we have to.

Good luck, you will have a great time, this forum is full of people who have special children with disABILITIES.

 

[bookwormde]

In addition to being fun I use WDW as a learning experience for my child and me. Since there are limited other commitments it is a great time to monitor and catalog sensitivities and manifestations. My experience is that meltdowns come from a combination of sensitivities, anxiety and tiredness. By monitoring these the severity and frequency of meltdowns can be greatly reduced.

The GAC is helpful if waiting in the standard lines is difficult for your child (as are fastpasses which actually work better where available).

We have found that arriving early and going back to the resort after 3-4 hours for lunch and to relax/swim works well and then return to the parks when well rested.

bookwormde

 

[Tinkerbell_n_neverland]

Thank you for the helpful info!!! i did go to the thread (FAQs) and I read up on this card. I'm glad you've given me your personal experiences with it. One ride he had a major issue with 2 years ago was the Nemo ride (the dark waiting area frightened him). I'm not sure whether to avoid that ride this year.

Also, as far as the birthday ideas, thanks so much for the reply, I like the fireworks idea! I do however have a question - My son does not like cake by any means. the texture of it really bothers him. Is there a way I can maybe get a birthday cookie instead?? He will eat a cookie, and he doesnt mind a small amount of frosting. Has anyone heard of replacing the cake with a cookie???

I am really excited for this pin trading idea! I read another thread about this and I think this is a great idea for him. I think hes going to love it! Thanks so much for the help!

 

[pilgrimr]

Also, as far as the birthday ideas, thanks so much for the reply, I like the fireworks idea! I do however have a question - My son does not like cake by any means. the texture of it really bothers him. Is there a way I can maybe get a birthday cookie instead?? He will eat a cookie, and he doesnt mind a small amount of frosting. Has anyone heard of replacing the cake with a cookie???

I have not heard of them replacing a cake w/ a cookie, but that does not mean it can't be done. Call them and explain the situtation. They will explain the options that you have. If I remember right, when I called they had a couple of options for cake, so they might have a birthday cookie. They were very helpful.

 

[stampin_fool]

that I should have mentioned in my previous post is pressed pennies. My son loves finding these machines and collecting the pennies he makes in a special book. When we are there he gets a map and is constantly looking for the pressed penny machines. It is like a treasure hunt for him and he gets very excited when we find one. Just another fun thing my son loves so I thought I would share.

Ronda

 

[disneydeb]

to the boards! here you will find lots of valuable information, and many caring friends

 

[DisMomAmy]

Thank you for the helpful info!!! i did go to the thread (FAQs) and I read up on this card. I'm glad you've given me your personal experiences with it. One ride he had a major issue with 2 years ago was the Nemo ride (the dark waiting area frightened him). I'm not sure whether to avoid that ride this year.

If you use the alternative entrance (with the GAC) you will avoid the regular themed line. You enter the line through the gift shop vs. directly from outside and when you find a CM they will take you to the entrance and you directly board the clammobiles from there. It's a tricky ride to figure out where the alternative entrance is, but if you go in through the gift shop (which can be a problem in itself ) and ask a CM you'll be ok.

If you have any other questions about specific rides, alternate entrances, wait times, etc. feel free to PM me. They don't like too much specific information posted in case there are people who want to take advantage of the system.

 

[DisMomAmy]

PS - I think you need to have 10 posts or something like that to be able to PM people (or I would have PMed you). Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[brettgirl]

I took my high functioning/anxiety state autistic son to disney at 5 and again this year. I used a stroller to help with his anxiety with all of the people, he had his blanket and was quite happy in there. I also did my homework, I studied the parks, rides and ride line times BEFORE I got there. I had a plan (that could be deviated from of course). We ate breakfast in the room. Then spent opening gate to lunch at a park, back to hotel for lunch (got a grocery delivery) and a swim, sometimes dinner at hotel eatery too (dont make too many reservations, why stress your self out-Chef Mickeys was great for my son and also did Chrystal Palace on another visit). or just grabbing a nice ice cream-its vacation! We went back to the parks to do some rides during parades (he does not like them).

I put an id tag on his shoe with all pertanent info on it.

You know your child so plan around the rides he likes. Mine is terrified of 3D and fireworks, so I planned accordingly.

Each park has badges you can get when you pick up your GAC card that say, "It's my Birthday". The park people are so sweet to kids.

I did not need the GAC card as I REALLY overplan and knew when and how to get fast passes, I travel in late May and it does get crowded but I rarely waited on line. THis year we actually got two different Dream Fast Passes.

I never did pin trading, it just was not in me to ask strangers to do it and my son liked the few he had. I did wear my "I love someone with autism" lanyard (I also work with autistic kids and it is where I put my badge) with my tickets and photo pass card in it. I found that people were very kind to my son (it is disney of course, but more so if you know what I mean). I also sometimes wore my autism t-shirts-with the feeling that people might understand why my adorable son was a little bit quirky without explaining anything.

We have had many magical moments because of disney-learned to swim, saw first fireworks from afar, went on many rides, eg. You will too, just relax (after you plan!!!!! before hand) and enjoy the magic that occurs.

As for his birthday, they have a bakery associated with the disney hotels. I ordered a cake for my daughter, ask for a big cookie. THe hotel also put a birthday card from Mickey in our room (be sure to tell the front desk about his birthday) with a balloon.

Anything I can help you with, ask.

Have fun! Brettgirl

 

[Nik's Mom]

We have 2 autistic sons ( age 9 and 6). They have been to WDW several times and also a DCL Cruise. My best suggestion is to make sure that you arrive at the parks early. We arrive about 15-30 minutes before park opening. Then we had to the attractions that we know will build up lines quickly. I think in all of our trips, we have only had to use the GAC one time. And we have visited on some pretty busy times.

We usually stay at the parks until noon, then return to our hotel for lunch and relaxation. We head back to the parks at about 4-5pm for dinner and rides. The boys usually hold up pretty well as long as we stick to that schedule.

 

[BeckyScott]

My approach, was plan, plan, plan, then throw it all out the window.

I spent a huge amount of time reading. Here at the DisBoards, in all the sections. 3-ring binder of info. Flip-cards of daily schedule, packing lists. The whole type-A commando routine.

Then we arrived and from the beginning things fell out of schedule. Our rental car reservation got screwed up and we ended up doing the bus the entire vacation. I would have completely freaked, and I was definately upset, but I had done so much reading including all about Magical Express, that I was able to flip to Plan B. The same thing happened in the parks, I had put together a very logical schedule. But who would have known that DS would want to go on certain rides more than once? Or that we would be unable to get them to leave the Honey playground? Or, the new Toy Story had just just opened, and while it was priority for us, it also kept breaking down. And it's pretty out-of-the-way. And we had a major adjustment to make with the heat, too, which I didn't really understand the full impact until about halfway thru the first day. DH managed to get a sinus infection or bad tooth infection or something to that effect, hit him late one night, and I knew to send him to the front desk, how they would handle it. Some attractions seem innocent enough but if you read about them, you'll read that many kids have totally freaked. Lock all that info in the back of your brain.

So my advice is- get a GAC. And plan some fairly logical but vague schedule. Like decide which park which day. And that you're going to work your way around counter-clockwise or however it works so that you're landing near any food reservations at the right time. Read everything here at the Dis that you can find, even stuff you think might not be relevant. Do make a really good packing list so you can cover anything unexpected. (DH laughed his butt off when he told me his crocs were rubbing his foot, and I dug in our bag and whipped out a package of moleskin) And do the afternoon break. And then show up and wing it.

 

[buzz for boys]

Hi I have a 7 year old son with aspergers and we went to wdw for his 5th birthday. Every child with autism is soo different but I just wanted to say that we got him a Its my birthday button and he hated everyone stopping him to wish him happy birthday as he couldnt understand how people knew when he was telling them - we ended up taking it off. Also we planned him a birthday surprise at crystal palace and again he had meltdown - he likes to know whats happening and hates surprises so when a cake turned up with tigger unannounced he flipped. Im not saying that that would happen with your son but just wantted to share my experiences with you as we were so disappointed that our surprise at back fired on us!!
Ds also hates crowds so we rented a double stroller from the parks where they were big enough for him to hide in and my older ds would also jump in when he tired of walking so he never felt out of place in a stroller !!
Hope some of that helps and its not just drivell !!!

 

[Tinkerbell_n_neverland]

Thanks for all the helpful hints and the stories. I def feel like things will be ok on this trip!

 

[James65]

Thanks for all of this great info. We are planning our first WDW trip in February ~~~ 7 year old son has autism/ADHD. Looks like you need to judge on each ride if the GAC would be useful. I'm sure I'll be checking the board for info leading up to the trip.

 

[mommylo]

Our DS6 is non-verbal autistic and he has now been to WDW 3 times and he loves it!! We went in the summer time so standing in line was very very hard, therefore we used the GAC quite a bit. But we also arrived early and go through the popular rides first. We also booked dinner reservations for earlier time slots like 5:00 or 5:30 so we could get served faster. We are going again this December. We shall see how traveling during the peak season unfolds...