value resorts and sensory issues, as well as bus access questions

[saveaquarter]

I'm trying to plan a trip for my husband (who has MS) and my stepson later this year (I'll be joining them about halfway through the week), and have a few questions I thought you guys could answer.

I'm looking at booking a value resort, but I have a bit of a snag facing me in that. He has Aspergers, and some of the severe sensory issues that go along with it, and the colors and patterns I've seen in photos of many of the value rooms would be incredibly overwhelming. Are there options available for those who would be overstimulated by those things? Which of the resorts is the 'quietest' as far as decor goes?

Another thing that I need to balance this with is bus access. His mobility is becoming more and more of a difficulty recently, and by that point he'll be wheelchair bound. He'll need a resort that has very easy access to the bus stops, could you guys recommend the best, in your experience, and what area to request a room to keep them as close as possible? Not only for the bus, but a short distance to the food court would be a bonus as well. Are these things possible to have without having to pay for a preferred room? Our budget for this trip is very, very tight.

I think, of the two issues, the sensory one is the most important. A longer trip back to a more relaxing room is much better than a short trip to a completely overwhelming one.

We're planning for the fall, for MNSSHP, and it may be the last chance he has to go before his illness progresses beyond the point where vacations are possible. Any and all advice to make this easier on him with his disadvantages is more than welcome!

 

[SueM in MN]

We have not stayed at a Value Resort, so I can’t give any advice other than looking at the pictures of the outsides of the buildings at this link.

The other thing I thought of as far as inside the rooms is concerned would be to ask Housekeeping to remove the bedspreads and replace them with plain colored blankets. In most of the WDW resort rooms, the majority of the color and pattern is in the bedspreads.

If you need a handicapped accessible room with a roll in shower, you will need to speak with WDW Special Reservations anyway.
Here is their number: (407) 939-7807

I’m sure you will get more advice in a little bit. I know some people have posted in the past that being near the food court was nice in terms of being close, but was also less quiet than being farther away.

 

[saveaquarter]

Thanks for the tips, Sue. I didn't even think about asking for a different blanket. I checked out the photos you sent, and some photos of the room interiors, and I think the Toy Story rooms at Movies would work very well if they replaced the bedspreads for us. He loves Toy Story, and I think that'd keep the exterior from being too overwhelming. The location seems to be convenient to the bus and food court as well.

Thank you very much for the phone number, that will definitely come in handy.

I'd love to hear more advice from everyone here. Has anyone stayed in the Toy Story rooms? Any thoughts?

 

[ElizabethG]

Here are a ton of interior photos of various rooms. I like this because it lists which building/area of each hotel the pictures are taken from. A lot of the color comes from the bedspread. The beds have a plain blanket under the bedspread. You could just take that off of the bed. Also, towards the top of each page, there is a link for "resort map". You could see where each is located with respect to the bus and food service. Many times we would get the counter service food to-go and bring it back to our room to eat in peace.

ASMusic: http://allears.net/acc/g_asmu.htm
ASMovies: http://allears.net/acc/g_asm.htm
ASSports: http://allears.net/acc/g_asports.htm
Pop: http://allears.net/acc/g_pop.htm

 

[kaytieeldr]

Pop Century is best for access, even from a standard room; as WDW builds new Value resorts, they get better at 'centralizing' the buildings. Just so you know, Toy Story at ASMovies is a preferred section, plus there's no guarantee you/they would get a room in this section - three of the five sections in this resort are preferred.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Is there any way that you couold do a moderate instead of a value? The price difference is not as much; the decor tends to be less extreme, and the moderates have multiple bus stops, so it would not be as far between the room and the bus stop.

 

[darthspud]

if you think the bedspread might be to much bring yours from home. I do along with my own pillow... they now have space bags that you dont need a vacuum for and they work great I'm able to get a queen size bed spread and pillow down to the size of a 2 x 2 cube... I generally use a big duffel bag so I have plenty of room...

you can get it at walmart http://www.walmart.com/ip/Space-Bag-Large-Dual-Use-Cube-Vac-or-Roll-4-Pack/14264287?sourceid=1500000000000003260370&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=14264287

if he has noise issues as well request the back of a building... since you want to be close to the main building that is generally near the main pool which can get very loud but if you ask for the back of the building then the noise is a lot less just because the buildings are concrete and so it muffles the sound

Good Luck! Have a great trip!

 

[christymarie]

if you think the bedspread might be to much bring yours from home. I do along with my own pillow... they now have space bags that you dont need a vacuum for and they work great I'm able to get a queen size bed spread and pillow down to the size of a 2 x 2 cube... I generally use a big duffel bag so I have plenty of room...

you can get it at walmart http://www.walmart.com/ip/Space-Bag-Large-Dual-Use-Cube-Vac-or-Roll-4-Pack/14264287?sourceid=1500000000000003260370&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=14264287

I totally agree about the bedding. Our younger son has moderate/severe classic autism and my older son has Aspergers so we definitely get the sensory issues. We always travel with blankets/quilts/bedding from home. I just remake their beds after we arrive where we are staying. Housekeeping is usually really good about making their beds using the bedding I have and I just fold up their bedding and put it in the top shelf of the closet. We have never had issues and the boys are much more comfortable.

 

[saveaquarter]

Pop Century is best for access, even from a standard room; as WDW builds new Value resorts, they get better at 'centralizing' the buildings. Just so you know, Toy Story at ASMovies is a preferred section, plus there's no guarantee you/they would get a room in this section - three of the five sections in this resort are preferred.

I didn't realize they were preferred rooms, thank you for letting me know! I've never stayed on property, so I'm going into this a little blind as far as the resorts go.

Is there any way that you couold do a moderate instead of a value? The price difference is not as much; the decor tends to be less extreme, and the moderates have multiple bus stops, so it would not be as far between the room and the bus stop.

The price difference between a value and a moderate is 300-500 for the trip we're trying to put together. If we can afford the upgrade, that would absolutely be ideal. We're really budgeting down to the last penny right now, though. If we can upgrade as time gets closer, that's what I want to do, but for now I want to make sure we have a good plan for a value resort as well.

if you think the bedspread might be to much bring yours from home. I do along with my own pillow... they now have space bags that you dont need a vacuum for and they work great I'm able to get a queen size bed spread and pillow down to the size of a 2 x 2 cube... I generally use a big duffel bag so I have plenty of room...

you can get it at walmart http://www.walmart.com/ip/Space-Bag-Large-Dual-Use-Cube-Vac-or-Roll-4-Pack/14264287?sourceid=1500000000000003260370&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=14264287

if he has noise issues as well request the back of a building... since you want to be close to the main building that is generally near the main pool which can get very loud but if you ask for the back of the building then the noise is a lot less just because the buildings are concrete and so it muffles the sound

Good Luck! Have a great trip!

That is a GREAT idea! I have a few space bags I use for storage and I know exactly what kind of miracles they work when you're cramming in blankets and pillows. That would also have the benefit of him having something familiar in the room, as well as solve the problem with the overstimulating bedspreads.

That's a great idea for the back of the building as well, the noise of the pools would drive him up a wall. Thank you!

I totally agree about the bedding. Our younger son has moderate/severe classic autism and my older son has Aspergers so we definitely get the sensory issues. We always travel with blankets/quilts/bedding from home. I just remake their beds after we arrive where we are staying. Housekeeping is usually really good about making their beds using the bedding I have and I just fold up their bedding and put it in the top shelf of the closet. We have never had issues and the boys are much more comfortable.

I'm glad to hear someone else has brought their own stuff and had success with it. It's nice to know that there are other people out there dealing with the same things, and can completely relate.

Thank you everyone for the tips, I really appreciate it!

 

[SueM in MN]

If you pack your things in space bags to go to WDW, be prepared that it may be more difficult to get the air out when you are leaving.

 

[KPeveler]

If you pack your things in space bags to go to WDW, be prepared that it may be more difficult to get the air out when you are leaving.

Also, if TSA searches your bags they will open those space bags, and it may cause problems getting everything back in.

 

[darthspud]

If you pack your things in space bags to go to WDW, be prepared that it may be more difficult to get the air out when you are leaving.

They now have space bags that you just roll the air out.. they are called dual valve... before those i use to bring my air mattress pump and never had any problem getting the air out again


as for the TSA i never thought of that
I've been doing it for a few years now and have yet to have a problem... last trip i even brought my kuerig coffee maker in my duffel bag and they didnt search it

I also put my dirty clothes in a s/b just so it doesnt stink up the rest of the clothes and then i used both bags as paddings against my kuerig

 

[Nik's Mom]

Value resorts are very colorful. If your son has lots of sensory issues, a value may be too overwhelming to him. A moderate or deluxe would have a more subtle decore.

I think AS Music is not as "out there" as the other values in terms of colors. We stayed at Pop with 2 autistic kids and really enjoyed the resort. Even though the colors were pretty loud and in your face, it had a lake that was nice to walk around. And I thought the transportation was great. My youngest ds has a lot of sensory issues, but he seemed to handle the resort fine.

 

[SmallWorld71]

DNephew(11) has Aspergers/ SID and went to Disney for the first time in April. They stayed at Pop and he loved it. Also, DD7 has some sensory issues and we have stayed at every value and never had any problems. I don't find the rooms themselves to be to overly decorated and not really much louder in decor than the other level resorts.(By far, the loudest/ most colorful room I've ever stayed in was at the Boardwalk. That was late 90's though so the decor could have changed.) It is outside the room that things can be really loud and/or in your face. A couple thoughts:
-the food courts can be crazy, especially in the morning and evening; you can ask for food to go; we often send the first person ready to the food court in the morning to get the food and then eat it in the room
-the gift shops are also crazy in the evening, you will want to shop at other times
- the arcades are very overstimulating and quite crazy in the evening and when it is raining
- don't forget that you can order food from gardengrocer.com if your son is picky so that you will have food on hand, my DD eats just about anything! but my brother and sister-in-law did this when they went
-the only time I have found the buses to be a major issue is at closing time; if you stay for any of the evening activities take your time getting out or be prepared for some insanity; the other time the buses can be crazy is in the AM for the park that has EMH so we avoid those
- if your room location is too noisy, ask to be moved; most of the time they can do this unless the resort is completely booked

Have a great time!

 

[saveaquarter]

I probably should clarify, it's not my (step)son who has sensory issues, but my husband! He has both Asperger's and synthenasia, a low-key environment is important.

If you pack your things in space bags to go to WDW, be prepared that it may be more difficult to get the air out when you are leaving.

Also, if TSA searches your bags they will open those space bags, and it may cause problems getting everything back in.

I didn't think of either of these things. Thanks!

Value resorts are very colorful. If your son has lots of sensory issues, a value may be too overwhelming to him. A moderate or deluxe would have a more subtle decore.

I think AS Music is not as "out there" as the other values in terms of colors. We stayed at Pop with 2 autistic kids and really enjoyed the resort. Even though the colors were pretty loud and in your face, it had a lake that was nice to walk around. And I thought the transportation was great. My youngest ds has a lot of sensory issues, but he seemed to handle the resort fine.

I'm really hoping we'll be able to swing a moderate, both for the decor, size, and just the general environment. If we can't, though, I definitely need a backup plan! The rooms at Music do look pretty low key, thank you for the heads up. I'll have to add that one to the planning.

DNephew(11) has Aspergers/ SID and went to Disney for the first time in April. They stayed at Pop and he loved it. Also, DD7 has some sensory issues and we have stayed at every value and never had any problems. I don't find the rooms themselves to be to overly decorated and not really much louder in decor than the other level resorts.(By far, the loudest/ most colorful room I've ever stayed in was at the Boardwalk. That was late 90's though so the decor could have changed.) It is outside the room that things can be really loud and/or in your face. A couple thoughts:
-the food courts can be crazy, especially in the morning and evening; you can ask for food to go; we often send the first person ready to the food court in the morning to get the food and then eat it in the room
-the gift shops are also crazy in the evening, you will want to shop at other times
- the arcades are very overstimulating and quite crazy in the evening and when it is raining
- don't forget that you can order food from gardengrocer.com if your son is picky so that you will have food on hand, my DD eats just about anything! but my brother and sister-in-law did this when they went
-the only time I have found the buses to be a major issue is at closing time; if you stay for any of the evening activities take your time getting out or be prepared for some insanity; the other time the buses can be crazy is in the AM for the park that has EMH so we avoid those
- if your room location is too noisy, ask to be moved; most of the time they can do this unless the resort is completely booked

Have a great time!

All awesome tips, thank you so much! We're definitely planning on ordering some groceries for the trip, but like I said at the beginning of the post, this is all for my husband, not my son!

 

[SmallWorld71]

Now that I look closer, I see the info. in your signature. I think one important thing when staying at a value (any resort really) is to make sure that your room is in a good location. If it is in a noisy spot, that can be tough on anyone. When we were at Pop in Feb. we were literally in front of the hippy dippy pool. Normally, a bad thing, but since temps were so cold, there was nobody swimming at night. Make sure he is comfortable asking for a room change if he gets a bad location or, even worse, screaming neighbors!

Also, as far as the comforters go, unless things have changed, there is a sheet and plain blanket under the comforter. When we travel in warm months we don't use the comforter anyway.

 

[saveaquarter]

Now that I look closer, I see the info. in your signature. I think one important thing when staying at a value (any resort really) is to make sure that your room is in a good location. If it is in a noisy spot, that can be tough on anyone. When we were at Pop in Feb. we were literally in front of the hippy dippy pool. Normally, a bad thing, but since temps were so cold, there was nobody swimming at night. Make sure he is comfortable asking for a room change if he gets a bad location or, even worse, screaming neighbors!

Also, as far as the comforters go, unless things have changed, there is a sheet and plain blanket under the comforter. When we travel in warm months we don't use the comforter anyway.

That's one thing I'm a little concerned about, honestly, him being too timid to ask to change his room! We'll have to work on that before he goes. While he may just toss the blankets on the floor anyway, I will probably still pack him his own blanket, the weight of it on him helps him sleep, one of the few sensory issues he has that I can actually relate to!

Thank you so much for all the great advice.

 

[Shreggor]

POR is pretty but not that bright. AKL is also pretty toned down. AKL is my favorite resort. All of the value level resorts are pretty bright and also kind of noisy.

I'm an adult autistic and I have sensory issues but mine are with noises.

 

[SmallWorld71]

That's one thing I'm a little concerned about, honestly, him being too timid to ask to change his room! We'll have to work on that before he goes. While he may just toss the blankets on the floor anyway, I will probably still pack him his own blanket, the weight of it on him helps him sleep, one of the few sensory issues he has that I can actually relate to!

Thank you so much for all the great advice.

Personally, I find the blankets at many of the resorts (including values) to be itchy. So, packing a comfy blanket is probably a good idea.

Also, for the most part, I have found the CM's at the values to be great in terms of room requests. I have always gotten the section I wanted. You could have it noted on the reservation that a quiet area is preferred. No way to predict who your neighbors are, though.

 

[melancholywings]

I love POP but when we stayed off season the busses were packed to the point of being crowded and chaotic. All the seats were filled and adults plus children were crammed in the isle. Strollers were shoved in your face. The only time we had a good bus was when I got sick and we left mid day. We love POP but hate the busses.

On a previous trip we had stayed at a moderate (the cor.. springs one). We never had that problem and often would only share the bus with a few families. We were though far away from the food court.