irish_trip_mom
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2006
- Messages
- 263
Our background...we have 5 yo triplets, and two have autism. One of them is more mild...you wouldn't know he has autism until you realize he is "stuck" on a topic long after the expiration date. His identical brother is much more afflicted. He scripts, stims by licking things or biting, has outbursts, gets antsy in crowds, can't wait for anything. Our pediatrician (also a father of a child with autism) recommended we get two GAC in case we split up, however, Disney would just issue us one. Which was fine. We needed the card for DS #2, not the other guy, and made it a rule that we'd only use the GAC if needed for #2.
With the exception of two attractions, CMs were exceptional to us. We have never felt so special (in a good way!) in our lives. Although we were first issued the wrong stamp on the card, we were usually taken in an alternate exit. We may have then waited a bit to get on, but DS#2 did not have to wait in crowds where he would be upset. We even were able to ride twice in a row on BTMR. I believe the low crowds definitely helped us in this situation.
The first day we were having lunch at CRT for our daughter. The boys were not impressed (as DS#1 stuck his tongue out for our family pic with Cinderella...classic picture, nonetheless.) When I checked in, they had asked about special needs and I mentioned the boys had autism, just so the server may know that we may need to get our food out early or one of us may have to leave the table. We were taken right to see Cinderella, and right to our table with no wait. We were stunned.
The GM of the Fun & Food center at CR noticed how stressed we were the first night there, and gave us a bottle of wine. My husband explained our situation, and he took the time to talk with us each night afterwards, with tips for us. One evening, he showed up at our room with huge cupcakes for the kids, cheesecake for us and a Disney frame for us.
As I said, we made it a rule to use but not abuse the GAC. In fact, when we were with our extended family members, we didn't use it at all, or DH would take DS#2 alone and we'd go in the standby or FP lines.
The highlights for me were seeing how happy my boys were to meet their favorites. I cried when DS#2 ran up and kissed Mickey unprompted. And DS#1 posing with his favorite Power Rangers was priceless. DS#1 had amazing luck...he talked with Crush, he was given a treasure map on POC, and rode Dumbo with Stitch! He thinks he's very cool now. But still doesn't like Princesses. At least he didn't tell them they are yucky.
When I went to guest services to have our GAC stamped correctly, I was in tears as I said to the CM how every day at home has its difficulties, raising special needs children, but Disney made every day at WDW just a bit easier for us. (Now back home in reality, I have to realize my school system doesn't function like WDW!! )
Our trip had started out quite bad. We had had a fairly easy check in at the airport when it was evacuated because someone tried to take a firearm through security. We had leave the terminal and go back through security. Not a good situation, as DS#2 was completely freaking out with the sirens and crowds of people. But the week was so incredible, that this is a distant memory.
With the exception of two attractions, CMs were exceptional to us. We have never felt so special (in a good way!) in our lives. Although we were first issued the wrong stamp on the card, we were usually taken in an alternate exit. We may have then waited a bit to get on, but DS#2 did not have to wait in crowds where he would be upset. We even were able to ride twice in a row on BTMR. I believe the low crowds definitely helped us in this situation.
The first day we were having lunch at CRT for our daughter. The boys were not impressed (as DS#1 stuck his tongue out for our family pic with Cinderella...classic picture, nonetheless.) When I checked in, they had asked about special needs and I mentioned the boys had autism, just so the server may know that we may need to get our food out early or one of us may have to leave the table. We were taken right to see Cinderella, and right to our table with no wait. We were stunned.
The GM of the Fun & Food center at CR noticed how stressed we were the first night there, and gave us a bottle of wine. My husband explained our situation, and he took the time to talk with us each night afterwards, with tips for us. One evening, he showed up at our room with huge cupcakes for the kids, cheesecake for us and a Disney frame for us.
As I said, we made it a rule to use but not abuse the GAC. In fact, when we were with our extended family members, we didn't use it at all, or DH would take DS#2 alone and we'd go in the standby or FP lines.
The highlights for me were seeing how happy my boys were to meet their favorites. I cried when DS#2 ran up and kissed Mickey unprompted. And DS#1 posing with his favorite Power Rangers was priceless. DS#1 had amazing luck...he talked with Crush, he was given a treasure map on POC, and rode Dumbo with Stitch! He thinks he's very cool now. But still doesn't like Princesses. At least he didn't tell them they are yucky.
When I went to guest services to have our GAC stamped correctly, I was in tears as I said to the CM how every day at home has its difficulties, raising special needs children, but Disney made every day at WDW just a bit easier for us. (Now back home in reality, I have to realize my school system doesn't function like WDW!! )
Our trip had started out quite bad. We had had a fairly easy check in at the airport when it was evacuated because someone tried to take a firearm through security. We had leave the terminal and go back through security. Not a good situation, as DS#2 was completely freaking out with the sirens and crowds of people. But the week was so incredible, that this is a distant memory.
Let me tell you it got deathly quiet. I apologized profusely to those around me for using that word, but everybody said no apology necessary...he deserved it. I was still embarassed though. The guy and his girlfriend left the line without saying a word. 
