Waiting in lines- strategies with autistic toddler

CheapMom

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Hi- we are going as a Grand Gathering of over 20 people- in our group we have a 3 year old Austic child with mild SID - He likes to be on the go and his parents are worried about how he will do waiting in lines- They think he will be squirming to run away and pretty unhappy in lines-
Anyone have any good strategies for dealing with this.

Would it be okay for 1 parent to wait in the line and let the other parent take him on the periphery of the line so he has some freedom to move and then as they get close to the front of the line the other parent and the 3 year old could re-enter the line?
Any other ideas for coping with this?

We also have 2 kids with PDD-NOS (ages 10 and 3) and 2 ADHD kids (9 and 10) but we don't anticipate any special needs at WDW for any of these kids-
 
When you arrive at Disney, go straight to the customer relations desk, and obtain a guest assistance card, this will allow the autistic child and his family members (I think up to 6) to use the fastpass entrance or wheelchair entrance. We do this every year with my 8 yr old autistic son, and it works out fine, we rarely have to wait in line for very long. You can either use the entrance as a quieter place for him to wait for the rest of the group or just go on the ride faster. This usually works great for us and we have never had a problem with any of the disney staff.

Have a great trip.
 
We are leaving in just 10 days and have a 3 year old dd with autism. We plan to get the Guest Assistance Card and use it when necessary and other times just use Fast Pass with the other guests. Make sure to get the stamp on the card that allows a stroller to be used in line. We too have concerns about dd trying to run out of line. We also plan to bring a few new, small sensory related toys to occupy her.
 
HEIDIWILL said:
When you arrive at Disney, go straight to the customer relations desk, and obtain a guest assistance card, this will allow the autistic child and his family members (I think up to 6) to use the fastpass entrance or wheelchair entrance. We do this every year with my 8 yr old autistic son, and it works out fine, we rarely have to wait in line for very long. You can either use the entrance as a quieter place for him to wait for the rest of the group or just go on the ride faster. This usually works great for us and we have never had a problem with any of the disney staff.

Have a great trip.

The only problem with this is that she said it's a grand gathering of 20...they will not let all 20 be on a GAC....
 

We found Pal Mickey was a great distraction for our DS while we waited in line, if that is something which would amuse him. You may have to split your party to make use of a GAC, but you could make a note of nearby attractions or shops which would hold his attention while the others ride then meet up afterwards so you are not just standing around waiting. Luckily most of the ride queues have lots to look at while you wait too.
 
Since you are a grand gathering I'd probably get the GAC, and then when your group enters the queue I'd show it the CM and ask if you could come back and join the rest of your group (via fastpass or alternative entrance) when they reach the front of the line. As long as there is a cell phone with both groups it shouldn't be a problem.
 
It can be very difficult to wind your way past other people in line to get up to the front where the rest of your family is waiting. Some people may not even let you pass, (there are threads on the main board about this) so I wouldn't suggest separating. Also, WDW queues are deceiving - a lot of the line is inside the building.

Of course, a 3 yr old wouldn't be going on too many of the attractions with the long, long lines, aka Space Mountain, Tower of Terror, Rock'n'Roller Coaster, etc, right? I'd suggest using Fastpass, and getting a GAC as well, for times when a Fastpass isn't available. Sometimes you won't be getting on the ride any faster, but the CM could show you a better place to wait, etc.

Hope you have a great time!
 
We were just recently at WDW with a group of 14.
I would strongly suggest not tryinng to keep a group of 20 together. Our largest group before this year was 9 and even that was not easy. It seems like people (even if you didn't have anyone with special needs) are on different schedules as far as who is hungry or tired or needs to use the bathroom. The few times that we did try to keep our group together, it was a lot of work to make sure everyone stayed with the group. We had one person leading the way (DH who knows the parks very well). I usually brought up the rear to make sure no one got lost (and people did all the time - someone would see something in a merchandise stall that they were looking at "just as we run by", but by the time they got done, the rest of the group was out of sight.

I'd suggest maybe going to the same park and keeping in touch with cell phones - it's really cool to turn a corner or go into a counter service restaurant and see people you know.

As far as lines go, as was already mentioned, the GAC is usually given out for a total of up to 6 (5 plus the person with a disability). If you haven't already, check out the part about GACs (Guest Assistance Cards) in the disABILITIES FAQs thread.
I don't think what Mickey'snewestfan suggested would work for very many attractions - it's worth asking, but many attraction don't have an alternate entrance and getting to the front of a regular line would not be that easy (in many, the front of the line is not accessible without going thru the whole line - so it's not like you can just wait to the side and hand the child over when the family gets to the front).

Also, if the child is using a stroller as a wheelchair - his stroller will be treated just like a wheelchair is for boarding. That means that for attractions where wheelchair users wait in line and then board at the exit so the wheelchair is waiting at the exit when you are finished with the ride. Most of those attractions have limited space at the exit, so the number of people who would be able to board with him would be limited - usually to 5 or less.

What DID work well for us and I would highly recommend is using Fastpass. You can send one member of your party to the Fastpass machine with all the park passes for your party. That way, you will all be able to ride together with a short (usually 10-15 minutes or less) wait. One thing to be careful of - they will not let you go in before the return time stamped on your Fastpass. So, check the times. We sometimes had 5 for one time and 5 for a time period starting 5 minutes later. They made us wait until the beginning time on the later Fastpasses.
Another thing that might be useful is having someone in your party look into Tour Guide Mike (he advertises on the Theme Parks Board). I have heard good things about his touring plans - since he knows what times things are normally busy, he can tell you what to see when to avoid long lines. One hint I can give is if you can get to a park soon after opening, you will usually have short waits, and this is the case even during busy times like Easter. We have been to MK and gone on pretty much everything in Fantasyland without waiting (some things more than once) by getting there warly in the morning.
And some attractions that are busy early in the day, like the Safari and Kali River Rapids at AK and Spaceship Earth in Epcot can be walked right on later in the afternoon.
 
We have no intention of keeping our group together all day each day- each family is doing their own thing and then we are meeting up for meals- and we may gang-up in small groups for parts of the day (Like all the toddlers and a few parents may go do some little kids rides- while the older kids go on some thrill rides...) So they would only need the GAC card for their family of 4.
Thanks so much for your input- I will let my sister-in-law know what to do- I will definately tell her about the stroller as wheelchair accomodation- that will be a big help.
 
I'd get the Guest Assistance Card. I think you're allowed 5 or 6 people on it. They don't specify it either, so you can always group a different group of five. I doubt all 20 of you will be together 100% of the time, but if you are, make sure you all use Fast Pass. I'm sure WDW CMs will be accomodating too. Just ask if you have questions! :)

Good luck with it...AND good luck traveling with a group of 20! :) You're brave! Have a great time!!
 
HEIDIWILL said:
When you arrive at Disney, go straight to the customer relations desk, and obtain a guest assistance card, this will allow the autistic child and his family members (I think up to 6) to use the fastpass entrance or wheelchair entrance. We do this every year with my 8 yr old autistic son, and it works out fine, we rarely have to wait in line for very long. You can either use the entrance as a quieter place for him to wait for the rest of the group or just go on the ride faster. This usually works great for us and we have never had a problem with any of the disney staff.

Have a great trip.

Actually, if you go to your doctor, they will give you a letter stating what the disability and what is needed so far as special provisions that are needed. This is what I did and the doctor was more than happy to do this for me. Because my son has a problem with noises sometimes, I also got him some of those disposable ear plugs. I made ID cards for in his pocket and also for in his small backpack he will be carrying, just in case he would get seperated from me...lets hope NOT! I was also told, since he has dietary issues that I could call 24 hrs. ahead and where ever I have our ADR's they will accomedate us on this.

Hope this helps out.

By the way...my son has High Functioning Aspergers Syndrome & OCD.
 
diannaneglia said:
Actually, if you go to your doctor, they will give you a letter stating what the disability and what is needed so far as special provisions that are needed.
If you get anything from your doctor it must indicate needs. Just a diagnoses does not mean anything, as people with the same diagnoses may have different needs, especially where the autism spectrum is concerned.

In addition, one needs request that will never be acted on is a general front of the line request. That is reserved for MAW/GKTW only.
 
Cheshire Figment said:
If you get anything from your doctor it must indicate needs. Just a diagnoses does not mean anything, as people with the same diagnoses may have different needs, especially where the autism spectrum is concerned.

In addition, one needs request that will never be acted on is a general front of the line request. That is reserved for MAW/GKTW only.

I never expected to go to the head of the line with the letter I got. I only hoped they had an area we could wait that is a little less crowded with people and noise...more for the 'over stimulation' thing than anything else...also my son has trunk atonia...which makes it hard for him to stand or sit for long periods of time. I stated in my post, that you need to have a diagnosis AND specific needs noted. I actually read this in many guide books...regarding getting a specific letter from your doctor to assist with what ever needs you have.

I relize there are many different needs for each kid with autism spectrum disorder, I am a parent of a child with autism spectrum disorder, why wouldn't I already know this fact?

Sorry for being somewhat 'short' but some people act like everyone is trying to cheat the system all the time...not so in my case! I just want my son and the rest of us traveling with him, to have a great time while visiting WDW...wouldn't anyone want that? And if they offer assistance, and it is needed in my sons case, why not use what assistance they do offer? It isn't like I am faking his disorder for personal gain. And I am sure this has been done...again...not in my case.

BTW...what is MAW/GKTW ?
 
diannaneglia said:
BTW...what is MAW/GKTW ?
The Make A Wish Foundation is for children with fairly severe life-threatening or debilitating illnesses nad will grant them a wish. Many of them ask to come to WDW.

Give Kids The World is a complex near WDW that is often used by MAW and other wish groups. It provides lodging, meals and activites at no charge. Many WDW Cast Members volunteer to work there.

Due to the circumstances, and the probability this is a once in a lifetime trip the children (and their families) get special privledges affoded them.

BTW, my comment about a doctor's note was based on that (1) a CM is not permitted to ask for one, (2) many CMs in Guest Relations don't want to look at one, and (3) some guidebooks say that a diagnoses is necessary. Having a note you write yourself or just asking is sufficient. Some people will want to write out a list of the needs just so they don't forget.

(And also, I work on the Guest Services/Tickets/Greeter Team at one of the WDW parks.)
 
Thanks for the info...appreciate it. I wasn't trying to be rude or anything...just stating what I read...of course we should never believe everything we read. Again, thanks for your help.

I am praying this trip will be everything I (and the kids) have ever dreamed of and more!
 
diannaneglia said:
I never expected to go to the head of the line with the letter I got. I only hoped they had an area we could wait that is a little less crowded with people and noise...more for the 'over stimulation' thing than anything else...also my son has trunk atonia...which makes it hard for him to stand or sit for long periods of time. I stated in my post, that you need to have a diagnosis AND specific needs noted. I actually read this in many guide books...regarding getting a specific letter from your doctor to assist with what ever needs you have.

I relize there are many different needs for each kid with autism spectrum disorder, I am a parent of a child with autism spectrum disorder, why wouldn't I already know this fact?

Sorry for being somewhat 'short' but some people act like everyone is trying to cheat the system all the time...not so in my case! I just want my son and the rest of us traveling with him, to have a great time while visiting WDW...wouldn't anyone want that? And if they offer assistance, and it is needed in my sons case, why not use what assistance they do offer? It isn't like I am faking his disorder for personal gain. And I am sure this has been done...again...not in my case.

BTW...what is MAW/GKTW ?
Actually DIsney cannot ask you for a letter. You just take the child with you to get the card and explain what needs you have. Be specific. Since I already have a GAC I just take my old one when I need a new one.
 
We just got back 3 weeks ago from our trip with our 3 yr autistic son. We went straight to guest relations, had a dr's note which was never even looked at, told them my son is autistic, has a hard time waiting, and we were issued a GAC for general use. It really helped the first day when lines were long and Hunter was not going to wait! It doesn't help when you want to see characters and there are lines. You just have to wait. We just waited for the right time and Hunter saw many charaters.

Good Luck,
April :Pinkbounc
 
I have found that a good time to go to the Judges Tent to meet the characters is at night- 8pm or so- much shorter lines.
 
diannaneglia said:
I relize there are many different needs for each kid with autism spectrum disorder, I am a parent of a child with autism spectrum disorder, why wouldn't I already know this fact?

Sorry for being somewhat 'short' but some people act like everyone is trying to cheat the system all the time...not so in my case! I just want my son and the rest of us traveling with him, to have a great time while visiting WDW...wouldn't anyone want that? And if they offer assistance, and it is needed in my sons case, why not use what assistance they do offer? It isn't like I am faking his disorder for personal gain. And I am sure this has been done...again...not in my case.

BTW...what is MAW/GKTW ?
The reason people mentioned the "needs" part is not because anyone thought you are trying to cheat the system, but because a lot of people think there is one GAC and that it does give front of the line access. I've heard of people bringing letters to Guest Relations where the doctor has written "allow ___________ to go the front of all lines."
I've seen other websites where people have talked about getting the "autism GAC" or saying that autism spectum disorders are a "covered diagnosis for GACs". The ADA doesn't cover diagnoses, it covers needs related to that diagnosis, which is why people have mentioned that the CMs will want information about needs.

It's hard to know what information people already have or might need in a forum like this. The only information we have to go on about each other is what's written here. So, sometimes assumptions are made or people might give information that is not needed, but we don't know that.
Hope we can give things that are helpful and after you come back, you can help others with your experience.
 












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