We’re here - with toddlers! DAS/Maxpass/FP

[DizMe]

I have enjoyed your reports very much. I sympathize with the logistics required for such a vacation. I have a special needs girl who is now 17, almost 18. We first took her to DL when she was 4. It was quite an experience! She was a full-on princess kid so she LOVED DL, but due to her Asperger's, we were unsure what things would present as challenges. Surprisingly, most of the loud music and flashing lights of the rides did not seem to bother her other than possibly increasing her already high anxiety level. She was chewing through the sleeve of her sweatshirt so we bought her a chewable rubber thingy we could clip on her jacket for her to chew on instead. In Tomorrowland, the concrete had a stamped pattern and she got it into her head that she could only step in certain squares. Try explaining that to the frustrated people behind you. Self-flushing toilets were the worst!! followed closely by the fireworks. She literally crawled inside my shirt when they started going off and we had to high-tail it into the nearest building. Also lost it if she heard a cannon go off (stayed far away from Fantasmic). Anyway, other things more than made up for it but I don't think she would have been able to handle it at 2. Kudos to you for trying to give your kids such a fun experience. We also have twins who are 3 years younger than the above DD. They, too, began going to DL at 4. The trouble is, the 3 of them together were very difficult. The twins have their own idiosyncrasies though they've never been diagnosed on the spectrum; I honestly think it's the fact that they grew up looking at older sister's behavior and responses. Anyway, it was challenging to take all 3 at the same time so we often split it up; birthday trips, for instance, instead of as many family trips. I can't imagine how exhausted you and your dh must be--huge hugs to you! I, too, go to DL with my sister and/or my friends. My dh happily pays for my AP and calls it my therapy. He's right!!

 

[smartlabelprint]

I have enjoyed your reports very much. I sympathize with the logistics required for such a vacation. I have a special needs girl who is now 17, almost 18. We first took her to DL when she was 4. It was quite an experience! She was a full-on princess kid so she LOVED DL, but due to her Asperger's, we were unsure what things would present as challenges. Surprisingly, most of the loud music and flashing lights of the rides did not seem to bother her other than possibly increasing her already high anxiety level. She was chewing through the sleeve of her sweatshirt so we bought her a chewable rubber thingy we could clip on her jacket for her to chew on instead. In Tomorrowland, the concrete had a stamped pattern and she got it into her head that she could only step in certain squares. Try explaining that to the frustrated people behind you. Self-flushing toilets were the worst!! followed closely by the fireworks. She literally crawled inside my shirt when they started going off and we had to high-tail it into the nearest building. Also lost it if she heard a cannon go off (stayed far away from Fantasmic). Anyway, other things more than made up for it but I don't think she would have been able to handle it at 2. Kudos to you for trying to give your kids such a fun experience. We also have twins who are 3 years younger than the above DD. They, too, began going to DL at 4. The trouble is, the 3 of them together were very difficult. The twins have their own idiosyncrasies though they've never been diagnosed on the spectrum; I honestly think it's the fact that they grew up looking at older sister's behavior and responses. Anyway, it was challenging to take all 3 at the same time so we often split it up; birthday trips, for instance, instead of as many family trips. I can't imagine how exhausted you and your dh must be--huge hugs to you! I, too, go to DL with my sister and/or my friends. My dh happily pays for my AP and calls it my therapy. He's right!!

So glad to hear another’s experience. And you lived to tell! I have hope. My kids have FASD.

My 3 yo has a thing with the lines. He would only walk certain ways. He would jump over certain patterns in the concrete. And in the hotel he had to jump over every line on the carpet pattern. We’ve taken them the last 2 years also. 4/18 mos and 14 mos/2.5 yrs. it’s definitely harder this time. 2yo copes much better but also can express more frustration with the sensory overload. Without being able to pinpoint it and tell us so we are still detectives. Haha!

We were far, far away from the parks during the fireworks with the kids. Lol

 

[azdisneylover]

Thanks .I think it will be several years until we travel with the kids. The 2 yo had a harder time on the flights, home especially. DL ruined her. Was screaming bloody murder on the plane because of the bumps.

We had a hunch it would be hard after our Hawaii vacation in dec. This trip they had recently slept in a hotel so that aspect helped.

We're content with breaks akone. We really need the respite with special needs kids. We've decided to do spring break and Xmas vacations at home all Together. Now that they're in preschool it will be easier on me too! They sleep better at home. We can go out and do fun activities throughout the week. This way there is also no transition home. Transitions are much harder with their disability.

(((Big hugs)))
I hope all is well. I know all kids thrive on schedules and when they are mixed up, some have it harder than others to go with the flow. Doing day trips sounds like a great idea. Your kids are very young, and I know when my kids were young, they could handle a few hours, then they needed quiet time. They quit napping at 18 months, so, the quiet time in the afternoon really helped them (and me!). My three kids will be turning 16 in a few short weeks. I have B/G/G triplets. Know it may feel sometimes the hours go by so slowly and the years go by with a blink of an eye.

 

[smartlabelprint]

(((Big hugs)))
I hope all is well. I know all kids thrive on schedules and when they are mixed up, some have it harder than others to go with the flow. Doing day trips sounds like a great idea. Your kids are very young, and I know when my kids were young, they could handle a few hours, then they needed quiet time. They quit napping at 18 months, so, the quiet time in the afternoon really helped them (and me!). My three kids will be turning 16 in a few short weeks. I have B/G/G triplets. Know it may feel sometimes the hours go by so slowly and the years go by with a blink of an eye.

Whoa! 3! I sometimes wish mine were twins instead of a year apart. The oldest can do just a little more. But I never wished for 3. I need a respite worker when I’m alone with them. Haha! You were outnumbered from the start. Thanks for your thoughts!