Weigh in (multiple questions)?

[WonderlandisReality]

Working on planning WDW trip. It will be my 4th trip, but 1st on site. Children's 1st.
I have several questions after reading and lurking for almost a year.
If I book an accessible room early on can I add a dining plan later? I'd rather make sure we have a room we can use (and want) and pay cash for food if it comes down to it. But both would be nice.
Many, many years ago when we went my parents got reflective captioning for me in several of the theater presentations. It was helpful but I recall you had to hold it just so. It loos like the equipment now requires a $100 deposit every day. Is it worth it? Especially when you are juggling kids of your own? I do have some hearing, but use captioning everyday.
Everyone asks this, I know.
DD #1 has multiple intellectual disabilities, tibial pseudoarthosis, seizure disorder, visual impairment, and is missing a portion of her brain that results in occasional behavioral meltdowns. She utilizes a wheelchair for medium and long distance ambulation. We have a double Maclaren Major Elite which does resemble a large umbrella stroller. Will we encounter issues getting a Stroller-as-a-Wheelchair tag for her needs?
DD #2 has more severe intellectual disabilities, microcephaly, asthma. Her behavioral meltdowns are stable for her condition but occur several times daily without many identifiable triggers and she is violent to herself and others. She calms quickly with the appropriate interventions. She also requires the Maclaren for sensory regulation but would it be worth asking about the DAS for her? Only Disney Guest Relations that day knows for sure, but opinions on the chances we will get it? (I am taking her solo for this trip because she does better with just me vs. additional adult family members. She can tolerate a 15 ish minute wait OK. Did OK at some local theme parks, others not. We were given something akin to the old GAC without asking after an incident in July of this year on our Summer Vacation to a small theme park nearby)
Is the areas designed for meltdowns convenient in the parks in general? Is there an age cutoff for the baby care center? (They will lose it in first aid, anything medical sets them off)
I know that "folding chairs" are prohibited. Are the not-really-a-chair stadium seat pads with a back prohibited too? If I have to set up and calm someone down in the middle of a walkway I have no shame but I'd really like to be able to walk after too.
Has anyone ever used "tiles" as a GPS tracker in case someone wanders off? Good plan/Bad plan? Thinking of putting one on the Maclaren too?
We will be staying in a value resort. They (and I for obvious reasons) aren't overly sensitive to sound when sleeping. I am aware that we probably cause a ruckus between kids being kids, behavioral stimming, stroller noise, etc. Ground floor request? Or are there pitfalls I'm not aware of?
Are there ALWAYS lifejackets available at the pools/waterparks? (late April/early May)
Ground Transportation? I have concerns about the bus. The Maclaren isn't a transport chair and it would be a terrible ride for us and 50+ others if #2 goes into Meltdown mode on the ride. She and EVERYONE ELSE would be safer with her strapped in the stroller in that situation. But Laws. I am not familiar with exactly how patient an Uber/Lyft/MinnieVan driver is going to be with getting two kids in car seats, a 2-3 stroller fold down process to get in and then the reverse getting out. (5-7 minutes each time). Plus there is going to be a situation where #2 will scream the whole trip. It won't bother me. But, It's terrible to be subject to. So rental car? That's how we did it in my childhood. We are planning on a Universal day. I have zero issues driving. But...is there someone available at the airport to help us get from baggage claim to the car (I don't have enough hands). If I want to skip the trams, realistically, how long of a walk is it? I am used to walking 5-10 minutes twice a day from the parking lot to the hospital I work in. How safe are the Disney parking lots? And, I have a Prius at home. This is perfect for the 3 of us and the stroller. How does this compute for Alamo's rental car sizes? The last time we rented we just showed up at Enterprise and the lady took a look at us and upgraded us to Chevy Cruze no charge. It both situations the Maclaren rides shotgun. Luggage in the trunk.
My kids would be night owls if I let them, which I totally intend to allow. Vacations in the past work best when they are allowed to stay up until 11-12 and sleep in until 9. Is rope drop super vital (we always did it when I was a kid)? If we use Personalized Touring Plans and Fast Passes can I organize this without wrecking the day? We all love fireworks and would rather see this as much as possible.
Can I replace most character meet and greets with character meals? My kids love food. And have, so far, done spectacular in restaurants. My thought was a late lunch when it is really hot out.
Jetblue or Delta? Who is more likely to tolerate my kids? Who is less likely to damage the Wheelchair stroller?
Finally, the airport we fly out of has a "wings for autism" program. Both girls flew a few times as toddlers when we lived briefly in Eastern Europe. It was a nightmare back then. We have been advised/invited to do this a few months before we go (basically we are taken through the check in process, through security, onto the airplane, boarding, I believe they turn on the engines and we pretend to fly for a brief period, before "landing", etc.). Has anyone done this? If so, was it helpful? It is a 3 hour flight to MCO for us. Which is next to nothing compared to what we endured when they were little. I was going to suck it up and hope we don't get booted, but if this helps, I'll give it a try.
TIA.

 

[gap2368]

for your kids, you need to go to GR and think about what your kids' needs are in line DX does not matter to them as they are not DR.

they sell ( or used to) pads that you sit on not sure if you can bring the kind with a backrest.

there is life vest of all size at the pool for guest uses.

you can not have a child in a stroller on a bus ( in fact you can not even open it) so you will have to make due

if you kids are night people let them stay up late and go in late.

 

[Kaytie]

Wow, this certainly is a few questions I

If I book an accessible room early on can I add a dining plan later? I'd rather make sure we have a room we can use (and want) and pay cash for food if it comes down to it. But both would be nice.

Yes,you can, but it would require changing your reservation from room-only to a timeless package.

It was helpful but I recall you had to hold it just so. It loos like the equipment now requires a $100 deposit every day. Is it worth it?

You get the $100 back each day when you return the device, so ultimately it costs you nothing. Try it the first day and see how it works for you.

Will we encounter issues getting a Stroller-as-a-Wheelchair tag for her needs?

Yes.

Is the areas designed for meltdowns convenient in the parks in general?

The Baby Centers are in about the center of three parks. At DHS, It's near the front

Only Disney Guest Relations that day knows for sure, but opinions on the chances we will get it?

Explain why she can't wait in a line. Like you did here. It would make sense that she would be eligible.

Are the not-really-a-chair stadium seat pads with a back prohibited too?

Yes. No chairs. That's a chair.

So rental car?

Yes.

I am not familiar with exactly how patient an Uber/Lyft/MinnieVan driver is going to be with getting two kids in car seats, a 2-3 stroller fold down process to get in and then the reverse getting out. (5-7 minutes each time).

Minnie Van drivers would be best, although every single Lyft driver I've had has been wonderful.

Can I replace most character meet and greets with character meals?

You can, but I'm not sure how many Character lunches there are.

Finally, the airport we fly out of has a "wings for autism" program.

If you think it would benefit your daughters, yes, you should do it. I'd be surprised if they start the plane, though.

 

[lanejudy]

Wow, you've got a lot going on and that is quite a list of questions. I'm going to try to break it down a bit and address each individually.

If I book an accessible room early on can I add a dining plan later?

You can add a dining plan up to 5 (or maybe 3?) days prior to check-in. Will you be booking a package (room+tickets) or a room-only reservation? Unfortunately, those are 2 different reservation systems, and if you book a room-only, adding the dining plan later will mean you have to convert to a package. Any deposit and/or payments will not be transferred; you will need to make a new deposit and receive a refund or prior-paid funds. If you book a package (room+tickets), you can easily add the dining and pay the extra. I do suggest that you research and decide whether the dining plan is right for your family's dining style. We often put the value of th edining plan on a gift card, and pay with that. It's then "pre-paid" (no big credit card charges post-vacation) but we find we have leftover money.

Many, many years ago when we went my parents got reflective captioning for me in several of the theater presentations. It was helpful but I recall you had to hold it just so. It loos like the equipment now requires a $100 deposit every day. Is it worth it? Especially when you are juggling kids of your own? I do have some hearing, but use captioning everyday.

I don’t have experience with the reflective captioning (we have used the assistive listening). Depending how long ago you went with your parents, I would assume the equipment has been upgraded at some point. But whether it’s easier to use or not may not have changed. The website indicates a a $25 deposit, you can leave your credit card number and the charge actually doesn’t go through unless you neglect to return the equipment at the end of the day. Hopefully someone with more direct experience with the reflective captioning can chime in. I see "hand-held captioning" as more widely available with "reflective captioning" available at select theaters.

 

[lanejudy]

We have a double Maclaren Major Elite which does resemble a large umbrella stroller. Will we encounter issues getting a Stroller-as-a-Wheelchair tag for her needs?

No, you shouldn’t have any problem getting a double stroller tagged stroller-as-wheelchair.

She also requires the Maclaren for sensory regulation but would it be worth asking about the DAS for her?

I don’t think anyone can truly answer that for you except Guest Relations. Diagnoses alone do not qualify. If the stroller manages her needs, she won’t get the DAS. You would have to explain why the stroller isn’t enough accommodation. If you aren’t sure, you can try the park first and then return to Guest Relations later in the day with specific examples.

Is the areas designed for meltdowns convenient in the parks in general? Is there an age cutoff for the baby care center? (They will lose it in first aid, anything medical sets them off)

There is no specific “area designated for meltdowns” in any of the parks. There are various locations throughout each park that may or may not be quieter and helpful for your girls. Here is a link to the Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities and pages 29-31 list some of these. The Baby Care centers are really for babies and would not be an appropriate place to take a child having a meltdown. First Aid has quiet “rooms” with beds/cots that may be helpful if someone needs to lie down and rest for a bit, but otherwise would not necessarily be a place for a meltdown.

 

[lanejudy]

Are the not-really-a-chair stadium seat pads with a back prohibited too?

Like a seat cushion that opens up? I don’t believe they are prohibited. Or the more solid "seats" with a folding back? That likely is prohibited. It would probably be most appropriate if you move out of the main walkway to avoid oblivious guests walking into you.

Has anyone ever used "tiles" as a GPS tracker in case someone wanders off?

I haven’t used them but have read others who did or plan to use tiles.

Ground floor request? Or are there pitfalls I'm not aware of?

Resort requests are just that – requests. You may or may not get what is requested. What is preferable for your family is up to you to decide. Would ground floor be a problem if one of the kids gets out the door? Upper floors will have railings and walkways that might slow a bolter a bit more. But of course it has other challenges.

Are there ALWAYS lifejackets available at the pools/waterparks? (late April/early May)

Probably, but if it’s particularly busy/crowded, certain sizes may not be available until someone returns it. At least at the pools. There was one time that we picked up the last lifevest of DD’s size, so anyone arriving a minute later would not have had one immediately. I can’t say how often that happens, or if another may have been sitting out around the pool because someone simply didn’t put it back where it belonged.

 

[lanejudy]

Ground Transportation? ... She and EVERYONE ELSE would be safer with her strapped in the stroller in that situation.

You are correct that the Maclaren Major Elite does not have a transport package. And I believe you mentioned a double Maclaren Major Elite (I’ve never seen one but have heard of them, though rare). A double stroller will not be allowed on the bus open and while I have read reports of bus drivers incorrectly tying down a single stroller, never a double. It truly is unsafe to the child. If behavior challenges are so bad as to be unsafe for other passengers if the child is out of her stroller, please plan for other transportation options. If the child is screaming in an Uber/lyft/taxi, the driver may refuse to drive; I honestly don’t know. I’d recommend a rental car to deal with the transportation challenges you describe. I can’t speak to trams as we have never driven to a park.

Is rope drop super vital (we always did it when I was a kid)? If we use Personalized Touring Plans and Fast Passes can I organize this without wrecking the day?

Plan your day the way you’d like. No need to do rope drop if that doesn’t work for you. If the kids prefer to say up late and sleep in, they won’t be happy campers rising early for rope drop.

Can I replace most character meet and greets with character meals?

My family doesn’t do a lot of meet & greets. We plan a couple of character meals each trip. Be aware that the character meals can be loud and “busy” – moreso than typical restaurant atmosphere. But if dining is a good time for your kids, that may be a good way to see characters.

Jetblue or Delta? Who is more likely to tolerate my kids? Who is less likely to damage the Wheelchair stroller?

Finally, the airport we fly out of has a "wings for autism" program. ... Has anyone done this? If so, was it helpful?

We have flown JetBlue with a gate-check stroller, and also Southwest. No damage. I think any airline can have incidents with damage, but all are quite familiar with gate-checking strollers since anyone is allowed to do that. The Maclaren Major Elite isn’t really different, though you might consider using some type of bag if it doesn’t close tightly or has loose pieces (like the foot rests).

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[mamabunny]

WonderlandisReality said: ↑
Can I replace most character meet and greets with character meals?

We actually prefer it. One of our all-time favorites is the Garden Grill at Epcot - for *lunch* (later lunch, after 1:00 pm or so is great; less crowded, longer and more interactions). You get Micky, Pluto, Chip & Dale for sure, and great table side interactions with them. Chip & Dale are especially playful. The restaurant very slowly circles around, so the "view" is always changing (it's related to the "Living with the Land" ride below) and the food is awesome.

 

[Weedy]

Have you been to Disney since you were young?
It is so crowded now. There are lines for everything!! It starts with a long security line to even enter the park.
I read your post that you’re the only adult going.
I understand you wanting your children to experience Disney but this may be too much for them to handle at this time.
There is a thread right now about the challenges of
staying for the fireworks and then exiting the park with thousands of people and trying to get transportation back to the hotel.
You know your family and what they can handle but I wanted to point out the many challenges you will face.

 

[SteveMouse]

If you have disabled tags for your vehicle, you can park in disabled parking, which is always closer than general parking (it varies a bit by park). For the Magic Kingdom, I don’t think it’s possible to walk from the general lot to the ferry or monorail (if you drive a car, you have to take the ferry or the monorail to the MK).

 

[chloelovesdisney]

You should have no issue getting the stroller as wheelchair tags and DAS. It sounds like a rental car would be the safest situation as they won't allow the stroller to be used as a wheelchair on the bus (I think it's because it can't be secured properly). The nursing and changing rooms at the baby care centers are pretty small and would not be suitable to settle a child down in a meltdown. They are really just the nursing area, changing area, bathroom, and little counter that sells baby supplies. If the first aide center isn't usable then maybe identify some off the main path areas on the park maps ahead of time that may work?

 

[WonderlandisReality]

Car rental sounds like it is the way to go. Finding areas to settle down meltdowns (and understanding that benches are disappearing). She needs to be placed in a controlled hold and then rocked. I do have rod and pins from a childhood scoliosis correction, sitting on concrete/pavement or the ground is difficult for me to immediately recover from. Is this type of seat prohibited? https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-2000...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=KFE8T2JKXV7GMBXTKXRP

 

[mamabunny]

Car rental sounds like it is the way to go. Finding areas to settle down meltdowns (and understanding that benches are disappearing). She needs to be placed in a controlled hold and then rocked. I do have rod and pins from a childhood scoliosis correction, sitting on concrete/pavement or the ground is difficult for me to immediately recover from. Is this type of seat prohibited? https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-2000...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=KFE8T2JKXV7GMBXTKXRP

I'm not sure that will make it through security. Has anyone else here used one of those at the Parks? (speaking of Security, do you have a plan for that? Security is required at all Parks now)

What about a nice, thick gel cushion (with a handle, so you could hang it on the stroller)?

 

[Allison]

If I have to set up and calm someone down in the middle of a walkway I have no shame but I'd really like to be able to walk after too.

I want you to be prepared that you aren't really going to be able to do something like this. The parks are far too crowded to be able to do this safely and all the people around might make it difficult to calm a child down.

 

[J'aime Paris]

I'm not questioning your judgment about DD doing better with only you, but I think an extra person or two is almost a necessity!
(You will literally be surrounded by tens of thousands of people at all times anyway.)

With 2 girls to attend to, a large double stroller, a "chair/pad" for yourself, a bag with personal items, medical equipment?, snacks possibly, etc.
I'm not sure how one individual can actually pull that off.

 

[WonderlandisReality]

(speaking of Security, do you have a plan for that? Security is required at all Parks now)

What about a nice, thick gel cushion (with a handle, so you could hang it on the stroller)?

You, bring up a good point. No I don't have a plan for Security lines (I do for meals). I am hoping that the security lines are in the 10-20 minute range and I believe that they are allowed to stay in the stroller. They have past trauma from prior to their adoption and will shut down entirely with uniformed military/police/security. They do comply (we have been through airport security here and abroad without issue). They just need drink, snacks, and 10 minutes of reassurance after. It brings back tough memories. So my plan is more post-security. If I am completely off-base about the time in line and the ability to stay in the stroller, please correct me.

The cushion is nice and cushiony, but nature has provided me with adequate butt padding. I was hoping to find something with low back support that will work. If not, not anything to stress about.

I'm not questioning your judgment about DD doing better with only you, but I think an extra person or two is almost a necessity!
(You will literally be surrounded by tens of thousands of people at all times anyway.)

With 2 girls to attend to, a large double stroller, a "chair/pad" for yourself, a bag with personal items, medical equipment?, snacks possibly, etc.
I'm not sure how one individual can actually pull that off.

Without going completely OT. Amount of people in random crowd who won't really respond: not the issue. Amount of people in our party/or immediate vicinity to manipulate/fight with/appeal to when the moment is ripe: MASSIVE ISSUE (everyday). When it's just me, that gets shut down fast. Real fast.

Stroller, 3 bags, Service dog (not coming!), medical equipment, snacks...that is my daily school/work pick up and drop off or pretty much anytime we leave the house. It's my normal? And we don't stay in...

I want you to be prepared that you aren't really going to be able to do something like this. The parks are far too crowded to be able to do this safely and all the people around might make it difficult to calm a child down.

Excellent point. But I was thinking more of pulling to the side in the middle of a walkway/against a building/shrubbery/fence/port-a-potty. Recalling how far apart the areas in the cognitive disabilities guide are I think in a worse case scenario it's too far to get there if she is self-injuring. Not to mention that is just disturbing for any family to witness if I can just quickly position the chair off to the side and get her out. Wasn't planning on pulling the South American tourist move and sitting down my crew down in the literal middle of main street as everyone is exiting from the fireworks. I do wish to live.
Or am I gonna get stinkeye for even trying this?

 

[J'aime Paris]

Without going completely OT. Amount of people in random crowd who won't really respond: not the issue. Amount of people in our party/or immediate vicinity to manipulate/fight with/appeal to when the moment is ripe: MASSIVE ISSUE (everyday). When it's just me, that gets shut down fast. Real fast.

Stroller, 3 bags, Service dog (not coming!), medical equipment, snacks...that is my daily school/work pick up and drop off or pretty much anytime we leave the house. It's my normal? And we don't stay in...

Well...you did ask for people to weigh in ...and that's what I did.

Sorry the people in your life are "manipulative/fight/appeal to/ MASSIVE ISSUE". You made no references to such in your post.
Sounds like a fun bunch! I'm out!

 

[Allison]

I'm just throwing this out there but have you considered the Fort Wilderness cabins? I just wonder if the isolation away from other travelers might be a good fit for your family. Since they are free-standing cabins you wouldn't have to worry about others around you. Just an idea.

 

[gap2368]

1 You, bring up a good point. No I don't have a plan for Security lines (I do for meals). I am hoping that the security lines are in the 10-20 minute range and I believe that they are allowed to stay in the stroller. They have past trauma from prior to their adoption and will shut down entirely with uniformed military/police/security. They do comply (we have been through airport security here and abroad without issue). They just need drink, snacks, and 10 minutes of reassurance after. It brings back tough memories. So my plan is more post-security. If I am completely off-base about the time in line and the ability to stay in the stroller, please correct me.

2 The cushion is nice and cushiony, but nature has provided me with adequate butt padding. I was hoping to find something with low back support that will work. If not, not anything to stress about.



Without going completely OT. Amount of people in random crowd who won't really respond: not the issue. Amount of people in our party/or immediate vicinity to manipulate/fight with/appeal to when the moment is ripe: MASSIVE ISSUE (everyday). When it's just me, that gets shut down fast. Real fast.

Stroller, 3 bags, Service dog (not coming!), medical equipment, snacks...that is my daily school/work pick up and drop off or pretty much anytime we leave the house. It's my normal? And we don't stay in...



3 Excellent point. But I was thinking more of pulling to the side in the middle of a walkway/against a building/shrubbery/fence/port-a-potty. Recalling how far apart the areas in the cognitive disabilities guide are I think in a worse case scenario it's too far to get there if she is self-injuring. Not to mention that is just disturbing for any family to witness if I can just quickly position the chair off to the side and get her out. Wasn't planning on pulling the South American tourist move and sitting down my crew down in the literal middle of main street as everyone is exiting from the fireworks. I do wish to live.
Or am I gonna get stinkeye for even trying this?

1 If you plan on getting to the parks, not at RD then you should be Ok most of the time I can get thought bag check within 5-10 minutes.

2 I have seen something that goes around your back and then you hook them on your knees ( you sit on the ground criss-cross ) and this gives you some back support not sure if this would help you or not

3. I would say about 80% of the time you can find a not so busy corner/ side where you could pull off within 40 steps. Some places ( like at the MK where PP and IASW) you will have to walk about 50-100 years to find a spot to sit down ( I do have a hard time with distance sometimes).

 

[WonderlandisReality]

Well...you did ask for people to weigh in ...and that's what I did.

Sorry the people in your life are "manipulative/fight/appeal to/ MASSIVE ISSUE". You made no references to such in your post.
Sounds like a fun bunch! I'm out!

I sincerely apologize that it isn't coming across well in written form. My family is truly supportive and my kids are my world. Both children survived abuse and neglect severe enough to cause permanent brain injury and stunted growth. They have survival behaviors that served them well at the time but struggle with adaptation to traditional family. My youngest is particularly adept at these behaviors. No, it isn't fun, but it isn't the majority of the time. It's just the part that gets the most attention. You are correct that I didn't put this in my original post. To be perfectly clear: My child is severely psychologically ill. It is managed, but won't go away. Head games are easier to shut down when she has nobody to play them off. Therefore lending itself to higher chance of awesome vacation time for all.