What should I be ready for?

[jgualario]

I will be traveling to WDW with my 34 years old brother. He has downs syndrome and this will be his first trip in almost 20 years!! Anyone have and advice for traveling with a Downs person? I feel like I am missing something or over looking something I just want to make sure he has a Magical Time!

 

[peemagg]

Just go at his pace. That would be the best advice I can give without more information on his capabilities.

 

[pampam]

DD 41 has DS and simply adores WDW. I forsee no problems with your brother. Just be mindfull of his limitations. You didn't mention any physical problems so I asume he doesn't have any. I'm sure you will be making some wonderful memories.

 

[LisaBi]

My son who has Downs is 19. He just lives to go WDW. We do have to use a wheelchair in the parks...he just doesn't have the stamina to walk it. I find it better to rent from an off-site company so we have it all the way from the bus. The walks from the bus can be very long. One of the reasons we love going is because it is the one place he can be like everyone else. Just be prepared for him to really get into things that you might not expect an adult to enjoy. For example, my son LOVES the Disney Channel Rocks show. He likes to do the Kim Possible adventures in Epcot...but i have to help him understand what to do. And he wants to do the Jedi thing but he is simply too big for that. He still loves most of the characters. But he claims that IASW and Dumbo are now lame.

I just let him pretty much set the pace and we have a great time.

 

[jgualario]

Thank you! Your post helped a lot. My brother has not traveled with us before and I am just a worried sister! I am very excited that he will be able to be part of the magic!

 

[handicap18]

Don't worry about. Go at his pace. Make suggestions. Obviously we don't know him and what his limitations are or what his strengths are. A few years back on my way out of MK, while walking down Main Street I ran into a young woman with DS who lived nearby and she said she was always at Disney. Many times by herself. She loves it.

I know a lot of young adults and adults with DS who are some of the most independent people I know. Don't sweat the small stuff. Your brother will be fine. Just enjoy it with him. Watch things through his eyes. It will give you a new appreciation of Disney.