which park to go to ?

[summer2011]

we have been to MK 3 times. My daughter, who is devt. delayed loves the park but the last time we went she only would go on a few rides-tea cups, carousel, small world, monsterinc. floor, etc. Then she only wanted to meet all the characters. she loved the parade, castle show too. She is already telling me what she wants to do (same as last time) and is adament about not going on other rides or even trying them. (ex. won't go on philharmonic,pirates, snow white, jungle cruise, peter pan) She says she is scared and once she says that there is no way to persuade her. So my question is although MK is great is there other things we could do beside going on the rides that are actually amusement park rides with a disney theme (ex. dumbo)? i am trying to think if another park would be better for her but I just don't know if she would be disappointed as there aren't parades at all of them or princess shows. Any opinions would be great. She is 13 and we get the disability pass. we only go for one day and then go back to our hotel on the coast so it is alot of money for one day and just the two of us. thanks so much. we also have considered the character meals but they need prebooking usually, will add alot to the money spent in the day and she has a peanut allergy. I am also afraid she won't sit and wait her turn for the characters to come and see her.
thanks

 

[peemagg]

Does she like animals? If she does try Animal Kingdom. There are rides like Kilamanjaro Safari that takes her out to see the animals up close. There is also the Pangani Train ride that goes back to the area where there are animals that she can pet, feed, and brush. If she likes shows there is the Lion King show. By the Lion King show there is character meet and greet areas.

We can make a whole day of those few things and looking at the animals and watching the parade. You could also go on a hunt for DeVine. She is a walking vine that will amaze you.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

The problem is it depends on the child, our son loves many of the rides at Magic Kingdom so overall it is easily our favourite park.
Whereas as Hollywood Studios there is very little that appeals to him.

I agree that Animal Kingdom is a good suggestion.

Is it worth checking further each park on Disney's website and seeing what attractions may appeal?

 

[Bete]

This park has a parade. The Tree of Life is unique and you can walk around it; it's the equivalent icon to the castle. There are animals carved in the tree. It's fun to find them all. There is no fireworks, here. There's enough shows to see here. There's a tamer section to the park for rides that she might enjoy.

I would stay away from the attraction called It's Tough to be a Bug. This one could scare her even though she is older. I'm assuming the thrill rides are out like Expedition Everest. You can be very passive in this park just looking at the animals. It is a lot more walking; so, be prepared on that count. It's 5 times bigger then MK. I would mix it up with rides and shows and eating; so, you have break times to rest.

If you want to see if she would warm up to the idea of doing more at MK you can get the free vacation video from Disney (sign up on their website) which will show the rides; so, she see could see how they are ahead of time. Using a reward like getting a park souvenir after a new ride is a good incentive. Sometimes this will work. It can even be a snack like an ice cream cone or candy. This video will give you a glimpse at all the parks.

Travel Channel and a few other channels show Disney vacation info, too. Your library may have good picture books and even video to give her a better idea of it all. This is all free; so, you don't have anything to lose to see if these aids will help her enjoy the parks more. U tube is great to show rides and such. Just do a search for a certain park or ride. You'd be suprised how much is there.

I would even consider SeaWorld as a good park to go to instead of Disney. There are so many shows there.

Good luck and God Bless.

 

[peemagg]

Just a thought as a reward for trying new rides. We collect pins for the rides that we do and conquered our fears or just plain love. Maybe you could do the same thing with her. Get her a pin lanyard and get her pins for the rides that she becomes brave and tries. It might be a great reward for her and it becomes a souvenier for her too.