WOC for autistic child

[Minuet888]

Hi,
I have a little boy who is autistic (he will be five on Monday when we are there). We are going to try to get a GAC for him to see if things will be easier for him. For the shows we spend the extra money like Fantasmic dessert and preferred dining for WOC.
Now I have done the Fantasmic dessert before (but not with the little one) and I pretty sure how WOC works with preferred dining but I have some concerns.
I realize every autistic child is different but with everyone standing I cannot hold him. He doesn't like to be contained or held. Crowds can also be a problem (which is why we paid for F dessert seats) they start surrounding from all sides and it becomes over stimulating and kind of claustrophobic for him.
I really think he will love the show but I am not sure he will even be able to see it if we can't hold him. I also fear him freaking out with the crowds and trying, in the dark, to get a full feldged temper tantrum 5 year old out of a crowd.

Does anyone who has an autistic child have any advice to help me here? We leave tomorrow morning and are doing WOC tomorrow night.

A friend suggested using the GAC to sit in the wheelchair viewing area, it is more open and there are seats. So is even allowed? and where is the wheelchair viewing area? Is it way off to the side like Fantasmic or pretty center?

I know everyone is different but I wouldn't mind hearing different perscpectives and opinions and I thank you.

 

[nyrebecca]

My son will be 12 in two months and has Autism. We have been going to Disney since he was 5 years old and up until last year were able to sit in the wheel chair areas for anything when we showed the GAC card. Last year they told us unless it was stamped with the wheelchair icon that we would not be allowed to sit/stand there.

Being that your son is 5, and not sure how big he is, do you think one of the bigger strollers might help? You can mention that a stroller is being used in lieu of a wheelchair when you get the GAC and they will stamp it with the wheelchair icon (so I have been told/read on other boards). That way you can access the wheel chair areas, AND he would also have space that gives him the extra room he needs and doesnt have the crowds right on top of him.

Just some ideas...

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I think that these questions are related to Disneyland and not WDW, as WOC is the new World of Color at DCA.

Sorry I can't help, but I'm going there in late September and expect to be able to report back afterwards.

 

[mousermerf]

I did WoC on the grand opening with a dining package.

My experience from the event and then combined with working with autism spectrum in the parks at various shows/attractions has me of the opinion that the way this show is set up will be a difficult task at best.

It's extremely crowded. Wheelchair accessible areas are part of each viewing section but really a moreso an afterthought then an intentional design of the area. They are small, cramped, and I saw many people being turned away or rerouted to other areas. Then they are crowded on the sides and behind by guests trying to get a good view from around them.

The only area where there is always space and an ability to sort of linger behind the crowd is the center-center section which is currently reserved for dining packages. If you look at maps there's a big circular space in the middle of the whole viewing area. That's where dining packages go (and a few bits around it) but since it's all level 90% of the people crowd the front of the circle by the stairs. That leaves the rear wide open to whoever wants it.

Directly behind it is another section that is also pushed up against their ropes, but they're not "in" the section so there is space. Also, it's a straight shot out the back (they intentionally leave walkways open through the crowds) toward the upcoming Mermaid ride.

Word on the street is that DCA's VP, Mary Niven, hasn't yet made a final decision on the fate of the dining packages. They may or may not be offered when you're there, but they're what I'd recommend to get that section.

 

[Minuet888]

I think that these questions are related to Disneyland and not WDW, as WOC is the new World of Color at DCA.

Sorry I can't help, but I'm going there in late September and expect to be able to report back afterwards.

Hi,
I am referring to Disneyland.

We do have the dining package, we will be eating at Ariel's Grotto then going to the show.

 

[mousermerf]

Hi,
I am referring to Disneyland.

We do have the dining package, we will be eating at Ariel's Grotto then going to the show.

Then you'll be in the middle - it overlaps the physical tier right blow/infront of it, so if you get routed there just walk up the steps (or push and shove as the case may be) to the big circle and enjoy the space. I don't think the center even has a wheelchair area dedicated to it, again going with the "not terribly well thought out" layout.