Words of wisdom? Taking my DS (ASD) & DD solo

[Hasil72]

I bit the bullet. I found such a great deal that I booked my airfare (for 32 cents!) and am taking the kids back to the World on my own for a quick break 3/31 through 4/4.

DS is HFA, ADHD, etc. and has been to Disney before but he has never stayed on-site so I have a few questions for any of you who have traveled solo with your kids. First, how do I handle the bathroom breaks? DS is 8 but I don't feel comfortable sending him in on his own. Can I take him in the ladies room? Think I can manage the food courts with them in line? Wherever we go, it will be all three of us since DD is only 4, I can't leave her either.

Next, where to stay? Monorail really isn't in the budget. Thought of POFQ but have heard horror stories about the transportation. CSR? I'm torn over POP. It looks absolutely adorable but I'm affraid it might overstimulate DS.

I have learned so much on this board about how to handle my DS and the situations that arise with ASD. Any words of wisdom are surely welcome!

Thanks in advance.

 

[scottsod]

hi

i havent gona alone but i can give u a few tips

we stayed at both por fq and pop

fq was quiet wich u may want the buses were slower but not bad at all 15 min instead of 10 i would check the pool was being rehabed i read on dis

pop we stayed in dec was bizzy but we didnt swim or eat much with kids in food court i would run and get late nite snack so basicly we slept in room and went to bus if thats ur plan than i donst matter were u stay pop is fine and big enuff u wont even see any other stuff except whats between ur room and the main bldq if thats what u want

there are lots not tons of compaion rest rooms were all 3 of u can go i think there is a list look in the stickys here

we also flew spirit air i see u got .39 cent wow we did it for 22 bucks
the ac airport was awsome small and not harried like newark my son 9 has CP and is aspy

other then that i would say if ur alone in line at a cs resteraunt having trouble coraling the kids and carying the food ask a cm for help cant hurt to ask im shure some one would give u a hand there all so happy to help well mostly

have fun
scott

 

[brergnat]

Wow, you're brave. That's all I can say. It's hard enough for me to take my two boys grocery shopping on my own...

RE: bathroom issue--I would take your DS into the ladies room with you. What do you do at home when you're out in public and he needs to go? Whatever you do at home, I'd do at WDW. 8 is still young enough that being in the ladies room won't be that weird for him or you (or the other ladies). I've seen kids much older than that in there with their moms and I really don't understand why ANYONE would feel uncomfortable with it. Safety first. You can have him wait right inside the entrance if he finishes before you and DD.

Second, I'd consider PO FRENCH QUARTER (not riverside; it's too big), or the All Star Movies resort, if you really need to save money. The Pop is loud, busy, and completely chaotic. My son is HFA and he's only 3, and never been to WDW yet, but I stayed at Pop a few years ago and having experienced it, I know for SURE it would be a bad place to stay with my son. Talk about overstimulating...On the other hand, All Star Movies is quiet and quaint by comparison, although I'd only stay in a Value resort with an autistic child if I was forced to. No matter what, they are loud and busy. You can always take the bus over to visit the values to see the big icons and stuff.

If there is any possible way you can swing the Wilderness Lodge, I'd go for that one. It's a great hotel for calming down. Otherwise, POFQ is the best moderate. CSR and CBR are both HUGE properties and it would be difficult to navigate them on your own (and it can be downright scary walking some of those paths at night that are secluded).

 

[dreamsofdisney]

Hi there!

DS15 has ASD and I've taken him to WDW on my own a bunch of times. (I was a single mom until a few years ago.) We always use the companion restrooms in all of the parks. Of course, you could take him into the women's restroom, but if he's anything like my son, he might not be comfortable with that. The companion restrooms are big enough for all three of you to go in, or you can send your son in alone (it's a single toilet bathroom) and stand outside of the door with your DD if DS is independent in the bathroom. They are clearly mapped on all of the park maps, so you shouldn't have any trouble. SIDE NOTE: I always kept my eyes open to be sure that someone who was using a wheelchair wasn't nearby and in need of the companion restroom. Also, some people in the past have told me that we shouldn't use the companion restrooms - probably because my son's special needs were invisible to them. Just remember that you know your family's needs and you don't need to justify them to anyone else.

As far as resorts, my son loved All Star Movies when he was little, but it is highly stimulating ( as is all of Disney!) I would suggest that if you do go with an All-Star or POP, ask for a preferred room. I explained our situation to the CM and they actually upgraded us to a preferred room free of charge because it was based on the fact that my DS had frequent meltdowns and, at times, needed to get to his room ASAP. (That, or the fact that when our room was in a far away building, he threw himself down and had a major tantrum in the middle of flowerbed while trying to get him back to the room!)

Our favorites are Animal Kingdom Lodge and Wilderness Lodge. AKL can be difficult if your son has difficulty with smells (outside) but we find the dark lighting has a calming effect on DS. Wilderness Lodge also has a relaxed feel inside, and the convenience of the boat to MK is great!

We've also visited Boardwalk and the other Epcot resorts and DS loved being able to walk to Epcot and Disney Studios. Sometimes codes come out that make staying there a little more affordable.

The food courts can be tough, but depending on the time of year, the lines might not be too bad. If you need any help coming up with ideas to help prepare DS (and DD) let me know via private message. I'd be happy to help provide you with photos of restaurants, attractions and resorts at WDW to prepare a social story or travel book to prep the kids for what to expect.

Have a magical trip!

~ Sarah

 

[SueM in MN]

The companion restrooms are big enough for all three of you to go in, or you can send your son in alone (it's a single toilet bathroom) and stand outside of the door with your DD if DS is independent in the bathroom. They are clearly mapped on all of the park maps, so you shouldn't have any trouble.

Just wanted to mention that the regular restrooms are clearly marked in the park maps. The Companion Restrooms are not; you can find a list for each park in the Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities (there is a link to that in the disABILITIES FAQs thread).
If you all go into the Companion Restroom together, keep in mind that it is one large bathroom, without much privacy from each other (unless you turn your back on the person using the toilet). If you can't trust your DS to stay right outside the door while you and your DD use the bathroom, he might need to stay in with you. Some of them are in fairly noisy places, so you may not be able to hear your DS on the outside while you are inside.
Because of that, you may find that all 3 of you using the ladies room might actually work out better. I guess I'd suggest playing it by ear and seeing what works.

 

[Hasil72]

Thanks!

I am so excited! DS has done so well this year as compared to last that it's a way to let him know what a great job he's doing.

I called last night to check room availability and we ended up at POFQ. I've done POR back when it was Dixie Landings, the CR only had Atrium level available, WL was booked solid, and I just can't justify the $1000 difference between a mod and the Poly although I'd love to stay there at some point. Not only did I think that POP would over excite DS but the CM said that it was close to capacity.

I figure I'll try taking him in with me to the ladies room and see if anyone gives me a hard time. I've read the thread with the companion bathroom controversy and will try to steer away unless there is an issue.

Here's another question...do you think we should get a GAC just in case and if we end up not needing it so be it? I had planned on trying to do without, but traveling alone with DS, I don't know how it will all go.

Thanks again for the help.

 

[SueM in MN]

Here's another question...do you think we should get a GAC just in case and if we end up not needing it so be it? I had planned on trying to do without, but traveling alone with DS, I don't know how it will all go.

Thanks again for the help.

Since you are traveling alone, I would probably suggest getting one and treating it like insurance; if you don't need it - great. If you do, it's there. Trying to backtrack to Guest Relations with only you and the kids would be difficult if you are at a meltdown point.
If you have any questions about GACs, check out the disABILITIES FAQs and then ask any further questions you have.

POFQ is a nice resort. Quite laid back and it's a small resort. It does share buses with POR, but that may not be a problem for only a few days stay.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

I'm afraid I've not read all the replies (my brain's pretty foggy today), so I may repeat what people have already said. So, here's my 2 cents (30 more and I could get an airfare ):

For restrooms, I would suggest using the companion restrooms or the first aid centres. These are larger bathrooms, designed for those who need assistance or extra space due to their disability. They aren't marked on the regular maps, but they are on the parks disabilities guide (available at Guest Relations).

Staying on site would be a good idea, as the transport makes it so much easier. I think all of the moderates are lovely. They're clean, well designed, and not too over stimulating. POFQ is a relatively small resort, meaning that you don't have to go so far to get anywhere, but on the downside, there is only one pool. The others are larger, meaning further to walk (though you could request a close room for medical reasons) but more pools. If he likes exploring, CBR might be a good one, as it has a whole island with a playground and parrots, as well as beaches all around the resort. If he's a bolter, this may not be so good.

Just to warn you CSR has a weird system at their food court; it might work for you, it might not. You wait to be seated, the server takes your drinks order, then you go up to the food court counters to choose your meal (as with a normal food court). You have to pay at a podum after your meal. They then add 15% service to your whole bill. You can refuse to pay the service, but that seems like a lot of fuss to me. It seems like a weird mix of the worst bits of CS and TS, but I know some people prefer this system, so it's down to personal taste.

Another option for accommodation, you could look into renting DVC points from an owner over on the DVC boards of this forum. This can allow you to get a studio room with a kitchenette for about the same price as a moderate, so you could have some (simple) meals in the room. They do have larger villas with full kitchens, but these are more expensive. You also get all the normal perks of staying on property: transport, EMH, Disney service etc. Just be aware that there is a bit of a risk involved, as you are renting from an individual, not Disney. However, they've got lots of useful advice available there, and if you follow that and your gut, you should be fine.

Also, if you're flying into MCO, you can use the free Magical Express, which will take some of the cost and hassle out of getting to the resort.

I'm guessing, as you've gone with your son before, that you know about the GAC (if you don't check out the FAQ). Get one, and use it as much as you need to.

Would they both fit in a double stroller? If so, this might conserve his energy, provide a 'safe place', and stop him from bolting. If you do get one, see if you can get a 'stroller as wheelchair' on your GAC.

Only you know how he'd cope at food courts, but a few 'coping strategies' might help you deal a bit better. Try to go for meals during quieter times, to reduce the stress of the crowds; carry some small snacks with you, to help both the kids 'last' between meals, especially if you're eating at different times to normal (might be best not to let them know you have these, though, or they might be clamoring for them!); if he's on any special diet, look though this board for tips on managing allergies / dietary requirements; giving him a 'job' such as carrying the tray, or remembering the order, might help keep him busy.

Some people have found small toys, games consoles or music players with headphones help keep their kids' attention away from the crowds around them and keep them calm. Just make sure he doesn't have them in attractions, or he might miss stuff.

If he needs a rest, or to get away from things, the First Aid centres have beds you can lie down in for a short while.

You're going during what I think is a fairly quiet time, so you shouldn't have too many problems. If you have any trouble, just ask the nearest CM and they'll do what they can to help!

Have a great time!

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Oops! Just read through and saw that you've already booked POFQ! I say good choice! It's a lovely resort with a good food court, and comfortable rooms (I'm a girl of simple tastes ).

If in the future you wanted to try WL, they have DVC villas there. If you got a reasonable price per point, it would probably work out cheaper than renting a regular room at WL through Disney. I worked it out as $672 at $12 per point for your trip (people on this board generally sell between $10 and $12, though that's not a guarantee). As I said, though, this has a risk factor.

Hope you have a wonderful holiday!!

 

[Ctsplaysinrain]

HI- I have 2 boys- ages 10 1/2 and 12. I have done the world twice alone for short trips with my boys. The 12 yr old has AS/ADHD and the younger one is Adhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhd. I think you made a good choice with PQFQ. It is smaller and fairly quiet-with calming landscape. Also, I have never stayed there but we did do POR and I'll assume that PQFQ has a fridge as well.
I used this to my advantage for meals.. I usually avoid the food court as much as possible and feed them at least breakfast in the room... ( yougurt, milk and cereal, other stuff that they will eat).. Or we get something else at food court and take back to eat at room.
As for bathrooms, my 12 yr old will not go in a women's room anymore so must do the companion bathrooms- either we all go in or I wait outside.

If at all possible, I would suggest a rental car. This way you do not need to use the buses- it's easier and much faster when you need to get anywhere. Also, you can use to go get groceries if needed.

One thing that we always do that helps alot ( dont know if needed for your son) is that we use ear protector headphones. Also, I let the kids lead- we never go commando. My kids have a few favorite TS places that we tend to go to. Coral Reef is their most favorite and I found the atmosphere in there to be very "calming." They enjoy Sci-fi as well..

I have never tried a buffet as I do not think it would work for us. Too loud, too many people, too chaotic etc .

My kids perfer Epcot over the rest of the parks as well. MK stresses my aspie. Their preferred schedule is to do Epcot during the day- lots of AC and then we head to MK for the evening... I have found that watching the fireworks from a distance is best - away from the crowds. The area near the Buzz Lightyear area is good. We have only tried to see the evening Parade once and it was awful... too many psuhy people, too loud and too chaotic... I would skip unless this is something that the kids MUST do..

Umm, all I can think of right now. HTH Debbie

 

[SueM in MN]

Also, I have never stayed there but we did do POR and I'll assume that PQFQ has a fridge as well.

All the Moderates and Deluxes have refrigerators in the room.

My kids perfer Epcot over the rest of the parks as well. MK stresses my aspie.

My youngest DD has ADD among her diagnoses. Even as a 3 yr old, she preferred Epcot over MK. I feel there is a lot less sensory overload at Epcot.

 

[Hasil72]

Thank you everyone so much for your replies! It is truly wonderful to have so many people who understand what you're going through on a daily basis. I really can't wait!

DS wears silicon earplugs in school to help him regulate the tone of his voice so we absolutely will continue this in disney and maybe try it with DD as well. I learned my lesson last trip about following the kids' lead so it should be interesting. I'm going with the attitude, we see what we see. DS is more into Epcot but DD is all about the princesses and the MK. DS is also a HUGE Lego fan so we will surely be stopping at the Lego store in DTD. Just to be on the safe side, we'll get a GAC. I've been stockpiling little things from the disney store to keep them busy in line, use as rewards, and cut down on the impusive buying. Luckily, DS is not a bolter, if anything he is more of a clinger so that will work to my advantage.

The one park that neither DS/DD haven't been to is MGM. Any suggestions? DD would love Beauty and the Beast and the Little Mermaid but I don't think that there wil be much else for them. Muppets will freak out DS. No ToT, Star Tours or RR for DD.

 

[scottsod]

just a little note there is a boat u can take from fq to dtd its alot quiter and more fun then the bus

scott