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Visiting Disney
with Children with Special Needs
December 2006
We did Disney again with the kids, now ages 9, 8, and 7.
Things went much better this time around as we knew exactly what
to expect. We didn't need a doctor's note, but brought one
along anyway just in case. The Disney "FastPass"
option for special needs was the best thing ever! I
kept the hearing protection handy at all times. We did split
up again so that the other kids could enjoy Disney like
"normal" people enjoy it. We also tried Universal
Studios, but discovered that their system is not very effective
for helping families with special needs.
June 2005
I just got back from a week at Disney with my 3 children-- ages 8,
7, and 6. My 7 year old has autism, and this
trip was going to be a big challenge for him.
I am happy to report
that the Disney World parks are very accommodating for families
with children with special needs. The first thing I did when I
arrived at one of the parks was to stop by guest services (located
just inside the front gate). I told the person behind the
counter that I was traveling with a child with autism and that
waiting in lines is a big challenge for him. He gave me an
alternate entrance pass that allowed us to get in the "FastPass"
lines without having a "FastPass" ticket. For
those rides that do not have "FastPass" lines, the
alternate pass can be used at the special needs entrance. While I
was not asked to provide a note from our pediatrician, I recommend
having one on hand just in case. From reading online I believe they
also have quiet rooms for when your child gets over stimulated
(which will happen). I didn't make use of any of the quiet
rooms, which in retrospect was a mistake on my part.
This special needs
pass program started up about a year ago and is different from
their previous policy. Their previous policy was a bit more
lax and people without special needs were abusing the system.
We spent the most time
and energy on the Buzz Light Year ride at Magic Kingdom.
Something about spinning around and around in the ship was quite
enjoyable for Jordan (and a bit nauseating for me). The
"FastPass" line was completely empty for about an hour, and we just
kept going on it over and over again until my old body couldn't spin any
more. Jordan still perseverates about this ride!!
Here are a few other
things to note about traveling to Disney with an autistic child:
-
Don't eat at
the Rainforest Cafe at Animal Kingdom - I didn't realize
how many special effects go on at one time in there.
Even I was getting over stimulated. This rule probably applies
to any of the large restaurant chains.
-
Don't get
caught up in a big crowd - After the fireworks or the
Fantasmic Show at MGM you can literally be surrounded by
10,000 people all trying to move down the same street.
Jordan couldn't handle it and just sat down in a fetal
position in the middle of a moving mob. As you can
imagine, this is a major safety concern. Either plan to
wait out the rush, leave the show early, or just assume that you will miss these
events.
-
Divide and
Conquer - Jordan and I broke off from the rest of the
family most of the time. The one-on-one approach is much
more successful.
-
Don't assume
the big attractions will be best - Jordan was just as
happy riding the little train that went around Tomorrow Land
(think slow, no lines) as with any of the big rides.
-
Break up the
day with quiet activities - Take the boat ferry from Epcot
to MGM for a quiet 30 minute ride. The Mexico exhibit at Epcot
(where the indoor bazaar is located) has a very nice quiet
area behind the kids station where you can have some easy
quiet time.
-
Bring hearing
protection - I saw a family with a set of hearing
protection muffs (like the people who direct airplanes at the
airport use). What a great way to reduce stimuli!
Here are some pages
that provide more great advice as well as a list of Disney
rides/attractions good for children on the spectrum.
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