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Walt Disney World Posted By: Sparco
Posted On: 06/03/2008
I'm Travelling to Walt Disney World this July and wondered if there are any hints or tips that anyone can help with?

Oscar has a PDD-NOS so is not impossible to deal with although any tips would be helpful.

As a small six nearly seven year old I Know there will be hieght issues, but is there anything else I should look out for?
Tags:  PDD-NOS,  Walt Disney World,  Hints & Tips, 
       
Christi520 wrote this reply on 06/04/2008
go directly to "Town Hall" upon entering the Magic Kingdom (it's on your left). Ask for a disability pass for your child who has Autism. This will allow you to byass MOST lines or get you in via the "fast pass" access. We did this on two trips to Disney a couple years ago, and my daughter who has no patience for waiting, had a great time. Also helped to only go to the park in 2-3 hour spurts, so to avoid overstimulation.Have fun - it really is the "happiest place on earth" and I can't wait to go back.

pen wrote this reply on 06/04/2008
We have been to Disney 4 times in the last 5 years. You should ask for a Guest Assistance Pass. Do not refer to it as a fast pass or some of the Disney people will get very offended. The GAC pass works better than the fast pass system for the general public. My best tip is to have a character breakfast. Tim always feels safer around the characters when he is not having to deal with crowds also. Most of my favorite character moments and pictures are in the restaurant. Tim still talks about Chip and Dale stealing his fries. Also, if you have dietary restrictions Disney is a great place to eat.

momo3auts wrote this reply on 06/04/2008
We have 3 boys with Autism...and here is what you should do....The second you get into the park, ask for customer service, they are usually located in a building close to the entrance. Once in there tell them your son has Autism and you would like an access pass due to his issues with wait times etc. They will issue you a pass for as long as you are in FLA. With this you can skip the long lines and go through either the handicapped line or the fast pass line. Keep it handy as you'll have to show it each time to get in. It will help greatly. Bring a stroller,if he can walk tell them he is ambulatory (then he can get out of the stroller and onto the ride without assistance). It will be very helpful for you believe me!!! Bring snacks... most folks at disney say if you are looking to eat there cheaply look for picnic tables in or outside, that's where it's a bit cheaper to go. Get maps as you walk in. Some rides are crazy and at 6 he'll be exempt from those. I'd stick to magic kingdom (he'll be able to ride the majority of those). Animal kingdom is good as well. Pace yourself, in July it is unreal hot there. Bring lots of water bottles, there are fountains throughout and restrooms for refills.

LisaAKAmom wrote this reply on 06/03/2008
They had this thing called a Fast Pass for kids with Disabilities...you will just have to take something that shows he has a disability...and request one. The cuts down on the long lines and waiting.Not sure if they still do this...but it was a big life saver when we went.

shannonj wrote this reply on 06/03/2008
There are quite a few members here that have been to Disney lately that might have more up-to-date information than me. We went a few years ago and it was April and VERY HOT and VERY CROWDED. So, just be prepared for that--bring suncreen, hat, plenty of water bottles. Definitely get the Fast Pass. Ask around to see which park will be less busy (Animal Kingdom, Sea World, Magic Kingdom etc..) if crowds are a problem. Go early--be there when it opens and go straight to the most desired attractions before it gets too busy ( can you tell that crowds are an issue for my son?)......Have a wonderful, magical time!

shannonj wrote this reply on 06/03/2008
hi again-You might want to post this question in the Forum section as it will stay current and accessible for a longer time...Also, check in the library and see what articles and resources that members have posted on traveling tips....

Kim Howell wrote this reply on 06/05/2008
Hi ~I've read all the wonderful words of wisdom from the others - but you also may want to include a note from a doctor or behavior clinician to attest to your childs diagnosis. Preferably on their office letterhead. When we traveled to WDW, we took the letter and it was invaluable - we were ablet o do the guest assisted pass (althought it was only for 4 members of the family - the diagnosed child and 3 others). So, you may need to keep that in mind it there are more than 4 traveling with you. Our children have a very warped vision of WDW - as they didn't have to wait more than 5 minutes for any ride when we went. Best of luck to you!Kim Howellkimberlymhowell@verison.net

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