When in Dec is the best time to go with special needs children?

[CaitlinMcFly]

My aunt wants to take her two autistic sons to Disneyland for the younger one's birthday in December and asked me when the best time to go would be. This would be not only their first trip, but my aunt's first trip to the parks also. I'm trying to keep the best interests of the boys in mind because I'm not entirely sure if either of them do well with crowds because they are normally kept from them, but I'm not entirely sure how to answer her question. I said to just wait until after new years, but my aunt doesn't think either of the boys will fully understand that motive of why they can't go closer to the younger's birthday.
I would love for them to have a magical first experience at Disneyland, and I'm kind of at a loss due to the boys' needs. If anyone has recommendations for dates or specific things to do, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, all!!

[JeffYardDog]

Re: When in Dec is the best time to go with special needs children?

Um,, given that they are your cousins and that you presumably not a child, how old are they ?

That might bear on their reactions and her ability to handle their reaction.

As with most such things, I would check the autism resources for insights and suggestions and check in with Guest Relations when you get to the park (and maybe before) to ask what is available.

[aashee]

Re: When in Dec is the best time to go with special needs children?

My guess is in this situation it would be best if it were less crowded. Only good time would be mid week early December. Tough to beat the crowds this time of year.

I wish your aunt the best.

[ladyalmalthea]

Re: When in Dec is the best time to go with special needs children?

Ooh, have them get the first time buttons. I would think castmembers greeting them everywher eould make it very special.
Ditto on early December during the week

[Darkbeer]

Re: When in Dec is the best time to go with special needs children?

Monday December 3rd thru Thursday the 6th are the first chocie (note, DL closes at 6 PM on the 3rd and 4th)

Second choice

Monday, December 10th thru Thursday, December 13th

I would avoid any other day if at all possible due to large crowds.

Also, crowds tend to be the lightest first thing in the morning, so getting there early helps, and if you need to leave early, Fireworks on the 3rd and 4th are at 5:45 PM.

[JeffYardDog]

Re: When in Dec is the best time to go with special needs children?

Ooh, have them get the first time buttons. I would think castmembers greeting them everywher eould make it very special.
Ditto on early December during the week

I'm no expert on Autism but I'd think that anything that might draw too much attention from strangers - even Cast Members - might be source of overload. I'd be a bit careful about such things.

[Alice's Wonderland]

Re: When in Dec is the best time to go with special needs children?

Autism is a spectrum disorder. It has a huge range of what each individual can handle. If the boys were high functioning, a first timers pin might not really bother them. If they are low functioning, you can get assistance at City Hall. Middle of the week is definately preferable especially if they are kept away from crowds. Have you told your aunt how crowded Disneyland gets? If it's her first time as well, she just might not realize. Good luck with that!

[Leofoenget]

Re: When in Dec is the best time to go with special needs children?

Monday December 3rd thru Thursday the 6th are the first chocie (note, DL closes at 6 PM on the 3rd and 4th)

Second choice

Monday, December 10th thru Thursday, December 13th

I would avoid any other day if at all possible due to large crowds.

Also, crowds tend to be the lightest first thing in the morning, so getting there early helps, and if you need to leave early, Fireworks on the 3rd and 4th are at 5:45 PM.

I am going Dec 6th(DL) and 7th (DCA) because last year my friend went to her company christmas party on Wed 6th and she said it was DEAD. That's mid week, first week of Dec. I would vote for the first week of DEC Tues-Thurs for your best gamble for the least crowded.

good luck

[symbolic]

Re: When in Dec is the best time to go with special needs children?

25th or 26th prolly good!

[Darkbeer]

Re: When in Dec is the best time to go with special needs children?

25th or 26th prolly good!

Do we need this AGAIN, someone asks a SERIOUS question and asked for help, IN the DISNEYLAND section!

If you want to have fun, take it somewhere else, like the Lounge!

[Darkbeer]

Re: When in Dec is the best time to go with special needs children?

Let me add one more thing, MiceAge/MiceChat has been in the news A LOT recently, heck the "small world" story was in today's OC Register (11/21/07).

Many folks are coming here without the "Disney" knowledge that many of us have, and are asking SERIOUS questions. You might think it is the "Dumbest" question ever, since you visit the park on a regular basis, but many folks are not as lucky as you are in getting to visit Disneyland that often.

PLEASE folks, be nice, and not RUDE to our new members!

Thank You in Advance.

[pineapplewhipaddict]

Re: When in Dec is the best time to go with special needs children?

Darkbeer is right on. Past that, December is going to be a madhouse.

[SusieP.]

Re: When in Dec is the best time to go with special needs children?

Many folks are coming here without the "Disney" knowledge that many of us have, and are asking SERIOUS questions. You might think it is the "Dumbest" question ever, since you visit the park on a regular basis, but many folks are not as lucky as you are in getting to visit Disneyland that often.

PLEASE folks, be nice, and not RUDE to our new members!

Thank You in Advance.

And thank you, Darkbeer. You summed it up perfectly. [/Moderator]

[penguinsoda]

Re: When in Dec is the best time to go with special needs children?

If possible maybe a two day trip would work out. Again, not knowing the age of the boys or their exact level of disability....I work in Special Ed has an instructional assistant, and we have a couple of autistic students. But they are at opposite ends of the spectrum with their disabilities, so I understand that each child has his or her own level of tolerance. So if your aunts sons get stressed easily and you spread the trip over two days, that would give them the opportunity to take frequent breaks, if they went into sensory overload.

If a two day trip is not possible, just be ready to give the boys breaks if they need them. There are a few places even when Disneyland is busy that you can get away from the bulk of the crowds and have some quiet time. They might not get to see everything there is to see, but the overall trip might be a more positive experience for them.

[aashee]

Re: When in Dec is the best time to go with special needs children?

It sure seems like a lot for a first trip. Is it just her bringing them or does she have other adults in the party? December has 3 types of crowd. Crowded, packed or can barely move!

I don't want to sound like a sitck in the mud but December may be the worst month to see how they'll react. Only redeeming thing about Christmas time is the weather is not unbearably hot.

Good luck. Please tell us how it works out!

Chad

[DISNEYJUNKIE]

Re: When in Dec is the best time to go with special needs children?

We have gone a couple of times in Dec and mid week is definitley the most managable. I also agree that the earlier in Dec sans weekends are best especially tue, weds , thurs. Also remember you dont have to do it all....if fireworks are too stimulating skip them its ok,only your aunt knows what their trigger points are. My recomendation would be to get an assistance pass at City Hall, my grandson is on the spectrum but is high functioning but still cannot tolerate long wait lines, we have never had a problem getting an assistance pass for him. Also keep water and snacks handy since sometimes waiting in long lines for food is just too much for these kids to handle. Keep in mind DCA since it can be a bit quieter and the Flicks fun Faire area is pretty mellow along with the Redwood area.
If loud noises such as the parade music is a problem maybe take along some wax type ear plugs used for swimming to muffle the noise a little bit. I am also a big one if they are stroller age of letting a child out of the stroller a little bit in a safe easy to control area such as the play area in Toontown, the old motor boat area which is now seating along IASW mall or inside some of the areas of Innovention. At DCA the lobby of the Animation building is also a good area to move around freely as well as the dead area to the left side of Monsters Inc. Have fun , dont feel complelled to do it all, dont get disappointed if all they want to do is ride Autopia and Dumbo over and over or anything else .

[CaitlinMcFly]

Re: When in Dec is the best time to go with special needs children?

Thanks all!! This will really aid in planning the trip. The boys are seven and going on six, and I'll check with my aunt as to their ability with crowds and noises and such. I see them often but always in a family setting, hence my not knowing about their functionality in a large public setting.
First week sounds good then! I don't think they'll be staying terribly long anyway, just enough to experience a bit so the boys can see some of it all. We'll be sure to hit city hall ASAP to ask for some advice from those who know the park best. Oh and aashee, my grandparents will be going also, and I'll probably get it so I can go too as a guide.

And thanks for the defense Darkbeer, but I've been an MC'er for almost a year but definite props anyway!!

[sir clinksalot]

Re: When in Dec is the best time to go with special needs children?

Also, January 2nd and 3rd will probably be good days to go. Christmas stuff will still be up, New Years crowds 'should' be gone.

Just a thought.

And another :thumbup: for my friend Darkbeer.

[Malcon10t]

Re: When in Dec is the best time to go with special needs children?

As a parent of a high functioning Aspie, I thank Darkbeer for taking the OP seriously. At 6 and 7, the best week would probably be 3-6th or 10-13. Make sure they are aware of when the fireworks are, as that can be an issue for some with ASD.

BHP, sorry someone felt they should make fun of your question.

[napamaninsocal]

Re: When in Dec is the best time to go with special needs children?

If you could wait i would defienetly recommend you wait until mid week days in jan. nobody there. perfect time for an autistic kid especially two.