Looking for advice - upcoming trip

pvtim
Full Member

Posts: 149

Looking for advice - upcoming trip Feb 14, 2017 20:27:32 GMT

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Post by pvtim on Feb 14, 2017 20:27:32 GMT

Good afternoon!

I am 154 days out from our Summer excursion to the world!!!! We are traveling with friends and family and thanks to our DVC ownership we are able to help them make this possible. This is not our first time going - but first time really with others.

With that being said this could have fallen under several sub-forums (but I think this is the best choice). I am looking for some advice/tips if anyone has experience with the following:

- Traveling with large parties (There will be 11 on most nights and 16 on one day that a local friend is meeting us and staying on property)

- Meals with dietary restrictions - one child is highly allergic to all nuts/ another child allergic to dairy. Both families are looking for mostly quick service meals.

- Traveling with children with autism. 4 of our guests are in the spectrum, mostly functional but they do vary.

Any suggestions to help make this a good experience for them all?

July Trip is within reach!

DisneyfanDean
Administrator

I have ODD. Obsessive Disney Disorder

Posts: 596

Looking for advice - upcoming trip Feb 14, 2017 21:39:24 GMT cathie, missybee, and 1 more like this

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Post by DisneyfanDean on Feb 14, 2017 21:39:24 GMT

Feb 14, 2017 20:27:32 GMT pvtim said:

Good afternoon!

I am 154 days out from our Summer excursion to the world!!!! We are traveling with friends and family and thanks to our DVC ownership we are able to help them make this possible. This is not our first time going - but first time really with others.

With that being said this could have fallen under several sub-forums (but I think this is the best choice). I am looking for some advice/tips if anyone has experience with the following:

- Traveling with large parties (There will be 11 on most nights and 16 on one day that a local friend is meeting us and staying on property)

- Meals with dietary restrictions - one child is highly allergic to all nuts/ another child allergic to dairy. Both families are looking for mostly quick service meals.

- Traveling with children with autism. 4 of our guests are in the spectrum, mostly functional but they do vary.

Any suggestions to help make this a good experience for them all?

Hey pvtim, We do the same thing. We had 18 one trip. This March is only 8. My biggest suggestion is to split up. 6 people Maximum (4 is better). You can try to schedule fast-passes all together (i.e. all in morning or all in afternoon) and schedule the dining together but it will be a big let down to try to stay together the whole time. Mostly because of bathroom breaks, meltdowns, and just different interests. you could even do a pool day. How long is your stay and where?

pvtim
Full Member

Posts: 149

Looking for advice - upcoming trip Feb 15, 2017 0:10:24 GMT

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Post by pvtim on Feb 15, 2017 0:10:24 GMT

Hey pvtim, We do the same thing. We had 18 one trip. This March is only 8. My biggest suggestion is to split up. 6 people Maximum (4 is better). You can try to schedule fast-passes all together (i.e. all in morning or all in afternoon) and schedule the dining together but it will be a big let down to try to stay together the whole time. Mostly because of bathroom breaks, meltdowns, and just different interests. you could even do a pool day. How long is your stay and where?

We are staying 8 Days at the Poly.
We got rooms (at the Poly as well) for our two family friends - Family of 3 and Family of 5.
The locals will be staying at the Poly as well - Family of 5.

So we have 4 separate rooms for all during the middle of July. I have booked some table service for all based on some Disney related allergy sites I found, but having a hard time verifying allergy safe quick service places.

Thanks for the advice from a seasoned pro at this! I know that....how to break that to the others will be the hard part!!!!!

July Trip is within reach!

DisneyfanDean
Administrator

I have ODD. Obsessive Disney Disorder

Posts: 596

Looking for advice - upcoming trip Feb 15, 2017 18:54:59 GMT

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Post by DisneyfanDean on Feb 15, 2017 18:54:59 GMT

Feb 15, 2017 0:10:24 GMT pvtim said:

Hey pvtim, We do the same thing. We had 18 one trip. This March is only 8. My biggest suggestion is to split up. 6 people Maximum (4 is better). You can try to schedule fast-passes all together (i.e. all in morning or all in afternoon) and schedule the dining together but it will be a big let down to try to stay together the whole time. Mostly because of bathroom breaks, meltdowns, and just different interests. you could even do a pool day. How long is your stay and where?

We are staying 8 Days at the Poly.
We got rooms (at the Poly as well) for our two family friends - Family of 3 and Family of 5.
The locals will be staying at the Poly as well - Family of 5.

So we have 4 separate rooms for all during the middle of July. I have booked some table service for all based on some Disney related allergy sites I found, but having a hard time verifying allergy safe quick service places.

Thanks for the advice from a seasoned pro at this! I know that....how to break that to the others will be the hard part!!!!!

We always do table services. At least one a day. using Tables in Wonderland saves 20% off the food and wine.

pvtim Full Member Posts: 149	Looking for advice - upcoming trip Feb 15, 2017 20:43:44 GMT DisneyfanDean likes this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by pvtim on Feb 15, 2017 20:43:44 GMT Thanks Dean!
	July Trip is within reach!

missybee
Moderator

Posts: 907

Looking for advice - upcoming trip Feb 15, 2017 22:16:07 GMT via mobile cathie, briarrose, and 1 more like this

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Post by missybee on Feb 15, 2017 22:16:07 GMT

There is an article on Disney Parks Blog that talks about the allergy free menus. It is very helpful and gives the best piece of advice, make sure to Tell the hostess at check in about the allergies and let the waitstaff know,too.

We just downloaded "Gluten Free Disney" to our phone because of our grandson's Gluten allergy. I couldn't find an app specifically for the allergies in your group, but the link to the article below has links to some sample menus. I hope this helps!
disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/04/new-allergy-friendly-menus-at-disneyland-walt-disney-world-resorts/

Last Edit: Feb 15, 2017 22:16:46 GMT by missybee

"Life is a journey to be experienced, not a problem to be solved." — Pooh, Winnie the Pooh

cathie
Moderator

Second Star to the Right and Straight on till Morning

Posts: 1,113

Looking for advice - upcoming trip Feb 15, 2017 22:20:06 GMT briarrose, disneymike, and 1 more like this

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Post by cathie on Feb 15, 2017 22:20:06 GMT

Feb 15, 2017 20:43:44 GMT pvtim said:

Thanks Dean!

Pvtim here's my input after Deans.....I am allergic to garlic and onions both and while table service is extremely easy to talk to the chef and having it noted in the reservation brings the chef out to your table BEFORE you place an order....he tells you options to eat and then will build your dinner around what you would LIKE to eat and what he is ABLE to prepare without the allergens.
as far as quick service for me, personally, it's easy to stick to salad which every single park has at least a few options to eat at....how about telling me what the allergy is? Secondly, is the autistic child Aspergers or some other form of autism and what age? Disney offers a button like many of them they have all the time that you see that Stars I Am Autistic which alerts cast members visually to possibilities with helping to make the day a success for that individual as well as the family. I go weekly to Disney and know many of the ins and outs and am happy to help you in any way I can....please just ask

second star to the right and straight on till morning

missybee Moderator Posts: 907	Looking for advice - upcoming trip Feb 15, 2017 22:43:52 GMT via mobile pvtim likes this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by missybee on Feb 15, 2017 22:43:52 GMT After some research, I found another link saying it was update yesterday. www.glutenfreedairyfreewdw.com/menus/
	"Life is a journey to be experienced, not a problem to be solved." — Pooh, Winnie the Pooh

pvtim
Full Member

Posts: 149

Looking for advice - upcoming trip Feb 16, 2017 0:04:04 GMT missybee likes this

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Post by pvtim on Feb 16, 2017 0:04:04 GMT

Thanks for the input everyone. We are so used to the magic we experience when we go down that we want to make sure they all get the same experience!! Your advice will really help!

Cathie:
The allergies are nuts for a 12 year old boy & dairy for a 14 year old girl

The kids with autism: 14 yr old girl (highly functional), twin 7 year old boys (again highly functional) and a 4 year old boy that is making strides (was not verbal until age 3). The parents don't discuss, but from what I can gather it is not Asperger....the girl with the dairy allergy is most triggered by reactions to the food. I never heard of the pins, I will have to look for those.

Thanks again!!!!!!

July Trip is within reach!

dngnb8
Full Member

Posts: 169

Looking for advice - upcoming trip Feb 16, 2017 14:57:05 GMT pvtim likes this

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Post by dngnb8 on Feb 16, 2017 14:57:05 GMT

You have a few challenges and planning is going to make a huge difference. Chelle is a Magic Maker I know, she could help.

When it comes to Disney planning, she has no equal. I HIGHLY!!!!!!!! suggest you contact her (PM me if you want her info).

My dad always told me "When youre the gravedigger, it helps to know where the bodies are buried."

You need that knowledge to make sure your trip is a success. Chelle can help plan your trip, advise on food needs, etc. She can plan your ADRs, Fast Passes etc. She knows the tidbits you need to know. Even those questions you may not know to ask.

In regards to your kids on the spectrum. This may be difficult. Spectrum children are more comfortable in routines so I would suggest you do your best to keep the routines. This means eat at the same time, if they have expectations of things like placeware, mats cups etc, bring them. If they nap at the same time everyday, do that. Bring their blanket, stuffed animal whatever comfort items you can. The least upheaval you do will help.

Lastly, since you do have unique needs, plan enough days so you can make your adjustments, buy still have enough time to enjoy the parks. The one thing I would warn against is what I call, steamrolling the parks. This is trying to get in every show, attraction, ride etc in a fixed time allotment. This will tank your trip. Everyone will be exhausted and cranky. For the most part, Disney front loads costs of the trip in the first 5 days. A few extra days doesnt really cost all that much in the grand scheme of the overall cost.

Make sure you have your Epi Pens and Benadryl.

Last Edit: Feb 16, 2017 22:06:45 GMT by dngnb8

dngnb8
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Posts: 169

Looking for advice - upcoming trip Feb 16, 2017 15:02:33 GMT briarrose, drwadadli, and 2 more like this

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Post by dngnb8 on Feb 16, 2017 15:02:33 GMT

Here are a couple of thread links you may find helpful or enjoy

Countdown Fun

Transportation Trips at the Parks

Packing Tips

One major tip, especially with spectrum children, stay at a resort with more then a Bus option. Buses can be sardines and have long waits.

cathie
Moderator

Second Star to the Right and Straight on till Morning

Posts: 1,113

Looking for advice - upcoming trip Feb 21, 2017 19:18:28 GMT briarrose and pvtim like this

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Post by cathie on Feb 21, 2017 19:18:28 GMT

Ok after reading over the posts again....I'm going to make a few more suggestions....when you check into your resort ask the concierge desk about what time the first monorail leaves Poly ....you may find that getting on it early and getting to a park early will be less overwhelming for the autistic ones....if they are at a park you can easily spot the outside lines to enter at which is less crowded.....if the adults go to the concierge and ask they are the ones who are happy to help navigate a park...the memory maker people Dan is mentioning aren't physically there with you while sometimes if you can afford it you can get a personal tour guide who will take you totally around the parks day by day.....if you would like information on that ahead of time just call 407-939-7429
I would make ALL your ADR with allergy notations....and like I've said earlier Allier the chef will come out. Quick service windows you can walk up and state we have a peanut allergy (for ex) and ask if there's anything to avoid

second star to the right and straight on till morning

cathie
Moderator

Second Star to the Right and Straight on till Morning

Posts: 1,113

Looking for advice - upcoming trip Feb 21, 2017 19:20:03 GMT briarrose and pvtim like this

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Post by cathie on Feb 21, 2017 19:20:03 GMT

The last think I want to ask is have they been to WDW before?
Please also remember, people/kids only remember what they DID....not what they didn't do.....so I agree with others who have said don't steamroll the parks, plan downtime and above all make them as comfortable as possible. The special needs pins are not easily obtained, check with the concierge again on those....

second star to the right and straight on till morning

GusGus
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Posts: 103

Looking for advice - upcoming trip Mar 16, 2017 15:53:31 GMT cathie, missybee, and 1 more like this

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Post by GusGus on Mar 16, 2017 15:53:31 GMT

Feb 14, 2017 20:27:32 GMT pvtim said:

Good afternoon!

I am 154 days out from our Summer excursion to the world!!!! We are traveling with friends and family and thanks to our DVC ownership we are able to help them make this possible. This is not our first time going - but first time really with others.

With that being said this could have fallen under several sub-forums (but I think this is the best choice). I am looking for some advice/tips if anyone has experience with the following:

- Traveling with large parties (There will be 11 on most nights and 16 on one day that a local friend is meeting us and staying on property)

- Meals with dietary restrictions - one child is highly allergic to all nuts/ another child allergic to dairy. Both families are looking for mostly quick service meals.

- Traveling with children with autism. 4 of our guests are in the spectrum, mostly functional but they do vary.

Any suggestions to help make this a good experience for them all?

When we were planning first trip, I read great tips on the AllEars.net site. On the site, choose the Walt Disney World tab, then the Planning tab. Look at the column on the left and scroll down. There is a section for Traveling with special challenges and a section for Dietary needs. Also, we emailed specialdiets@disneyworld.com prior to our trip with questions about gluten free and vegetarian options and received helpful information and a detailed list. Hope this helps.

cathie
Moderator

Second Star to the Right and Straight on till Morning

Posts: 1,113

Looking for advice - upcoming trip Mar 16, 2017 20:05:14 GMT missybee likes this

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Post by cathie on Mar 16, 2017 20:05:14 GMT

Mar 16, 2017 15:53:31 GMT GusGus said:

Feb 14, 2017 20:27:32 GMT pvtim said:

Good afternoon!

I am 154 days out from our Summer excursion to the world!!!! We are traveling with friends and family and thanks to our DVC ownership we are able to help them make this possible. This is not our first time going - but first time really with others.

With that being said this could have fallen under several sub-forums (but I think this is the best choice). I am looking for some advice/tips if anyone has experience with the following:

- Traveling with large parties (There will be 11 on most nights and 16 on one day that a local friend is meeting us and staying on property)

- Meals with dietary restrictions - one child is highly allergic to all nuts/ another child allergic to dairy. Both families are looking for mostly quick service meals.

- Traveling with children with autism. 4 of our guests are in the spectrum, mostly functional but they do vary.

Any suggestions to help make this a good experience for them all?

When we were planning first trip, I read great tips on the AllEars.net site. On the site, choose the Walt Disney World tab, then the Planning tab. Look at the column on the left and scroll down. There is a section for Traveling with special challenges and a section for Dietary needs. Also, we emailed specialdiets@disneyworld.com prior to our trip with questions about gluten free and vegetarian options and received helpful information and a detailed list. Hope this helps.

Good input GusGus!!! And pvtim just be sure to let me know your dates and if you would to meet up? I am like the self designated meet and greet person from the forum

second star to the right and straight on till morning

Disneyquestionsfans

Looking for advice - upcoming trip

Post by pvtim on Feb 14, 2017 20:27:32 GMT

Post by DisneyfanDean on Feb 14, 2017 21:39:24 GMT

Post by pvtim on Feb 15, 2017 0:10:24 GMT

Post by DisneyfanDean on Feb 15, 2017 18:54:59 GMT

Post by pvtim on Feb 15, 2017 20:43:44 GMT

Post by missybee on Feb 15, 2017 22:16:07 GMT

Post by cathie on Feb 15, 2017 22:20:06 GMT

Post by missybee on Feb 15, 2017 22:43:52 GMT

Post by pvtim on Feb 16, 2017 0:04:04 GMT

Post by dngnb8 on Feb 16, 2017 14:57:05 GMT

Post by dngnb8 on Feb 16, 2017 15:02:33 GMT

Post by cathie on Feb 21, 2017 19:18:28 GMT

Post by cathie on Feb 21, 2017 19:20:03 GMT

Post by GusGus on Mar 16, 2017 15:53:31 GMT

Post by cathie on Mar 16, 2017 20:05:14 GMT

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