My daughter has never been to Disneyland. She is bipolar with ADHD inattentive and has sensory issues. Just writing that makes me think this could be a dicey situation. But she's turning twelve at the end of the month and dang it, we're going! When I made the reservation I told them about her sensory issues, her birthday and they made note of all of that. I know to take breaks and obviously if she gets overloaded we can always go back to the room or take an afternoon and go to the beach. Just wondering if anyone has any specific tips about Disneyland that they are willing to share?
I think it will be a wonderful trip for us and I have absolutely NO expectations. I do have her scheduled at the bibbidity bobbidty salon for hair and makeup and she has a welcome birthday package in the room. We have breakfast with the characters and an official autograph book. I'm excited to spend this time with her!
You guys are going to have a BLAST!! Of course you guys should go. Here are a few tips: since she has issues with standing in line, they should allow her front access to the rises. Ask when you get there if her pass allows that or how you get this, so there are no melt down with waiting for rides. Also, we go as soon as it opens, stay until lunch then leave rest and go back if we feel like it. There are some really amazing night times show: Color of life and lights parade. So plan to enjoy them. If you have never been it is an amazing place where you will feel safe and you can't imagine how wonderful it is inside the park. If you are going to the LA one then there are 2 different parks CA Adventure and regular Disneyland. But are worth seeing.
Things are expensive inside the park so we always bring our own snacks and water so we don't have to spend a lot of money inside the park. You guys will do ALOT of walking so make sure she has good shoes on and take breaks often,
The staff there are very helpful and accommodating.
Yay! yes, we got the max pass so we don't have to wait, that would be a disaster. and yes, we are morning people anyway because of the medication so I was absolutely planning the morning thing and the rest at lunch, thank you for the suggestions!
That is so great you are spending time with her in such a fun way. We took our 2 kids to Disney World in Florida several years ago. We did have some challenges - my differently wired son (ADHD, ODD) gave us some... shall we say, great learning opportunities
I think I must have blanked most of them out, so, sorry I can't give you any personal tips, However, you might find some of the info below helpful to add to the excellent tips from Onthemove1971.
Have a GREAT time!! and let us know how it went.
Article on Doing Disneyland with an ADHD Child - although the advice is for younger kids it might be of some help
NGU found most of the tips I was going to suggest, like the Disabilities accommodations. It really is designed for people who find it too mentally taxing to stay in lines, so give it a shot & see if they feel you qualify.
Otherwise, I suggest just going with the flow & being very flexible. I know my parents always wanted to “get their moneys worth”, and that’s just not going to work with neurodivergent kids. Everyone will just be frustrated and miserable. I would research some quiet spots / calming places to have if needed, eat during off hours, long midday break as Onthemove suggested, and if something is a bust, just don’t force it.
We have been to Disney World twice and they must have some of the best training I have ever seen because the people in costumes, cast members - everyone - they are so kind and understanding when your child is having a melt down or is scared or is hesitant to join in, or just totally distracted in the moment... we went through all those things at Disney and it was as if they were prepared for every contingency and every child. Both my children had a blast, but my son will still tell you how wonderful it was that he got to fight Darth Vader, and that he got to see Stitch and hug him (we think Stitch is his long lost twin brother). My son spent about 10 minutes explaining to Chip and Dale how they had to come to our house, because we have a TON of acorns, and he was never rushed along. Now, the only problems we ever had were with other park guests who decided to offer advice or disciplinary services to us while my son had melt downs at the park... that I know they can't control, but wow, can they distract and make you forget how awful people who don't understand can be.
We are going for the first time to Disney world for spring break. We have no idea how it will turn out, but we are planning to avoid rides that we think will be too scary for him. We are also showing him on youtube videos of the whole park and of the rides we will try to get him to ride so that he will know what to expect for each one. We also always bring with us sound reducing ear muffs. He's too big for a stroller, but we ordered one of those folding wagons with a canopy to carry all our stuff and if he gets tired he can sit in if it's all overwhelming. Sitting as a spectator in the wagon might help reduce anxiety. We did our best to plan the week and book the fast passes which need to be booked well in advance. We just don't know if when we get the the ride, he will be like "hell no, I'm not going on that". We'll be using the suggestions above! So glad we saw this feed. Thanks for asking the question!
Yay for us! the wagon is great idea, mine's too old for that, but I plan to take plenty of breaks, I'm stealing onthemove's idea of going back to the hotel for lunch and then seeing how it goes!
I've read that, apart from the main busiest times of day that people come / leave, the monorail is a nice place to get a quiet break from the park.
And yes to sound reducing ear muffs! My son uses them at the movie theater, and they have been very helpful with his sound sensitivities. Great suggestion!
Hi, We went when my daughter was 7, she has ADHD, OCD, and anxiety. My best advice would be to use Fastpass, tell her ahead of time if you’ve scheduled reservations for special dinners, etc. Also plan down days where you guys can maybe skip the park and relax by the pool or shop if she’s into that. We were go go go and were exhausted...not good for anyone. My daughter loved collecting pins that she wore on a lanyard (they sell them everywhere). It was a good distraction for her. Like someone previously mentioned the staff at the parks are great. We were standing in line at Starbucks in the Magic Kingdom for 30 mins and my daughter started throwing a fit. An off-duty staff member gave her a free cake pop. It was rough at times and frustrating but overall great memories. Have fun and best of luck to you!
Use the park website to decide suitable ridrs/activities prior to leaving home.
Plan a route to your planned rides /attractions.
Adjust accordingly depending on mood, weather, time of day etc. before leaving your accommodation.
Have distractions ready for ques, moments of agitation.
Possibly bring an alternative pair of shoes/sneakers. If the need arises. Popping on different pair of shoes can be refreshing.
Write contact details and let the children keep them in 2 different places, for the just incase scenario.
Oh, bring your perspective. Every ride. Every attraction. Every activity is an accomplishment. Remember in Disney people have melt downs, as a result of ADHD /Bipolar/ or just being out of routine and over whelmed... Sometimes its even the kids that have the melt downs.
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