Sensory Issues, Rides, and Personal Space

[bnlgirlln]

Hi Everyone,

We are headed back to Disney World. My DD is now old enough to go on most rides, but she will not tolerate rides where her personal space is violated. So I am trying to figure out which rides we should avoid, and it has been challenging because this information is not easily available.

I know we should avoid stitch (because of him spitting on you and the sensation of him brushing by you), Dinosaur (because of objects coming too close to the rider), the Bug show (because you get poked in the back), and Muppets 4D (because of the squirting water and other in-your-face pranks).

Are there any other rides to avoid?

Thanks!

[rewardsinlife]

Does she have sensory issues with water being splashed on her during the ride? If so...need to cross out splash mountain and other rides where she might get wet!

What I would recommend...is finding a map of the park you are going to...copy or write down all the rides, and then check them out in you tube. Obviously, if they are bigger rides and you already know she wouldn't go on it you wouldn't have to watch it. But for rides that are possibilities...'riding the ride' by watching it on YouTube can give you a good idea oh what might be a problem and what will work!

[christymarie]

Philharmagic is another one along the lines of Bugs Life and Stitch. You get splashed when the mops throw water.

[bnlgirlln]

Thanks! These replies are helpful. Yes, she is not a big fan of being hit with water, so those rides are certainly out. I hope the camels are not working so we can try Aladdin.

I saw a few videos on youtube but sometimes it is hard to tell what the rider may actually be experiencing.

So replies with recommendations are greatly appreciated.

[ttintagel]

I read that they've recently started spraying water on BTMRR.

[rewardsinlife]

Yes...it is hard to determine sometimes exactly what is going on the ride...until you are there...though the clips sometimes give you a general idea.

I was thinking about this...and wondered if you put your kiddo in the middle of you and a family member on rides if it would help? I noticed another child last time I was at DL with sensory issues and didn't like being on the sides of the rides because it put them too 'close' to the walls with all the color and actions. Being in the middle between two members that they trust helped this child out tremendously!

[bookwormde]

Remember WDW is a great place to try some sensory intergration therapy, and if your daughter has a meltdown, you certainly will not be the only one with child there having one. Being sprayed by a Disney characer when yshe knows it is comming and when lots of other children are enjoying it, can be a great opportunity is she chooses to try (with a little encouragement)

[KPeveler]

Also any ride where it is bench seating they do tend to cram people in. If you cannot sit with members of your family surrounding her you need to beware of these

Unfortunately this includes many rides and almost all shows so perhaps you can work out a plan for this.

[unravellingrapunzel]

I had brain surgery in 04 and I went to Disneyworld and didn't go on any real rides because I didn't know what I could and couldn't handle. I went on soarin and petermans flight I was fine, I have severe motionsickness and my balance nerve was severly affected. the only way I found out I need to avoid spinning rides and extreme up and down rides is I went to six flags and I couldn't even handle going on the ride that has swings. I was so tempted to go on the superman ride I went before my brain tumor affected my life. anyone know what rides I can and cant do that ha extreme back forth motions or going in circles of anykind....I wanted to go on the carosel soo bad but I know me and spinning rides don't mix, I get headaches. I watched the spinning cups ride and I was like um....no. so what can I do?

[cantwaittoseemickey]

Our son has sensory issues as well. Things that have worked for us was a stroller for his own personal space (he uses a wheelchair now as he has other medical concerns) but it is his own space and when he is overwhelmed he has his own place to go to.

Headphones-For our son who is noise sensitive it is a MUST! He will NOT have any fun at all without his headphones. They do not block out all of the noise but tone it down to his level. The squishy ear things don't do enough for him. Walmart has some really nice folding noise blocking headphones.And they aren't expensive. Maybe 10-15 dollars

He also takes something from home to fidget with. He likes erasers. He rubs them on his shorts or jeans for sensory stimulation. Just something that is soothing to him.

Stitch-we definately avoid. A Bugs Life if you sit in the back where they put the wheelchairs there are a few seats there that they do not spray or anything. At least I don't remember it doing to to Ty. But he was in his wheelchair so maybe where he was didn't do it. I would definately ask about that.