I have been on these boards quite a bit in the past week trying to do some initial planning. This is especially important because as those of you who have read my posts know, I have a 7 yo autistic son. He is high functioning, but is highly distractable (moreso than any of his teachers and therapists have experienced). If there is too much stimuli, sometimes he will just zone out. Other times it will bring on intense echolalia and verbalizations. Other times head banging -- if you know autism, you get the picture.
I have finally made PS's (or AR's) at restaurants, but I am getting really nervous. All the time I am reading about the terrible experiences that people had at the places I have chosen.
For example, I thought Ohana's would be a good choice for our first night. We are staying at Polynesian and my kids love going to a local Brazillian restaurant that does the skewers of meat. I just read a post about how noisy it is and their are children up against your table doing the coconut races and hula hoop contests. My son might like watching this (he may even join in for a minute or two) but I can't have people right up next to our table playing games while he is trying to eat.
Spirit of Aloha is our final meal and I am getting mixed reviews about it. I'm very much on the fence. I think sitting with groups of strangers will be hard, but he loves music and will watch dancing and fire as long as their isn't too much down time.
I chose Ohana for a character breakfast. I'm told this is a little more calm than the others. Although, I know none will be CALM.
We are using the dining plan, so I am trying to plan to get our money's worth. But, it sure is hard. I fear that we may end up eating a lot of room service. Hmmm...does anyone know if the restaurants that aren't buffets but are on the dining plan will let you get your food to go? Sure wouldn't want to do that all the time, but could come in handy.
Suggestions and advice would be great. I am sort of venting some frustration and desperation here.
BTW, I have a 10 year old "typical" son also. I don't want his whole trip to be completely controlled by his brother's needs. Sadly, that happens so often.
I have finally made PS's (or AR's) at restaurants, but I am getting really nervous. All the time I am reading about the terrible experiences that people had at the places I have chosen.
For example, I thought Ohana's would be a good choice for our first night. We are staying at Polynesian and my kids love going to a local Brazillian restaurant that does the skewers of meat. I just read a post about how noisy it is and their are children up against your table doing the coconut races and hula hoop contests. My son might like watching this (he may even join in for a minute or two) but I can't have people right up next to our table playing games while he is trying to eat.
Spirit of Aloha is our final meal and I am getting mixed reviews about it. I'm very much on the fence. I think sitting with groups of strangers will be hard, but he loves music and will watch dancing and fire as long as their isn't too much down time.
I chose Ohana for a character breakfast. I'm told this is a little more calm than the others. Although, I know none will be CALM.
We are using the dining plan, so I am trying to plan to get our money's worth. But, it sure is hard. I fear that we may end up eating a lot of room service. Hmmm...does anyone know if the restaurants that aren't buffets but are on the dining plan will let you get your food to go? Sure wouldn't want to do that all the time, but could come in handy.
Suggestions and advice would be great. I am sort of venting some frustration and desperation here.
BTW, I have a 10 year old "typical" son also. I don't want his whole trip to be completely controlled by his brother's needs. Sadly, that happens so often.