momster
11-25-2007, 10:26 AM
There has to be an Orlando question posted for the holidays, doesn't there?? OK, we're visiting my dad in palm beach and will be stopping in Orlando, hopefully for only one day, before catching the autotrain back north. I have learned to hints for amusement parks which I'll share at the end, but I need some advice: Ben has anxiety disorder and borderline pdd, as well as his physical issues. This summer we went to an amusement park that had a kiddie type coater that adults could fit on. It was really pretty fun and he was so proud that he could go on a coaster just like other kids! He can't go on really big scary rides, and he won't go on carousels or ferris wheels, but will go on the really mild coasters. Is there a park that has some of these that adults can ride on? (although he's a preteen he's big, and he needs us to go with him).
My older son would really like to go to MGM but I am concerned that everything there is scary - does anyone have experience with this park?
My tips: Our favorite park is sea world, which is still under consideration. One of the reason it's nice for disabled guests is that some of the big attractions are not rides at all, but exhibits (like an amazing shark aquarium) and shows (shamu!). The perk is that if you go up to the window and explain that your child has disabilities, the disabled person and a companion get in at a discount!:) When you have a kid that doesn't do rides, it makes you feel better about going if you're not paying full price.
My other tip is that if you're undecided about renting a wheel chair - rent one. It is so much easier to do an amusement park when you don't have to deal with your child getting tired half way through the day from the walking, or not being able to keep up. Plus, park staff tends to be especially courteous and understanding of your other issues (like anxiety) when you're in a wheelchair and will usually spend the time helping you to figure out if the ride is appropriate, etc. If your child walks up (especially, in our case, with long pants so the AFOs aren't showing), they think that you kid is just another whiny spoiled kid and usually don't take the time to work with you.
Thanks for your advice - in advance!
- momster
My older son would really like to go to MGM but I am concerned that everything there is scary - does anyone have experience with this park?
My tips: Our favorite park is sea world, which is still under consideration. One of the reason it's nice for disabled guests is that some of the big attractions are not rides at all, but exhibits (like an amazing shark aquarium) and shows (shamu!). The perk is that if you go up to the window and explain that your child has disabilities, the disabled person and a companion get in at a discount!:) When you have a kid that doesn't do rides, it makes you feel better about going if you're not paying full price.
My other tip is that if you're undecided about renting a wheel chair - rent one. It is so much easier to do an amusement park when you don't have to deal with your child getting tired half way through the day from the walking, or not being able to keep up. Plus, park staff tends to be especially courteous and understanding of your other issues (like anxiety) when you're in a wheelchair and will usually spend the time helping you to figure out if the ride is appropriate, etc. If your child walks up (especially, in our case, with long pants so the AFOs aren't showing), they think that you kid is just another whiny spoiled kid and usually don't take the time to work with you.
Thanks for your advice - in advance!
- momster