Re: Disney Guest Assistance Pass

May 16, 2007

I'm so glad to hear that's back - I would sure love to take

Bam to Disneyland some time.

Willa

May 17, 2007

Thanks!!!

Very truly yours; Todd B. KotlerDISCLAIMERThis e-mail contains information intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, any dissemination, publication or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. The sender does not accept any responsibility for any loss, disruption or damage to your data or computer system that may occur while using data contained in, or transmitted with, this e-mail. If you have received this e-mail in error, please immediately notify us by return e-mail. Thank you.

-----Original Message-----From: [mailto: ]On Behalf Of MillsSent: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 8:28 PM Subject: ( ) Disney Guest Assistance Pass

We went to Disney earlier this year with our 6 yr old Aspie as well as our other NT kids (4yr old & 2yr old). The guest assistance pass was a life saver!! We still talk about how it made the trip doable for us!

Here's a link to info we found on what to do in order to get the pass ---> http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/dis_aut2.htm

Have fun!!

RE: ( ) Re: Other family members

How did you get the guest assistance passes? We are going to Disney in 2 & 1/2 weeks with my in-laws and I would be much relieved if I could have those in hand

Very truly yours; Todd B. KotlerDISCLAIMERThis e-mail contains information intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, any dissemination, publication or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. The sender does not accept any responsibility for any loss, disruption or damage to your data or computer system that may occur while using data contained in, or transmitted with, this e-mail. If you have received this e-mail in error, please immediately notify us by return e-mail. Thank you.

-----Original Message-----From: [mailto: ]On Behalf Of T.Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 12:55 PM Subject: ( ) Re: Other family members

Oh yes. My mother has been fabulously supportive, but my brother and my father thought I was exaggerating things for years, that my son was just "spoiled." Funny, because my brother is almost identical to my son, but was only diagnosed with auditory processing disorders. My MIL kept telling me I was expecting too much from my child, and my father in law avoids us at all costs since the diagnosis, but even before when we'd talk about sensory issues, he'd look the other way and make a face that suggested I was talking a bunch of nonsense.I remember going to Disney last year, on a trip my parents insisted on taking us on, even though I wasn't sure Dylan was ready for it. (He was 5 1/2) Thank goodness, it was like heaven for him, but only because of those lovely Guest Assistance passes that avoided much of the lines. My father and brother refused to use them with us, and when they'd ride with him, they'd make him stand in line. Long story short, after two days and several meltdowns (solved by a quick spin on the teacups!) they "got it" and are now extremely supportive.For those with auditory processing issues, there's a great website out there that reads the tale of Little Red Riding Hood from their perspective, with the words all garbled, and how the tale sounds horribly different. Wonderful example of how these kids live life! T.Little Miss Know it Allhttp://truthinpolitics.contentquake.com>> I have had problems with other members of the family (in-laws) that > just don't get it and are less than useful let's just say. I feel if > my son was more severe and obvious they would be more understanding. > Just to note I am very grateful that he isn't more severe but it would > be nice to have a little more back up with close family. Anyone out > there in the same situation?>

May 17, 2007

When we went two years ago we got the Disability Pass. It worked really well for us. Pam :)See what's free at AOL.com.

May 17, 2007

We went a few years ago now to Disney. We didn't use the disability pass. Instead, they have a great program in place called something like, "Fast Pass." It's for everyone. You can get a ticket with a time stamp on it and then you come back at that time. There is a shorter line and you get on before the people standing in the "regular" line. This worked out great. Plus, the kids learned that waiting is part of the deal.

RoxannaAutism Happens

RE: ( ) Re: Other family members

How did you get the guest assistance passes? We are going to Disney in 2 & 1/2 weeks with my in-laws and I would be much relieved if I could have those in hand

Very truly yours; Todd B. KotlerDISCLAIMERThis e-mail contains information intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, any dissemination, publication or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. The sender does not accept any responsibility for any loss, disruption or damage to your data or computer system that may occur while using data contained in, or transmitted with, this e-mail. If you have received this e-mail in error, please immediately notify us by return e-mail. Thank you.

-----Original Message-----From: [mailto: ]On Behalf Of T.Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 12:55 PM Subject: ( ) Re: Other family members

Oh yes. My mother has been fabulously supportive, but my brother and my father thought I was exaggerating things for years, that my son was just "spoiled." Funny, because my brother is almost identical to my son, but was only diagnosed with auditory processing disorders. My MIL kept telling me I was expecting too much from my child, and my father in law avoids us at all costs since the diagnosis, but even before when we'd talk about sensory issues, he'd look the other way and make a face that suggested I was talking a bunch of nonsense.I remember going to Disney last year, on a trip my parents insisted on taking us on, even though I wasn't sure Dylan was ready for it. (He was 5 1/2) Thank goodness, it was like heaven for him, but only because of those lovely Guest Assistance passes that avoided much of the lines. My father and brother refused to use them with us, and when they'd ride with him, they'd make him stand in line. Long story short, after two days and several meltdowns (solved by a quick spin on the teacups!) they "got it" and are now extremely supportive.For those with auditory processing issues, there's a great website out there that reads the tale of Little Red Riding Hood from their perspective, with the words all garbled, and how the tale sounds horribly different. Wonderful example of how these kids live life! T.Little Miss Know it Allhttp://truthinpolitics.contentquake.com>> I have had problems with other members of the family (in-laws) that > just don't get it and are less than useful let's just say. I feel if > my son was more severe and obvious they would be more understanding. > Just to note I am very grateful that he isn't more severe but it would > be nice to have a little more back up with close family. Anyone out > there in the same situation?>

May 17, 2007

The guest assistance pass doesn't eliminate waits...it just minimizes it and also sometimes allows for a different waiting area where it's OK to move around a bit. You can still use the Fast Pass, but they don't have the Fast Pass for all of the rides. We started getting Fast Pass appointments (usually you have to go back with 45 minutes to 1 hr), but the people working the rides told us that was un-necessary and let us right into the Fast Pass line without an appointment. We still had to wait in the Fast Pass line (no skipping to the front), but that was not usually overwhelming.

Also, the line for character visits in Feb was over 1 hour...can't imagine what it would be now. With the guest assistance pass they let us go to a room with only a few people were we could wait for about 30 minutes, then they took us into the room with the characters. We never would have been able to see the characters if it weren't for this. Also, many of the rides without the Fast Pass can have 30+ minute waits...in the low season...my son couldn't do that. You can just go to the area where the guests are exiting the rides, then the person working the ride will have you wait 5 - 10 minutes then will let you on.

We planned our trip during low season to avoid the crowds, but still found the Fast Pass an immense help!

RE: ( ) Re: Other family members

How did you get the guest assistance passes? We are going to Disney in 2 & 1/2 weeks with my in-laws and I would be much relieved if I could have those in hand

Very truly yours; Todd B. KotlerDISCLAIMERThis e-mail contains information intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, any dissemination, publication or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. The sender does not accept any responsibility for any loss, disruption or damage to your data or computer system that may occur while using data contained in, or transmitted with, this e-mail. If you have received this e-mail in error, please immediately notify us by return e-mail. Thank you.

-----Original Message-----From: [mailto: ]On Behalf Of T.Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 12:55 PM Subject: ( ) Re: Other family members

Oh yes. My mother has been fabulously supportive, but my brother and my father thought I was exaggerating things for years, that my son was just "spoiled." Funny, because my brother is almost identical to my son, but was only diagnosed with auditory processing disorders. My MIL kept telling me I was expecting too much from my child, and my father in law avoids us at all costs since the diagnosis, but even before when we'd talk about sensory issues, he'd look the other way and make a face that suggested I was talking a bunch of nonsense.I remember going to Disney last year, on a trip my parents insisted on taking us on, even though I wasn't sure Dylan was ready for it. (He was 5 1/2) Thank goodness, it was like heaven for him, but only because of those lovely Guest Assistance passes that avoided much of the lines. My father and brother refused to use them with us, and when they'd ride with him, they'd make him stand in line. Long story short, after two days and several meltdowns (solved by a quick spin on the teacups!) they "got it" and are now extremely supportive.For those with auditory processing issues, there's a great website out there that reads the tale of Little Red Riding Hood from their perspective, with the words all garbled, and how the tale sounds horribly different. Wonderful example of how these kids live life! T.Little Miss Know it Allhttp://truthinpolitics.contentquake.com>> I have had problems with other members of the family (in-laws) that > just don't get it and are less than useful let's just say. I feel if > my son was more severe and obvious they would be more understanding. > Just to note I am very grateful that he isn't more severe but it would > be nice to have a little more back up with close family. Anyone out > there in the same situation?>

May 17, 2007

Wow, we never had long lines anywhere - we went in November. I just think a lot of kids can wait for things. We walked right in to see Mickey Mouse, a wait of maybe 2 minutes as they snapped pictures with the previous people. The bigger problem was getting the kids to go near him. They were afraid.

But they also learned to wait for the rides that did have waiting involved. Sometimes that is life.

RoxannaAutism Happens

RE: ( ) Re: Other family members

How did you get the guest assistance passes? We are going to Disney in 2 & 1/2 weeks with my in-laws and I would be much relieved if I could have those in hand

Very truly yours; Todd B. KotlerDISCLAIMERThis e-mail contains information intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, any dissemination, publication or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. The sender does not accept any responsibility for any loss, disruption or damage to your data or computer system that may occur while using data contained in, or transmitted with, this e-mail. If you have received this e-mail in error, please immediately notify us by return e-mail. Thank you.

-----Original Message-----From: [mailto: ]On Behalf Of T.Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 12:55 PM Subject: ( ) Re: Other family members

Oh yes. My mother has been fabulously supportive, but my brother and my father thought I was exaggerating things for years, that my son was just "spoiled." Funny, because my brother is almost identical to my son, but was only diagnosed with auditory processing disorders. My MIL kept telling me I was expecting too much from my child, and my father in law avoids us at all costs since the diagnosis, but even before when we'd talk about sensory issues, he'd look the other way and make a face that suggested I was talking a bunch of nonsense.I remember going to Disney last year, on a trip my parents insisted on taking us on, even though I wasn't sure Dylan was ready for it. (He was 5 1/2) Thank goodness, it was like heaven for him, but only because of those lovely Guest Assistance passes that avoided much of the lines. My father and brother refused to use them with us, and when they'd ride with him, they'd make him stand in line. Long story short, after two days and several meltdowns (solved by a quick spin on the teacups!) they "got it" and are now extremely supportive.For those with auditory processing issues, there's a great website out there that reads the tale of Little Red Riding Hood from their perspective, with the words all garbled, and how the tale sounds horribly different. Wonderful example of how these kids live life! T.Little Miss Know it Allhttp://truthinpolitics.contentquake.com>> I have had problems with other members of the family (in-laws) that > just don't get it and are less than useful let's just say. I feel if > my son was more severe and obvious they would be more understanding. > Just to note I am very grateful that he isn't more severe but it would > be nice to have a little more back up with close family. Anyone out > there in the same situation?>

May 17, 2007

That's great that you didn't have long lines! I'll have to remember that and plan our next trip in November. I believe Feb is actually their Mid season and high season kicks in around the end of Feb to beginning of March.

I was amazed with the crowds when we went. We tried to arrive when the park first opened and that helped a lot. It also helped reading the guidebooks and arriving at certain rides/events at their suggested times to avoid crowds. Some things we just had to bypass because it just wasn't going to work.

My son is really great at waiting for a lot of things, and can delay gratification better than most...but his sensory issues get the best of him after inching along in a confined space for 15 minutes or more. It just wasn't fair to all the people around us. That is life for us and sometimes we have to avoid situations like this that cause extra stress for us and innocent bystanders. We never give up on working with him though!

RE: ( ) Re: Other family members

How did you get the guest assistance passes? We are going to Disney in 2 & 1/2 weeks with my in-laws and I would be much relieved if I could have those in hand

Very truly yours; Todd B. KotlerDISCLAIMERThis e-mail contains information intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, any dissemination, publication or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. The sender does not accept any responsibility for any loss, disruption or damage to your data or computer system that may occur while using data contained in, or transmitted with, this e-mail. If you have received this e-mail in error, please immediately notify us by return e-mail. Thank you.

-----Original Message-----From: [mailto: ]On Behalf Of T.Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 12:55 PM Subject: ( ) Re: Other family members

Oh yes. My mother has been fabulously supportive, but my brother and my father thought I was exaggerating things for years, that my son was just "spoiled." Funny, because my brother is almost identical to my son, but was only diagnosed with auditory processing disorders. My MIL kept telling me I was expecting too much from my child, and my father in law avoids us at all costs since the diagnosis, but even before when we'd talk about sensory issues, he'd look the other way and make a face that suggested I was talking a bunch of nonsense.I remember going to Disney last year, on a trip my parents insisted on taking us on, even though I wasn't sure Dylan was ready for it. (He was 5 1/2) Thank goodness, it was like heaven for him, but only because of those lovely Guest Assistance passes that avoided much of the lines. My father and brother refused to use them with us, and when they'd ride with him, they'd make him stand in line. Long story short, after two days and several meltdowns (solved by a quick spin on the teacups!) they "got it" and are now extremely supportive.For those with auditory processing issues, there's a great website out there that reads the tale of Little Red Riding Hood from their perspective, with the words all garbled, and how the tale sounds horribly different. Wonderful example of how these kids live life! T.Little Miss Know it Allhttp://truthinpolitics.contentquake.com>> I have had problems with other members of the family (in-laws) that > just don't get it and are less than useful let's just say. I feel if > my son was more severe and obvious they would be more understanding. > Just to note I am very grateful that he isn't more severe but it would > be nice to have a little more back up with close family. Anyone out > there in the same situation?>

May 17, 2007

Oh well, then you must think of going in November. The weather was nice. A tad bit cool so we didn't do swimming but one time but I prefer the cooler weather. No rain, sunny skies all week, it was really nice. The only time it was crowded was on the weekend. They had a soap opera day at one of the parks, the very one we went to that day. So it was swamped.

My ds, 10 yo, had a hard time waiting. We did have to wait for a ride in the safari. He kept saying he had to go to the bathroom. It was his excuse to not be waiting in line because he was tired of waiting. We kept telling him he was fine, hold it, just a little bit longer. Well, then we finally got to the front and he saw a young lady who worked there and he yelled at her, "Hey! I have an enlarged prostate and I need to use the bathroom now!" Needless to say, everyone giggled and that poor girl didn't know what to say. I just grabbed him and told her, "never mind." Aren't commercials great?

RoxannaAutism Happens

RE: ( ) Re: Other family members

How did you get the guest assistance passes? We are going to Disney in 2 & 1/2 weeks with my in-laws and I would be much relieved if I could have those in hand

Very truly yours; Todd B. KotlerDISCLAIMERThis e-mail contains information intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, any dissemination, publication or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. The sender does not accept any responsibility for any loss, disruption or damage to your data or computer system that may occur while using data contained in, or transmitted with, this e-mail. If you have received this e-mail in error, please immediately notify us by return e-mail. Thank you.

-----Original Message-----From: [mailto: ]On Behalf Of T.Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 12:55 PM Subject: ( ) Re: Other family members

Oh yes. My mother has been fabulously supportive, but my brother and my father thought I was exaggerating things for years, that my son was just "spoiled." Funny, because my brother is almost identical to my son, but was only diagnosed with auditory processing disorders. My MIL kept telling me I was expecting too much from my child, and my father in law avoids us at all costs since the diagnosis, but even before when we'd talk about sensory issues, he'd look the other way and make a face that suggested I was talking a bunch of nonsense.I remember going to Disney last year, on a trip my parents insisted on taking us on, even though I wasn't sure Dylan was ready for it. (He was 5 1/2) Thank goodness, it was like heaven for him, but only because of those lovely Guest Assistance passes that avoided much of the lines. My father and brother refused to use them with us, and when they'd ride with him, they'd make him stand in line. Long story short, after two days and several meltdowns (solved by a quick spin on the teacups!) they "got it" and are now extremely supportive.For those with auditory processing issues, there's a great website out there that reads the tale of Little Red Riding Hood from their perspective, with the words all garbled, and how the tale sounds horribly different. Wonderful example of how these kids live life! T.Little Miss Know it Allhttp://truthinpolitics.contentquake.com>> I have had problems with other members of the family (in-laws) that > just don't get it and are less than useful let's just say. I feel if > my son was more severe and obvious they would be more understanding. > Just to note I am very grateful that he isn't more severe but it would > be nice to have a little more back up with close family. Anyone out > there in the same situation?>

May 17, 2007

Yes, we go to Disneyland every year and get the pass - it is fabulous! No waiting - just go to the exit and get right on the rides. My son is high functiong, but it is rough and it's nice that WE FINALLY FOUND A PERK! Go for it! Let our sweet kids enjoy their day even more :-)ppanda65@... wrote: When we went two years ago we got the Disability Pass. It worked really well for us. Pam See

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May 17, 2007

I hear ya, there are many struggles. It is nice to find a perk. I will take it. I have heard some state that they need to learn to stand in lines. Well, it doesn't have to be in Disney. We are going in August and I will gladly get the pass. One of my boys has heat issues, he will shut down in extreme heat. August will be brutal. I am looking forward to getting him on the rides quickly.

Eydie

Kasey & 7 yrs old Atypical Autism NOS

Re: ( ) Disney Guest Assistance Pass

Yes, we go to Disneyland every year and get the pass - it is fabulous! No waiting - just go to the exit and get right on the rides. My son is high functiong, but it is rough and it's nice that WE FINALLY FOUND A PERK! Go for it! Let our sweet kids enjoy their day even more :-)

ppanda65aol wrote:

When we went two years ago we got the Disability Pass. It worked really well for us. Pam

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May 17, 2007

I agree. While I do agree that our kids should be taught to wait

because - hey, that IS life... not at the price of a disney

vacation!! Thats a little too expensive of a teaching time for me!

We went to universal, tried the lines - no way - and got the pass.

Its hard for any 4 yo to stand in line for an hour, but my kid?

HAHAHAHA either he or I will be going to the hospital after that!!

.... and the poor people standing around us? I dont want to ruin

their experience either. Its just easier.

> When we went two years ago we got the Disability Pass. It worked

really well for us. Pam

>

> See what's free at AOL.com.

>

> You snooze, you lose. Get messages ASAP with AutoCheck

> in the all-new Beta.

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May 17, 2007

If he has heat issues, why would you plan to go in August. I can only imagine it's horribly hot in August down there.

RoxannaAutism Happens

Re: ( ) Disney Guest Assistance Pass

Yes, we go to Disneyland every year and get the pass - it is fabulous! No waiting - just go to the exit and get right on the rides. My son is high functiong, but it is rough and it's nice that WE FINALLY FOUND A PERK! Go for it! Let our sweet kids enjoy their day even more :-)ppanda65aol wrote:

When we went two years ago we got the Disability Pass. It worked really well for us. Pam

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May 18, 2007

When you are offered a free week at a Disney Resort you take it, heat and all.

Re: ( ) Disney Guest Assistance Pass

If he has heat issues, why would you plan to go in August. I can only imagine it's horribly hot in August down there.

Roxanna

Autism Happens

Re: ( ) Disney Guest Assistance Pass

Yes, we go to Disneyland every year and get the pass - it is fabulous! No waiting - just go to the exit and get right on the rides. My son is high functiong, but it is rough and it's nice that WE FINALLY FOUND A PERK! Go for it! Let our sweet kids enjoy their day even more :-)

ppanda65aol wrote:

When we went two years ago we got the Disability Pass. It worked really well for us. Pam

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May 18, 2007

I seem to have generated a lot of talk regarding this issue.

I think DS does need to learn to wait in line. Normally, that is just what we do in everyday activities. Yet, not everyone chooses precisely when the go to Disney. This year it is my In-Laws who really want to take the family. We are a blended family (DS and I married DW and DSD-NT 11going on 30, a year ago), and this is the first trip for us with my in-laws. We are also meeting some friends (mine) and family(more in laws) from Florida down there.

So, while I don't want to let my DS get away with everything his little heart desires, I do want to be able to make some accomodations to help him keep as even a keel as posible and not spoil everyone else's good time. This trip is asking a lot of him, but I am not in control of the timing. Like everything else in life, this is a balancing act (often without a net).

Very truly yours; Todd B. KotlerDISCLAIMERThis e-mail contains information intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, any dissemination, publication or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. The sender does not accept any responsibility for any loss, disruption or damage to your data or computer system that may occur while using data contained in, or transmitted with, this e-mail. If you have received this e-mail in error, please immediately notify us by return e-mail. Thank you.

-----Original Message-----From: [mailto: ]On Behalf Of RoxannaSent: Friday, May 18, 2007 8:37 AM Subject: Re:( ) Disney Guest Assistance Pass

We are the only ones who would consider it twice, I guess. We didn't go there for many years because we knew our ds was not ready to handle everything involved - from the traveling to the lines to the characters. Our ds didn't care much about the characters at all. He didn't have a favorite or anything like that. Even if someone had bribed us to go, we wouldn't have been able to do it because he couldn't talk for himself and he wandered a lot. We did finally go and we did have a time with him wandering. But we felt fairly confident that we could keep tabs on him and also not have the trip ruined by meltdowns and tantrums. That is when we finally went.

I know some people are saying that, due to the cost, they wouldn't make their kid wait in line. But that is why we waited to go - until our ds was better able to handle the wait. We also went in the off season so we avoided the heat and the crowds as well. It minimized the odds of making it a difficult trip. Seems like everyone lately is so hyper-focused on accommodating their kids "sensory" problems that it just surprises me that so many go to Disney despite the obvious sensory problems their kids would have - in other words, spend all that money to be somewhere that will cause a lot of problems. It's not that I am saying to people "don't use the disability pass" - if that is your choice, then you should do what you feel is right. I don't need anyone yelling at me because I see this differently than everyone else either. It's just that we approached this a totally different way than everyone else has. We base a lot of things we do on how our kids can manage the situation and how much we ourselves can handle. I guess I am surprised but due to the cost, we didn't want to go and have it be a terrible trip so we maximized our odds as much as possible to suit the needs of our ds.

RoxannaAutism Happens

Re: ( ) Disney Guest Assistance Pass

Yes, we go to Disneyland every year and get the pass - it is fabulous! No waiting - just go to the exit and get right on the rides. My son is high functiong, but it is rough and it's nice that WE FINALLY FOUND A PERK! Go for it! Let our sweet kids enjoy their day even more :-)ppanda65aol wrote:

When we went two years ago we got the Disability Pass. It worked really well for us. Pam

See what's free at AOL.com.

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May 18, 2007

Well, I said if that's your plan, go for it. I'm sure I said that in my post. We just think about it differently. I don't think anybody ever gets used to standing in lines - who does? Grown adults hate it. It's just something we learn to deal with. We didn't have to use the pass because of when we went. It would not have saved us any time to get it and use it. I work with a little guy who is more severely autistic. I guess I think of these things as for them. He would not understand what a line was and we couldn't explain to him what was at the end of the line - he would not get that. So even if the line is short, he would need the pass. Kids with AS are high functioning. They could grasp the finer details. However you want to go, just feel free.

RoxannaAutism Happens

Re:( ) Disney Guest Assistance Pass

On Jan 14, 5:28pm, "Roxanna" wrote:} e else either. It's just that we approached this a totally different way t=} han everyone else has. We base a lot of things we do on how our kids can m=} anage the situation and how much we ourselves can handle. I guess I am sur=} prised but due to the cost, we didn't want to go and have it be a terrible =} trip so we maximized our odds as much as possible to suit the needs of our =} ds.Seems to me that a disability pass is one *additional* way to maximizethe odds. I don't know when, if ever, my son will have an easy timein lines, but I know there are many things about Disneyland he wouldabsolutely love. If there's a way to make it more workable for him tohave that experience, I'm sure going to take it.Willa

May 18, 2007

I agree...to some extent...

No one likes waiting in lines , yes we learn to deal with it...

But..I know my dd can deal alot better in a very controlled environment, and Disney would be anything but! Just the sensory stuff alone would be soooo much for her to deal with I would use what ever I could to make it a happy time for her.

Just my 2 cents :-)

- C.Mom to Cassie 16 PCOS, Austin 14 ADHD and a 3.5 HFA/AS & SPD/SID

Re:( ) Disney Guest Assistance Pass

On Jan 14, 5:28pm, "Roxanna" wrote:} e else either. It's just that we approached this a totally different way t=} han everyone else has. We base a lot of things we do on how our kids can m=} anage the situation and how much we ourselves can handle. I guess I am sur=} prised but due to the cost, we didn't want to go and have it be a terrible =} trip so we maximized our odds as much as possible to suit the needs of our =} ds.Seems to me that a disability pass is one *additional* way to maximizethe odds. I don't know when, if ever, my son will have an easy timein lines, but I know there are many things about Disneyland he wouldabsolutely love. If there's a way to make it more workable for him tohave that experience, I'm sure going to take it.Willa

May 19, 2007

When I was a senior in High School my family took a trip to

Disney World. My father worked for a data center at a bank. They did a lot of

business with Sperry Univac, who at the time, was a huge sponsor of Epcot,

which had just opened. My father had mentioned we were going, and his Sperry

rep told him they had guest passes available & he would love to treat my

father. They also had a condo there & he would love for my family to use

it. My father though he would be paying for this room, and my parents even

debated about it because they knew it would be more money than we would have

spent, but they decided to accept his offer. Well, the condo was a 4 bedroom

townhouse stocked with food. The cost to my parents was $1/night. The guest

passes were all inclusive for all the parks, AND they came with a special “Go

To the Head of the Line” cards. We were there Easter week, and the park

was very crowded. We were met in Epcot by a personal tour guide.

Basically we were treated like royalty. This tour guide took us through the

front part of Epcot (we were taken onto all the rides with no wait & got to

enjoy special hidden hospitality rooms) & she made us a few dinner

reservations for the week. But she thought it was unfair for us to use these special

cut-in-line cards at the Magic

Kingdom. The line for

Snow White was over an hour long. Dumbo was 2 hours. I was in High School

& not really interested in waiting to ride these rides, but I had younger

siblings who really wanted to go. At that time they didn’t have Fast

Passes. So we waited. All in all, the vacation was the best of my childhood.

As an adult, we have been fortunate to live near both Disneyland in CA & Disney World in FL. My kids were

very little when we were by Disneyland, and we

had annual passes & only went on uncrowded mornings. So I never had any

problems. My kids were in elementary school when we lived in FL, and we again

got passes for DisneyWorld. My daughter

always struggled in the park. Too many people, too much noise. She’s

afraid of roller coasters, and at the time, she was afraid of the dark. So she

didn’t want to ride hardly any of the rides, and if we convinced her to ride,

she fretted the entire time we were in line. She did LOVE the parades &

shows. We did not yet have the Asperger’s diagnosis, so I couldn’t

have gotten a disability pass if I had wanted to. It wasn’t bad when I

went with my husband, because he would take my son & ride all the thrill rides

& my daughter & I would watch shows & find little quite corners of

the park to enjoy (there are many). It was harder if I went by myself because

each kid enjoyed different parts of the park. Then my parents & siblings

came with their kids came & we went. We decided at the beginning that

everyone got to pick one thing that everyone had to do. Otherwise, we could

split up & meet up. Well, my mother picked the Haunted Mansion,

which I knew immediately was going to be a problem for my daughter. We had

learned through my visits that you could wait in line, and then not get on the

ride but go right to the exit. I had to have her do that once or twice while I

rode with my son (a Disney cast member waited with her for me to get off). She

agreed to do this, but when you wait in that line you see gravestones &

all. So she totally freaked out & had a meltdown. A Disney cast member

saw her becoming hysterical, and we were trying to find a way out of the long

line (all 11 of us). She took us aside, my father took my daughter to a quiet

place, and the cast member took the rest of us to the front of the line.

I guess my point of sharing all of this is, if you use one of

these passes, you are not the only ones being taking to the front of the line.

Disney really truly wants your experience there to be magical.

There are lots of ways that you can find special information

to help you create the best Disney experience for family. First, they have a

map for people with disabilities. This map tells you if you have to walk a few

steps if you are in a wheelchair. It gives all the cautions for people with

heart problems. It helped my daughter to look at this map because she could

tell if the ride was a roller coaster type or not. Also, there is a great

book, but I can’t remember the title exactly. I think it was

Bernum?’s Disney Guide for Kids. In it, she explains every ride. She

tells you if it’s dark or loud, and gives reviews from kids. This also

helped my daughter because she knew what to expect before going on a ride.

Also there is a fantastic website www.mousesavers.com First of all, this

website will always have the BEST deals for Disney. She has all the resort

codes to get the best room prices, dining deals, etc. But they also have lots

of “tips” for enjoying your experiences, like special places to

find characters, etc. I highly recommend looking at this website before any

trip to Disney. (They also have sale codes for the Disney store on-line). We

saved over $1000 on our rooms when we went with my family.

And I realize this post is VERY long, but I thought I’d

share one more tip from my personal experience. If you have a daughter who

likes the princess, there is no better way to see them than doing the breakfast

with the Princesses in Epcot. This also helps if you have a son who really

doesn’t want to see the princess. At least he gets to eat rather than

just wait in line for an hour to meet Belle. (We enjoyed all the character

meals.) Also, arrive ½ hour before the parks open, and there are characters

waiting out in front to enter with you when the parks open. (I know they now

have early mornings at one park a day for Disney resort guests, and I don’t

know if the characters are there before that or not.) As you enter the park,

you will have NO lines, and you can really do about 1/3 of all the rides in the

park before the crowds start to hit. It is the most enjoyable time in the

park. Reward your self for getting up so early by going back to your hotel

& enjoy a nap & a swim during the peak afternoon hours & then

return in the afternoon refreshed.

Don’t be afraid to use guest assistance passes.

Disney created them for a reason. They want you & your family to have the

BEST time you can. As for learning to wait in line, take your kid to the grocery

store at 6.

Tara

May 19, 2007

Mine weren't into the characters either. My older son was into Nightmare Before Christmas at the time. Younger son enjoyed collecting the autographs but we didn't go to any themed or character dinners. Pam :)See what's free at AOL.com.

May 19, 2007

We went to Disney once. It was an AWFUL experience, and not because of the lines. It was crowded, and my kids don't like most rides. was on sensory overload most of the time. We all agreed that it was an experience that we needn't repeat.LizOn May 18, 2007, at 10:20 PM, C wrote:I agree...to some extent...No one likes waiting in lines , yes we learn to deal with it...But..I know my dd can deal alot better in a very controlled environment, and Disney would be anything but! Just the sensory stuff alone would be soooo much for her to deal with I would use what ever I could to make it a happy time for her.Just my 2 cents :-)- C.Mom to Cassie 16 PCOS, Austin 14 ADHD and a 3.5 HFA/AS & SPD/SID

May 19, 2007

Did like any characters at the time? Mine were never into them.

RoxannaAutism Happens

Re: ( ) Disney Guest Assistance Pass

We went to Disney once. It was an AWFUL experience, and not because of the lines. It was crowded, and my kids don't like most rides. was on sensory overload most of the time. We all agreed that it was an experience that we needn't repeat.

Liz

On May 18, 2007, at 10:20 PM, C wrote:

I agree...to some extent...

No one likes waiting in lines , yes we learn to deal with it...

But..I know my dd can deal alot better in a very controlled environment, and Disney would be anything but! Just the sensory stuff alone would be soooo much for her to deal with I would use what ever I could to make it a happy time for her.

Just my 2 cents :-)

- C.Mom to Cassie 16 PCOS, Austin 14 ADHD and a 3.5 HFA/AS & SPD/SID

May 19, 2007

He was kind of in awe of some of the characters. But not enough that he wanted to go back and look at them. My kids just aren't into theme parks, water parks, amusement parks, etc. They'd prefer a good book.LizOn May 19, 2007, at 2:28 PM, Roxanna wrote:Did like any characters at the time? Mine were never into them. RoxannaAutism Happens Re: ( ) Disney Guest Assistance PassWe went to Disney once. It was an AWFUL experience, and not because of the lines. It was crowded, and my kids don't like most rides. was on sensory overload most of the time. We all agreed that it was an experience that we needn't repeat.LizOn May 18, 2007, at 10:20 PM, C wrote:I agree...to some extent...No one likes waiting in lines , yes we learn to deal with it...But..I know my dd can deal alot better in a very controlled environment, and Disney would be anything but! Just the sensory stuff alone would be soooo much for her to deal with I would use what ever I could to make it a happy time for her.Just my 2 cents :-)- C.Mom to Cassie 16 PCOS, Austin 14 ADHD and a 3.5 HFA/AS & SPD/SID

May 20, 2007

I was being sarcastic about the grocery store.

And my whole take on it was that someone on this list didn’t

think they should use the guest assistance pass. Asperger’s wasn’t

serious enough to warrant the pass. Why not use it? It’s not unfair. You

should do or use whatever you can to make your trip the most enjoyable for your

child. Other people have other “tricks” that they are using. I

just wanted to encourage that person to use the pass & not feel guilty.

Tara

May 21, 2007

The only problem with the Fastpass is that you are only allowed a few a

day -- four now, I think? With the Guest Assistance Pass, you can do

that many rides in an hour. (And sometimes Fastpass is still a pretty

long wait.)

Roxanna wrote:

We went a

few years ago now to Disney. We didn't use the disability pass.

Instead, they have a great program in place called something like,

"Fast Pass." It's for everyone. You can get a ticket with a time

stamp on it and then you come back at that time. There is a shorter

line and you get on before the people standing in the "regular" line.

This worked out great. Plus, the kids learned that waiting is part of

the deal.

Roxanna

Autism Happens

-----

Original Message -----

From:

Todd

Kotler

To:

Sent:

Thursday, May 17, 2007 7:17 AM

Subject:

RE: ( ) Disney Guest Assistance Pass

Thanks!!!

Very truly yours;

Todd B. Kotler

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( ) Re: Other family members

Oh yes. My mother has been fabulously supportive, but my

brother and

my father thought I was exaggerating things for years, that my son was

just "spoiled." Funny, because my brother is almost identical to my

son, but was only diagnosed with auditory processing disorders. My

MIL kept telling me I was expecting too much from my child, and my

father in law avoids us at all costs since the diagnosis, but even

before when we'd talk about sensory issues, he'd look the other way

and make a face that suggested I was talking a bunch of nonsense.

I remember going to Disney last year, on a trip my parents insisted on

taking us on, even though I wasn't sure Dylan was ready for it. (He

was 5 1/2) Thank goodness, it was like heaven for him, but only

because of those lovely Guest Assistance passes that avoided much of

the lines. My father and brother refused to use them with us, and

when they'd ride with him, they'd make him stand in line. Long story

short, after two days and several meltdowns (solved by a quick spin on

the teacups!) they "got it" and are now extremely supportive.

For those with auditory processing issues, there's a great website out

there that reads the tale of Little Red Riding Hood from their

perspective, with the words all garbled, and how the tale sounds

horribly different. Wonderful example of how these kids live life!

T.

Little Miss Know it All

http://truthinpolitics.contentquake.com

>

> I have had problems with other members of the family (in-laws)

that

> just don't get it and are less than useful let's just say. I feel

if

> my son was more severe and obvious they would be more

understanding.

> Just to note I am very grateful that he isn't more severe but it

would

> be nice to have a little more back up with close family. Anyone

out

> there in the same situation?

>

May 21, 2007

I used to think the same thing, but my thought is that kids have plenty

of time to learn to wait in lines, it shouldn't have to be at a fun

place like Disneyland. (Just my thoughts, as I do not have a child who

can wait...and I mean "can," not "will.")

If your kids *will* wait without banging their head or having such a

severe meltdown that the trip is no longer fun nor worth the money,

you're fortunate.

We introduce waiting in little bits, but we have to pick and choose our

places. Sometimes on slow days, a regular line works as a good starter

but only so many a day and we're done.

Roxanna wrote:

Wow, we

never had long lines anywhere - we went in November. I just think a

lot of kids can wait for things. We walked right in to see Mickey

Mouse, a wait of maybe 2 minutes as they snapped pictures with the

previous people. The bigger problem was getting the kids to go near

him. They were afraid.

But they

also learned to wait for the rides that did have waiting involved.

Sometimes that is life.

Roxanna

Autism Happens

-----

Original Message -----

From:

Mills

To:

Sent:

Thursday, May 17, 2007 9:04 AM

Subject: Re:

( ) Disney Guest Assistance Pass

The guest assistance pass doesn't eliminate waits...it just

minimizes it and also sometimes allows for a different waiting area

where it's OK to move around a bit. You can still use the Fast Pass,

but they don't have the Fast Pass for all of the rides. We started

getting Fast Pass appointments (usually you have to go back with 45

minutes to 1 hr), but the people working the rides told us that was

un-necessary and let us right into the Fast Pass line without an

appointment. We still had to wait in the Fast Pass line (no skipping

to the front), but that was not usually overwhelming.

Also, the line for character visits in Feb was over 1

hour...can't imagine what it would be now. With the guest assistance

pass they let us go to a room with only a few people were we could wait

for about 30 minutes, then they took us into the room with the

characters. We never would have been able to see the characters if it

weren't for this. Also, many of the rides without the Fast Pass can

have 30+ minute waits...in the low season...my son couldn't do that.

You can just go to the area where the guests are exiting the rides,

then the person working the ride will have you wait 5 - 10 minutes then

will let you on.

We planned our trip during low season to avoid the crowds, but

still found the Fast Pass an immense help!

-----

Original Message -----

From:

Roxanna

To:

Sent:

Thursday, May 17, 2007 8:32 AM

Subject:

Re: ( ) Disney Guest Assistance Pass

We went

a few years ago now to Disney. We didn't use the disability pass.

Instead, they have a great program in place called something like,

"Fast Pass." It's for everyone. You can get a ticket with a time

stamp on it and then you come back at that time. There is a shorter

line and you get on before the people standing in the "regular" line.

This worked out great. Plus, the kids learned that waiting is part of

the deal.

Roxanna

Autism Happens

-----

Original Message -----

From:

Todd Kotler