What to Do?

Sorry if this comes off as rude...not trying to be, but I would skip Disney, (doesn't sound like anyone would have fun) and go somewhere else. With all the kids' issues, sounds like it will be more stressful than enjoyable. Believe me I am known for putting myself in frustrating situations with my kids, but this one I would have to back out of.

You could not pick a better place than Disney to vacation given your problems. Our kids grew up in Disney, as did our grandson we have raised. One daughter graduated from their college program and the other was VIP Mickey/Minnie. Contact the Disney people and explain your problem. I hope you are staying on Disney property. They have hotels of all varieties and prices. You might need to figure out what will work for your kids and their problems. The buses do get crowded. You might want to rent a car to drive from park to park. If you can afford it, consider staying in the campground in one of their cabins. They are expensive but you have a kitchen and can save on meals. They are nestled in woodsy areas and very peaceful, much different from hotels. Visit the parks early in the morning when they are less crowded. You can have breakfast at the park and get in lines early. If you are staying on Disney property and have passes, you can leave a park when it gets crowded and come back later. You can even get updates on how crowded the parks are at any time of day. Have you considered the issue of waiting in line? You might ask if you can get passes to avoid lines, but you will probably need doctor's letter to recommend this. You'll do a LOT of walking so maybe tiring them out with the exercise will help. Again, in the campground there are all sorts of areas where they can run around. They have a beach there also that is not usually crowded. Also, if crowds are a problem, avoid the water parks which get crowded very early and they usually close them within a few hours of opening due to crowds. At the campground they have a petting farm which is soothing as well as pony rides and horseback riding. In the evening they have hayrides. We've vacationed there over 35 times since it opened and you can't beat it for a place to take your kids. Oh, there is a nurses station in each park where you can let the kids melt down if you need help. Ask when you enter the park where it is. Especially for little ones, it is a quiet place to settle down. Also, my granddaughter is diabetic and we have vacationed with her there. We were even able to get carb counts at food places. Sometimes we had to ask for manager to look at their food service manuals but they have all the information you need. Have fun!

K.,
Walt Disney World is meant to be a happy experience for all who go and the guest services department is willing to work with families who have members with special needs. Call Disney right away and explain your concerns. I have been to WDW MANY times and have never had a problem that was not solved by the staff.
With doctor's notes they are able to offer you additional services to your family as well. I know of a family who had a child with severe emtional problems and they used the fast pass line for every ride with her. Also, make the resturaunts you'll be dining at (hope you have some reservations by now)and hotel aware that one child is diabetic too. Bring a little pack of basic needs for the kids (food, a comforting toy or object, dark sunglasses, headphones, etc) to whip out whenever tension arises. Also, I recommend taking little breaks throughout your day in an air-conditioned store or resturaunt to help to keep everyone's spirits up. It is HOT and crowded in July!

Disney does not sound like a vacation your family needs to take at this time. Disney is all about crowds and the rides themselves are loud and over-stimulating. Your kids will freak out with most of them. If you do decide to go, I would take something for yourself to be able to get through the vacation(J.K.). Disney sounds like a dream vacation, but with children under three I think it is tough and a lot of work normally. With all the challenges you are facing you will need a vacation from your vacation. If you do get through the plane ride you'll still have to content with the parks. It is go-go all day long, waiting in lines, rushing from one place to another. A lot of the rides are dark inside and the music is so loud (not to mention annoying because they play over and over again). Rethink your options.

Disney would be the worst place for a child with anxiety. How mean to expect him to be able to handle that situation. In July Disney will be 100 degrees, crowded and loud. This vacation will be a train wreck for you, your kids and everyone else who has to be around you.

I took my kids earlier this year. With all the issues you just went thru...why would you put yourself thru this? They are young enough that they wont appreciate or remember very much of it. Wait til your youngest is at least 6 or 7. If you feel you just MUST go, postpone til fall when temps are cooler and crowds are less. I wouldnt put them or you thru it at all! This just sounds insane. Sounds like you would have a more enjoyable vacation if you rented a seculed cabin on lake and relaxed with them! You can easily spend 1000 per day in Orlando...It doesnt sound like you are going to have near that much fun!
Stop, think, ignore the media hype and other families that take thier 2 year olds and just say NO! I did not see one single family with toddlers that looked likethey were enjoying themselves!
Have you seen the episode of John and K. plus 8 where they take the kids to Disney? IF not watch it, it will make you not ever wanna take little ones to Disney...she is so ready to lose it all thru this one!

K.,
I can give you advice on the diabetic end of your dilemna and vacationing at Disney. We went with our three kids 3 years ago and it was the hap-hap-happiest place on earth, just like they say! My youngest daughter, who's diabetic, was 5 at the time and we purchased small backpacks for the kids to put their treasures in, along with medical supplies, etc.

We brought water bottles with us, along with plenty of Crystal Lite singles and that was a time/money saver, as everything is really expensive at the park. We also had a small lunch box sized insulated bag for insulin and low blood sugar snacks. As long as you don't try taking any 'food' into the park you won't have a problem taking snacks.

As far as the anxiety issue, a few tips from a mom who's been there and done that...

Stay at one of the Disney resorts. When the kids get hot,tired, or cranky, it's so much easier to hop on the monorail and head back to the hotel. During the day, most people are at the park, so the resorts are pretty quiet.

Buy a guidebook and make your 'plan of attack'. Disney is HUGE and I can't express that enough! Frommer's Guide to Disney with Kids is great--it even gives you an 'itinerary' on when to go to which of the parks, when to ride what rides, things to see, a guide to rides (which ones might freak out little ones (the Lilo and Stitch one for example--stay away--it even freaked me out a little!)). It was a life saver!

Get a Disney Park DVD and watch it with the kids several times and get them excited about the park. If they have anxiety, it might help them to see it over and over again and get the anxiety out of the way at home. You can help prepare them for the crowds (and there will be plenty) and the monorail, which is really cool! If you can get to the platform and want to wait, there's an experience not too many people know about. Go to the very front part of the platform and when the 'captain' comes out, ask if you can 'drive' the monorail--you get to ride in the very front and the get your monorail 'license'--my kids still have theirs, including my son, who's 19!

As far as the plane ride, you need to make sure that you don't have any anxiety about flying and how it's going to be a great adventure. If you have any anxiety at all about it, trust me your kids will pick it up. And nothing freaks out a kid more than seeing or sensing their parents on edge--including being stressed that your kids will be stressed! Make sure to pack plenty of things for your kids to do on the plane and maybe watch a few kids movies on flying. And I know that you don't want to resort to tranquilizing your kids, but please don't rule that out as a last resort.

Have a great time!
L.

Disneyworld is the best place you can go. Are you staying in the park? The monorail is airconditioned and is a smooth ride. I would contact your hotel and make them aware of your needs, they will bend over backwards to accomodate you. If you can afford it I would stay at the contemporary or the polynesian. Contact your air carrier as well, in today's competitive market they will do all they can to help you. And if you get attitude from the first person you speak with, ask to speak to their supervisor. Most importantly try not to stress yourself, children pick up on this and will follow suit. Maybe you should take something to keep you mellow? But hey, what the heck do I know, just a suggestion. B-well, L.

I don't have any specific advise for you but I would recommend checking out the Disney Moms Panel. I don't work for Disney and I'm not one of the Moms panelists, but I am familiar with the site and they have really, really great info on it.

Search for an answer and if you can't find what you're looking for, post a question. The panelists are fairly diverse and have lots of experience traveling to Disney with kids of all ages and types. I'm sure they'll be able to give you some suggestions for at least while you're at Disney.

http://disneyworldforum.disney.go.com or just Google "disney moms panel".

Good luck! I have a daughter with anxiety problems as well so I know it's not easy. Hope you all have a fun time!

Jen

Hi K. - My husband and I took 2 of our three kids last year in August. Both are on the autism spectrum and at the time were 6 & 8. Our 1 year old stayed w/grandma. My oldest has a lot of anxiety problems. Disney is an exciting place although very crowded and hot in the summer. Look for Fast Passes on each of the major rides. That way you generally know what time you're riding a particular ride. At the time 1 child was on meds that could make him susceptable to heat stroke. We did our best to keep them hydrated. Rides were a bit of a problem with my oldest; he feared the unexpected big time. Before leaving we showed him the website and explained to him what would happen on our favorite rides. Stay calm and positive. He wanted to see the site over and over but this way he got a handle on what feared him. When we actually arrived, he complained and worried a lot. We just stayed positive and told him it was pretend. By the time the ride was over, he was proud of himself. You know your kids; if they can handle it push them to ride. Most kids are a bit afraid and we received many hard looks from stangers who don't understand autism or anxiety issues. The crowds were rough as was the heat, but I'd do it again to see how proud of himself my son was when it was over. Look for the good things that happen (the bonding was awesome) and the kids might just surprise you!

Hi K..
No offense, but why are you guys going? It doesn't seem like any of your children would enjoy this type of vacation. why not rent a cabin on a lake and enjoy teh quiet time. This seems more up your children's alley. Good luck.

Hi, K.. What a tough spot to be in. Good or bad, a lot of people love Disney and believe that their kids will/should as well. I agree with those who said that if you haven't purchased the tickets, don't. But if you have, then make it YOUR Disney vacation. Use all the resources you'll have at your disposal. The Disney people will indeed bend over backward to help you if you make them aware. Let them work for you. Be very upfront. They want you to come back again and again and again. Don't bow to pressure to DO Disney in any way that it's SUPPOSED to be done. Follow your kids' schedules and needs (recruit your husband on this one and help him remember that this is your family's vacation); use the park hopper passes to go in and out AT YOUR NEEDS AND CONVENIENCES. Take every afternoon to nap and hang out at the pool. If you must go because you've committed, then honor your choice by making it wonderful for everyone--yourself included, K.--by slowing it down and letting it be nice and easy. Take a yoga class or 2 before you go so that you can learn and then practice some deep breathing and learn to let go of anything that doesn't fit your family's needs. You can make it great either way!! Good luck, K..

Tell me... why are you going to Disney again?

disney is a wonderful place if you plan ahead. contact disney about your children there may be a possibility that you can get on rides away from the crowds like the vip's. corresponde your flight with med times or have you considered driving? depending on where you live if you travel when the kids are asleep make life easier. if an aiplane ride is essential buy a special airplane toy or movie for your kids on the flight. get fanny packs and fill each kids with snacks for the day. take a mug and stop at the water fountain to get hydrated. i took my kids when they were that young and the common phrases were i'm hungry, i'm thirsty, i have to go potty. lol. now for the diabetic child alternate shows with rides with long lines. use the fast pass as much as possible there are alot of spots to cool off. if your childs insulin needs refrigeration you can ask the infirmery at each park to hold on to the childs meds. they will put premade labels on the bottles or get some insulin pens for the trip. that might make life easy too. hope this helps. please don't be afraid to call the parks they will accomodate your family's needs. it truely is the happiest place on earth.

Hi K.,
WOW, people can really be negative!
I think going to Disney can be fun if you just plan ahead! My family and I go every two years. I have not been in the summer but I think the planning is the same. The Fort Wilderness campground is awesome! It is nicely shaded and all kinds of things to do! The boat rides over can be packed but come so often that if it is too much you can always wait for the next one.
I would call ahead and let the staff know about your childrens needs and see what they offer. The "Cast Memebers" there are some of the nicest people I've ever met so it can't hurt to call and get their suggestions. Who would know better than the people that work there every day!
Remember it is supposed to be the happiest place on earth so approach it with the idea that it is going to be fun. Where else can you act like a kid and no one will care!
Good luck to you and your family!

I think for you and your husbands sanity you should think about canceling this trip to Disney. Disney is overwhelming to adults and considering the issues that your children have-they will not enjoy the trip! Save your money and start small like purchase a zoo membership or I do not know where you live-but try a place like Kiddieland and see how your children react to that and if they behave themselves and appear to enjoy themselves at these places over time, than you can graduate as a family to Disney.

Hello
With all of your concerns with your children, I hate to say this, but maybe Disney isn't the place for children right now. It's very over stimulating with so much to see and do. Perhaps a cottage at a lake where you can have shade for your older one and less stimulation for your others. Maybe when your children get older they might not need different accomidations.--Or if you chose to go to Disney, stay at one park for one day and not use the monarail. Good luck and I hope it all works out.

Why would you plan a trip to Disney? Your children sound like they are going to be miserable from the time you leave until you get home. Sounds like a huge waste of time and money. If you and your husband want to go, go for a long weekend and leave the kids with a sitter. If it's a family trip you are looking for, go to the zoo (on a weekday when it's not as crowded) or the petting zoo at Randall Oaks or something. Don't just go to Disney because everyone else does, or because it seems like the thing to do.

Dear K.,
I don't recommend going to Disney without a trial run. Try taking them to Great America, letting them know that it is a smaller version of what Disney will be like. If they make it through the day, than all you need worry about is the heat and flight. If they don't, try a more calming vacation. something like fishing for a day and/or camping overnight.

C.

Hi K.,
Is this trip really a good idea? It seems that all of the things you mentioned in your post, that affect your little ones negatively, are all things that you will encounter on this trip. I wonder if they'll have any fun at all? Maybe you should try something closer to home. I guarantee everyone will be miserable, you, your husband, your children, and the other patrons in the park. I went to Disney when I was about nineteen (IN JULY) and it was a bit much for me so I can't even imagine what the experience will be like for your babies. I think it's unfair to subjest them to this. Look into a day at Kiddie Land or something like that. At least if they don't enjoy it you can leave and you won't be out of hundreds of dollars. Save your money this year and do something low key. I guarantee everyone will be a lot happier. Good luck in whatever decision you make.

Why not go someplace cooler and quieter like a lodge in a State or National Park, such as Starved Rock Lodge. They have an indoor pool, you can hike early in the day when the air is cooler. Or find a place near the lake in Michigan.

With all of this going on with your kids, aren't you concerned that this trip will be really traumatic? Kids hating crowds, people & noises, and being afraid of airplanes and shuttle busses--these are the things the Disney experience is made of! Sounds to me like you should be looking for another destination. I know all parents want their kids to have the Disney experience, but it sounds like the makings of a trip that will have more trauma than enjoyment!

I don't know your kids like you do, of course, but with the anxieties you describe and conditions that require special attention, it sounds like your family would be better served by taking a trip that will immerse them in nature and living things--that has a way of calming the spirit. Maybe you should investigate the possibility of visiting a beach resort and taking advantage of some relaxation. You may need to consider a vacation situation that will give you a little more control over those things that will be troublesome for your children. Maybe leave Disney until a little later when their conditions are a bit more under control.

Good Luck!

Disney will accommodate people with disabilities. I would do some research and contact Disney. You can receive a pass to wait in the shade and get in a special line. This will be your KEY to a manageable vacation. You will need to manage your kid’s disabilities, but if you feel that you can manage it with this modification- give it a try. You know your family best and I would hate for your kids to miss out due to a disability. I would also speak with your doctor in advance.

I would also plan you day in advance so that you do not try and do too much. There is a great guide called the unofficial guide to disney which is helpful. Go on the rides you want first thing and go from there. GOOD LUCK.

Is this really something they want to even do?

I am thinking that perhaps you might want to forego the elaborate plan (sounds like you have a lot to deal with) and maybe go to the Dells, a relatively shorter drive, water parks etc.....Disney is wall to wall people,standing in lines and heat especially in July, and probable crankiness. If it were me, I would try something a little more manageable.

I'm not sure that Disney World is the best place for your children to go. It doesn't sound like a "vacation" for anyone.

With all due respect, is this the right kind of vacation for your family? It doesn't sound very relaxing or fun for anyone involved!

I'd suggest delegating stuff to dear hubby, or maybe bring along a "mother's helper" (sitter) or grandparent to assist. Otherwise, bring lots and lots of snacks and toy/craft projects to keep the kiddos' minds off their discomfort.

DisneyWorld is one of my (and my family's) favorite place in the world. Been there about 10 times. However, I'm curious why you have chosen this vacation w/ your family with the obstacles that your family has? The parks can be overstimulating at ANY time of day, even if you DON'T have an anxiety disorder. If you are staying on property, take advantage of the extra hours in the AM and PM that the parks only offer to people staying on property. Re. transportation (i.e. monorails) just do one park in a day to avoid lots of back-and -forth travel or go to a park in the AM for 2-3 hours and possibly in the PM for 2 -3 hours. When it is really hot, the park has a few "misting areas" and sprinkler areas. Kids can even wear swim trunks and t-shirts to keep them cool. Avoid the afternoons because of the heat. Try to go to a park-every-other day, rather than everyday, to keep up your energy and moods. (We have learned this - you want to do it all and still can...but you have to pace yourself - our Disney personal best was 15 hours/45 minutes in one day!) Also....remember, it's DISNEY and in the event of a medical concern - park staff are all over to help. As far as the airplane - get to the airport early. I hope you are flying out of Midway - it's pretty easy. If you can be dropped off at the door - you're life will be so much easier! If you need additional information....just let me know. Good luck....have fun. (edit) just read the other advise....I'm all for benadryl too - it can help them sleep and with ear pressure too!

why are you taking a child with an anxiety disorder who hates crowds and noises to Disney? This vacation doesn't seem like a good choice for your family at this time. Why not cancel and do something that will work better for the family, that you will look forward to? Disney can be fun but maybe go another time and with only half the family at any one time.

I have to agree with the others who say you should reconsider this vacation. It sounds like it would be hugely stressful for you children and yourselves. Choose something closer and less busy or demanding. When they are older they will probably love Disney, but not so much at those young ages. Once you are on that plane, you can't pull over or turn back. I know you want a fun memorable time for all of your children and yourselves, but this sounds like it might become memorable for reasons that are not fun or good. I hate sounding harsh, but it does sound in the best interest of your children at this point to consider something easier on all of you.

Um, I don't know, that sounds like a disaster in the making! It can be annoying enough to travel to Disney (wait in the lines, wait for the shuttle buses, sit on the bus forever until it's ready to go, etc.) with 2 adults and no children. Let alone 4 kiddos who sound like they don't want to be there! I would strongly suggest getting a refund or selling your airline tickets and hotel stay on Craigslist or elsewhere, and taking the family camping somewhere within an hour or two of your home.

That way your little ones who don't enjoy the crowds can play outside in the open space, and there are tons of places in Michigan and also south of Chicago that have reservable campgrounds and such amenities as swimming. It sounds like you and your family might enjoy something like that a lot more. The last thing you want to do is spend a ton of money on a vacation and then not be able to enjoy it because everyone is miserable!

Then I'd try Disney again in a few years when everyone is older and can enjoy it a lot more.

K., if you have not bought the tickets, please reconsider Disney with your crew. It sounds as if they could make everyone miserable and be unable to enjoy the vacation. Could you go to a quieter place for a couple of years before you do Disney? It just seems as if your kids all together are not ready for Florida in July (horrible unless you are in air conditioning) plus the unavoidable crush and noise of Disney World. Have you done a cabin vacation with them? Why not do that, with day trips to town, say in Galena or Michigan? Or maybe go to the Wis. Dells, to see how you can sort out the problems of crowds and noise at, say, a water park instead of the Disney monorail?
Good luck, K.!

S. F. mom to 2 big boys! 22 and 18!

I am glad I am not the only person telling you NOT to go. Please cancel the trip. My kids are 6 1/2 and almost 4 and they DO NOT have issues with crowds or anxiety and I have not taken them to Disney - mostly because it IS a magical place and when you are there you WANT it to be wonderful.

It sounds like you will be battling the whole time with at least one if not more than one child. Does this sound fun to you?

If it is your desire to go to Disney, find a sitter and go with your husband for a few days. Have a wonderful time.

I totally agree with the trial run to Great America - this will definitely tell you how they will act with crowds.

And I also agree with the cabin or the beach. Sounds like a lot more fun.

Sorry to be negative but it sounds like Disney is not an option for you right now. :(

I'm sorry to say that I would not go if I were you. Disney is so huge and a it's great vacation but we waited to take our kids till each child was 5 years old, any age under that and it is a very difficult vacation. Plus with all the issues you are dealing with already, I would say it would be better to take a different vacation this year. The first time we went to Disney we only took our son who was 5 the second time we went we only took our two oldest sons, the youngest was 5. And on down the line to our daughter who was the last to go. That year was fun cuz we took all 4 of our kids. Some Disney travel books suggest not bringing children under 5. I have watched these familes with young children while I was at Disney and I was glad that my husband insisted that we wait till each child was 5 to bring them. There is so much walking, long lines and the hot sun etc. Sorry to be a bummer on your vacation. If you have to go because the tickets are paid for and you can't get out of them. I would suggest bringing along another adult or teenage girl who can help with all your little ones. She could help out with naps and give you and your husband a chance to enjoy some of the park by yourselves or with your older daughter. On the plane I always brought lots of new little toys, books, coloring books etc for our kids to use when we had to fly when they were little. They used to have a Disney world movie, we had it and you could see tons of things at the park. When you get into one of the parks they have autograph books that our kids got that they could get the characters to sign. When our kids would get fussy we would tell them to keep their eyes open for the next character they needed to sign their book. Good luck, hope you have a great vacation where ever you go.

Wow. First of all, hugs to you girl because you've got a lot going on in your world. I can see why you'd want to take a vacation to get a break from the stress. (Diabetes, anxiety disorders, that's a lot for anyone and for it to be 3 of your 4 kids, well, WOW.)

Having skimmed the other responses I have to say my first thought was just as they've said, "Why go?" I get that we're all supposed to want to provide a magical, wonderful vacation, with trotting horse noises and music in the background while waiting at home (as in the commercial) but the reality is that it's a gigantic sensory-overload, even for children without issues.

Having spent a summer in Orlando, I can assure you that the heat and humidity are everything they say they are. It is sweltering. With all due respect, why would your family compromise the health of your oldest? The heat will affect all 4 of your children and quite possibly buy you an additional "vacation"...an overnight trip to an Orlando hospital.

I'm not sure how old your oldest is, but if you're completely set on DISNEY itself, I would recommend going to Disney in February. Sure, you might have to pull him out of school, which is of course a problem, but it's way way way less of a problem than horrid heat for a diabetic. Then you'd only have the anxiety issues to deal with. (However, I still agree with the PP who say ditch the vacation entirely!)

FWIW, I have 2 kids, ages 7 and 5, and my 5 y.o. has been afraid of costumed people (Halloween is such fun) including Santa, for her entire life. While we have wanted to go to Disney for a year now, we haven't made the plans because the place is of course built around costumed characters! What fun would I have with my daughter climbing up me every minute and a half? What fun would she have? We are hoping to go next year (once we've tested the "I'm not afraid of costumes" statement that she's started to say.)

Disney will be there in 2 years, when your 2 y.o. is 4, or in 4 years when she's 6. Hopefully by then your kids will have the anxiety issues better in control.

Good luck and I hope you're able to find a good solution for your family.

No offense and not being harsh but why would you plan a trip like this when you know these issues. I understand that you want a vacation but you should be choosing something more low keyed until they're older. My husband realized this after our trip to a water park. My daughter is not yet three and she was overwhelmed. If you can chose some other destination I would do that.

I'm sorry if this will sound negative but don't GO! Disney is a magical place and every child should experience the magic but I was there last summer with three children, no health issues and it was miserable.
During the summer it is very hot and the lines are very long. If you have children that do not respond well in crowds, beware. And the age differences between the children makes a huge difference when you have to wait in line for 1 hour just so one child can get on a special ride and the others must wait through another line for another hour to get on a ride. A better time for your family might be right after labor day (it is so nice and uncrowded) or right after Christmas.
Again Disney is a magical place but the level of stress that you will be under as a parent it will not be a vacation. I've been there and I've done it and will never got to Disney in the summer with children again.

Just FYI - if you ask, 3 people can ride in the front car of the monorail with the driver.

K.,
I agree w/ everyone else. Don't go. we've been to Disney a few times w/ our kids (when they were little, too), and it is so much work chasing after then in crowds, waiting in line. And I have to say that July is the worst time to go, for 2 reasons: crowds are AWFUL, and the HEAT!
We went in mid September once and it was great because it wasn't quite as hot, and the parks were dead - we could pretty much walk up to any ride and wait less than 10 minutes, many times not wait at all. Last year we went in Oct. and it was good, too, although a little more crowded than Sept. The best "down" time at Disney is the very beginning of January. And it's cool outside then, too.
I recommend not going at this time in your lives - it costs so much money and you will all be stressed out - wait 'till they are older and get your money's worth!
And don't go in the summer - it's the worst time to go!!!

If your children has several disorders...why would you book a trip to disney?! Sound like you have wasted your money. Try to go somewhere where your children will have fun and enjoy themselves...maybe camping or something! I think Florida would be a bit much, not to mention overwhelming!

Don't mean to be blunt...but, what you do is NOT GO. Not at this time. Given the conditions you've outlined...who is going to enjoy this trip? The only child that is going to even remember the trip might be your oldest, whom I am assuming is older than four. I know that Disney is not cheap!
It sounds like you are setting your family up for failure.
This just isn't the time for this trip.
I feel bad saying it, but, sometimes reality is harsh.
I'm sorry if you've already paid for the trip...if you can cancel - do so!
Do a trip closer to home...no airplane...no huge crowds...camping?? Rent an RV?? It would probably cost what you will pay to go to Disney to park an RV in an area that has huge spaces for the kids to play in, swimming, etc.
Good luck!

You are a lot braver than I am... I do not think I would even attempt that with one child! I know we planned a mini trip to Great America and that alone with only one child was so stressful NONE of us had a good time! He is now 19 and still refuses to go on "scary" rides, which includes small roller coasters :) And to get him to fly a few years ago before I had another baby he medicated himself with Benedryl to go to Vegas with us... only way to get him on the plane! I felt like he was BA from the A Team! lol

Your oldest being diabetic... I would look into some of the cooling vests that are out there now. There are several different types. There are even some you can just immerse in water, wring out and it helps to cool. You can do that as necessary at any sink. My nephew who is also diabetic just uses one he got from Walmart that you just put around your neck and that has helped him. Not sure of the severity of his heat sensitivity but I would look into it rather than have try to work around the heat there since it will be hot no matter what! You can also get a special case that you also put in water to cool down to keep his insulin in. Also, dont forget the fast acting sugars where ever you go and make sure you have a map of where the nearest first aid stations are so you are prepared.

As for the anxiety... forget medicating them... get yourself a bottle of something good and strong and some Prozac to medicate yourself! Just kidding!

Good luck to you on your vacation! Many blessings!

I don't understand. Heat, crowds, people, noise... you are describing Disney in July. Why are you planning this vacation, to torture everyone (including yourself)? Disney is overrated anyway. The best advice for you is to rethink your vacation plans and do something that your family (and therefore you) will really enjoy!

Wow! It sounds like you really have your hands full. I really admire your committment and love for your kids. I've never been in your situation, so I don't really have much advice for ways to make the trip easier. But I do wonder if the trip will be more fun or more stressful for the whole family. If two of your children hate crowds, why are you bringing them to one of the most crowded places on the planet? I guess from what you described it just seems like this is the last place your children would enjoy. Or maybe I'm missing some of the details. Maybe you could go on a vacation to a more relaxing peaceful environment. Again, I admire your desire to give your children a wonderful vacation, I just don't know if this is the right one.

Hi... I hate to admit this but I have to agree on some of the previous posts in that this does not sound like a good vacation destination for your family. If you cannot plan a different trip, then perhaps taking them to places like Great America may help them get used to it more or ? Good luck.

Rent a car and drive between parks.

Don't mean to sound harsh.....but WHY ARE YOU GOING TO DISNEY?
Can you reschedule/do it when they are older? It just doesn't sound like any of you will have any fun. How about renting a house or something for a week by the beach/a lake and just relaxing as a family instead?

Please also consider: If any of your children has an anxiety attack or "tantrum" in the airport, there is a very definite possibility they will not let him or her board the plane! (I've seen this happen.) Do not count on contacting the airlines in advance -- in this day and age, you just need one person with the airline to be difficult and all your plans are messed up. There is no accountability with the airlines anymore.

It sounds like your kids' behavior is still unpredictable, so Disney does not seem like your best bet. There's a lot about this "vacation" that will be out of your control, and you'll be far from home.

Please, don't take offense at this statement by why are you even considering going? If you are talking about anxiety to crowd noise and what not, Disney is one of the worst places for that. Pick something calming. Don't go where people are everywhere and there is no escape accept on a plane where your kids don't like to be in? stay close to home.

I agree with what Diane P. said. You are asking for trouble. I would seriously rethink your destination plans. You couldn't pay me to go there in July or any time of the year for that matter. If you want Florida in the summer, try the Keys. For the same amount of money you're going to spend with all the over priced food at the parks, the flights, souviners and such--you'd be better off renting a house at one of the Keys and you could spend a nice quiet time relaxing and letting the kids swim in the pool that comes with the rental.

We did it last year and the kids couldn't get enough of the water. We did manage to get them out long enough to travel 20 minutes to Key West.
We stayed in Summerland Keys. You can email me if you want information about the rental properties we found. We researched it for months beforehand and had the time of our lives.

After that vacation, we'll never go to mainland Florida again.

Why put you and your family through a trip to Disney if your children will not enjoy it, pack a picnic basket and go to a beach where you can choose how close you sit near people and have a tent or umbrella for the child that can't take the heat and take fun things for him/her to do to occupy themself.
I wouldn't want to take this trip with all the issues you speak about with your children just have a fun low key day.
Disney is hard on families that don't face the issues you already do I would rethink your Disney trip. Good Luck!

My advice would be to save your money and your stress level and skip the idea of a Disney Vacation. We just got back from a trip there with our 4 and 6 year old. The trip was wonderful, kids loved it, BUT we had 5 adults. Made for a really good adult/child ratio. In addition neither of my kids have any health concerns or fears of crowds, rides, etc. It is a very overwhelming place, especially in July when the crowds are at their peak. We went during the week in April and the crowds weren't too bad, but when Saturday came, it was a pretty different story. Lots of people and it was a bit stressful keeping track of just my two (even with all the extra adult eyes there).
Anyway, don't mean to rain on your parade, but with the fears your children have and the issues with heat and crowds, I can't imagine it will feel much like a "vacation" for anyone, especially your children. I'd find something local that doesn't require plane ride or shuttles and has an environment that suits your children more appropriately.

I'm confused. If your children have all of these combined issues, why are you taking them to the heart of their anxieties and health risks? I'm really not trying to be critical, but perhaps Disney is not going to be a place your family can visit right now.

I would say do things at the parks really early in the mornings and also late at night, and maybe during the heat of the day (in July it will be really really hot) stay at the hotel or resort and just swim and enjoy the sun and relax. I gave my older daughter benadryl a few times because she hates airplanes and also had sinus issues where her ears would just ache. So helping her sleep was the best thing I could do. I got the ok from her pediatrician. I would recommend that. There are also some dramamine pills that make you drowsy AND keep your stomach settled. Maybe you could have a drink? haha

Wow, sounds like no one thinks you should go. I say invest in earplugs, get a script for some valium and go. (just kidding) Have you sat down and had a discussion with the entire family about what it might be like for them? My parents raised my brother and I with a trip to disney world almost every year til we were teens from a short time after they opened, but we didn't have issues such as yours. Those were the best memories of my youth, what i can remember of it! Maybe see if you can get a home movie of someone else's family trip to WDW and show it to them, then have a discussion about it. I wouldn't cancel til maybe trying this.....and then trying them in crowds at malls and such,then if you do really think you need to cancel and wait a couple years, try the dells, indiana dunes, branson,Mo or somewhere in driving proximity to see how they do .

Hi K.! So why are you going to Disney again? Doesn't sound like this will be a vacation.
My son is autistic and a 3 day getaway to Starved Rock has been anxious enough to plan.
Taking him on plane -- I definitely preboard and wrap a little gift to give him once we sit on the plane. This takes his attention off the plane issue. His favorite blanket (usually doesn't leave the house) helps and we watched the Wiggles prior to the plane trip who have a video which talks and sings about riding a plane. Lots of his favorite books and snacks on the plane help as well.
Good luck...but why are you going to Disney???
S. in Lisle

For whom was this trip planned? Surely not for mom or the children! Your vacation dollars would be better spent renting a nice cottage near a beach and woods. Of course, you'd still have meals to put together, but with two parents, this is a minor concern when compared with what you already know will be your days as planned.

J.

Why are you putting yourself through this expensive torture? It is unbearably humid this time of year. The kids are really too young to appreciate. I'd see if you can cancel or re-book or sell your tickets. Go someplace close.. try the Wisconsin Dells.. We took our 3 kids, 4, 3 and 1 year there last year for a long weekend. It was just enought "getaway" and everyone LOVED it.

I think you ought to rethink your vacation plans and do something cheaper, closer and in smaller doses. This doesn't sound like a vacation to me. Why would you want to go through this? Perhaps you and your husband can go on some local beaches where you know you are closer to home and relax in our area for a couple of days on a much easier budget. Wait until everyone is really ready for such a big expensive trip.