Suggestions for a 10 year old

[stinoi]

We are traveling to WDW in December with my parents (70 and getting a little "out of it"), my 4 year old *VERY ENERGETIC* son, my sister, and my 10 year old nephew. My nephew has Aspeberger's and is a bit stand-offish socially. He doesn't connect well with people, so I'm not sure that he would care for a character meal. I'm trying to think of places to eat (table service) that would meet everyone's needs for a fun and engaging experience without boring him. The best I could come up with is the 50's Primetime Cafe in DHS, but I need at least one place per park. Any suggestions?

[MadEye]

Teppan Edo in Japan at Epcot. The chef cooks your food at the table.

[Amy]

You might enjoy the Coral Reef restaurant in EPCOT. Lots of fish to look at and probably a fairly soothing environment assuming no one is allergic to seafood. We've never eaten there because my Mom is allergic to seafood, but I would love to try it some day

[dsnymommy]

Disney's known for trying to accomodate everyone's special needs as much as possible. If you're thinking of trying a character meal, why not try talking to a cast member ahead of time. You could put your nephew at the end of the table and ask that the characters walking around not try to engage your nephew, but can still keep the 4 year old entertained and give your nephew something to watch. I can't imagine that this is the first time that they've encountered this problem so just calling Disney dining might give you some extra options. The group sing-alongs, etc that are part of at least some of character breakfasts meals he might find entertaining to watch too, provided he doesn't have to participate (that is so long as he doesn't get overstimulated by noise, etc) Hope you have a wonderful trip!

[cy1229]

Disney's known for trying to accomodate everyone's special needs as much as possible. If you're thinking of trying a character meal, why not try talking to a cast member ahead of time. You could put your nephew at the end of the table and ask that the characters walking around not try to engage your nephew, but can still keep the 4 year old entertained and give your nephew something to watch. I can't imagine that this is the first time that they've encountered this problem so just calling Disney dining might give you some extra options. The group sing-alongs, etc that are part of at least some of character breakfasts meals he might find entertaining to watch too, provided he doesn't have to participate (that is so long as he doesn't get overstimulated by noise, etc) Hope you have a wonderful trip!

I was thinking along these same lines, calling ahead and asking about things that are going to suit his needs but still entertain your 4-year-old. I also suggest you get one of those special needs passes to have just in case you need it. Sounds like he's not one who needs a lot of accommodations, but it wouldn't be bad to have a pass that gets you through a line quickly, or in through a back door, or out quickly, if it gets too overwhelming for him.

Coral Reef is a GREAT suggestion because the fish tanks are very calming. Another suggestion is Chefs de Paris if you're up for French food. I haven't eaten there, but I wonder if the character meal in the Land Pavillion at Epcot would work well, with a note to the host or hostess that your nephew might not want to interact with the characters. It seems to me that restaurant is more calm than others, like Tony's or Chef Mickey's, might be. 'Ohana at the Polynesian is another good choice because there's a lot to do, but your nephew doesn't have to participate if he doesn't want to. Same with Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge. Both are easily accessed from the Magic Kingdom. at Animal Kingdom, try the Rainforest Cafe. It's not DISNEY, but it's cool, the food is pretty good, and the decorating is neat. Besides 50s Prime Time at DHS, you might try the Sci Fi Dine-in as well. Although, if you're not into cheesy 50s sci fi flicks, it might get annoying.

[NaCler]

Does it have to be in a park? I have heard that Whispering Canyon in Wilderness Lodge is a lot of fun for kids and has a lot of interaction with the waiters/waitresses.

[DaRkNeSs]

If you go to animal kingdom I suggest rainforest cafe my parents and 10 year old son love but be warned they do have "storms" during your meal that do bother some people at first.

Epcot coral reef is great or there is a table service the garden grill in the land pavilion.

DHS would say sci fi dine in is great!!

MK I would try to go to a near by resort Polynesian has 2 great dine in services and contempory has chef mickeys!

Hope this helps!

[stinoi]

Thanks for the suggestions! I hadn't thought about the Coral Reef. I bet my nephew would like that, and I know that my 4-year-old would.

I didn't realize that there's a special needs pass. How do you get one? Between my dad and his limited mobility (don't want him to have another stroke) and my nephew, we have a few special needs in our group.

[Amy]

Thanks for the suggestions! I hadn't thought about the Coral Reef. I bet my nephew would like that, and I know that my 4-year-old would.

I didn't realize that there's a special needs pass. How do you get one? Between my dad and his limited mobility (don't want him to have another stroke) and my nephew, we have a few special needs in our group.

You just need to stop at guest relations at any of the parks. You can explain to them what your special needs are and they will give you a pass (Guest Assistance Card ~ GAC) based on those needs. Depending on the pass, it will allow you to use the fastpass line, or wait in a quiet area instead of the regular queue, or use a ramp instead of stairs, or other special accommodations. It isn't allowed to be used instead of a fastpass though and it sounds like the CMs are really starting to crack down on any abuse of the GACs.

[stinoi]

Thanks, Amy!

[Amy]

Thanks, Amy!

You're welcome. I think the pass will come in quite handy for your Dad and nephew. You will probably have to get two passes, for their different accommodations. I wanted to add that they also ask for the number of people in your group and that is listed on the GAC, as well as the dates of your stay.

[NaCler]

To be safe, get a note from your child's doctor listing that he cannot wait in lines for long periods of time due to his illness. Since they are cracking own on GAC's, they might not take your word for it. My nephew has autism and my sister always takes a dr's note with her and never has any problems.

[figmentaholic]

Sci-Fi Dine in because he will have all those previews and such to watch.. Though I am not sure if the sound will be too much with him.. I understand Aspberger's and I know that they need places that are dark and quiet to kinda decompress. Unfortunatly at Disney that is ahrd..


I would DEFINITELY recommend getting a GAC guest assistance card for him. I could help a lot.