Tool bag for SPD 2YO in Disney

[ariahsmum]

Greetings all, I'm posting here in haste (forgive me, please!) as my recent attempts for outside help and guidance in the way of OT have failed and it looks like it is going to take me some time to get the ball rolling again, get thru the insurance company maze, and get someone to help.

I recently figured out that my internationally adopted 2.5YO has very clear sensory integration issues.  I can explain it more if necessary, but he is clearly and intensely seeking- wears elastics up and down his arms, rubs rice/food in his hair, does everything to the extreme, gets hurt constantly, runs from me in public places, loves to carry ridiculously heavy things, etc.  All of that seems oversimplified a thousand precent, but you get the picture.This is extremely new to me, and I am just beginning to learn.  

In two weeks, we leave for 10 days in Disney World (me solo with kids, no dh). I am concerned about how to give him a good "diet" while in the Disney lifestyle and traveling.  I know that if I have some tools and plans/materials up my sleeve, our whole vacation will be better.  But honestly, I have not even figured out how to fill him up here in the house yet, so figuring out what to do while traveling and touring is a complete mystery.  I'd love help in the way of a list of ideas.

In house we are pretty much doing bubble baths, playdough pushing, rolling, squeezing, heavy carrying jobs, a few obstacle courses, organized jumping, sitting/playing in beans/rice bins.  Wearing tight things/wraping in blanket which he loves.

Any ideas appreciated!

[askew]

Go to the main customer service office and get the special needs pass. We did that for my DD, who had seizures and was only 1 yr old at the time, and it allowed 6 of us to never wait in line for rides. My 4 year old is a bit sensory seeking, and was not great in line, so it helped with him too. Have a great time! 

[Jackies Ladybug]

yes, bring a note from your doctor and go to the main office and get the pass. oh my god, its a life saver. i promise there will be lots of great things he will be able to do all through the parks to feed his sensory needs. have fun!

[PatchChild]

There are playground playspaces in all of the parks. I'd highly suggest fining time to play in them all.

Also, for a cool down space, there are baby care centers in each park that cater to more than just babies.

The good news if, Disney can be sensory overload for lots of kids, which is great for sensory seeking kids. Lots of noise and business.

[ariahsmum]

Yes, I plan to get the pass at guest relations. What I am in dire need of is a list of things I can do with him to give him his sensory diet, so to speak, while on the road.

Since I am brand new at this, I really have very little repertoire at home with him.  My diet menu doesn't travel well and I won't be seeing a professional before disney.

So, I'm looking for doable on the road things like:

1) bring a small flannel sheet with you and wrap him while he is riding in his stroller. 

Does this make sense?

Thanks!

[Tigerle]

How about filling a little backpack with lots of stuff (things he likes to handle/fidget with, heavy things like a water bottle and tuppers with crunchy food stuffs like nuts, carrots, apples) which he can carry as he runs around?

And a fidgety toy atteached to the stroller.

[PatchChild]

Much clearer, what you're looking for. Here are a few ideas.

Forget riding in a stroller, fill the stroller with gear and have him help push. Muscle workout and you know right where he is.

Look into the camelback water backpacks. Extra weight for grounding him, straps you can tighten for pressure, and he'll stay better hydrated.

Look at AllEars.net to get ride descriptions. Some now have interactive cues with games for the kids to play while waitin in line. More interaction and less boring waiting is good.

Plan pool time. Nuf said.

Start modifying the sensory diet now for things you can do down there. Practice stomping like an elephant, doing wall push ups, that kids of thing.

Look into a mei Tai or other carrier. They can be tied pretty tight to give him a sense of safety, along with the compression.

[RiverTam]

The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World has excellent ride descriptions. If you're not sure about one or more of them, you can watch the ride on YouTube.

Allears.com has menu descriptions for nearly every restaurant.  Also, you can bring snacks into the park. The rules say you're not supposed to, but when security does the bag check they won't make you throw it out. I've taken fruit into the park in my backpack on lots of days.

To get pool time and rest time in, we buy park hopper passes. We go to the park early, at opening or close to it, and then go back to the hotel to swim and chill out after lunch. We then go to a different park in the evening.

Get a guest assistance pass. 

Have a touring plan. You don't have to follow it rigidly, but you should know what your plan of attack is for each park.  It saves time.

Take the stroller, but let him walk as much as you can. 

Originally Posted by PatchChild 

Much clearer, what you're looking for. Here are a few ideas.

Forget riding in a stroller, fill the stroller with gear and have him help push. Muscle workout and you know right where he is.

Look into the camelback water backpacks. Extra weight for grounding him, straps you can tighten for pressure, and he'll stay better hydrated.

Look at AllEars.net to get ride descriptions. Some now have interactive cues with games for the kids to play while waitin in line. More interaction and less boring waiting is good.

Plan pool time. Nuf said.

Start modifying the sensory diet now for things you can do down there. Practice stomping like an elephant, doing wall push ups, that kids of thing.

Look into a mei Tai or other carrier. They can be tied pretty tight to give him a sense of safety, along with the compression.

[Rik-E]

Compression shirt!!!!   Go to the swimwear section -- those little kid shirts that look like a wet suit??  Get one several sizes small for your son & put it under his other clothing. Helps my son a lot! 

Rubber stretchy toys -- ball covered with 'hair', centepeed, water yoyo, ect. Great for travel & pretty cheap if they are lost.