Autistic Child - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

Christopher10 · 07-04-2005, 04:13 PM

Hi there! My family and I are embarking on an upcoming Disney cruise on the Magic. We have an autistic son and have been assured by the staff that he will be fine and that he can participate in the children's kid's club activities for his age group. Has anyone else taken an autistic child on a Disney cruise? Were the shipboard staff accomodating? Any helpful pointers or suggestions? The whole family is looking forward to this cruise (first time for the kids)! Thank you for any information or suggestions!

MCcruiser · 07-04-2005, 05:08 PM

Christopher - a lot of people are on vacation today, but hang in there. While I'm not sure if anyone on CLF has cruised with an autistic child, the Disney lovers on this forum will have contacts on the Disney website who should be able to answer that question.

But until then, let me assure you that if anyone is equipped to handle the challenge of a special child, it would be Disney. They have the finest children's program on the seas. And we have quite a few people who travel Disney for their other benefits as well. This cruise will probably spoil you for other vacations for years to come.

Finally, Welcome to CLF!!! Since you are new to cruising, poke around in our Ask a Cruise Question forum to find out things to expect, and things to bring. Watch out for the Cruise Question thread though- it started as a question about TOM Cruise.

Glad you are here!

MCcruiser · 07-04-2005, 05:27 PM

WHile you are waiting for more responses to your question, I thought you might find the trivia on this site interesting.

http://www.hiddenmickeys.org/Cruise/Secrets.html

I did find some info on taking an autistic child to WD World, and one of the things they mentioned was that some of the shildren like looking for the "hidden mickeys" found throughout the resort. I'm guessing the cruise line would do the same thing (cucumber slices, breads, etc., all in the shape of the Disney logo.). There is actually a book on this, and you might want to use this in your trip planning, if you think this would be something your child would enjoy.

Christopher10 · 07-04-2005, 06:57 PM

Thanks for the information!

djgifford · 07-04-2005, 08:03 PM

Christopher...I was asked by MC to post for you...I am a total Disney nut...go every year at least once a year. Although I don't have an autistic child...I can recommend a wonderful message board for you to go to...

It is "The Unofficial Guide to Disney" very very friendly crowd, just like here.

here is a link (I hope) http://www.wdisneyw.com/forums/index.php?s=

You will have to join the boards...and post like you do here...it is very simple, go in and introduce yourself, do a search, as there may already be information posted on Autistic children...
Tell them I sent you...

Good luck, and I hope this helps...they will answer anything and everything Disney.

Christopher10 · 07-04-2005, 09:53 PM

Thanks for the information!

qcdad · 07-04-2005, 11:28 PM

Christopher!

Not having any experience with autism I can't be much help, except to echo McCruiser's words, that if anyone can make you child's trip a success, it will be the folks on the Disney boat....We have taken the Disney Cruise, and they really do take care of their guests!

elemusing · 08-07-2005, 05:28 PM

I do not have an autistic child, but I am a teacher and I have cruised DCL. I can assure you that the DCL members will take care of your child - just make sure everyone is aware of your child's disabilities.

Bastan · 08-08-2005, 11:40 PM

I have seen other autistic children on DCL before!

Mai Tai Mama · 08-25-2005, 02:33 PM

You won't believe what I just found....a book on sale at Amazon.com .... Walt Disney World for Your Special Needs....it's about visiting WDW with children with special needs such as autism....I'm sure it will have a chapter on the Cruise as well.

Here's a link to the book:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...733979-0107365

Here's a link to my favorite unofficial guide to WDW/DL/ DCL:
http://allearsnet.com/

We are huge Disney fans and go to Disney World 6-8 times a year. We have also sailed on the DCL and loved it. My son was 3-4 at the time and had a wonderful time!