America

[lolly07766]

We'd like to take our son on a trip to the states.
He's just turned 30 and has autism with limited communication and a learning disability, this would be a once in a lifetime trip, does anyone know of any companies who can arrange an itinerary, as I don't want to get there and wonder what to do. We are thinking universal studios and Epcot, is there anything anyone can recommend we do? I'm excited for him as he's never had a long haul holiday before.

I've never been to the States, my husband has but many years ago, I just don't want to miss out doing something because I don't know about it.

Advice is much appreciated

Do you mean Orlando rather than an itinerary for anywhere in America?

The theme parks are very high stimulation- will that be ok for your son?

Well America gives so much choice - are there things you think your son would particularly respond to (and not find difficult ?)
Eg mountains or Deep South or desert/Grand Canyon or ocean/forests or cities or small town mid west or ranch country or a bit of a road trip ? bloody hell i need a sit down.
Good luck op.
There will be tour companies once you’ve narrowed it down a bit.

I am so sorry just realised you meant Florida.
Cancel the mountains and big ranch country etc.

How exciting!!! Have a wonderful time.

@HermioneWeasley

Do you mean Orlando rather than an itinerary for anywhere in America?

The theme parks are very high stimulation- will that be ok for your son?

Yes sorry, I mean Orlando (I think) But not Disney.

@HeronLanyon

I think he would enjoy universal and The Epcot Center etc
I'm just clueless when it comes to the states. We would probably go for 10 days and was thinking if there's anything spectacular nearby that we should do/see

@HermioneWeasley
Although he is on the more severe end of the autism scale he's never really been bothered by noise, busy places etc
When I showed him pics of Universal Studios he said 'Awesome'

Epcot is one of the Disney parks.

You could easily do a holiday which covered Disney and Universal, perhaps renting a villa so you have space and quiet when you need it.

The Kennedy Space center and Everglades are both popular tourist attractions as well.

@oncemoreunto
Oh yes the Kennedy Space Center
Thankyou!

@RedDingDongMerrily
Thankyou

Would he enjoy a water park? There's a couple at Disney and one at Universal.

Join The Dibb forum, people on that are extremely knowledgeable about Orlando and Florida. www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/

The Dibb has a special needs board and will guide on what facilities are in place.

Also, you might want to consider flying via Dublin, as it is possible to clear US immigration there, before the transatlantic flight. Although it makes for a longer journey time it is a much less stressful experience than Clearing after a long flight in a busy airport.

Disney is usually very good - they have a specific ‘disability access service’ if your son cannot queue. However, at the moment there are no exemptions for mask wearing, all indoor venues require a mask from age 2.
Epcot is part of Disneyworld, but is very visually interesting.
I’d also join the Dibb. You probably know your son and his needs the best.

Thank-you all!

Y’all.