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We are planning a trip for April 2013. We were planning for all of us (me, DH, DD12, DD's friend 13 and DS10) to go to IoA for WWoHP. But the more I think about it we are debating having my DH take DS to Legoland while the girls and I head to WWoHP.
My DS has high-functioning autism and has a tough time with some rides. He is slightly interested in riding Forbidden Journey, but I'm afraid he will balk at the last minute. He likes Big Thunder Mountain and said he will try Splash Mountain but only because he wants to see the rest of the ride and knows it's a quick drop. He also loves Soarin' and Test Track. I don't want us to have to stand in long lines twice for my DH and I both to get a chance to ride. My DH is okay with missing IoA this trip as long as we plan to hit it on a future trip without the kids, or with grandma in tow.
My question is, do you think DS would enjoy the rides? how rough are they? how scary is it? He has only seen through movie 4 as it gets too intense for him after that.
He asked me if he could go to Legoland in FL while we are there and I told him we already had plans for IoA, and he was okay with that, but I think if I ask him he would pick Legoland but I also don't want him to feel like he is missing something.
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I don't know anything about Legoland, so I can't tell whether it would be a better option.
As far as IOA is concerned, I think that Forbidden Journey is less frightening than Spiderman. They both have a lot of movement in the ride with swings left and right and up and down. They both have portions that are film and portions that aren't. If I'm remembering right, FJ is based on the first 2-3 movies only and includes scenes with spiders, dementors, dragons. I found it a bit disconcerting for me with all the motion (in my older age I have trouble with that).
I don't know anything about Legoland, so I can't tell whether it would be a better option.
As far as IOA is concerned, I think that Forbidden Journey is less frightening than Spiderman. They both have a lot of movement in the ride with swings left and right and up and down. They both have portions that are film and portions that aren't. If I'm remembering right, FJ is based on the first 2-3 movies only and includes scenes with spiders, dementors, dragons. I found it a bit disconcerting for me with all the motion (in my older age I have trouble with that).
Thanks, that actually helps quite a bit. My DS is more frightened by intensity than motion. He would actually find the scenes with spiders, dementors and dragons scary, especially if they are chasing after you, which from what I've heard seems to be the case. I've looked at all the rides in the park and I don't think he will like most of the thrill rides and the non-thrill rides and shows I don't think he will be into. My DH is good with splitting up and taking him to Legoland and I think that may be the best to keep everyone happy on that day. I know if I ask him if he wants to go to Legoland or WWoHP he will pick Legoland hands down.
I think it sounds like a good plan for your family.
Personally, I like US better than IOA, as there is more to do there.
I went to US in 1992 and really enjoyed it but it was me (19) and my aunt. We loved it. But this trip out of the bubble is specifically for WWoHP so that seals which park we visit.
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Originally Posted by jimmymac
Some of the rides at IoA are very intense. Nothing at WDW is even close (Not even EE). I thnk Legoland would be a better fit
That's what it was looking like. My DS said he might try EE, but that will be pushing it for him. I think DS and DH will have a great time in Legoland, while the girls and I have a great time at IoA.
I think the idea of splitting up sounds like a good one. My husband got terribly sick on FJ and he never reacts to anything. But the girls are too old for the rides at Legoland.
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Legoland is pretty tame. I don't think there's any rides that would give your son a problem. Our DS absolutely LOVED driving the cars around. Their coasters are pretty easy, they've got a Buzz Lightyear Ranger spin type ride that was cute. Inside the pavillion where kids can build & race with Legos they offer Robotics class, which DS thoroughly enjoyed. It was a pleasant day, but I don't think I'd recommend Legoland for kids older than 10 or 11, especially if they've done Disney or Universal.
Legoland is pretty tame. I don't think there's any rides that would give your son a problem. Our DS absolutely LOVED driving the cars around. Their coasters are pretty easy, they've got a Buzz Lightyear Ranger spin type ride that was cute. Inside the pavillion where kids can build & race with Legos they offer Robotics class, which DS thoroughly enjoyed. It was a pleasant day, but I don't think I'd recommend Legoland for kids older than 10 or 11, especially if they've done Disney or Universal.
I completely agree! We went to Legoland in CA in February, that's why he wants to go to the one in FL. My son enjoyed it quite a bit. My DD12 not so much. I didn't really enjoy it either, it seemed really geared to younger kids. My DS loved the Mindstorms and I know if they have that in FL, that will be the first place I send DH to sign him up.
Logistics is going to be an issue, I was hoping that IoA and Legoland were in the same direction as each other, so my DH could drop the girls and I off and head to Legoland, but they aren't so we will have to figure out how to get us to the different parks, but that can be dealt with.
We will already be renting a car for the duration of the trip. I will probably send my DH and DS to Legoland in the rental. I'll need to see if it would be worth getting a second car for a day to get the girls and I to IoA, or just take a taxi.
If your husband and son will want a whole day at Legoland, you can look into a bus that goes from Orlando Prime Outlets to Legoland at 9 am and returns at park close at a cost of $5 per person. You could srop them off, go to Universal, then pick them up at thr end of the day. That won't work if they may want to leave Legoland earlier, though.
I agree that splitting up would make sense for your family. If your son wouldn't like a lot at Islands of Adventure, and did like Legoland California, then Legoland Florida is a good choice for him, but your daughter and her friend would be happier at IOA. Legoland is very cute, but doesn't have much for most kids over 10 or so unless they are big Lego fans.
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