Orlando - Disney & Universal

Ooooh, how lovely - well jealous!

I was there 2 years ago with my step-son, who has Downs, and is also a fussy eater.

We just had an absolute ball!

You will probably be walking lots, and try to get some swimming or waterparks in if possible.

Eating-wise - it's not the healthiest, but you can make reasonable choices. We tended to go out for breakfast (it's really cheap, and you can fill up to keep you going all morning), my favourite pick-me-up at lunchtime was an iced coffee, and my step-son loved the apple slices with caramel dip. The restaurants in the various parks do vary - we adored the buffet place in Studios, and loved Hard Rock Cafe in Universal.

What sort of foods does your son enjoy?

I do know that you can get a "fast pass" or something or other....it enables you and your son to go near the front of the line. My 3 year old is autistic and lines make him extremely impatient and meltdowns happen when we wait too long. I can try to ask a friend of mine who to contact to get this pass...we haven't gone yet because my twins are still too little (IMO) but we will be making that trip in a few years and will be getting a pass for us to help with our son....

Hi, I live in Orlando! I go to Disney World every time my family visits me here (I have two little sisters) and I have an annual pass to Universal so I go there with friends quite often.

Honestly my advice about the food would be to just relax. You're on vacation. You will do A LOT of walking, so you can eat a bit more than usual. There are so many awesome places to eat around here and I would hate for you to miss out on them because you're worried about counting calories.

The only thing is, it IS really expensive. If you eat anywhere at the theme park or hotels, it will cost you a pretty penny. Same thing with just about all the restaurants in the Disney/Universal area. It's a tourist trap. If I were you I'd try to cook in your hotel most of the time, and maybe eat out once a day or something. Shouldn't break the bank that way.

I do know that you can get a "fast pass" or something or other....it enables you and your son to go near the front of the line. My 3 year old is autistic and lines make him extremely impatient and meltdowns happen when we wait too long. I can try to ask a friend of mine who to contact to get this pass...we haven't gone yet because my twins are still too little (IMO) but we will be making that trip in a few years and will be getting a pass for us to help with our son....

Yeah the fast passes work differently depending on if you're at Disney or Universal. At Disney it's free but you can only do it for one ride at a time, and you have to wait for a specific time frame. So, you walk up to a ride, put your Disney ticket in the machine, and it print's out a fast pass that tells you to come back in like 2 hours or whatever. During that two hours you can go do other stuff, then when you come back to the ride you get to get in the fast pass line and skip the waiting. You can't get fast passes for another ride until you use those, though.

At Universal, I believe you just pay once - it's like $50 I think? And you get an all-day fast pass that's good for almost all of the rides. Not positive about that one though as I haven't done it.

You most definitely can get a special pass for him. I would call Disney to see what you need to bring to obtain it, but it really does help make it a fun time for special needs kids.

We live an hour away from WDW, and have resident passes. We are there at least weekly

By far, our favorite meal at the Magic Kingdom is at the Columbia Harbour House, across from the big steam boat ride. It is a walk up, so served fast and you can get on with your day. They have a grilled salmon dinner, with couscous and steamed broccoli that is awesomely good AND it's only $10 - excellent price, filling, and no guilt! We also like their broccoli peppercorn salad (don't remember the exact name...) EPCOT has Sunshine Seasons at the Land - many healthy choices there. (The pork chop is very good)

We don't really eat much at Hollywood Studios.

Animal Kingdom has Flametree BBQ. Try the turkey sandwich with cranberry mayo. Served with fresh fruit.

Lastly, we are obsessed with the Mickey Premium ice cream bar. The whole thing is 330 calories :ohwell: so, we get one and share it, which makes it only 165 calories. It will be the best 165 calories you'll ever eat! Available all over WDW, mostly at the stand-alone carts.

Have fun! It's the best!

I live 20 mins from Disney (Attraction area) and actually use to work there so I might be able to offer some advice. Eating at Disney is VERY expensive, even if youre just gonna grab a quick snack. I would suggest stopping at a Market before you arrive. Stock your fridge with stuff to make meals at your suite & snacks. (like fresh fruit, nuts, veggies, etc) and take them with you when you go to the parks. Also, if youre going to drink water Im sure youd like to know that Disney provides complimentary ice water in a cup. They dont advertise it but they do. Just ask for ice water, and theyll know you dont mean a bottle of $2.50 water. Also, if you buy a soda they do not offer free refills. If you do choose to eat at Disney restaurants most of all the quick service locations offer healthy options like salds/wraps/fruit/cereal bars etc. If you eat at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn for example they have burgers, taco salads, chicken sandwich, etc but they have a topping bar which includes unlimited of the following: lettuce, shredded cheese, tomatoes, sauteed mushrooms, pickles, banana peppers, hot cheese sauce, condiments etc. You can buy your son a childs meal and ask for an xtra plate and make yourself a salad FOR FREE! LOL

Also, if you plan on eating at Table service restaurants make reservations in advance. If you cannot make a reservation yu need to show up to that restaurant 30 minutes before they open. Ohana is my fav restaurant that I can never get a reservation at so I show up at 4:30, and sometimes get a table after an hour wait.

Traveling by shuttle, trolley, boat or any Disney transportation takes TIME> Allot yourself plenty of time with that.

Get fastpasses. All you need is your admission ticket, stick into one of the turnstiles and that will alleviate alot of waiting in lines. But know you can only print 1 at a time.

Get a times guide when you arrive, your hotel will have one and try to plan your days so you can make the most of your time at Disney, and make sure you dont miss something you really want to see.

Im sorry if I rambled on & on! Hope this helps, & have fun!

This is what I do with my kids (11, 8, 5) when they act fussy and dont know what to eat. I scream atthe top of my lungs "eat your d@mn food"

We have a Sweet Tomatoes near us here in NC....I LOVE IT!!!! BEST salad bar...yummmmmmmy!!!!