- Welcome Message and select excerpts of our first year blog
- Our New Blog
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- Travel Advice
- Guidelines for travel agents
- Flying-all you need to know before you book your next plane ticket>
- Cruising-planning the perfect cruise>
- Car Travel
- Traveling by bus...in style
- Hotels-Creating the ideal autistic friendly hotel room>
- Packing -101>
- Ask away -Autistic Globetrotting Free advice service>
- Tid bits-travel advice from our readers in 100 words or less
- Autistic Travels' Golden Rules
- Guidelines for travel agents
- Autisticals-a personal view of autistic travel
- US 10 best in
- The 10 best of Boston
- The best 10 of Hilton Head,South Carolina
- The 10 best of New York
- The 10 best of Alaska
- The 10 best of Texas-San Antonio and Galveston
- The 10 best of Santa Fe and the surroundings
- The 10 best of Arizone-Grand Canyon
- The 10 best of Colonial Williamsburg,Jamestown and surroundinds
- The 10 best of Washington D.C.
- The 10 best of Las Vegas
- The 10 best of Boston
- International 10 best
- Mini autisticals- the darnest travel stories you'll hear
- The Sleeps-our biased and un biased hotel reviews
- The Eats-Tasty challenges from around the globe
- The Shops-what you can buy next
- Collector's Corner-How did these travel trinkets become a collection
- Recommended products
- Giveaways
- Monthly news roundup
- Interviews
- Q&A with Jackie Longino founder of Aspietravel
- Q&A with Tal managing director of ALUTEVA-autistic hotel in Israel
- Eva Bronstein-Greenwald-special needs travel agent and founder of We Belong
- Q&A with Trip it's
- Q&A with David Intercontinental Tel Aviv
- Keri Bowers- film producer of 'Normal people scare me'
- Jamie Grover-Autism on the seas
- Peter Shears
- Clive-guide dog extraordinaire
- John Brown of 'Devyn and Dad' -an inspirational adventure across the United States
- Rose Niehaus Olsen Morris inventor of the safety sleeper bed
- Annette White,counselor for Camp Autism
- Colin Brennan-Canada's new singing sensation
- Dennis Debbaudt-autism safety expert
- Gisela Sedlmayer- author of 'Talon'
- Q&A with Jackie Longino founder of Aspietravel
- Inspirational travel stories by our guest writers
- Danette Schott's-Revisiting family vacations
- Brian R. King-Meltdown at the airport
- Joy's visit to the Aquarium
- Denise Klipsic-An incredible encounter with Princess Tiana
- Tanya Savko- Hope on a river
- Tiffany Robison-Great Wolf Lodge
- Fiona Westner Ramsay -Making-room-for-autism-in-your-canoe
- Laura Shumacher-Traveling with autism: a true story
- Phyllis Fanzo Lombardi-s -Vacation Time with Joey
- Kristina Chew-18 Miles On the Bikes At the Beach
- Jeff Katz-Chicago
- Margaret Ann Franklin's visit to the Great Northern Carousel in Helena Montana
- Claire Sarcone-Chessington the aspie way
- Elaine Hall-Tips for summer vacation
- Steve LHeureux -Autism "Outings" need to be planned and appropriate
- Kelly Green-The Gardens of Gilroy
- Wolfie Blue-Tips I learnt by traveling with my family
- Gluten free Disney cruise experience
- Danette Schott's-Revisiting family vacations
- North,Central and South America-pictures,videos and AG's tips
- Arizona,The Grand Canyon
- Alaska Cruise-USA and Canada
- Florida,Orlando-Universal Studios-looking for Harry Potter
- Florida,Orlando-Macy's mini parade in Universal Studios
- Florida-Everglades Park ,Miami,Key West
- Hawaii's big island with a glimpse of Pearl Harbor
- Louisiana,New Orleans-French Quarter,Christmas Parade,Nanchez Steamboat
- Louisiana,New Orleans-in the footsteps of Katrina,Garden district
- Massachussetts-Boston ,New England Coastal towns of NH and Maine
- New York-NYC
- New Mexico-Santa Fe and Bandoliers National Park
- Pennsylvania-Philadelphia
- Texas-San Antonio and Galveston
- Canada-Niagara Falls,Montreal,Quebec,Toronto
- Caribbean-Bahamas- the Atlantis resort
- Caribbean-Castaway Cay-Disney's bahamian paradise
- Caribbean-Roatan,Honduras>
- Caribbean-Grand Caymans-Hell,Turtles,Wild Hens and Stingrays>
- Mexico-Cabo San Lucas(Mex Riviera)
- Mexico-Puerta Vallarta (Mex Riviera)
- Mexico-Acapulco and Manzanillo
- Mexico-Mazatlan(Mex Riviera)
- Mexico-Playa del Carmen's Xcaret eco park>
- Mexico-Tulum and XelHa Eco Park
- Yucatan,Mexico- Chichen Itza,Cozumel's Paradise Beach
- Arizona,The Grand Canyon
- Europe,Asia,Australia and New Zealand,Cruise ships-pictures,videos and AG's tips
- Australia-Sydney and Melbourne
- Austria-Salzburg
- Belgium-Antwerp ,Brussels
- Canary Islands-Lazarote
- Croatia-the walled town of Dubrovnik
- Denmark-Copenhagen
- France-Normandy's D day beaches>
- France- Cannes,Nice,Eze
- France-Paris
- Finland,Helsinki
- Germany-Munich,Dachau
- Germany-Romantic Road
- Ireland-Dublin
- Ireland -Cork,Blarney,Kinsale>
- N. Ireland-Belfast>
- N. Ireland's Giant Causeway
- N.Ireland-Carrick -a -Rede-rope bridge>
- Italy-Venice,Pompeii,Rome
- Italy-Florence,Messina and Taoramina
- Israel-Jerusalem>
- Israel-Masada and the Dead Sea>
- Israel-Tel Aviv>
- Morocco-Casablanca
- New Zealand-Rotarua
- New Zealand-Fjord Park,Dunedin,Christchurch
- New Zealand - Auckland and sheep farm
- The Netherlands-Amsterdam,Delft,The Hague,Rotterdam,Madurodam
- Sweden-Stockholm and the Archipelago
- Russia-St Petersburg's Palaces
- Scotland-Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh
- Scotland-Edinburgh>
- Scotland-Inverness>
- Scotland-Loch Lommond,Luss,Sottish sheep show>
- Spain-Barcelona
- Spain-Cadiz and Seville
- Spain-The Alhambra Palace,view of Malaga
- Tasmania-Hobart
- UK-Liverpool and the Beatles>
- UK-London>
- UK-Stonehenge,Bath,Warwick Castle,Stratford on Avon,Oxford
- UK-Guernsey>
- Carnival -Legend
- Aboard the Carnival Legend
- Carnival -Ecstasy
- Carnival- Fascination
- Carnival Spirit
- Celebrity-Century
- Crown Princess>
- Sapphire Princess
- Royal Caribbean-Brilliance of the Seas
- Royal Caribbean-Mariner of the Seas (parades)
- Royal Caribbean- Mariner of the Seas
- Australia-Sydney and Melbourne
- Monthly guest's -Travel videos and pictures
- Web sites and blogs we follow
- Face Book discussions
- Guest Book
Claire Sarcone-Chessington the Aspie Way
Claire Sarcone lives in the UK and is the mother of three;one of whom was diagnosed with autism.She raises autism awareness through her blog and various forums in social media
.Visit Claire's blogA boy with Asperger's Aspergers A Mothers view-
http://aspergersinfo.wordpress.com/
.Visit Claire's blogA boy with Asperger's Aspergers A Mothers view-
http://aspergersinfo.wordpress.com/
The school summer holidays are almost over! So, to end things on a high note we took the children to Chessington world of adventures courtesy of Merlin’s to(whom we are most grateful ) .The day brought a mixed package of emotions but on the whole it was a great day. Little man did receive a ride access pass to avoid queuing; equally meaning this should aid the avoidance of meltdowns.
However, though this helped in a huge way, we did not avoid meltdowns completely; in fact we did encounter quite a few.
First Meltdown: Before leaving.
Second Meltdown: Within 30 minutes of arriving at the park.
Third Meltdown: During the Journey home.
Although the above meltdowns are never easy and will be tough on all concerned they were bearable and easier to tackle compared to some encountered in the past. These are what I refer to as Grade 2 meltdowns. It’s the grade ones that I really can’t bear! Well from our own experiences, I would like to share some top tips. Looking back at the time leading up to our trip, the journey, and overall day, I think these tips could be extremely beneficial to any family like ours planning a day at Chessington world of adventures.
THE LEAD UP TO YOUR DAY OUT:
a) Adjust schedules and timetables as needed.
b) Prepare your child for the trip well in advance. We began this process a week before. This enables the child time to adjust to the idea and prepare them mentally. (Sadly they may also go on and on and on.
c) Avoid postponement where possible. We had to postpone hence reason for meltdown number one!
This is a disappointment for any child! For those on the spectrum it’s a disaster. You as the parent will pay the price.
d) Be sure to have the right documents for a ride access pass. New regulations state Photo ID is needed and proof of disability that relates to a condition that makes it hard for the child to cope with the concept of having to wait/queue. We used an Osyter 5-10 card and little man’s written diagnosis. More information can be found on the website.
e) Look online for any offers that can be used in the park. Some sites offer vouchers that enable you to receive 20% or more off food and gifts brought in certain food halls and gift shops within the park. Note! Food can be expensive and you may want to bring your own.
f) Prepare child for queues. Yes you can obtain a ride access pass but you will still need to queue for use of toilets, food outlets, gift shops e.g. my little man often pushed his way to the front while holding his arm in the air displaying his bright yellow wristband. He was shouting: “Clear the way, I have a wristband and don’t have to queue” Yes not ideal and a tad embarrassing.
g) Download a map of the park. If you have an iPhone or blackberry download as a PDF file. Maps can be picked up on the day but by doing it this way your child can familiarize themself with the park and its contents (Worked for us.)
h) Check travel updates. Driving? Check traffic update before leaving. If like us you use public transport be sure to check departure times of trains and buses. Long waits at busy stations are never easy.
JOURNEY TO THE PARK:
a) Don’t even think about exploring the stations M ;S or WH. Smiths. This didn’t go down well with little man.
b) If your child is like mine a transport enthusiast then is prepared. Once on the train little man beeped all the way there, pressed the button opening the train doors at each and every station, repeated all the names of the stations we stopped at, and took notes on the route for use later (AT HOME, AT 3AM) .
ONCE AT CHESSINGTON:
a) We had courtesy tickets meaning no long queue at the ticket sales at the gate. I suggest you order your tickets online. Pre-purchased tickets can be sent to you in advance meaning you two can avoid the massive ticket sales queue. If this isn’t possible be sure to arrive early.
b) Once inside head for Market square where you will find the admissions & information office. This is where you obtain your child’s ride access pass (wristband) You are required to show your documentation before the child is fitted with the wristband. I found the staff most helpful and very understanding. (Ride access enable your child and between 2 to 4 care takers to enter a ride via the rides exit area. This means the child avoids queuing. This is only for adults and children who don’t fully understand the concept of queuing or just can’t cope having to do so.)
c) While at the admission center do get your child/children measured. Some of the big rides require you to be at least 1.4 meters tall. We didn’t think to do this when we arrived. Little man spotted a ride that required him to be 1.4 meters. He just reached the top of the measuring stick but only because his fluffy hair counted for at least 3 inches. The member of staff who was measuring him could not help but laugh when I pointed out just how lucky it was his father had not given him a haircut. After much debate on little man’s part that consisted with a few worries “Does this ride ever break or get stuck?” followed by “What’s the odds out of a 100 of the ride becoming stuck while I’m on it?” We were allowed down to the exit to await instructions to board. Just as we went to jump on another member of staff asked to re-measure the little dude! With that we were pointed in the direction of the Admissions center for a proper measure up. We were then told to come back with a blue wristband to show he met the requirements of the ride.
He had the largest meltdown of the day!
He was shouting “I have a F***ing yellow wristband!!! I don’t want a blue one” He then sat with his head in his hands on the dirty floor. I stood asking if everyone was enjoying the show and his father who came with us was running for the gate.
d) This ride should come with a Warning! It should state the BUBBLE RIDE may cause sensory overload! I assumed little man would love this ride. After all I did as a child. I didn’t consider the sensory impact it may have on a child with ASD. Note: This ride would be ideal for sensory seekers. The things a person on the spectrum may find unbearable.
WATER: It’s a slow moving ride that is water based.
SMELL: The changing smells of bubble gum, soap, to fruity pop among others were very over powering. NOISE: The loud music that changed suddenly each time the ride entered a different area was messing with my head, so it must have done a great deal more to little mans!
LIGHTS: The ride features strobe lighting. A warning sign is displayed to show the risk for those with conditions such as epilepsy or pregnancy.
This ride frightened the life out of my little man.
We purchased the ride photo that showed little man covering his head with his arms with the fear of god in his face. Another child with ASD enjoyed this ride and was now having their second turn. I had got speaking with his mother in the queue for photos who were telling me how much her son loved it. So this shows it can go either way. Sadly for us it was the wrong way. (At least little sister had fun!)
e) Bring spare clothing or waterproof wear. As fun as those water rides can be! There is nothing worse than wet wringing children! (Note the park provides halogen heated booths, but my children would not go near them.)
f) Make time to visit the Zoo and Sea life center. We did not visit the sea life center as little man was having problems with the small queue. The Gorilla house is fantastic and worth a visit.
g) Do not wait for all the rides to be finished before heading to the gift shop (open for extra 30min after park’s closing time.) We did this and were faced with huge queues and a very crowded gift shop:( Stick to spending amount and do not cave with the added pressure from child’s threat of tantrums. I ended up spending way too much :( Note: The best gift shop that offers best value for money (pocket money gifts) was the main Chessington Gift shop located in Market Square.
h) Leave before park closing time!
Unless you want to be faced with huge queues for the bus (station a ten minute walk, little man cried like crazy as we promised the bus) or a packed out very noisy train, that is very overcrowded, take my advice!
We sat on the train and were surrounded by teenagers screaming and laughing. No wonder this was the reason for little man’s final meltdown. Yes we run into a few problems but we managed to still have fun. Little man loves rollercoasters and there were some smaller one like the runaway train. A train that’s a rollercoaster! Of course he loved it!
So there you have it! Chessington the Aspie way. I hope you enjoy your day, and with the help of my tips you get the best out your trip to Chessington.
However, though this helped in a huge way, we did not avoid meltdowns completely; in fact we did encounter quite a few.
First Meltdown: Before leaving.
Second Meltdown: Within 30 minutes of arriving at the park.
Third Meltdown: During the Journey home.
Although the above meltdowns are never easy and will be tough on all concerned they were bearable and easier to tackle compared to some encountered in the past. These are what I refer to as Grade 2 meltdowns. It’s the grade ones that I really can’t bear! Well from our own experiences, I would like to share some top tips. Looking back at the time leading up to our trip, the journey, and overall day, I think these tips could be extremely beneficial to any family like ours planning a day at Chessington world of adventures.
THE LEAD UP TO YOUR DAY OUT:
a) Adjust schedules and timetables as needed.
b) Prepare your child for the trip well in advance. We began this process a week before. This enables the child time to adjust to the idea and prepare them mentally. (Sadly they may also go on and on and on.
c) Avoid postponement where possible. We had to postpone hence reason for meltdown number one!
This is a disappointment for any child! For those on the spectrum it’s a disaster. You as the parent will pay the price.
d) Be sure to have the right documents for a ride access pass. New regulations state Photo ID is needed and proof of disability that relates to a condition that makes it hard for the child to cope with the concept of having to wait/queue. We used an Osyter 5-10 card and little man’s written diagnosis. More information can be found on the website.
e) Look online for any offers that can be used in the park. Some sites offer vouchers that enable you to receive 20% or more off food and gifts brought in certain food halls and gift shops within the park. Note! Food can be expensive and you may want to bring your own.
f) Prepare child for queues. Yes you can obtain a ride access pass but you will still need to queue for use of toilets, food outlets, gift shops e.g. my little man often pushed his way to the front while holding his arm in the air displaying his bright yellow wristband. He was shouting: “Clear the way, I have a wristband and don’t have to queue” Yes not ideal and a tad embarrassing.
g) Download a map of the park. If you have an iPhone or blackberry download as a PDF file. Maps can be picked up on the day but by doing it this way your child can familiarize themself with the park and its contents (Worked for us.)
h) Check travel updates. Driving? Check traffic update before leaving. If like us you use public transport be sure to check departure times of trains and buses. Long waits at busy stations are never easy.
JOURNEY TO THE PARK:
a) Don’t even think about exploring the stations M ;S or WH. Smiths. This didn’t go down well with little man.
b) If your child is like mine a transport enthusiast then is prepared. Once on the train little man beeped all the way there, pressed the button opening the train doors at each and every station, repeated all the names of the stations we stopped at, and took notes on the route for use later (AT HOME, AT 3AM) .
ONCE AT CHESSINGTON:
a) We had courtesy tickets meaning no long queue at the ticket sales at the gate. I suggest you order your tickets online. Pre-purchased tickets can be sent to you in advance meaning you two can avoid the massive ticket sales queue. If this isn’t possible be sure to arrive early.
b) Once inside head for Market square where you will find the admissions & information office. This is where you obtain your child’s ride access pass (wristband) You are required to show your documentation before the child is fitted with the wristband. I found the staff most helpful and very understanding. (Ride access enable your child and between 2 to 4 care takers to enter a ride via the rides exit area. This means the child avoids queuing. This is only for adults and children who don’t fully understand the concept of queuing or just can’t cope having to do so.)
c) While at the admission center do get your child/children measured. Some of the big rides require you to be at least 1.4 meters tall. We didn’t think to do this when we arrived. Little man spotted a ride that required him to be 1.4 meters. He just reached the top of the measuring stick but only because his fluffy hair counted for at least 3 inches. The member of staff who was measuring him could not help but laugh when I pointed out just how lucky it was his father had not given him a haircut. After much debate on little man’s part that consisted with a few worries “Does this ride ever break or get stuck?” followed by “What’s the odds out of a 100 of the ride becoming stuck while I’m on it?” We were allowed down to the exit to await instructions to board. Just as we went to jump on another member of staff asked to re-measure the little dude! With that we were pointed in the direction of the Admissions center for a proper measure up. We were then told to come back with a blue wristband to show he met the requirements of the ride.
He had the largest meltdown of the day!
He was shouting “I have a F***ing yellow wristband!!! I don’t want a blue one” He then sat with his head in his hands on the dirty floor. I stood asking if everyone was enjoying the show and his father who came with us was running for the gate.
d) This ride should come with a Warning! It should state the BUBBLE RIDE may cause sensory overload! I assumed little man would love this ride. After all I did as a child. I didn’t consider the sensory impact it may have on a child with ASD. Note: This ride would be ideal for sensory seekers. The things a person on the spectrum may find unbearable.
WATER: It’s a slow moving ride that is water based.
SMELL: The changing smells of bubble gum, soap, to fruity pop among others were very over powering. NOISE: The loud music that changed suddenly each time the ride entered a different area was messing with my head, so it must have done a great deal more to little mans!
LIGHTS: The ride features strobe lighting. A warning sign is displayed to show the risk for those with conditions such as epilepsy or pregnancy.
This ride frightened the life out of my little man.
We purchased the ride photo that showed little man covering his head with his arms with the fear of god in his face. Another child with ASD enjoyed this ride and was now having their second turn. I had got speaking with his mother in the queue for photos who were telling me how much her son loved it. So this shows it can go either way. Sadly for us it was the wrong way. (At least little sister had fun!)
e) Bring spare clothing or waterproof wear. As fun as those water rides can be! There is nothing worse than wet wringing children! (Note the park provides halogen heated booths, but my children would not go near them.)
f) Make time to visit the Zoo and Sea life center. We did not visit the sea life center as little man was having problems with the small queue. The Gorilla house is fantastic and worth a visit.
g) Do not wait for all the rides to be finished before heading to the gift shop (open for extra 30min after park’s closing time.) We did this and were faced with huge queues and a very crowded gift shop:( Stick to spending amount and do not cave with the added pressure from child’s threat of tantrums. I ended up spending way too much :( Note: The best gift shop that offers best value for money (pocket money gifts) was the main Chessington Gift shop located in Market Square.
h) Leave before park closing time!
Unless you want to be faced with huge queues for the bus (station a ten minute walk, little man cried like crazy as we promised the bus) or a packed out very noisy train, that is very overcrowded, take my advice!
We sat on the train and were surrounded by teenagers screaming and laughing. No wonder this was the reason for little man’s final meltdown. Yes we run into a few problems but we managed to still have fun. Little man loves rollercoasters and there were some smaller one like the runaway train. A train that’s a rollercoaster! Of course he loved it!
So there you have it! Chessington the Aspie way. I hope you enjoy your day, and with the help of my tips you get the best out your trip to Chessington.