Disneyland with a side of Autism day 2

Day two!  Back to Disneyland!  

We spent 45 minutes to an hour battling anxiety….poor Little Man didn't want to eat or get dressed or anything….he threatened to throw up for about a 1/2 hour or so….but finally was able to master it and get started….

 Taking the Disney bus to the park!

We added a few comfort items to help with the anxiety, the Pooh ears were incorporated quickly, in addition to the green sweater we added an "Are you my mother?" book and a DVD copy of "The Lion King."  

These seemed to help…he held them in the car and on the bus…but generally Dad carried them the rest of the day.  We also had along a Matchbox size "Lightning McQueen" and his blue strap for emergency flapping.

Sweet Pea was seriously sporting the 'tourist' look…we added shades and the laniard with pins for trading with cast members…although she never could part with any of them!

Right of the bat we met up with Minnie Mouse!  She was super sweet!

 Just look at how she greeted our boy!  

He rewarded her with a little hug!

We decided to reward her with some love as well!  Being kind to our boy is the number one way of earning some love in our family!  (Works with Sweet Pea too…just saying'!)

Next we ran into Cruella Deville!  He wasn't so sure about this one!  I think she did great!

Dad was always taking video!  We felt like the Kardashians - only…better looking! ;-)

 A little ballet in the Magical Kingdom?  Yes please!

Next we laid out the big bucks for some face painting….sheesh!  I remember this being $5…just shows how old I am!  Thank goodness you can't tip!

The boys decided to chill out in a quiet spot while Sweet Pea and I stood in line to meet Tinkerbell.  We met Iradessa first…. 

Then finally Tink herself!  She was lovely…it's amazing how well they stay in character at all times!  I was very impressed…especially considering how many kiddos they were meeting!

She asked Sweet Pea if she was a water fairy due to the dolphin on her cheek!

Next, we went on the Finding Nemo Submarine ride.  

We were a bit nervous, as it's very cramped quarters…and once you're on…there's no getting out.  We were praying no one brought a crying kid on board.  

We got lucky and it was smooth sailing….he seemed to enjoy it…especially since Nemo is one of, if not the only, favorite movie he owns.

Sweet Pea was a bit scared, as it gets pretty dark at times….it was really cool how they projected scenes from the movie underwater!

Afterwards, little man needed a break, so I took Sweet Pea on the Autopia ride - and even tho I explained to her my grave disappointment as a child in not being tall enough to drive….she insisted!  And what a crazy driver!  We finally worked out a system where I ran the gas and she steered!

 We finally made it over to the famous castle for a quick tour…and to make an appointment at the Bippity, Boppity Boutique!

On the way to the castle, we met up with the Fairy Godmother! 

 We finally decided to pack it in and call it a day….we watched the Submarine ride as we waited in line to take the monorail back to the front of the park.

As we were walking out….we found ourselves swept up in a parade….we finally got out in front and waited for it to catch up at the gates….

Sweet Boy was a little unsure of how loud it was…but he definitely recognized the characters and seemed to enjoy watching the whole thing!

 All in all, day two was a success.  Poor Sweet Boy was dealing with a lot more anxiety…and we almost called it quits at lunch….but by splitting up and taking turns…we were able to stay at the park and stay together.

After Autopia, Dad and Sweet Pea went on the Star Tours ride while Little Man and I chilled out and did some people watching….

We found that after he'd reached his limit…if we promised 'no more rides'…and honored it…he did just fine.
This was a HUGE part of our trying to let go of what we thought this vaca 'should' look like and embracing what it was going to need to be…..

And he did great.