Going to WDW with a special needs family member is both challenging and rewarding. Nothing makes Buster and I smile like seeing happiness on Little Buster’s and Little Banshee’s faces. But with Little Banshee, it goes a bit deeper. She has Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, which means she has autism, is non-verbal, has developmental delays, and low muscle tone. Not as much thrills her. She is not as easily engaged or amused. Because she cannot communicate with her voice, we need to look for her signs of pleasure when we are there. In general, this is not difficult. Little Banshee LOVES WDW! Over the years, though, we have seen that just like any of us, she has her favorites. Her list is probably very different than the typical list, but she is not a typical person.
Watching her has made me appreciate these rides on a different level. I look at them through a different lens than I might have without Little Banshee. Plus, she is a Disney Princess, so she is wise to the best of Disney. Here are her picks for favorite rides at each park.
Magic Kingdom: It’s a Small World, Dumbo
Now I get it. After the first 20 renditions of the song, some may want to get out and strangle any doll telling us that “it is a small world after all.” But Little Banshee loves boat rides (this will be a theme in this article). And the colors, dolls, and catchy (brain worm) song all enthrall her. So it is a must do every year. As for Dumbo, she likes riding with Buster and feeling like she is flying (another theme). Little Buster and I like to sit in the elephant in front of them and get see how happy she is as we begin to move. Good times!
Hollywood Studios: Toy Story Mania
Buster and she control this one together. I guess I should mention that when rides are two and two, Little Banshee usually goes with Buster. She is a total Daddy’s Girl! She will have it no other way. It works well for us because Buster and Little Buster are both over 6 feet tall so we go one tall, one short – me being the shortest now. Little Banshee is also leaving me in the 5’3” dust! Honestly this ride is one of all of our favorites because, well, it’s awesome and brings out the family competition in all of us!
Animal Kingdom: Navi River Journey
Little Banshee cannot ride Flight of Passage because of her low muscle tone. However, she loves boat rides, she loves colorful visuals, and loves catchy music. That is Navi River Journey! It is not for those seeking thrills, but it thrills Little Banshee nonetheless. She is smiling and content every time we ride. It is cool and air conditioned. We can all ride together. The set design really is beautiful, and we all leave singing the Navi ditty every time. I have really grown to appreciate this one through Little Banshee’s eyes.
Epcot: Soarin’
Winner for favorite ride in all of WDW. There is no other ride that engages Little Banshee like Soarin’! She watches the pre-flight schtick. She always has Little Buster clip her in (it’s tradition!) She sits between Buster and Little Buster and holds Little Buster’s hand. Every single time! And she smiles, laughs, and engages with this ride. I can only guess she feels freedom with her tootsies dangling over the Taj Mahal while smelling jasmine. She loves every bit of it. I love every bit of it for her! It is one of my favorites as well, excluding Little Banshees feelings for it. There is something about Soarin’ that just makes me happy!
In addition at Epcot, Little Banshee really enjoys Spaceship Earth, Three Caballeros, and the Frozen boat ride. All winners in her book!
Honorable mention for her is the monorail. It isn’t a ride in the traditional sense, but don’t tell her that. Who doesn’t love a train ride in the sky?
So those are Little Banshee’s picks as a special princess. Please leave a comment and let us know if you agree with Little Banshee’s list!
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