Non-ride recommendations please!

[Kalnins]

I am getting worried about our trip in August. We've known for a while that DS (14) is not keen on theme parks - but he is a big fan of Star Wars and loves Harry Potter, so he's agreed to another Florida holiday (we last went when he was 5). Recently though, he's really begun struggling with anxiety and will frequently seize up, especially in new or overwhelming environments. I am concerned that the parks are going to trigger some
meltdowns for him & spoil his holiday. DH & DD (16) both love rides, and I don't mind rides ... as long as they're not too big/fast!

So, my question is - what non-ride experiences would you recommend in the different parks? We have various strategies for managing DS's stress levels in crowds & with noise etc, (and we'll be staying in a villa so will have several non-park days too) but I could really do with some pointers as to the best non-adrenaline rides or activities you've enjoyed in the parks please. I'm hoping I can reassure DS that there will be plenty of experiences that he WILL enjoy.

Thank you!

[Gryff]

Olivanders buy an interactive wand and do the spells while others are on the rides the train between the 2parks explore the shops I could spend an age in Honeydukes Watch out for the Dragon look at the Knight Bus and have a pic taken use the phone box check for Creatcher at the windows sit on the steps of Grimaldi place with a pumpkin juice or butter beer
Would spider man transformers simpsons be too much if not escape from gringots might suit flight of the hippo Graf is mild
Watching the frog choir if they do it the light show at the castle is worth watching
You can walk all the ques at the HP rides and wait for your riders no problem same with Kong etc
Would a Assistance pass help
Jimmy Fallon and Fadt and furious might fit Minions Shrek the make up show
Just a few
We don’t really do Disney but I’m sure someone will be along soon
Would park maps help I can pick up universal ones this trip and post when we=come+home mid April

[Kalnins]

Thank you so much for all those suggestions Gryff. Lots to go on there, we'll spend lots of time with DS looking into everything you've suggested. Think we'll be ok without the maps, but that was a particularly kind offer, I'm very grateful. Thank you!

[Floridatilly]

I don’t like big rides, I find the rides and shows in the Disney parks amazing though. They are more family friendly if that makes sense.
I think your son will enjoy a lot there.
My 13 year old suffers from panic attacks and anxiety. We make good use of our FP’s and take our time around the parks (we can’t rush with our daughter’s medical needs anyway) we are also flexible with our plans, we don’t try to fit everything in that I have planned. My planning is just a rough guide even though I spend a year on it lol

[shack69]

In disney there are loads of different none ride attractions. For example look at epcot and all the different entertainers they have around each land , plus some of the movies or anamatronic show. Plus you have have the aquarium or maybe the boat ride round the gardens. At Magic kingdom again lots of street entertainment and several shows like the country bears. Plus the pirate map challenge or Sorcerers. Then in HS you have lots of meet and greets plus live shows like little mermaid, B&B , indiana. In animal kingdom you have the animals of course plus things like the bird show. On top of that you have the parades. So rides aside you have loads to do and thats before you consider water parks or mini golf.

[Tinkjon]

Tom Sawyer Island in MK is very quiet and calm. Get the boat across and it's like the rest of Disney melts away. It's not really an activity per se but it's very peaceful to walk around. There are some rocking chairs that overlook Thunder Mounta (or is it Haunted Mansion?) and we spent a lovely half hour there, relaxing.

[NewtoOrlando]

I do some rides but not anything that goes upside down. My fave non ride experiences are Lion King show, it’s tough to be a bug, mickeys philharmagic, frozen sing along & the safari. We also like haunted mansion, nemo & little mermaid, I don’t see them as rides more of a moving attraction. We like to walk around the lands and just take in the atmosphere, people watch etc. There’s always a quiet spot to refresh, you just need to seek them out. Last year we also did Rafikis planet watch, got the little train over, the kids did the animation class & dh and I sat watching the vet do some work on an anteater, we then went outside & the kids went in to pet the goats. They loved it & it was a nice way to spend an hour.

We haven’t done universal for the last 2 trips but when in Hogsmead, in between the toilets and round the back of the pub, there is a quiet seating area, I always tend to go round there with a cold drink when dh & the kids are off doing forbidden journey, it’s rarely busy and also quite cool as gets a breeze.

[Thelostprincess]

Have you looked at the dessert parties? That might be a good way for him to view the fireworks or fantasmic without being in a huge crowd of people plus you get desserts so win win!

[Shopperholic]

We love the shows, particularly Finding Nemo the musical and the Festival of the Lion King, both in Animal Kingdom. Fantasmic show in Hollywood Studios. Favourite ride is Flight of Passage in Animal Kingdom which is similar to Soaring in Epcot but so much better.

Would it help to watch some of the many ride videos on you tube, so he knows what to expect and help come up with specific coping strategies.

Also have you thought about getting your son interested in photography as it helps with wellmindedness and all you need is a phone camera. Then if things get too much, one of you could accompany him to a quieter area to do a spot of photography.

[scoobydooby]

Don’t forget to check out the street performers in most of the Worldshowcase countries. Very entertaining. There are several films also at Worldshowcase with a couple of recently updated ones. There is live music too. I could spend multiple days there personally. AK is good for none ‘rides’. The safari, Nemo and Lion King shows and lots of animal viewing on the trails and around the park. DHS also has multiple shows. Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Indiana Jones, Frozen Singalong then the theming of Star Wars Land looks to be amazing. MK has loads of all kinds too. Good luck.