It’s April, and that means it’s Autism Acceptance Month! Here at Villakey, we’re extremely honored to support the autism community and help families travel to Orlando to create memories that will last a lifetime.
We all need time to have fun, relax, and enjoy a change pace from the mundane routines! However, we know firsthand that planning a vacation can be extra challenging for families with children or other family members on the autism spectrum. Traveling can be complicated for those with autism because it may be hard to adjust to the change of environment, sensory input can be overwhelming, and it can be easy to wander off in an unfamiliar location.
Whether you’re looking for autism-friendly accommodations or attractions, you’ll find resources below to help you with your vacation planning from start to finish. There’s no need to worry or continue to feel overwhelmed with making sure your next vacation will be everything you have been dreaming of.
Autism-Friendly Theme Parks & Attractions
You’ll find that many of the attractions in Orlando are Certified Autism Centers, have special sensory-friendly events, or have specific offerings to be more inclusive to guests with special considerations. Let’s take a look at some of the best attractions in the area and what you will find:
Walt Disney World Theme Parks
Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando offers many services to help guests with all types of disabilities and special needs make the most out of their theme park experiences — including those on the autism spectrum. For visitors unable to wait in line for extended times, you will find Disney World offers a special Disability Access Service pass that allows you to skip the lines. This pass can be picked up at the guest services kiosks as you enter the park. Additional services include strollers, wheelchairs, break areas, companion restrooms, dietary accommodations, and other attraction accessibility options.
All visitors can take advantage of programs like Disney’s Rider Switch and Quite areas — but we’ve found these are particularly beneficial for families traveling with a child or family member with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). If you would like more information about what to expect when you visit Disney, please feel free to contact us, and we will do our best to point you in the right direction. You can also learn about purchasing your park passes here.
Discovery Cove
As of 2019, Discovery Cove in Orlando is now a Certified Autism Center! You and your family members will enjoy an all-inclusive day resort where you can experience swimming with dolphins, snorkeling alongside thousands of tropical fish, and hand-feeding exotic birds. Just remember to pack your bathing suit (and a change of clothes!).
For those on the spectrum, you’ll find a wide variety of services, amenities, and resources available to enhance accessibility for your visit — including quiet spaces, sensory guides, wheelchairs, and more. One of the park’s quiet areas is right next to the first-aid area, and it provides a temperature-controlled space where you can adjust the lighting if needed.
Universal Theme Parks
You will find that Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure offer an Attraction Assistance Pass at Guest Services, which will allow you to basically check-in at a ride that you would like to experience and then return at a specific time. You’ll need to stop by Guest Services at the entrance of the park to pick up a pass before continuing to the rides.
Keep in mind that Universal has made a few changes to aid in social distancing at their parks — this includes using what they call “Virtual Lines,” which gives all guests the ability to choose a return time. For rides or attractions that use this newly implemented feature, you’ll use the Virtual Line system like all other guests. However, you’ll still be able to take advantage of the Attraction Assistance Pass for any other ride or attraction.
More Autism-Friendly Attractions & Theme Parks
There are numerous options for autism-friendly vacation fun in Orlando — too many for us to list here! There are a few other favorites below:
- SeaWorld: Certified Autism Center
- Aquatica: First water park to be a Certified Autism Center
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon wave pool
- WonderWorks: Offers Sensory Days
- LEGOLAND Florida: Offers Hero Pass for guests with disabilities and their families
- Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Accomodations in Orlando
What are the benefits of staying in a private vacation rental instead of a hotel? As Alice Horn, our CEO, said best, “when you walk into a crowded hotel lobby, there’s a lot of people, noise, stimulation, and sensory input for a family and a child, and that can be a tough start to a vacation. But when you walk into a home, it’s welcoming, calm, and familiar. A lot of kids have trouble with change, but a home environment makes it much easier for the whole family.”
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have or if you’re looking for something specific for your upcoming stay in Orlando! We can’t wait to start helping you plan your next getaway.
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