Autistic Friendly Theme Parks

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Turning says 14-year-old Eric can decompress and let loose in the “Sesame Street”-based park without fear of being judged. His son is able to hug Cookie Monster and receive a warm hug back even if, by societal standards, he should have moved beyond the characters.

At Sesame Place, his son feels understood and accepted. Although he may fidget in line or make funny noises, he faces no judgment from park staff or fellow visitors.

For Turning, the “cherry on top” is the new designation as a Certified Autism Center, which makes Sesame Place the first theme park in the world to receive that distinction from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. To earn the certification, the board requires at least 80% of a park’s staff to complete rigorous training on autism sensitivity and awareness.

Sesame Place has created quiet rooms: small, dimly lit spaces with comfortable armchairs and sensory bead mazes on the walls to provide a break from the stimulation. The park also offers noise-canceling headphones as well as designated “low-sensory zones” along a parade route and in theaters. Guests who may struggle with standing in line or require special assistance boarding a ride can also use a fast pass called Abby’s Magic Queue.

However, what may be most important for parents like Turning is a planning website with a sensory guide and “social story” that tells visitors exactly what to expect.

They’re “simple things,” Turning said, such as “what it looks like to stand in line or what you’re going to have to do to order lunch, just what it looks like, so the family can prepare the individual beforehand. That’s important for our guys, so they know what they’re getting into and what we’re going to have to ask of them.”

Fortunately for families in need of a break all over the country, Sesame Place isn’t the only theme park making strides to increase access and inclusivity for children with special needs.

Theme parks generally offer guides on their websites to help guests with disabilities navigate their parks, and increasingly, parks are including sensory guides for visitors with autism and other cognitive disorders.

Disney Parks, including Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Florida, are also equipped with quiet rooms and provide extensive planning guides. Disney offers a team that caters to guests with disabilities and provides personalized service for visitors in need of a little extra help. And for those who need it, special fast passes are available.

Morgan’s Inspiration Island Water Park in San Antonio is designed to be fully accessible for guests of any ability. This park, designed for visitors with physical and/or cognitive challenges, provides free admission to special needs guests.

And it’s not just theme parks recognizing the need for expanded accessibility for individuals with cognitive disorders; resorts are also getting in on the game.
Beaches Resorts, which also partners with Sesame Workshop to offer shows and activities, is the first resort company to be credentialed by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. According to Liz Kaiser, Beaches’ partnership marketing director, all staff members at every level have been trained in autism sensitivity and awareness. The resorts also provide a variety of customized services for families, including culinary concierge services to aid with dietary issues, a one-on-one aide, “quiet check-in,” and private transfers.

The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards has also credentialed Grand Palladium Bávaro Suites Resort & Spa in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, as well as the Sheraton Park Anaheim near Disneyland.

The Georgia Aquarium is also an Autism Center, and Space Center Houston was designated as such last month.

Autism advocacy groups and education services are working with venues across the country on autism awareness and sensitivity. Families are increasingly able to attend sporting events, like MLB and NBA games, theaters, museums and zoos with a little less worry.