7 Theme Parks Changing The Game For Guests With Autism

Holiday guides

Take the Philippines’ most sparsely populated region, add natural wonders such as remote tropical islands, exquisite beaches, subterranean rivers, and lush jungle, and this 434-kilometre-long archipelago’s fame among paradise-seekers makes perfect sense.
This charming town, with brick-lined streets and structures that date back centuries, was founded in the mid-1600s. Set on the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis went on to become a pivotal port for Civil War munitions, then was a fishing city (though, nowadays most of the trawlers have now been replaced by pleasure boats). Today, it's home to the U.S. Naval Academy, and visitors are able to take tours of the vast, Beaux Arts campus, after which a visit to O'Learys Seafood Restaurant for crab cakes is essential.

As temperatures rise and summer vacation nears, many families have road trips and out-of-town adventures in mind. Theme parks are a popular choice, but for kids with autis and other sensory disorders, these destinations can be tricky and overwhelming.

Across the country, some theme parks and similar venues are paving the way by making their entertainment more inclusive. Here are seven parks that go beyond skip-the-line passes and online tips to ensure all their guests have an outing to remember.

Six Flags Great Adventure

a man and a woman walking down a street: Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey will hold Autism Day on May 3, an exclusive event for kids and families affected by the disorder.

On Thursday, Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey will hold Autism Day, an exclusive event for kids and families affected by autism. The event, held with the support of the Custom Education Foundation and the Gersh Academy for Students on the Autism Spectrum, will include presentations from autism experts, decompression areas with sensory-friendly supplies, and changes to the lights and music. 

Kevin Gersh, founder of Gersh Academy, told USA Today that a sensory rating guide for the rides will also be available so guests face no surprises.

“It’s about customizing and understanding,” he said. 

Legoland Florida Resort

Legoland Florida Resort features quiet rooms for guests who might get overwhelmed with all the fun.

Legoland Florida Resort in Orlando made headlines in 2017 for adding new features that keep its guests with autism in mind. The park has quiet rooms that include noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets and, of course, Lego building tables. For parents and caretakers worried about the rides, the park has a breakdown of each one so guests will know about all the noises and lights before they board.

Legoland Florida Resort also offers a “blue hero pass,” a pass specifically for guests on the spectrum and one that many parents have raved about online. It comes at no cost and gives the guest’s whole group expedited access to popular attractions. (There is also a “hero pass” available for guests with mobility difficulties.) Legoland also ensures new employees are trained so they can better interact with guests with autism and their families.

Thomas Land

Edaville Family Theme Park, south of Boston, is a railroad-themed park that features Thomas Land among its attractions ― yep, we mean Thomas the Tank Engine of the beloved books and TV series.

Thanks in part to an Edaville employee whose son has autism, the park has introduced more inclusive features. In Thomas Land, there is a sensory-friendly bathroom with manual flushing, faucets and paper towels. The park offers a quiet room with soft toys and a weighted blanket for kids who might need a break. Edaville also holds an Autism Awareness Weekend that includes sensory-friendly activities for its guests.

Sesame Place

a group of teddy bears standing next to a christmas tree: Sesame Place is the first theme park ever to be designated as a Certified Autism Center.

This year, Sesame Place in Pennsylvania became the first theme park in the world to be designated as a certified autism center, according to the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. In addition to trained employees, quiet rooms, noise-canceling headphones and low-sensory areas, the park offers low-sensory parade viewings and meet-and-greets with Julia, Sesame Street’s first character with autism.

Morgan’s Wonderland

Morgan’s Wonderland is an inclusive theme park in San Antonio that offers free admission to guests with a variety of challenges, including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, deafness and blindness. Built and developed by parents with a daughter with physical and cognitive challenges (and with help from doctors, teachers, parents and caregivers), the grounds are wheelchair-accessible. The water park, called Morgan’s Inspiration Island, also offers water that can be warmed for guests with sensitivities and waterproof wristbands so parents can keep track of their families.

Watch: Morgan’s Wonderland via CNN:

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