As a mom and a mom of a child with Autism, I know how difficult it can be to try and take your child to a place that is busy and full of people. Throughout my childhood, I have so many fond memories of visiting theme parks and I have been continuing that same experience with my own children. However, for a special needs child, theme parks can be overwhelming and heighten sensory issues that often families affected by disability may feel the need to avoid theme parks altogether.
Our youngest son, Joshua, has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and for his 4th birthday, we were able to take him to a theme park. LEGOLAND Florida Resort has partnered with Autism Speaks in order to create an amazing park experience for autistic children and adults. We had a great time at LEGOLAND Florida thanks to the special needs friendly features that LEGOLAND Florida has to offer.
HeroPass & Autism Attraction Cheat Sheet
Two resources that were extremely helpful for our family while at LEGOLAND Florida was the Autism Cheat Sheet and Hero Pass. LEGOLAND offers a Hero Pass for guests who have a difficult time waiting in line or have mobility restrictions such as a wheelchair. This pass allows a guest and one helper to be able to get expedited access to many of the attractions. The rest of your party is then allowed to return together at a designated time. LEGOLAND also offers a Blue Hero Pass that is free as well. This pass is specifically for guests with autism spectrum disorders and allows the entire party expedited access to many of the attractions using the Hero Pass entrance. With the help of The Hero Pass, which is designed for guests with disabilities, and their families, to enjoy LEGOLAND, Joshua was able to go on so many rides. Short (or no) waiting times really assisted to create a memorable experience. All of his expressions showed that he loved it all and he rode some “big kid” rides. If you are looking for either of these Hero Passes, you can find them at Guest Services near the theme park’s exit.
BONUS: We are a multi-generational family and with the recent passing of my beloved Mom, my 90 year old father is now living with us. With the Blue Hero Pass, my Dad did not have to stand and wait for long periods in lines to ride with Joshua. It helped to a special experience for the oldest and youngest boys in my home.
While the park has a variety of options for special needs guests, one of the best resources you can pick up for your trip is the Autism Attraction Cheat Sheet. The cheat sheet explains the sensory related components that are part of the rides such as loud music, shaking and even water. Additionally, it has a list of sensory break areas for families.
These two resources helped us choose the rides that would be a good fit for our family and there were no surprises when we got onto the rides. We road The Great Lego Race VR Coaster, the train at Duplo Valley, and even was able to experience one of LEGOLAND Florida’s newest attractions, UniKitty’s Disco Drop.
Sensory Break Areas
Legoland has specially equipped spaces within the theme park’s Annual Pass, First Aid, and Baby Care areas that are designated “quiet rooms.” Guests with autism spectrum and their families that need to visit one of these sensory break areas can find these locations throughout the park.
These rooms include many features that are complimentary while you are in the sensory break area such as:
- Noise-canceling headphones,
- Weighted blankets
- Squishy toys
- LEGO building tables
Accommodations at Beach Retreat Resort
We stayed at the Legoland Beach Retreat Resort while we were visiting LEGOLAND Florida. This resort features a village-style layout and has over 80 different beach themed bungalows with Lego decor inside and out. Each of these bungalows centers around an outdoor play area and shaded patios for parents.
Beach Retreat resort offers a drive-thru check which allows guests to check-in without even needing to get out of the car! They also have complimentary shuttles to the park and free WiFi.
Beach Retreat has a restaurant located inside a Lighthouse that features a large Lego sandcastle play area for kids, full buffet meal for breakfast and menu options for lunch and dinner. Breakfast is included with your stay for every night booked.
Beach Retreat has great amenities for the whole family to enjoy. Each cove is centered around a special outdoor play area that is visible from the covered patio for parents. Kids can also enjoy poolside activities such as sandcastle building, playing with legos, beanbag toss games, s’mores and dancing.
Offering the ASD and disabled community a theme park experience that embraces and understands special needs is important to allow for growth, joy and a day away from the normal routine. If you have been thinking about taking your special needs child to a theme park , I highly recommend you consider LEGOLAND Florida. Being an ASD-friendly and special needs-friendly park provides a fun and easier theme park experience for as many people as possible. We had a wonderful theme park birthday experience and it provided the unforgettable opportunity to appreciate it all together. At LEGOLAND Florida, the special needs friendly features provide a truly accommodating experience―not just like a special needs family or family with a child who has autism―but just to enjoy as a family.
For more information about Legoland Florida guests with special disabilities, check out this resource or click the picture below.
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Disclosure: As a media partner, complimentary tickets and accommodations were provided to facilitate a media review.
All thoughts and opinions stated here are our own.
