We have 5 theme parks for families travelling with disabilities to try right now. From diving dolphins to meeting Mickey, having a wheelchair is no barrier to the excitement.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort
LEGOLAND Florida prides itself on its diversity and inclusivity and has recently dedicated time and money to make the park as accessible as possible for children with autism.
Working in close consultation with Autism Speaks, it has developed the Blue Hero Pass (available from Guest Services), which entitles holders and their family to bypass long queues at attractions.
A specially developed virtual walkthrough of each ride and show can also be viewed to assist guests with what to expect, including periods of extended darkness, loud noises or bright lights.
Sesame Place
Sesame Place, on the outskirts of Philadelphia, is the first theme park in the world to be designated a Certified Autism Center. It offers a selection of rides, parades, shows and water attractions for kids to enjoy.
The staff at Sesame Place are fully trained in autism sensitivity and awareness. The theme park includes quiet rooms, low sensory areas to unwind, and noise-cancelling headphones.
Elmo supports those who live with a disability. Picture: Shutterstock.
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, has extensive services available to guests with disabilities.
The Disability Access Service card is designed for those who are unable to tolerate extended waits at attractions; they can schedule a return time that is comparable to the current queue wait for that ride or attraction.
Multiple quiet areas are also located within the two on-site parks – Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park – to allow a break from the stimulation.
For guests with a visual impairment, Disneyland Resort provides audio description devices, braille guidebooks and digital audio tours.
Guests visiting with a hearing impairment can use assistive listening systems, reflective captioning, sign-language interpretation (specific days), handheld captioning, video captioning and written aids.
Morgan’s Wonderland
Morgan’s Wonderland located in San Antonio, Texas, was the first accessible family fun park in the world. Developed by the parent of a child with a disability, the parks were designed with inclusion and access as a must.
Guests can swap their electric wheelchairs for the park’s waterproof wheelchairs powered by compressed air.
Plus, waterproof wristbands with RFID technology are available for parents who are worried about getting separated from their children while enjoying the park.
Many of the rides are wheelchair-accessible.
At Morgan’s Wonderland there is an exciting sensory village. Picture: Supplied.
Sea World
Sea World on the Gold Coast has services in place to assist guests with disabilities. Upon presentation of the Companion Card, one person is admitted free with the person with a disability.
For guests who have difficulty waiting in long queues, parent-swap and queue-proxy services are available.
For guests with a hearing impairment, the park has an assisted listening service that amplifies sound through headphones or an induction loop.
Guest services is able to assist with information regarding access to rides for visitors using a wheelchair.
At this wheelchair friendly park, kids will love watching Dolphins leap and twirl. Picture: Shutterstock..
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This story is for anyone who travels with a disability