As the No. 1 tourism destination in the U.S., Orlando is dedicated to accommodating all visitors, including those with autism or other cognitive disabilities. In 2023, Orlando was recognized as a leading disability-friendly city, steadfast in its commitment to inclusive initiatives throughout numerous attractions providing a range of accommodations for all guests.

For more information and resources, visit VisitOrlando.com

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

Orlando's major theme parks offer extensive park and resort guides compliant with the American Disabilities Act’s (ADA) to assist guests with disabilities and special needs. Each park has tailored programs and services to support gusts who may find extended wait times or intense environments challenging.  

  • Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and LEGOLAND partner with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) for staff-wide autism sensitivity and awareness training, enhancing both park properties and guest experiences.
  • SeaWorld Orlando: Sesame Street Land at SeaWorld offers six acres of engaging activities and includes designated quiet spaces with adjustable lighting and comfortable seating for sensory breaks.
  • Aquatica Orlando – SeaWorld’s Waterpark was the first in the world to be recognized as a Certified Autism Center. It features a quiet room near Kata's Kookaburra Cove.
  • Discovery Cove offers a comprehensive sensory guide to help guests plan activities tailored to their specific needs, as the first all-inclusive day resort and animal interaction park in the U.S. to achieve the Certified Autism Center status.
  • four Walt Disney World Resort provides multiple quiet areas across its parks, and the Disability Access Service for guests unable to wait in standard lines.
  • Universal Studios Orlando Resort offers the Attraction Assistance Pass and detailed guides for rider safety and accessibility.
  • LEGOLAND Florida Resort is a Certified Autism Center, offering sensory guides, the "Blue Hero Pass" for expedited access, quiet rooms, and detailed social stories available at Guest Services.
  • Peppa Pig Theme Park: park is a Certified Autism Center, approved by The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, that provides comprehensive accessibility and sensory guides for parents and children to plan an immersive, inclusive experience. There are various attractions, rides and shows for children to attend and enjoy, including a wheelchair-accessible ride, Peppa Pig’s Balloon Ride.  

 

HOTELS & RESORTS

Orlando’s accommodations include accessible rooms and specializes amenities to meet a variety if needs include:

  • The DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld, SpringHill Suites and Fairfield Inn & Suites are all Certified Autism Centers with trained hotel staff ready to handle all specific needs for guests.
  • JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek's “Sensory Calming Corner” – located in the Kids Conservatory Lounge – was thoughtfully designed for those who need their own space, and includes details ranging from noise-reducing headsets, textured pillows and weighted plush animals to a LEGO wall, a color-changing LED tile wall and more.
  • The Holiday Inn & Suites’ sensory room is designed for those who may feel overwhelmed and overstimulated after long travel days. Guests are given custom-made bags with headphones and sensory toys to relax and feel safe with.
  • An alternative to hotels and resorts, Orlando’s vacation homes offer a more private environment with less distractions and simulation for guests with cognitive disabilities. VillaKey is an Orlando-based vacation rental company that offers autism-friendly home rentals.
  • Rosen Shingle Creek offers guests with special needs complimentary valet parking at Rosen Shingle Creek. Featuring 75 accessible rooms, this property also has several amenities to ensure guests can get around the hotel easily. Scooters can also be rented from the valet parking booth at the hotel's entrance.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

  • Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is ideal for visitors with special needs. The zoo offers special education programs and guides with sign language interpreters or a touch tour for blind guests. Service animals are also welcome but are not permitted in certain exhibits.
  • Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is a Certified Autism Center. They offer sensory-friendly shows, classes and camps to meet a variety of needs.
  • Gatorland – This attraction is not too crowded or overstimulating, and the up-close experiences with the animals are captivating for visitors of all ages. Guests can also try the Gator Gauntlet, the first of its kind zip-line accessible specifically for guests with motor disabilities. The Gator Gauntlet brings guests zooming on the 350-foot line over marshes filled with over 100 alligators.
  • iFLY Orlando – iFLY offers an opportunity for those with special needs to get their adrenaline pumping with its All-Abilities Night. Guests will get two flights accompanied by highly trained instructors, along with all the equipment and pre-flight training needed.
  • Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex – Offers several options for those with mobile, cognitive, visual or auditory impairments. In addition to service dogs being welcome in all areas of the center, guests can rent wheelchairs, both electric and regular. There are many quiet areas throughout the property, as well as interactive elements for guests to enjoy. Check out Autism Awareness: An In-Park Guide for full park details.
  • Lake Eola Park – As one of the most relaxing and visually stunning attractions in Orlando, Lake Eola is a great fit for families looking to avoid crowds and overstimulating environments. The large lake nestled within Downtown Orlando is a great spot to sit by the water, grab a bite to eat, watch swans, and even rent a signature swan paddleboat for a relaxing ride around Lake Eola.
  • Harry P. Leu Gardens – This destination is a 50-acre botanical garden close to Downtown Orlando, offering guests opportunities to roam at their own pace. The property is handicap accessible, and complimentary wheelchairs are available in the Welcome Center. Service animals are allowed in the gardens.
  • WonderWorks – This educational entertainment attraction is designed to challenge the mind and spark the imagination. Visitors who need special assistance can contact WonderWorks 3 days in advance to arrange special assistance. There are some exhibits with flashing lights and motion, which may not be suitable for certain sensitivities. The attraction is wheelchair accessible, and service dogs are allowed. Occasionally, the attraction will host Sensory Days, where exhibits are altered to provide limited sensory stimulation for guests with cognitive disabilities.
  • Putting Edge – This indoor mini golf course features glow-in-the-dark décor and an interactive arcade. Putting Edge provides an immersive experience with its colors, sights, sounds and activities. It is wheelchair accessible, and reservations can be made online to avoid long wait periods. Some of the attraction’s light and noise stimuli might not be suitable for certain sensitivities.
  • Orlando Science Center – This science museum encourages learning across all ages. The science center provides a limited number of free wheelchairs to borrow and scripts for the films shown in the Dr. Phillips CineDome. An ASL translator can be arranged with two weeks’ notice. Service animals are allowed.
  • Orlando Family Stage Downtown – The Orlando Family Stage produces sensory-friendly versions of many of its famous performances for all children and families. The REP offers a variety of services and accommodations for individuals with Autism, including quiet rooms for taking breaks, resource guides, noise-cancelling earmuffs and adjusted lighting and effects during shows.

ICON Park

  • The Orlando Eye is a great alternative for families wanting to see Orlando without the crowds. The capsules are perfect for a quiet and private environment without distractions. The spectacular views and slow movement of The Wheel are very relaxing. It also allows guests in wheelchairs, both regular and motorized, to board the capsules.
  • SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium offers interactive, close-up elements and exhibits that are enjoyable for all guests, regardless of ability. With a 360-degree ocean tunnel, interactive rock pools and hundreds of sea creatures, SEA LIFE will bring both education and fun to guests traveling with a cognitive disability.
  • Madame Tussauds Orlando lets guests get up close with their favorite celebrities. Low in sensory stimuli, the exhibit is not too large and should not wear out visitors quickly. It is fully accessible to wheelchair bound guests and allows service dogs in the exhibit.

TRANSPORTATION

  • Orlando International Airport (MCO) provides a barrier-free path and accessible services throughout the facility for individuals with disabilities.
  • The Orlando International Airport Sunflower Lanyard program enables passengers to self-identify to staff that they have a hidden disability and provides an extra layer of assistance to those who might require it. The lanyards are available at the third-level information booths in the main terminal and are free to travelers. While the lanyards do provide a discreet signal to employees, wearing a lanyard does not guarantee fast tracking through security or any preferential TSA treatment. Passengers are encouraged to arrange any special assistance needed with their airline and TSA Cares.
  • Brightline’s ADA-compliant trains and stations ensure that every traveler feels comfortable during their onboard and in-station experiences. Guests have access to onboard audio and visual announcements as well as accessible ramps, elevators and restrooms.

 

About Visit Orlando

Visit Orlando is The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, the most visited destination in the United States, Theme Park Capital of the World® and No. 1 meeting destination in the country. A not-for-profit trade association that brands, markets and sells the Orlando destination globally, we represent more than 1,400 member companies comprising every segment of Central Florida’s tourism community.

Visit Orlando connects consumers and business groups with all facets of Orlando’s travel community, whether for a vacation or meeting. Home to seven of the world’s top theme parks — as well as refreshing water parks, activities to connect with nature, vibrant neighborhoods, a dynamic dining scene with Michelin recognized restaurants, and a robust calendar of entertainment and sports events — Orlando is a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community for all travelers. Find more information at VisitOrlando.com or OrlandoMeeting.com.

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