Disclosure: We were the guests of SeaWorld Orlando, our visit was comped, but I was not provided any monetary compensation for this review.

Theme parks are a large portion of our family travel. Roo enjoys the thrill of different rides, and I love watching the girls experience theme parks as much as I love riding rides! When visiting a theme park with a child on the spectrum, familiarity is something that we rely on. Although the autism spectrum is broad, one thing is for sure; theme parks are full of the triggers that can induce a meltdown. As a parent of a child on the spectrum, the first thought may be to count theme parks out altogether, but I would urge you to reconsider.

Every theme park is different, but the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) is partnering with theme parks and attractions all over the world to help provide some sense of normalcy for people on the spectrum. That is why we were so excited to visit SeaWorld Orlando, which recently became a Certified Autism Center!

This is fantastic news for parents who wanted to visit SeaWorld Orlando but may have been reluctant due to having a child on the spectrum.

So, what does it mean to be a Certified Autism Center?

IBCCES worked with SeaWorld Orlando to ensure that the staff are trained in autism awareness and sensitivity. Each area of the park was reviewed to create sensory guides for guests with sensory sensitivities and also to ensure that the park meets the standards to be certified as an official Autism Center. SeaWorld Orland committed that their team members will have the requisite knowledge, skills, temperament, and expertise to interact with all families and children with special needs, specifically on the autism spectrum. This designation is a huge sigh of relief for parents everywhere!

Tips for Enjoying SeaWorld Orlando with Autism

Prepare Your Children

Roo tends to do best at a new location when she’s been prepared with extensive details. That’s why it’s essential to sit with your child to review your SeaWorld Orlando itinerary. Make trip planning part of the fun and include your child. We love to watch videos on YouTube so that she can get a sense of what drops are on a ride and whether it is dark or not. We take the time to review the park map before our visit and have a detailed ride and break itinerary so that she can be familiar with the location and schedule.

Get a Ride Accessibility Pass (RAP)

If you have been a Tribe member for a while, you know that I always recommend arriving at the theme parks early. Once you pass through the SeaWorld Orlando turnstiles, head directly to Guest Services to request a Ride Accessibility Pass. The cast member will talk with you about your child’s specific challenges and the requested accommodations that prevent your child from waiting in a queue. If your child’s challenges include mobility concerns, be sure to let the cast member know so that they can attach a wheelchair tag to the stroller.

You will receive a Ride Accessibility Pass that covers the person with a disability and up to 5 additional guests for the rides and attractions that are listed on the pass.

Here is a quick rundown of how the Ride Accessibility Pass works:

– Go to the regular entrance of the attraction
– Inform the cast member that you have a Disability Assistance Pass
– If the wait time is under 15 minutes, you will be allowed to queue for the ride
– If the wait time is over 15 minutes, the cast member will notate a “return time.” A return time takes the current time and adds the posted wait time for you to return. Ex. A 90-minute wait for Manta, it is 12:30 pm, your return time would be 2:00 pm.

*Note: The Ride Accessibility Program (RAP) does not cover shows, special events, parades, meet & greet priority access, or restaurant lines. It may be obvious, but I have to note that the guests are only allowed to ride if the person who has the Ride Accessibility Program is riding.

*Tip: Be sure to cover this procedure when you are preparing your child for your SeaWorld Orlando visit. It can be potentially upsetting if your child assumes they can walk right on to a ride. You should also download the SeaWorld Orlando app so that you do some quick math about return times before heading to a ride.

Plan for Quiet Time

When planning your trip, be sure to build in meal breaks and quiet time. This really helps Roo recoup from the long walking hours and stimulation. SeaWorld Orlando offers two Quiet Rooms in the parks (next to Guest Services at the front of the park & in Sesame Street Land). They are first-come, first-serve, so be sure to have a back-up location in mind. I recommend the low sensory area between Dolphin Cove and Turtle Trek. Roo also enjoyed the orca or dolphin underwater viewing areas as a place to enjoy some quiet, peaceful moments away from the noises and other sights outdoors.

*Note: If your child has sensory issues, the companion/family restrooms are located throughout the park and have a manual flush.

Consider Preferred Parking

Something else to consider is springing for preferred parking. Before you dismiss it, because of the additional cost, hear me out. The SeaWorld Orlando preferred parking will place your family vehicle closer to the park entrance, just in case you need to get to and from your car quickly during your trip. This can serve as an additional quiet space, but best of all, it allows your child not to have to walk as far when the day is over.

Consider staying at an official SeaWorld Hotel

The DoubleTree by Hilton at SeaWorld made for the perfect base for our adventures! Nestled within 28 acres of lush green space and palm trees, the DoubleTree by Hilton at SeaWorld is a peaceful oasis! The hotel is situated in the heart of I-drive, but honestly, we enjoyed all of the amenities so much that we didn’t move our car all weekend! The DoubleTree at SeaWorld is a quick walk from SeaWorld, making it easy to navigate back to our room if Roo became overwhelmed in the park.

Know Your Limits

We all have our limit of what we can handle during a day at the theme parks, even more so, parents of children on the spectrum will have to take into consideration what your child’s specific limits are. Take cues from your child to recognize overstimulation or overtired signs before it turns into a massive meltdown. It’s okay to not get through the entire SeaWorld Orlando park! There is no shame is partially seeing a park and retreating home early, because, at the end of the day, the most important thing is that you ALL are having fun!