Holidays at the Theme Parks with Special Needs Family and Friends

The world’s best theme parks are designed to be immersive multi-sensory experiences. They can transport you to a world of fantasy where imagination is indulged and adventure is encouraged.  

But for guests with sensory sensitivities and special needs, a theme park can be an overwhelming and overstimulating place.  

Thankfully, companies like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld are mindful of these challenges and have created a variety of resources to help guests with special needs better enjoy their theme park experience.  

The holidays are a special time to visit theme parks. With a variety of special shows, character meet-and-greets, parades, and other special events, it’s an amazing opportunity to celebrate the spirit of the season. 

As with any trip to the theme parks, especially when traveling with a loved one with special needs, advanced planning is critical to making sure everyone has a wonderful time.  

Here are some of each theme park’s accessibility resources to help you plan ahead.  

Accessibility During the Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort  

Walt Disney World Resort’s four magical theme parks each offer a variety of ways to celebrate the holidays this season.  

From the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas special event at Magic Kingdom to a showcase of global holiday celebrations at EPCOT, the Disney theme parks are full of cheerful festivities for every guest to enjoy.  

No matter which theme park you choose to visit this holiday season, you’ll find a variety of accessibility resources available to use.  

Each park has its own Guide Map specifically outlining access and amenities available for guests with mobility, visual, and hearing disabilities as well as service animals.  

To help you craft the perfect itinerary, Disney has created an Accessibility Planning Guide & Recommendations resource. This guide answers a variety of frequently asked questions, outlines what you can expect from a day in the parks, and offers a comprehensive look at all the resources and amenities Walt Disney World provides guests with special needs. 

Disney’s Sensory Experience Details for Guests with Disabilities is a thorough guide that assesses each of the rides and attractions at every Disney theme park. It’s an easy way to plan ahead and see which attractions feature sensory experiences like water, darkness, loud noises, lighting effects, and more.  

Accessibility During the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort 

Universal Orlando Resort has plenty of festive fun in store this holiday season.  

Visit the Grinch and friendly Whos of Who-ville and watch them onstage in a spectacular performance of The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.  

Fans of Harry Potter can enjoy a mug of hot butterbeer as they take in an incredible holiday projection show on the side of Hogwarts castle or walk through Diagon Alley all decked out in garland and twinkling lights.  

Universal’s Holiday Parade features your favorite Universal and Dreamworks characters as well as retired Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons gliding overhead.  

There are so many ways to celebrate the holidays at Universal and a variety of resources to help ensure everyone gets to enjoy the festivities in the way they feel most comfortable.  

Universal Orlando Resort has several resources on their website dedicated to accessibility.  

They have also developed an Attractions Assistance Pass for guests “whose disability prevents them from waiting for extended periods in a conventional attraction queue environment.” You can apply for an Individual Accessibility Card and Universal Orlando Resort team members will assess how to best assist you with your theme park experience.

Universal Orlando Resort also has a Guide for Rider Safety and Accessibility that you can download ahead of your visit. It provides information such as which rides are accessible for guests in mobility devices, resources for guests with hearing and visual disabilities, and specific information regarding accessibility for every attraction in the theme parks.  

If you’re traveling with a family member or friend with a cognitive disability such as autism, Universal’s Sensory Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities is a fantastic tool. It’s designed to help families prepare for their visit from start to finish and determine which attractions may be best for your loved one’s needs.   

Accessibility at SeaWorld Christmas Celebration

SeaWorld Orlando’s annual holiday festival, Christmas Celebration, is returning for another year of cheerful fun.  

Enjoy spectacular live performances like Mrs. Claus’ Magic Kitchen and O Wondrous Night. Sesame Street Land is transformed for the holidays, including the Sesame Street Christmas Parade.  

Meet your favorite holiday icons like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus himself.  

There will be snow flurries, ice skating, and a sea of glistening Christmas trees floating on the lagoon that come to life at night. The Holiday Reflections: Firework Finale is a dazzling firework show set to your favorite holiday songs.  

When you visit SeaWorld Orlando on a day when the Christmas Celebration is held, all these activities and more are included in your admission ticket.  

SeaWorld has worked hard to ensure that guests with special needs have equal access to as many rides and attractions as possible. Their Ride Accessibility Program and Ride Accessibility Guide detail everything you may need to know about enjoying their rides safely. 

The Ride Accessibility Guide also addresses important topics including service animals, safety definitions, and individual ride information.  

SeaWorld Orlando is a Certified Autism Center, certified by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. In Sesame Street Land, you’ll find SeaWorld Orlando ambassadors who have received specialized training to ensure they can meet the needs of all the park’s young guests, including those with special needs.  

Guests with sensory sensitivities can also take advantage of resources including a Quiet Room, a Low Sensory Area, and Companion/Family Assist restrooms.  

SeaWorld Orlando’s Sensory Guide offers a sensory breakdown of rides, shows, and attractions throughout the park.  

An Accessible Hotel near I-Drive 

Rosen Inn International is committed to providing exceptional service and accessibility to all of our guests.  

Currently, our accessibility offerings include accessible guestrooms, public spaces including our onsite restaurant, and a swimming pool with a pool lift.  

Additionally, as a guest of Rosen Inn International, you’ll be able to take advantage of accessible scheduled shuttles that will take you to Walt Disney World Resort parks, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando.  

We look forward to making your stay as comfortable and welcoming as possible.