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Theme Park Guide to Accessibility

Navigating theme parks with accessibility needs doesn’t have to be a hassle, and area theme parks are making it easy for visitors.

People walking in SeaWorld

Here in Kissimmee, we know how to do vacations right. Incredible outdoor adventures, thrilling theme parks, delicious treats, and more make exploring the area a blast for everyone, no matter their accessibility needs. Keep reading to learn how top theme parks in the area make experiencing their parks smooth and fun for everyone.

Exploring Walt Disney World Resort

The magic of Walt Disney World Resort is for everyone — and that’s exactly why accessibility services are available across the whole park. With Electric conveyance vehicles (ECVs), Assistive Listening systems, braille guidebooks, and other supports, you’ll feel comfortable and confident if you require a little accommodation on-site during your visit.

Ride lineups can be daunting, even though they’re totally worth the wait. To make sure everyone has an opportunity to experience the best of the park, Walt Disney World Resort offers Disability Access Services (DAS) — a system for those who can’t tolerate long wait times due to disability.

DAS allows you to request a return time, enjoying other areas of the park while waiting for their turn on rides. Walt Disney World Resort makes it easy to access this feature, too, with live video call registration and pre-arrival planning, as well as the My Disney Experience app. Get more information on DAS at Walt Disney World on their website.

Wheelchair rentals and ECVs help you navigate Walt Disney World Resort with confidence if you have accessibility needs. While services like Rider Switch make the park experience smooth for the whole group. See each park’s individual guides for guests with disabilities here.

Adventuring at SeaWorld Orlando

Everyone can see the world under the water at SeaWorld Orlando! With a Certified Autism Center and Ride Accessibility Program, you can rest assured your SeaWorld Orlando experience will be enjoyable and full of excitement if you have specific needs.

Sesame Street Land at SeaWorld Orlando partners with The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), making it a designated Certified Autism Center. This means staff is specially certified, ensuring they have the expertise to cater to children with a wide range of needs. Sesame Street Land also includes quiet rooms and a low sensory area if you need time to reset before embarking on more fun and adventure.

Similar to Walt Disney World Resort’s DAS system, SeaWorld Orlando’s park-wide Ride Accessibility Program allows guests with disabilities to join a virtual queue, making ride lineups much more manageable for those who need it. The park also offers an Accessibility Guide with information on individual rides and park accessibility features like assistive listening devices and sign language interpretation.

Experiencing Universal Orlando Resort

Exploring Universal Orlando Resort comes easy with a bit of preparation. With accessible shopping and dining venues, as well as designated accessible viewing areas for stage shows and parades, wheelchair and ECV users can navigate the park with confidence. In addition, the park’s Guide for Rider Safety and Accessibility is a helpful resource when trip planning. It outlines accessibility features about each individual park and ride, so you’re prepared for the visit of a lifetime.

For those with cognitive disabilities, this guide is a key trip planning tool. Including detailed information about each ride — like if it includes strobe lights, periods of darkness, water effects, and other sensory-related features — helps you create an ideal itinerary for your group and accessibility needs. Furthermore, the guide includes what to expect when dining, meeting characters, and shopping at the theme park.

Building a Bricktacular LEGOLAND Florida Visit

LEGOLAND Florida makes every piece of your visit fit together perfectly with their Guests with Disabilities Guide.

As with many other theme parks, lines can be a challenge for those on the autism spectrum. LEGOLAND Florida’s Hero Pass and Blue HERO Pass allow you to reserve a ride time — ideal if you’re visiting with someone who has difficulty waiting in line. The park also rents EVCs and standard wheelchairs, available for reservation pre-arrival.

No visit to LEGOLAND Florida is complete without delicious vacation treats. If you have allergies and intolerances, most restaurants can accommodate your needs. To learn more about how to eat at LEGOLAND Florida with special requirements, you can speak to any Model Citizen (LEGOLAND Florida’s stellar team members) and inform them of your needs.

Experiencing Kissimmee should be a blast — so be sure to check out the resources above when planning your theme park escapades. For more information about accessibility in Kissimmee and our surrounding attractions, visit our Accessibility page. And to stay up to date on all the latest news from here in Kissimmee, subscribe to our newsletter.