Special Needs Travel In Orlando Florida

Special Needs In Orlando

Orlando prides itself on being accessible to all, especially those with physical disabilities or cognitive disabilities, such as autism.

Central Florida’s theme parks, attractions, hotels & resorts, entertainment venues, restaurants, bars and shopping destinations all ensure every single visitor is given the full experience, following the American Disability Association (ADA) guidelines, providing limitless adventures for all guests to enjoy.

In Orlando you also find many service providers offering medical and mobility equipment rentals.

The Orlando region also has two highly-rated hospital groups, Advent Health and Orlando Health. Both organizations have locations throughout the Orlando area, ensuring that you and your loved ones will have access to quality medical care should you need it, no matter where you’re playing or staying.

Rest assured, whatever special needs you or your family might have, they’ll be met in Orlando.

Theme Park Services

Guests with special needs can have a great time at Central Florida's theme parks with assistance available from Guest Services, found near the entrance to each park.

Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World offers a comprehensive guide for guests travelling with cognitive disabilities, including autism, and a further comprehensive guide for guests traveling with mobility disabilities, including which attractions allow guests to remain in wheelchairs during the experience.

Wheelchairs can be rented near the entrances of each park if guests do not already have one.

Guests unable to wait in lines can use the Disability Access Service (DAS), which provides a return time for rides with waits over 25 minutes and is good for up to six people, visitors can obtain a DAS pass and learn more

at any Guest Services lobby.

Guests with cognitive disabilities can use several quiet areas that are prefect for taking a break.

Nearly every attraction has a wheelchair accessible queue or an alternate entrance to ensure guests can ride. However, some attractions require guests in wheelchairs to transfer into ride vehicles.

For guests with special dietary needs or allergies, most food allergies can be accommodated upon letting a cast member, manager or server know, guests can also bring food and snacks into the park.

Walt Disney World suggests that guests with special needs bring a bracelet or nametag, ear plugs or headphones, a favorite device or activity, reinforcers for good behavior, and a sensory toy as needed.

If a family member gets lost, immediately find a cast member who can assist you. WDW recommends providing a nametag to, and taking a photo of family members with cognitive disabilities in case they get lost or wander.

Universal Orlando Resort

Guests unable to wait in long lines for extended periods can use Universal Orlando Resort’s Attraction Assistance Pass (AAP), which can be obtained in Guest Services at each park.

Each pass is good for up to six guests, this pass allows guests to come back with a return time if the wait time climbs above 25 minutes. Upon returning to the attraction’s entrance with a signed AAP, guests will enter the Express Line. AAPs are good for up to 14 days.

Guests can rent wheelchairs at Universal Orlando Resort’s theme parks and Universal CityWalk.

Universal Orlando Resort offers a Guide for Rider Safety and Guests With Disabilities.

Guests can find descriptions for each attraction and important access information needed to determine if an attraction is a good fit for guests with cognitive disabilities, as well as information on which attractions are wheelchair accessible.

Universal Orlando Resort offers several options for guests who need a break or quiet area, including two First Aid stations at each park.

Universal Orlando Resort offers several accommodations to guests with hearing and/or vision disabilities, such as American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, open captioning, Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf (TDD), large print and Braille scripts for select shows and attractions, and attendants to hold white canes while guests enjoy select attractions.

SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando offers comprehensive guides for guests with disabilities who are visiting.

These guides detail what guests can expect from shows and attractions, as well as restrictions, so that guests with disabilities can prepare prior to arrival.

Access each guide with the following links SeaWorld, Aquatica and Discovery Cove.

Guests can use SeaWorld’s Ride Accessibility Program (RAP) to ensure they can fully experience SeaWorld guests needing assistance and up to five other guests can use SeaWorld’s Special Access program after enrolling in the RAP.

All SeaWorld shows offer special seating for guests in wheelchairs.

Guests with hearing impairments have several accommodations to enhance their experience throughout SeaWorld, including a Text Telephone Device (TTD) at Shamu’s Emporium and Shark Encounter, assistive listening devices and scripts for shows from Guest Services, and ASL interpreters with at least one week’s notice prior to arrival.

For guests with specific dietary needs, an Allergen Card can be obtained through Guest Services or any meal facility to ensure there are options for all guests.

Guests can fill out a Ride Accessibility Questionnaire online and bring the completed copy to Guest Services upon arrival for additional assistance on which rides and attractions are best for their needs.