THEME PARK 101: FOR SENSITIVE KIDS

Theme parks can be daunting for even the best adults but throw in a sensitive kid and it brings sensory overload to a whole new level.  May kids, and adults, can be overly sensitive to noises, crowds, lights, and different situations.  Many parents of sensitive kids often avoid theme parks, but you shouldn’t have to.  Here are few of my suggestions to help ease the overwhelming theme park experience for children.

Family vacations are for everyone in the family.  Just because a child is sensitive does not mean that they can’t enjoy the vacation.  They may enjoy it in a different way than us non-sensitive people do. 

I am not a parent of a child with special needs, but that doesn’t mean that I’m not understanding to children and adults with special needs.  However, I am a parent of a child who gets anxious when going into unknown situations, and I have been a school speech-language pathologist who has worked with special needs children for the past twenty years.  What works for my child may not work for your child because plain and simple each child is different.  Everybody’s child is unique in his/her own special way. 

 Plan Ahead for Sensitive Kids

One of the best things you can do when you know you have a sensitive child is plan.  Using a travel advisor is a great tool to help you.  We know which parks are Autism Certified.  We know the layouts of the parks, which rides can be scary, where the bathrooms are, and how to get disability passes. 

Watch POV rides on YouTube so you can know ahead of time which rides are dos and which rides are don’ts.  You can search pretty much any ride name and POV to find what you are looking for.  POV stands for Point of View and will show the entire ride from the rider’s perspective.  For example, “Flight of Passage POV”.  We always do this to have an idea of what Morgan will and will not ride before we even leave Arkansas.

By knowing what may trigger an episode or meltdown with your child can help you be prepared if it happens inside a theme park.  Having a plan of action if this happens will help you respond efficiently not react in the moment.  Ask yourself “Does my child need to take a deep breath?” or “Do we need to leave the line?”

Yes, I have been escorted out of Disney’s Haunted Mansion ride. There is a side door just outside of the portrait room in case you were wondering.  Morgan has ridden this ride since she was two.  However, when she was four, she had worked herself up so much, thinking it was going to be scary, she had a complete screaming, flopping on the floor fit inside the portrait room.  The staff couldn’t have been any better.  They kindly moved everyone else to the ride and walked us to the side exit.  Yes, I was mortified.  Yes, it happens to the best of us.  Knowing ahead of time that the staff is usually trained for these things helps ease the sting.

 Find Distractions

Waiting in lines or for meals can be hard on little ones, especially those with sensory issues.  Taking along a distraction that they enjoy such as a small, hand held video game, phone, or fidget toy can help with this.  Younger kids can enjoy small party size bubbles while waiting in outside areas.  Just remember to be sensitive to others around you.  Not everyone enjoys getting bubbles blown in their face or video game noises being loud when they are trying to enjoy their own meals.  We often like to use small suckers as distractions for waiting times. 

 Cool Down Areas

Many theme parks have areas off the beaten path that are great for taking breaks with kids.  They are quieter areas of the usually noisy park rides and main streets filled with attractions.  At Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure, a great place to cool down is in Seussville by Sneech Beach.  Another is along the waterfront by Super Hero Island or behind Mythos. 

Universal Studios

In Universal Studios near Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone is usually not overcrowded and off the beaten path.  The Animal Actor’s show is also a large theater that is a great place to cool down and relax while enjoying a fun show.  There are also areas not usually crowded just outside of this show.  Central Park is another calming area of Universal Studios Orlando. 

For a complete list of accessibility options at Universal Orlando check out their Accessibility Guide.

Disney World

Disney World has Baby Care Centers at all four parks.  They are quiet rooms with quiet rooms, large changing tables, air conditioning, and rocking chairs.

Calmer rides for relaxing include The People Mover at Magic Kingdom, Spaceship Earth, and The Land at Epcot.  At Animal Kingdom the Gorilla Falls Exploration trail is also a nice place to take a break. 

Disney World also has many options for guests with different types of disabilities.  You can check out their guide for accessibility to their theme parks online.

 Avoid Triggers for Sensitive Kids

You may think avoiding a theme park all together is the best way to avoid triggers for your child, however, you also need to enjoy a family vacation.  Knowing ahead of time which rides might trigger an episode will help you avoid a bad experience.  This goes back to planning.  Some of the things I have found that might trigger episodes include the following:

Universal Orlando:

               Men in Black – spins and has flashing lights

               Kong Skull Island – dark and scary

               The Simpsons – small, enclosed car, can be claustrophobic

Disney:

               The Haunted Mansion – dark, portrait room can be claustrophobic

               A Bugs Life – loud, scary for small kids, things poke you unexpectedly

               Buzz Light Year Space Ranger Spin – spins, flashing lights

Final Thoughts

Theme parks don’t have to be avoided on family vacations with sensitive kids.  With a little bit of researching and planning you can have an amazing trip.  If your child does have an episode while at the park be aware that most staff members are trained to help.  You should not have to feel embarrassed or frustrated while trying to diffuse the situation.  Most theme parks have an app with maps and guest services available to help you find a cool down area. 

Still have more questions about travelling with sensitive kids or are you ready to start planning your next family vacation? Contact us today at amberh@destinationsinflorida.com.  We are happy to help make your next family vacation go as smoothly as possible.  Remember… Life’s Short… Take the Trip!