Legoland Welcomes Autistic Guests

Legoland Florida is making some terrific strides toward becoming an even more inclusive and welcoming place for families, and has now debuted all new accommodations, services and initiatives to help assist guests with Autism spectrum disorders.

Legoland partnered with the North and Central Florida chapter of Autism Speaks last year to help better serve their guests. With the assistance of the organization, Legoland Florida has rolled out new ways to help their guests:

  • Specially equipped “Quiet Rooms” – Now located in Legoland’s Annual Pass, First Aid and Baby Care areas, guests on the Autism spectrum and their families can go there to rest and take a break from the stimulation of the park. Weighted blankets, noise-cancelling headphones, toys and Lego building tables are available for guests’ use. A similar space is also available in Guest Services at Legoland Water Park.
  • The “Blue Hero Pass” – a new pass which allows Legoland guests on the Autism spectrum who have difficulty waiting in line to bypass a standby line at popular attractions. This pass is free and available at the park’s Guest Services.
  • “Model Citiens” – Every newly hired resort employee (called a Model Citizen) will receive special training to help them better and more effectively interact with guests on the Autism spectrum, as well as their caregivers and families.
  • “Social Stories” – A brand new initiative created by Legoland Training & Development designed to show an illustrated, step-by-step walkthrough of each ride and show, so guests on the Autism spectrum won’t be surprised by unexpected overstimulation, such as sudden darkness or loud noises. These are available to view at Guest Services.

For Autism Awareness Month in April, Legoland will contribute $15 of the proceeds from every ticket sold to the North and Central Florida chapter of Autism Speaks. Supporters can purchase special print-at-home tickets at a discounted rate of $45 plus tax. This offer will only be available online through Autism Speaks from April 1 through May 31, 2017.

Legoland will also be hosting a hands-on building event for kids during the Autism Speaks Walk at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. on April 22, and on Nov. 11 during the Autism Speaks Walk at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs, Fla. For more information on those events, visit autismspeakswalk.org. To honor World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, Legoland Florida will also participate in the Autism Speaks “Light It Up Blue” movement by shining blue lights onto several Lego fixtures in Miniland USA.

For more information on visiting Legoland Resort and all their Autism awareness initiatives, visit legoland.com/florida.