Plan the ultimate Orlando getaway with sensory-friendly attractions, resources and events.
April is National Autism Acceptance Month, and to honor it, we’re highlighting some of the top Orlando vacation resources, destinations and events designed for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other sensory processing needs. Whether you’re commemorating Autism Acceptance Month in April or looking for welcoming fun all year long, we’re here to help you enjoy an unforgettable, sensory-friendly Orlando vacation experience.
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Orlando vacation planning made easy — and free. Make a complimentary appointment with Visit Orlando’s Vacation Planners at a time and date of your choosing for the latest insider advice, special offers and more ahead of your next visit. You can also plot your adventures with our AI trip planner.
Safe, Welcoming Travel Begins in Orlando
Our goal is to make Orlando one of the most welcoming vacation destinations in the world, beginning the moment you arrive. In fact, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the first airport in Florida to be designated a Certified Autism Center by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
Travelers can opt to pick up a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard at the Main Terminal Information Booths located on Level 3. These lanyards silently convey to airport staff that you or someone in your party may need extra assistance as you maneuver through the airport.
Orlando International Airport also recently debuted Annie’s Space Sensory Room, a pre-security calming zone near the food court in Terminal A. The shared space is intended for travelers with additional sensory needs and anyone else in their travel party, and is available daily from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Discover: Orlando Transportation
For more information about local autism resources after you arrive, schedule a free appointment with our Vacation Planning Services team. Our planners are sensory certified by KultureCity, a nonprofit organization who provides employee training and sensory tools designed to welcome individuals with unique abilities. Reach out via phone, email or live chat, or give our AI-powered chat a whirl if you need additional assistance after hours.
Discover: Vacation Planning Resources
Sensory-Friendly Attractions
Orlando’s attractions offer a wealth of resources for a fun, comfortable and exciting getaway. We’ve rounded up some of the most exceptional options for individuals with autism spectrum disorder or other sensory processing needs, including attractions with social planning guides, complimentary sensory bags, designated quiet spaces, sensory-friendly events, KultureCity or IBCCES certifications, or other thoughtful resources.
Discover: Orlando Attractions
Crayola Experience
Crayola Experience at The Florida Mall® hosts Sensory Sunday events on select dates throughout the year. You and your loved ones can create, dance and play for two hours and enjoy a world of colorful fun thanks to sensory-friendly Crayola products, a special character meet and greet, lowered lights, a quiet room, no music, and thoughtful touches like paper towels in the bathrooms.
Discover: Fun at The Florida Mall
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Explore natural wonders galore at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. This certified Sensory Inclusive attraction features a dedicated social story, designated quiet areas, and marked headphone zones where you may benefit from using hearing protection. And if you forget your headphones at the hotel, no worries: the zoo offers free-to-rent sensory bags packed with noise-canceling headphones, cue cards, fidget tools and other resources for a comfortable stay.
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Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is one of the first performing arts centers in the country to be designated a Certified Autism Center. Explore all that this multi-venue center has to offer through a detailed social story, then head to the concierge’s desk upon arrival for complimentary fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones and other materials that can be used throughout the show. Two of the four venues also have quiet rooms with adjustable volume dials inside the theater, so you can step away if needed without missing a moment of the show.
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ICON Park®
Open-air entertainment complex ICON Park® offers plenty to do and see along International Drive. Explore dining, nightlife and entertainment, not to mention three KultureCity Sensory Inclusive attractions in one convenient location. Pose with your favorite celebrities and historical figures at Madame Tussauds, marvel at natural wonders at SEA LIFE Orlando, and get a breathtaking view of the city aboard The Orlando Eye. Each attraction offers detailed social stories, sensory bags and other tools for maximum enjoyment.
Discover: Things to Do at ICON Park
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Just one hour east of Orlando, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is an IBCCES Certified Autism Center with accessible services for a wide range for disabilities. Prepare for your visit with their Autism Sensory Guide, which includes details on four low sensory areas, how to rent noise-cancelling headphones, sensory summaries of all attractions, and more helpful information.
Discover: Kennedy Space Center
Orlando Family Stage
One of the largest professional theatres for children in the country, Orlando Family Stage offers Relaxed Performances for select shows throughout the year. These sensory-adjusted editions feature modified lighting, the ability to come and go during the performance, and a welcoming atmosphere where audience movement and vocalization are not only expected but embraced.
Orlando Museum of Art
Ignite your imagination with the Creative Connections program at Orlando Museum of Art. This free program is designed for visitors of all ages with developmental and learning disabilities and those on the autism spectrum. Sessions include a gallery tour and hands-on studio activities, so you can create tangible memories that last long after your vacation ends. Pre-registration is required.
Discover: Orlando Museums
Orlando Science Center
The Orlando Science Center in Loch Haven Cultural Park is a certified sensory inclusive attraction with multiple floors to explore. Prepare for your visit using their detailed social story, then grab a KultureCity sensory bag at the ticketing desk if you need headphones or fidget tools during your stay. Explore permanent exhibitions on dinosaurs, outer space and more kid-friendly picks, and stop by the sensory room on level four if you find you need a quiet break from all the excitement.
Discover: Things to Do in Loch Haven Cultural Park
Orlando Shakes
Also in Loch Haven Cultural Park, Orlando Shakes (short for Shakespeare) offers sensory-friendly performances of their Children’s Series productions on select dates throughout the year. Social narratives will be emailed to audience members ahead of the big show, and theater tours can even be arranged in the week prior to performance if you and your little ones would like to preview the setup, experience select sounds, or even see various set or costume pieces.
WonderWorks
Home to over 100 hands-on learning exhibits, WonderWorks offers special Sensory Days in which exhibits are altered to create a safe environment for individuals with sensory processing needs. The music is lowered, loud exhibits are closed off, and the swirling inversion tunnel is stationary as you enter the attraction, so you can enjoy 35,000 square feet of “edu-tainment” without feeling overwhelmed.
Discover: WonderWorks Orlando
Brevard Zoo
A short trip from Orlando along the Atlantic Coast, Brevard Zoo is a KultureCity Sensory Inclusive organization with a wealth of accessible resources. Explore social narratives and sensory guides for multiple parts of the zoo on their accessibility page, then check out complimentary lanyards and sensory bags from Guest Services or the Cape to Cairo Express ticket booth once inside. Brevard Zoo also has three quiet zones, including two inside the guest areas and one behind-the-scenes location that requires an escort.
Sensory-Friendly Sporting Events
Sporting events and concerts tend to get pretty loud, but you can still enjoy them in Orlando at these Sensory Inclusive Certified venues. All full-time venue staff undergo training on how to recognize and address guests with sensory needs as part of the certification process, and each location offers sensory tools to help visitors combat sensory overload.
Discover: Orlando Sports
Kia Center
The first NBA arena in Florida certified by KultureCity as Sensory Inclusive, Kia Center offers a quiet room, sensory bags, weighted lap pads and photo-sensitivity glasses, which can be checked-out at guest services for no cost. Bags include a special badge for guest recognition, fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones and other resources. Kia Center is home to pro sports teams including the Orlando Magic, Orlando Pirates and Orlando Solar Bears. The Orlando Magic host a Magic of Inclusion each season, promoting acceptance within the local community. Kia Center also hosts world-class concerts, comedians, ice dancers and more throughout the year.
Discover: Orlando Concert Venues
Inter&Co Stadium
Catch a Major League Soccer or National Women’s Soccer League game at Inter&Co Stadium, home to Orlando City Soccer Club and the Orlando Pride. Root for your team in comfort with a KultureCity sensory bag, which includes headphones, fidget tools and cue cards, or take a breather at quiet rooms located inside first aid locations.
Discover: Soccer Season in Orlando
Camping World Stadium
Catch NCAA football, international soccer games, concerts and festivals at Camping World Stadium. In addition to a social story to help set the stage, Camping World Stadium offers a sensory bag with headphones, cue cards, a lanyard and fidget toys. There is also a spacious sensory room near the box office where you can relax and take a break.
Sensory-Friendly Orlando Theme Park Resources
Orlando’s world-class theme parks offer several thoughtful features designed to help you have a safe and sensory-friendly experience. All offer sensory and safety guides, quiet rooms and accessibility passes (approved on a case-by-case basis), and many are even IBCCES Certified Autism Centers. Employees at Certified Autism Centers receive specialized training to help them cater to autistic and sensory-sensitive guests.
Save on discount tickets: Orlando Theme Parks
Walt Disney World® Resort
Walt Disney World® Resort offers park-specific guides for guests with disabilities visiting Magic Kingdom® Park, EPCOT®, Disney’s Hollywood Studios® and Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Eligible guests may also benefit from the resort’s Disability Access Service (DAS) program, which helps visitors who have a difficult time waiting in a conventional attraction queue. Pre-registration for DAS service is required and can be completed up to 60 days before your visit.
SeaWorld® Orlando
SeaWorld® Orlando is a proud Autism Center, offering specialized employee training and an IBCCES Sensory Guide to help you plan ahead. Once in the park, quiet rooms and suggested low sensory areas are also available on a first-come, first-served basis. Some visitors may also qualify for special assistance through the Ride Accessibility Program, which enables visitors to bypass the standby line and wait in a “virtual queue” for select attractions. What’s more, the park’s Sesame Street Land™ is IBCCES certified. You can even meet Julia, a 4-year-old character with autism, throughout the month of April.
Discover: Things to Do at SeaWorld® Orlando
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort offers a detailed sensory planning guide to help guests with ASD and other cognitive disabilities make the most of their vacation. Quiet rooms are available at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Epic Universe, and the cognitive disabilities guide details several other quiet locations, which tpically receive less foot traffic and are ideal for a quick reset. For more details, including the latest guidance on queue accommodations, please visit the park accessibility section of Universal Orlando’s website.
Discover: Things to Do at Universal Orlando Resort
LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
Everything is awesome at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort. All U.S. LEGOLAND® Resorts are IBCCES Certified Autism Centers, including LEGOLAND® Florida Theme Park, LEGOLAND® Water Park PEPPA PIG Theme Park Florida and all LEGOLAND® Florida hotels. The company is dedicated to creating a safe space for kids and families on the spectrum, thanks to specialized employee training and detailed Sensory Guides for all three Florida parks. LEGOLAND Florida also offers a HERO Pass to help those who have difficulty waiting in line (not valid on water rides).
Discover: Things to Do at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
Autism Acceptance Month 2026 Events
If you’re visiting Orlando in April, don’t miss these events hosted in honor of Autism Acceptance Month.
Discover: Orlando Events
Creative Connections at Orlando Museum of Art
April 5, 2026
This free program connects visitors of all ages with developmental and learning disabilities and those on the autism spectrum to art and the world around them. Join the adult session from 12 – 1:30 p.m. or the youth and family session from 2 – 3:30 p.m. Registration is required. Please call 407-896-4231, extension 262, or email Education@OMArt.org with your registration details.
UCF Celebrates the Arts: Art & Autism Exhibition
April 1 – 13, 2026
Hosted annually at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, UCF Celebrates the Arts is a multi-week series of performances, exhibitions, presentations and interactive experiences from students and faculty at the University of Central Florida. This year’s festivities include an illuminating Art & Autism Exhibition on the second floor, which you can explore free of charge by reserving a complimentary admission ticket.
UCF Celebrates the Arts: Exceptional Knights
April 7, 2026
Dance, move and walk around during Exceptional Knights, a free concert designed for young people with cognitive or hearing disabilities and anyone looking for a more accessible way to enjoy live music. Tickets are required at the door, so be sure to register for complimentary tickets well in advance. The concert is presented by the University of Central Florida Concert Band as part of UCF Celebrates the Arts.
Autism Awareness Car & Truck Show
April 11, 2026
Promenade at Sunset Walk will host its annual Autism Awareness Car & Truck Show featuring classic cars, imports, hot rods, themed vehicles and more. It’s free to enjoy, and 100% of the proceeds from car entry fees benefit the Autism Society of Greater Orlando.
Sensory Earth Day at Brevard Zoo
April 11, 2026
Brevard Zoo on the Atlantic coast will host an Exceptional Earth Day with sensory-friendly programming, including Earth Day themed games, crafts and more. Registration is required for timed entry.
Relaxed Performance: Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo at Orlando Family Stage
April 12, 2026
Dive into a musical adaptation of Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo, presented by Orlando Family Stage’s Youth Academy performers. The relaxed performance is at 10:30 a.m. and is extra-welcoming for children and adults with autism and other sensory processing disorders.
Sensory Sunday at Crayola Experience
April 19, 2026
Explore Crayola Experience adapted for sensory needs during Sensory Sunday, with a special character appearance at 11 a.m. Sensory Sunday is included with general admission from 10 a.m. – noon.
Sensory Friendly Day at Museum of Illusions Orlando
April 19, 2026
Museum of Illusions Orlando welcomes you to its first-ever Sensory Friendly Day, where you can explore the museum with fewer guests, reduced lighting and sound, and plenty of flexibility to visit at your own pace. Future Sensory Friendly Days will be offered on a monthly basis.
Sensory Days at WonderWorks Orlando
May 10, 2026
Explore WonderWorks Orlando with reduced stimuli during their upcoming Sensory Day, extending the magic of Autism Acceptance Month into early May.
Stay Connected to Orlando
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