Sensory Friendly Room

I saw this information in a Facebook group and thought it would be good to share. I wish they had something like this when I worked at the park.

"A friendly reminder to those who are or have loved ones who are autistic. If you need time to wind down or relax, there is a sensory room in the family care center in the back of the park. Just around the corner from build a bear."

It's worth noting that sensory issues are not strictly an ASD phenomenon. There are a number of neuroatypical conditions that can make an amusement park to be "a lot."

Interestingly, as someone not diagnosed with autism until midlife, I went through my youth thinking that the overwhelming feeling I had after visiting theme parks and concerts and what not, was typical, that everyone had that experience. Now I understand that I've just developed the coping skills to deal with it. The overwhelming feeling still comes, it's just deferred. When it hits, it's more of a feeling of accomplishment. Funny how brains adapt.

Happy they have these places to be inclusive. Sometimes between the heat, dynamic riding, sun and noise it gets to be a lot. One reason I hate rides with audio (like the KI train) is that there’s just too much going on. I don’t need the sensory rooms but I imagine amusement parks could be rough for those who do.

That is good to hear and I really wish that this was more widely known. I have been to the park dozens of times this season and had no idea it was there. I know several people that this would benefit a great deal, we have been able to utilize the VIP lounges at some of the parks to try and duplicate a quiet and calm place but a dedicated spot is much better.