The autistic child at SeaWorld: Making the most of your day

March 11, 2:32 PMOrlando Family Travel ExaminerKen Black

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Orlando Family Travel Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

The Believe Show is SeaWorld's premier show.

There are very few days my autistic daughter appreciates more than those we spend at SeaWorld. It's there she can combine her two great loves -- animals and music -- along with her minor love -- fast rides.

However, going to SeaWorld with an autistic child is often a frightening ordeal for those who have never attempted it before. There are big crowds, long lines and an overall sense that you are never going to get through it all as quickly as you hoped. Any travel with an autistic person can be especially challenging, but there are things that can make it better.

Fortunately, SeaWorld, like most of the parks in the Orlando area, understands accommodations need to be made for children with autism. We always rent a wheelchair when taking my daughter for a day in the park. This is simply because not renting a wheelchair would be an unmitigated disaster, with her wanting to go everywhere her mind tells her to, with no particular plan or sense of direction. The wheelchair makes her mellow.

Despite what some reports have stated, SeaWorld does offer a special access card for those with disabilities such as autism. We have never had a problem with SeaWorld employees doing whatever they can to make my daughter feel comfortable and get through lines very quickly. They even offer discounted admission for autism and other disabilities.

Our biggest problem is in waiting for the shows. They are first come, first served. Sometimes, she can get impatient waiting for the show to start, especially when you must arrive half an hour before showtime (Believe and Blue Horizons). Having food and drink available can help make this easier.

This is a short guide to some attractions and what to expect.

Believe: The Shamu Show is the shining star of the SeaWorld franchise. The stadium is huge. The first couple of years, I took my daughter up to near the top where we tried to find a spot where she would not bother too many people -- but that's really hard to do as most of the shows are packed. Since then, we've sat down in the soak zone, at least on hot summer days, which she loves. Keep in mind the preferences of your autistic child, however. There is no doubt some would be horrified to be so close to the action.

Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island: This sea lion and otter show is a particular hoot among many children and adults, but invariably is the show where my daughter will act up the most. This is simply because she does not pay attention to the dialogue, or understand the humor. She enjoys looking at the animals, but quickly loses interest. We normally go to it because of our other children, but it is a struggle for 25 minutes to keep her still and happy.

The Call of the Ocean: I have never taken my daughter into this show, but recently went to it on a trip without her as a scouting mission. I think she'd do OK, but she may be frightened by the beginning, which is very dark and very loud. I am unsure if we will try this in the future.

Blue Horizons: The dolphin show is among SeaWorld's most theatrical animal shows. My daughter loves it, but quickly becomes overstimulated. Halfway through the show, she often puts her head down and covers her ears, which I believe is her way of trying calm her senses down from being overstimulated. I used to try to encourage her to keep watching, but have since learned she has to do what she needs to do. However, there are some intense music, both in terms of visuals and music in this show.

Pets Ahoy: She gets excited at this show and it should be easily handled by those who have autism. The pets are fun to watch. There are no surprising special effects or particularly loud noises.

As far as the rides go, this is something each parent must assess. Given the fact my daughter loves roller coasters, she's pretty much fine on any ride in the park. She especially likes Kraken, as seen in the photo of her and me at right. She enjoys Atlantis. When the new coaster, Manta, opens on May 22, I believe she will also enjoy that one.