Legoland's Autism-Friendly Initiative

Legoland builds up autism-friendly options by certifying its U.S. parks

Legoland is taking significant steps to make its U.S. theme parks more inclusive for guests with autism and sensory sensitivities. The company has announced that all of its North American parks will be certified as autism centers by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) this spring.

The initiative, which began at Legoland Florida, has now expanded to parks in California and New York. This move comes as a response to the growing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, with the CDC reporting that approximately one in 36 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder.

Legoland's Autism-Friendly Brand Move

Key features of Legoland's autism-friendly approach include:

1. Sensory guides: Each attraction now features a sensory guide, rating various stimuli (touch, taste, sound, sight, and smell) on a scale of 0 to 10. This allows families to make informed decisions about which rides and experiences are suitable for their needs.
2. Staff training: Park employees, known as "model citizens," receive specialized training to assist families with members on the autism spectrum.
3. Quiet rooms: Dedicated spaces have been set up throughout the parks for visitors who need a break from sensory stimulation.
4. Accessibility passes: Families can request assisted-access passes for priority lanes at guest services.
5. Sensory tools: Earplugs are available at first aid stations to help with sound and overstimulation.

Autism-Friendly PR

Matt Besterman, public relations manager for Legoland New York, emphasized the importance of this initiative: "We believe that awesome is for everyone. We want to be sure that we have all the tools we need to serve all the guests, no matter their challenges or abilities."

Accessible Tourism

The move has been well-received by travel professionals specializing in accessible tourism. Nicole Thibault, owner of Magical Storybook Travels and an IBCCES-accredited agent, praised Legoland's certification: "What I find amazing when I go to Legoland or an autism-certified destination is just a level of understanding. I don't have to feel like I have to explain myself if my kid is having a sensory meltdown."

Legoland's commitment to inclusivity extends beyond the autism certification. The parks offer a range of attractions with varying levels of sensory stimulation, from high-intensity 4D theaters to low-key, self-directed playgrounds. The Legoland Hotel also features play structures with sensory ratings, ensuring that the autism-friendly experience continues beyond the park gates.

As part of the rollout at Legoland New York, the park invited guests through accessibility-focused community partners to preview the enhancements before the seasonal opening. Despite challenging weather conditions during the preview, families were able to explore the different lands and attractions with the new sensory guides in place.

Brands Supporting Autism

Legoland's initiative aligns with a broader trend in the travel industry to cater to guests with autism and other sensory sensitivities. Other organizations, such as Six Flags America, Sesame Place, and Royal Caribbean International, have also implemented programs to support these travelers.

By taking these steps, Legoland is not only enhancing the experience for guests with autism but also setting a standard for inclusivity in the theme park industry. As awareness of neurodiversity continues to grow, such initiatives will likely become increasingly important for families planning their vacations.