As your Cruise Planners travel professional, I can help families and individuals with special needs plan a memorable vacation. We work closely with travel partners who offer special programming for children on the autism spectrum, including Beaches Resorts, Royal Caribbean International, and Walt Disney World Resort.
Beaches Resorts is home to the Caribbean's First Autism-Friendly Kids Camps, and has completed the IBCCES training/Autism Certification to ensure that your child will be in good hands. The Kids Camps are Advanced Certified Autism centers whose team members have the proper skills and expertise needed to cater to children of all ages. Team members are trained in sensory awareness, emotional awareness, motor skills, communication, and social skills.
Some activities that are part of their program include "Amazing Art with Julia," where children can create any style of art they'd like with Julia. Julia is a Sesame Street® character with autism and she (as well as many other Sesame Street® characters) are on the resort to interact with the guests.
Royal Caribbean is partnered with Autism on the Seas in developing cruise vacations to accommodate children living with Autism as well as other developmental disabilities. Autism on the Seas works with Royal to provide "Staffed Cruises" which include professionally trained staff who accompany these children to ensure that they have a great vacation. The activities Royal Caribbean provides on these sailings ranges from private and specialized respite sessions to cruising social stories to help children prepare for their vacation.
Other activities include Autism Friendly films, presented in a low-lit and low volume environment. Children may walk around during these movies as well. They also have a toy lending program which provides each child with a tote-bag of autism friendly toys.
Royal Caribbean International and Autism on the Seas have been in collaboration since 2007 and they are the Leading Developmental Disability Service in the cruise industry.
Walt Disney World Resort offers a variety of services to help guests with Autism enjoy their stay. Services include: stroller rental, break areas, and companion restrooms. Stroller rentals are available if a guest needs to be seated during a long wait for a ride, and families can obtain the appropriate tag for this if necessary. Break areas are available throughout every park as well if your child gets over-stimulated, and a Cast Member will be able to direct you to the nearest one. Similarly, a cast member can direct you to the nearest companion restroom if your child needs assistance.
Disney also has videos available for guests with Autism to help prepare themselves for the park and what to expect going in, as well as helpful guides detailing what to expect in regards to special effects, so the family is aware of what may over-stimulate their child. You can read more about Disney's Autism and Cognitive Disability guide here.
Just a friendly reminder!
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