Sesame Place, in its 38th year, continues to provide a fun-filled family experience for the entire family.
When I say ‘entire,’ I truly mean your entire family: no more worries about whether our family members with special needs will be able to partake, or whether they will be able to do so comfortably, without hassle or judgment.
I’ve lost count of the times people have looked in dismay when I share with them that my special-needs loved one adores amusement parks, Sesame Place being his favorite. They don’t think that a special needs child can handle the physical or sensory experience – when the opposite is true. Sesame Place holds a wealth of opportunities for *all* children to have a wonderfully fulfilling visit to the park.
I share the Sesame Place zeal with whomever I can, because I would love to see their child(ren) delight in experiencing the park as my children do. The sheer joy seen on their faces is something I will never forget. I love seeing them all being able to experience the rides, shows, and character interactions. Sesame Place is one locale where the fun is open to all, even those with impairments. To me, that is the best quality a park can have. A special needs child needn’t sit on the sidelines watching others enjoy themselves; they can partake as well.
For years, while many may not have been aware, Sesame Place has offered a Ride Accessibility Program and Special Access for guests with special needs (see below for details). This year, they have taken their dedication to providing a welcoming atmosphere for *all* by expanding their commitment: Sesame Place has been designated a Certified Autism Center.
In doing so, they have to provide training to all staff to ensure that all are prepared to interact with families of special needs children, specifically autism. This training must be taken every two years, and an autism competency exam must be successfully completed by all team members. It’s reassuring to know that Sesame Place has taken these steps to aid in our families having a positive experience, regardless of limitations a family member may have.
Additionally, the park has provided two rooms for those who need a calm, quiet place to step away from the amount of activity or sensory stimulation that they may need a break from during their visit to the park. Conveniently and centrally located, the rooms are a place where parents/caregivers/children have access without venturing off to some distant, out-of-the-way area.
Many families of special needs children like to get a feel for what their children will experience beforehand, so we know how best to prepare. An amusement park can provide a great deal of anxiety – “what will the ride be like?”, “will it be too much sensory-wise?”, “what will my child experience on the ride?” are things I have asked myself many times.
Fortunately, Sesame Place has provided the Ride Accessibility Guide so families can see, in advance, what each attraction will present regarding physical restrictions, height minimums, and much more. Using this tool, families can arrive at the park feeling empowered and ready to face the day with a sense of comfort that simply wouldn’t be available by arriving and blindly approaching a ride.
Adding to the pre-planning convenience for special-needs families, the Ride Accessibility Questionnaire can be printed out and completed before arriving at the park, making the process even faster the day of your visit.
When arriving at the park, simply stop at the Welcome Center after passing the admission gate, and speak with a representative. You’ll be asked a few basic questions regarding your child’s special needs (autism, physical limitations, etc) and will be provided with a list of rides that suit your special needs along with Special Access (up to 6 day rides, and up to 3 water rides) — which will allow your child and up to 3 others access to the ride without waiting in the lines that may be longer than your child can physically or otherwise handle. Your child and accompanying guests/family member(s) (up to 3 in addition to your child) will proceed to the exit of the ride or Abby’s Magical Queue entrance (where available), and will be welcomed on to the attraction within 1-2 ride cycles (in the summer or high volume days, this is a huge time saver for those with limitations that would make waiting not possible without discomfort to the child).
Note: This is not a “front of the line” feature or a “fastpass” type of program. There are limits, including it being limited to up to 6 dry rides and up to 3 water rides. Also, there is the limit of one ride-cycle per attraction using the Ride Accessibility. Not all rides or shows are included.
Even the character interactions have taken on a more inclusive nature with the introduction of one of the newer characters, Julia. The character of Julia has autism and a much- welcomed figure that many children can relate to, regardless if they themselves have autism. She was one of the central characters my guy wanted to see when we stopped by 1-2-3 Smile with Me for photos with the characters.
From the additional training to the ride accessibility to the introduction of Julia, Sesame Place has expanded its efforts to ensure that *all* guests to the park have an amazing experience. It’s wonderful to see the commitment and dedication to include everyone.
It’s a truly remarkable feeling to know that all of our children, regardless of special need, can go to the park, and not feel left out.
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