Parks outside of WDW

[GoofTroop]

I have 3 sons on the autism spectrum. Using a GAC at WDW has always been a need for 2 of my boys.

We've not yet ventured out of WDW parks, but are wanting to take them to Sea World and Busch Gardens on our next trip. Anyone taken their ASD kids to these parks? If so, are they accomodating, is there anything similar to GAC? Any tips on touring these two specific parks?

Lastly, we are also planning on a day at Discovery Cove. I think I read that they put people in groups of 12. We are a family of 6. Is there any chance they would accomodate us as a group of 6 if I explain my boys' special needs....Or even if they could possibly group us with another family whose needs may be similar to ours? I'm not so much concerned about us being with other people as I am if one of my boys has a behavior issue and it "takes away" from the other family's experience that's possibly grouped with us.

I hope this made sense.....

Elizabeth

 

[Bete]

but I would call these places and check it out for yourself. I've talked to their special needs experts myself on ocassion.

What I can share is Busch Gardens is much less crowded; it seems deserted by comparison. I don't think they will have anything special there. They do have a first aid station if you need some quiet time.

SeaWorld should be easier; because, it's more shows than rides and again you have the first aid station for any meltdowns. Stay near exits; so, you have a fast getaway, if needed. I don't know about GAC there. There is a SeaWorld Board, here and you may want to try there for this question. Discovery Cove is covered, too.

For Discovery Cove I doubt they will take a smaller party, but it doesn't hurt to ask. You are hurting them in the pocket book and I doubt they will be kind to that notion. There's one way to probably get an exclusive group by yourself---pay for 12. It's a hard circumstance to pay double, but it may be the only way. Also, make sure they will allow your group to participate. Being in the water is much more demanding and it could be more stressful.

 

[disneydeb]

i was wondering about seaworld too as we are taking my grandson who is on the spectrum at the end of the month, we always need the gac card at wdw but this will be our first time at seaworld too

 

[lovethattink]

I have an annual pass to Sea World and Busch Gardens. I can tell you that neither park is as sensory sensitive as Disney. At Sea World, you will need to enter the park and head to the left. At the very end of where you see the counters to book dining and tours is a tiny white building. You will need to go inside there and explain what you need. They gave us a little orange card to identify that we can use the stroller as a wheel chair. The person helping us didn't understand exactly what we were asking for. So I do not know if they have a GAC like Disney for alternate entrances for those walking.

 

[livndisney]

I have an annual pass to Sea World and Busch Gardens. I can tell you that neither park is as sensory sensitive as Disney. At Sea World, you will need to enter the park and head to the left. At the very end of where you see the counters to book dining and tours is a tiny white building. You will need to go inside there and explain what you need. They gave us a little orange card to identify that we can use the stroller as a wheel chair. The person helping us didn't understand exactly what we were asking for. So I do not know if they have a GAC like Disney for alternate entrances for those walking.

Respectfully, I disagree. We go to Sea World all the time with my DD(sensory issues) and have not had any problems. We go to Guest Services and they print us the paper for the ride accessibility program and SW version of the GAC. They do limit the GAC in stadiums to the one requiring assistance and 1 person due to limited seating. We have not had a problem with having our needs met.

We too have annual passes. So, they have us in the system we just give our name at GS and they print out what we need.