Nothing is better than being able to travel and enjoy yourself with family. However, planning vacations for big groups can be more tedious and time-consuming than planning a vacation for a smaller family. And if you have a special needs family, more research and planning is usually required to ensure that your chosen destination is perfect for your family.

Fortunately, several tourist attractions have already stepped up their game in terms of training their staff and providing facilities to ensure the needs of families with special needs taken care of with the highest level of care.

Here are ten special needs friendly destinations perfect for your next family getaway:

Disney Theme Parks 

Disney Theme Parks are always crowded and busy. But a big kudos to the management for including amenities that are special needs friendly. Their team has created a specialized service for individuals with special needs.

This inclusivity is why Disney still tops the charts as the most visited theme parks. They care about their customers and continue to prove it through concrete actions. They provide individual assistance to those who have visual, hearing, mobility, and cognitive disabilities.

Indeed, Disney is the happiest place on Earth.

Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee)

If you’re interested in going to a place where you’re close to nature, Dollywood is an option for you. Its location is within the mountains of Tennessee, and its surroundings are full of trees and other natural landforms.

It also has a very rural vibe that will make you feel you’ve escaped the fast, hectic feeling in the city (if you’re from one). Several of its attractions are adapted to suit customers with special needs. They also have a Calming Corner in their park and a sensory room for kids with autism.

Royal Caribbean Cruises

The cruise company has several amenities for children with special needs. Their cruises include autism-friendly movies, sensory toys, activities, and programs for kids with disabilities. The ship’s crew also has training on how to handle those with special needs properly.

Norwegian Cruise Line

This cruise line takes good care of its customers by assisting them right from the planning stage. They provide this extra service through trained special assistance coordinators. They are also keen on helping individuals with vision, hearing, mobility, and other disabilities.

Beaches Resorts 

Beaches Resorts are all-inclusive resorts that offer autism-friendly kids’ camps. Their staff is also trained to handle kids with special needs. The cherry on top is their creative arts program for kids with Julia, a Sesame Street character with autism.

Situated 15 minutes from Providenciales International Airport and overlooking Grace Bay, Beaches Turks & Caicos welcomes visitors with special needs. The resort is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring ramps and lifts around the property. Beaches Turks & Caicos is one of three resorts in the world to be designated as an Advanced Certified Autism Center (ACAC). Children with autism can access specialized services, including sensory-friendly spaces, special dietary modifications (if needed), and optional one-on-one Beach Buddies. Certified kids’ camp staff received specialized training to assist and accommodate autistic children.

Diving instructors are not only PADI-certified but have also received Advanced Autism Certification. These certifications allow kids with special sensory needs to participate in the resort’s extensive offering of watersports activities, including banana and glass-bottom boat rides, snorkeling, and diving excursions.

Morgan’s Wonderland (Texas, USA)

All the attractions, including rides, water parks, and playgrounds, are wheelchair accessible. At certain locations, visitors with special needs can also participate in sensory plays.

Mesa, Arizona

Mesa (a suburb of Phoenix, Arizona) is the world’s first autism certified city. This city has autism-certified hotels, dining options, and attractions for those with ASD (autistic spectrum disorder) to enjoy. Some popular attractions are visiting Hohokam Stadium (home to the Oakland A’s spring training), Idea Museum, and Goat Yoga!

Shannon Airport (Ireland)

As Europe’s first airport with a sensory room for adults and children with autism and other neurodevelopmental challenges, it is frequented by families with members who have special needs and are traveling.

Franklyn D. Resort & Spa (Jamaica)

Nothing is better than an all-inclusive resort that lives up to its name. Its amenities and facilities are special needs-friendly, and its staff has experience and training in handling families with special needs.

Wyndham Hotels (all locations)

Wyndham Hotels is working to become more accommodating to guests with special needs. Their staff has training from the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities at the University of South Florida. The hotel rooms are also fitted with safety features to improve security for visitors with special needs.

It is good to know that more and more vacation destinations are trying to be more inclusive in supporting and servicing those with special needs. There are more options than the ones here. If you need help planning your special needs-friendly vacation and activities or need additional resources, please don’t hesitate to send a message. I’d love to help you research and plan your family getaway.

I’d LOVE to help you plan the perfect special needs-friendly getaway for your family! Contact me here if you’d like to chat and see what I can do for you.