Consider All Factors
SeaWorld Orlando has mild rides for children in its Happy Harbor section and family-friendly experiences like the Sky Tower and Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin. It also has three thrill rides: the Manta and Kraken roller coasters and Journey to Atlantis, a water coaster. Older children on the Autism Spectrum often enjoy the thrill rides, but consider all factors before deciding if they're suitable. For example, riders get wet on Journey to Atlantis, and the restraints on Manta are very restrictive, with a vehicle that tilts riders face down.
Incorporate Quiet Time
There are many opportunities for downtime at SeaWorld Orlando. If your child needs a quieter activity, go to the orca or dolphin underwater viewing areas or walk through Wild Arctic (ask to go inside without seeing the movie). Wild Arctic is a particularly good spot to wind down because it's indoors and air-conditioned. It has habitats for animals like beluga whales, polar bears, and walruses. The Manta Aquarium is another calm, cool spot full of fascinating aquariums. SeaWorld Orlando has plenty of counter-service restaurants and a pizza buffet, but you may want to consider a meal at Sharks Underwater Grill to combine downtime with a meal. The tables in this restaurant all have a view of the shark tanks so kids can watch a variety of sharks during their meal.
Hands-On Exploration
SeaWorld Orlando has many opportunities for sensory stimulation. For example, there are educational exhibits to touch in spots like Wild Arctic and the shark exhibit. Children can put their hands into the water to touch the stingrays and the dolphins at Dolphin Cove. Your youngster might even enjoy the opportunity to feed the stingrays, sharks, sea lions, or dolphins. The feedings are an extra-cost activity, but they make for memorable moments. Bring a swimsuit if your child would enjoy the water play area in Happy Harbor.
Animal Educators
If your child has difficulty socializing with others, SeaWorld Orlando offers some opportunities to help him or her overcome this challenge. You'll find educators near the animal habitats and handlers who come out throughout the day with animal ambassadors that kids can see close up. Children who are normally reluctant to engage others in conversation sometimes open up to talk about the animals or ask questions.
Rent A Stroller/Wheelchair
The need for a stroller doesn't stop at a certain age, and wheelchairs aren't just for guests with mobility problems. If you're staying in Orlando for a while and visiting several theme parks, consider a length-of-stay rental from one of the many off-site companies rather than renting at each park. Special needs strollers that are large enough for older children are available through off-site companies as well. Their prices are typically cheaper than theme park rentals, and the stroller or wheelchair is delivered to and picked up from your hotel or vacation home.
Don't Do Too Much
The main attractions at SeaWorld Orlando are the shows, and they have so many that's it's challenging to fit them all into one day. There's One Ocean, which is the orca show; Blue Horizons, featuring dolphins and birds; Pets Ahoy, with cats, dogs, and a pig; Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island, starring sea lions, an otter, and a walrus; and Allure: Call of the Ocean, with acrobatics and special effects. Review a show schedule when you arrive at the park and prioritize your must-dos. If you do them first, it won't be as disappointing if a melt-down, or just exhaustion, forces you to call it a day.