Traveling to Walt Disney World® is overstimulating enough without sensory differences; but, for those children and adults with sensory processing disorder, it can cause one to become angry (fight), run away (flight), or completely shut down (freeze). This is a compilation of sensory friendly spaces that may assist in maintaining regulation throughout your entire vacation whether at a resort or in one of the four parks.
Baby Care Centers: All four parks have these centers which include A/C, rocking chairs, quiet rooms, and huge changing tables.
Sensory Friendly Spaces: EPCOT®
The Land Pavilion Sunshine Seasons: you can find seating by one of the back tables along the edge. It’s rare to find this much seclusion in the parks, and you’ll do well to take advantage of it.
DVC Member Lounge: You must be with a DVC member to take advantage of this but you can find chairs and places to rest as well as air conditioning and free drinks.
The path from Test Track® in Future World to the Mexico Pavilion in World Showcase: It’s not super shady, but there are a few seats and the location isn’t very crowded. This is also where you’ll find restrooms and the Baby Care Center.
Victoria Gardens in front of the Canada Pavilion, and the waterfall-flanked walkway leading to O Canada: Little shade and no seating, but still a little break from the crowds and noise. There is also an air-conditioned waiting area as you head into the Canada film.
At the very back of the Morocco Pavilion, before the gift shop, there is a vast expanse of shady, quiet space. There’s nowhere to sit, but at least it’s cool and relatively quiet.
American Pavilion waiting area & show: Like the Hall of Presidents, the American Pavilion has a great air-conditioned waiting area and has a show with MANY MANY rows of seating. The show is longer than the Hall of Presidents, even less crowded, and you can potentially sit through multiple shows. Again, ask a cast member if you can sit there. Potential Downsides: Noisy group?
France – Go all the way to the shop in the back and turn left there are some small tables and air-conditioning, get coffee & snack from the patisserie! The back area of Imagination between the ride and the shop. Rarely explored by families there are a few little areas you can squat if need be.
United Kingdom Pavilion Gardens: There is a lovely English garden with beautiful flora and a hedge maze located behind the buildings and shops at the United Kingdom Pavilion in Epcot®. During select hours of the day, a cover band can be found playing chart-topping British retro hits of the ‘60s on a small stage off to the garden’s edge. When the band isn’t performing, however, this secluded location is quiet and serene, a perfect sensory friendly place to get away from the crowds and rest your feet.