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: Magic Kingdom®
Sleepy Hollow: Located just outside the entrance to Liberty Square, past Cinderella Castle on the left coming from Main Street, U.S.A.®, Sleepy Hollow offers a few picnic tables under a canopy. Occasionally, I’ve felt air conditioning and strong fans blowing a nice breeze.
Cheshire Cafe has limited seating and despite being situated near the Carousel and across from Cosmic Ray’s, it still feels relatively remote. This is especially true in the morning.
Tom Sawyer Island offers a short “raft ride” over and then there is some seating on the dock that’s typically in the shade. Depending on your child’s needs, you may want to skip this because of the desire to jump into the water, but if that isn’t a concern, it’s a great place to rest and tune out the audio and visual stimulation of the rest of the park.
Inside waiting area for Hall of Presidents: There is great air conditioning here in the lobby and the show is fairly quiet. The lobby can echo sometimes, but cast members are usually really flexible with allowing you to stay in the lobby.
Walkway between the Castle and Liberty Square: Coming from Fantasyland® toward the Castle turn right by the fountain. Usually, Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother is doing her meet and greet. As you go down the walkway there are many shaded benches and, of course, BEAUTIFUL views of the castle for you. Very few people take this walkway. Depending on the time of day, there may be fireworks which would negate the quiet getaway, so be sure to check the park schedule.
Carousel of Progress: Great air conditioning and comfortable chairs. There is music during the show and it’s difficult to leave midway through. You can also ask a cast member if you can stay through multiple shows.
Liberty Square behind Christmas Shoppe: There are a few little niches around Liberty square where you can relax on a bench. There is also a smoking area nearby so depending on the direction of the wind, this may not work.
People-mover, aka Tomorrowland Transit Authority: A great ride for movement and a breeze. It’s a decent length and you can ask the cast member before you get up if you can go around again, especially if your child has potentially fallen asleep. Just don’t stand at the end of the ride and you should be able to go around one more time.
Tables BETWEEN the Pecos Bill and Tortuga restaurants: air conditioned and quiet. The Tortuga side is much better than the Pecos Bill side.
Magic Kingdom® Walkway Connecting Storybook Circus to Space Mountain®: This path is quiet and typically sees few park goers as it is somewhat hidden from plain sight. There are plenty of things to observe along this route, from the Steam Train to Disney’s Contemporary Resort to the beautiful landscaping that follows this walkway. You can enter from New Fantasyland® between The Barnstormer® and the Railroad Station or enter from the side of Space Mountain®. There is a smoking area along the path though, so keep that in mind if you or your child doesn’t like the smell.