Over the years, we’ve learned a lot about how to make traveling as a family with disabilities easier and more enjoyable. After finding out the hard way too many times that not every destination will go well for our family, we’ve learned to do our homework and research locations and accommodations before we decide to go. There are some wonderful vacation spots for families that have children with different types of disabilities. We’re sharing 3 of the most disability-friendly family vacation destinations that we hope to visit.
#3 TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort
Right on the beach, this resort has received excellent reviews from families with disabilities.
Certified by CARD (Center for Autism and Related Disabilities), Tradewinds staff receive continuous training to ensure they “understand sensitivities, developmental disabilities and unique situations.” This resort seems that have really thought through how to welcome and support families with disabilities.
The resort includes numerous activities and even has a sensory Touch Tank. Konk Kid Drop Off Camp has trained counselors and is available for an additional fee.
Accessible features on property:
- Elevators have Braille instructions
- Flat terrain between parking and entrance
- Accessible parking
- Service animals allowed on property
- Pool lifts
- Beach wheelchair (available upon request)
The resort even provides a downloadable Social book to help guests with developmental disabilities to prepare.
Room safety kits are available that include:
- Door alarms (and extra batteries)
- Visual aide “STOP” prompt signs
- Corner guards
- Stove knob covers
- Outlet covers
The resort also offers:
- Room refrigerators for medication or dietary food storage
- Waterproof mattress pads
- Gluten-free menu options available, including a children’s “Beaker Snack Attack” amenity
#2 Sesame Place
Sesame Place became the first theme park in the world to be designated as a Certified Autism Center (CAC). The park offers its Ride accessibility program with a special access pass for persons with certain limitations. Make sure to register for an IBCCES Accessibility Card at least 48 hours prior to visiting the park.
You can even download a sensory guide for the park.
From rides to parades to shows and now Bert & Ernie’s Splashy Shores water play area and Big Bird’s Beach water park, Sesame Place is packed with family fun.
All restrooms are wheelchair accessible, and all restaurants are wheelchair accessible and offer accessible seating options.
The park offers:
- Adult changing stations
- Allergy-friendly meals
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- An accessible parade viewing area
- A low sensory parade viewing area
- A quiet room
- Low sensory areas
- Sign language interpretation
- Show scripts
#1 Morgan’s Wonderland and Inspiration Island Splash Parks
Hands down, these parks are the number one place we want to make sure we visit as a family. One-of-a-kind, Morgan’s Wonderland was created to be 100% accessible for all disabilities and a place where everyone of all abilities can play and have fun together. The organization’s mission is “To provide a fun, clean, and beautiful environment free of physical and economic barriers that all individuals can come to and enjoy regardless of age or ability.”
Inspiration Island is also the “First ever ultra-accessible splash pad.”
Guests with special needs receive free admission, and certain hotels partner with Morgan’s Wonderland to offer accessible accommodations and discounted rates to the parks’ guests.
Morgan’s Wonderland includes:
- Two fully accessible playgrounds
- Sand play circle and musical instrument garden
- Sensory village
- Water and splash table with balls
- Wheelchair swings
- Ferris wheel
- Road adventure
- Carousel
- Food and gift shops
- Train ride
Inspiration Island Includes:
- Three types of waterproof wheelchairs that fit a variety of heights and sizes Free of charge
- Complimentary waterproof dry bags for ventilators and O2 water-collar covers for guests who need to cover tracheas
- Water and music play
- Numerous fully-accessible splash pads
- Small water slides
- A boat water ride
Whatever you decide to do as a family this summer, the most important thing to consider is deciding what will be the best fit for your family’s needs and a place that you can all enjoy together.
What disability-friendly destination is on your family’s bucket list?
Please share in the comments!
Blessings on your family,
Todd and Kristin
* We do not have any financial affiliations with any of these organizations and are recommending them solely on the basis of research and reviews.
See all our articles on Tips for Traveling with Disabilities
Todd and Kristin have been married for twenty-one years and have two children with rare genetic disorders and complex needs. As award-winning authors and speakers, they’re passionate about empowering other parents of children with chronic illnesses and disabilities, as well as ministry leaders and professionals serving caregivers. They both earned their Masters in Christian Spiritual Formation at Wheaton College and have served together in fulltime ministry in church, camping, and retreat settings. Kristin is a Licensed Masters Social Worker experienced in couples, child & family, substance abuse, and crisis counseling. They enjoy traveling and the outdoors together.
Disability Parenting
Wow! What an interesting, helpful article for families traveling with children with a disability or chronic illness!
Thank you for reading! We hope it helps other families have great vacations!