5 Wonderful Sensory-Friendly Experiences in Orlando
Orlando is a beautiful, bustling place with so much to see, do, and explore.
While the entertainment, shopping, and dining offerings here can seem abundant, they may not all be the most ideal experiences for those with autism spectrum disorder or who process sensory information differently.
A variety of Orlando attractions and institutions have worked hard to offer sensory-friendly hours and experiences for those who may prefer a less stimulating environment.
Here are some of the best sensory-friendly attractions in Orlando.
Crayola Experience
The Crayola Experience is a colorful indoor attraction with plenty of exciting discoveries in store for artists of all ages.
Throughout the year, you can participate in wrapping and personalizing your own crayons, creating your own coloring page, and making amazing spin art with melting wax. There are also playgrounds and climbing equipment for adventurous little ones to explore.
The Crayola Experience also hosts Sensory Sundays approximately every other month for guests who may need a more mindful and less overwhelming environment for play.
For a few morning hours on select Sundays, The Crayola Experience makes accommodations like turning off music and dimming the lights to be more welcoming for visitors with sensory processing challenges.
There is also a quiet room available onsite, as well as a special character appearance featuring a colorful new friend.
Check the Crayola Experience calendar for Sensory Sunday dates in 2025.
Central Florida Zoo
A day at the zoo is a great self-paced activity that lets you soak in the Florida sun and see some of the world’s most unique animals.
The Central Florida Zoo in Sanford is home to a variety of rare and endangered species from all over the planet, including greater one-horned rhinoceros, cheetahs, giraffes, bears, monkeys, sloths, and many more.
Guests can even experience animal encounters like feeding giraffes, visiting the petting zoo, and meeting a real rhino.
The Central Florida Zoo has partnered with KultureCity to become a sensory-inclusive facility. You can pick up noise-cancelling headphones from the admissions window as well as fidget tools and cue cards.
There is also signage throughout the zoo signifying potential high-noise areas and designated quiet areas for anyone who needs a little downtime.
Orlando Theme Parks
Orlando’s theme parks are some of the best in the world. From exciting thrill rides to immersive themed experiences, each park is full of magic and perfect for making new memories.
While a theme park can be a sensorially overstimulating environment, Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando have all taken a variety of measures to ensure the theme parks are inclusive for everyone.
From in-depth ride assessments to pamphlets outlining the multiple onsite resources for those with sensory-friendly needs, each theme park has taken the time to ensure everyone can partake in the wonders of a world-class theme park experience.
AMC Disney Springs Dine-In 24
The AMC Dine-In Disney Springs 24 is an amazing place to see a movie.
From the dine-in service that delivers food and drinks right to your seat to the most modern movie theatre technology and crystal-clear pictures, going to the movies is a worthwhile experience.
AMC has partnered with the Autism Society to offer special sensory-friendly movie showings on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. These events turn the lights on and the sound down so movie-goers can get up, walk, dance, and talk as needed.
Once the movie is over, you’re in the heart of Disney Springs. Take some time to get some fresh air, admire everything there is to see, and get your fair share of Disney magic.
WonderWorks
You can’t miss the upside-down building on International Drive
WonderWorks hosts Sensory Days on select Sunday mornings throughout the year. During these events, their exhibits are altered to provide limited stimulation, including lowering music throughout the facility, stopping the inversion tunnel, and closing any loud exhibit.
The result is a safe environment where children and adults with special needs can explore exhibits like the Wonder Art Gallery, the Imagination Lab, and the Light and Sound Zone at their own pace and comfort level.
There are plenty of unique opportunities for hands-on exploration during Sensory Sundays, whether you’re in the Bubble Lab or discovering gears and other STEM experiments throughout the exhibits.
Choose a Rosen Inn for a Friendly Stay
When you stay at a Rosen Inn hotel, you’ll find clean and comfortable rooms that are the perfect place to recharge and enjoy a little downtime.
Our hotels offer beautiful outdoor spaces, seasonally heated pools, complimentary theme park shuttles, and family-friendly dining. You’ll always be greeted with warm hospitality and treated like the honored guest that you are.