Special Needs Vacation Tip #3: Amusement Park Discounts

While Disney has yet to jump on the bandwagon, many other large amusement park chains offer significant discounts to special needs individuals and their families.

Busch Gardens parks, which include SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, Water Country, Adventure Island and Sesame Place, offer 50% off one day tickets for disabled/special needs individuals and one companion. We learned of this program two summers ago when we visited Sesame Park in Pennsylvania. After our trip to Disney where we learned of special assistance passes which allow expedited access to rides and shows (NB: this program has changed significantly at Disney and I'll be posting on that soon), we decided to ask if other amusement parks had similar programs. When I inquired at the ticket counter, not only was I provided with the special needs passes, I was informed of the discounted rate.

Since we have two children with autism, such discounts are significant. A single day adult admission for Busch Gardens is $49.95, $42.95 for kids. This isn't just a feel-good perk: While many neurologically exceptional children thrive in the intense stimulation of theme parks, for some, the sensory overload is too much, and a day planned at the park turns into a couple of hours.

Most private parks, concerned about potential ADA litigation, do not require documentation of disability. This, of course, has led to significant abuse by non-disabled visitors looking to save a few bucks. The abuse of the Guest Assistance Program at Disney's parks led to the changes in their policy, much to the detriment of those who depended upon the policy to have a successful vacation experience. I suggest, however, that in order to counter the perception by park staff that the discount policy is being abused, especially in those with "invisible disabilities", parents should offer a note from the child's pediatrician or neurologist. Most times the staff won't want it, but the fact that you're willing to provide it cuts back on negative perceptions which might lead to policy changes in the future.

I've read reports of other theme parks (Marineland, Six Flags) offering some form of disability discount, but I have not been able to confirm this information at this time. I'll contact the parks directly and post updates as they come in.