The Special Needs Family’s Guide to LEGOLAND

You have a child with special needs, your day is filled with medical jargon and concerns. “Vacation” means something very different to you than it does to your friends. You travel with luggage no family should ever have to tote around, but after years of doing it – you are a pro. You manage the logistics, the worries, and planning like your life

You manage the logistics, the worries and planning like your life depend on it, because… your child’s life depends on it. Your family is due for a break, a breather. You need non-medical non-hospital-visit related fun, but where can you go?

With the special needs family’s guide to LEGOLAND Florida, your horizon has just broadened.

I recently spoke with an LEGOLAND Florida Resort executive about the exciting changes they made to their “Heroes” program. LEGOLAND Florida Resort did a complete overhaul of the services they offer families with special situations visiting the park.

[bctt tweet=”The #SpecialNeeds family’s guide to @LEGOLANDFlorida. #FamilyFun #LEGOLove” username=”MamaintheNow”]

This guide gives you information – and CONFIDENCE that an LEGOLAND adventure is possible, without undue worry or concern. Once you decide to go, check out these resources right away.

Planning the Visit:

• Complete the Special Situations Concierge Form
• Download the impressive “Guests with Disabilities Guide”:
• Review “Guests With Casts and Ride Limitations”

Special Situations Concierge:

• Contact the Special Situations Concierge at least 7 days before your visit.
• Complete this form with your contact information and your family’s special situation.
• Special Situations Concierge Form
• 24 hours after completing this form, a Special Situations Concierge team member will call you directly to discuss your personal situation.
• The purpose of the call is to:
  • learn more about your family
  • discuss your family’s wishes, mobility limitations, dietary restrictions, heat intolerance, storage of medical equipment, medical assistance requests and anything else that pertains specifically to your family.
  • answer your questions
  • develop a personalized plan for your family’s visit.
• A team member from the Attractions Department may also be on the call to develop solutions for access to the rides, or discuss your concerns.
• The Meal Services department will be consulted regarding any allergies or dietary restrictions in your family.

Hero Access Pass:

• This pass is for guests who have difficulty waiting in line.
• The guest issued the pass and one helper will get immediate access to the ride through the exit.
• The remainder of the guests in the party gets a reservation to the ride.
• The group (up to 6 visitors) then returns to the ride at the scheduled time.

Upon Arrival at LEGOLAND Florida Resort:

• Go to Guest Services, located immediately to the right, inside the park. They have several services available to make your visit easier and more enjoyable!
• Get your child a HEIGHT BAND, which is a convenient service for parties with wheelchair-bound visitors and young children.
  • Your child is measured and outfitted with a colored wristband.
  • The color of the band corresponds with the amusements your child qualifies to ride, based on his height.
  • Throughout the park, as you approach each ride, you will see that the signs indicating the height requirement are painted in different colors.
  • Confirm that your child meets the height requirement by matching the color of the sign to the color of your child’s wristband.
  • You can then proactively set expectations as you walk through the park.
  • Write your phone number and name on the INSIDE of the wristband. Model citizens are trained to check the wristbands for this vital information if you become separated from your child.
• Families with allergies/ dietary restrictions: Guest Services will call Meal Services and provide a copy of the menu and discuss food options.

Throughout the Park:

• Bring a cooler with drinks and snacks from home.
• There are cooling misters and fans throughout the park.
• Baby care center:
  • four nursing rooms for new moms or families who need a quiet place to feed their babies.
  • diaper changing area
  • family restrooms
  • helpful staff on site for your assistance
  • quiet area for sensory sensitive children who need a break from the activities.
• First Aid Buildings:
  • There are two First Aid buildings throughout the park
  • Guests can sit down and rest comfortably in a quiet and cool location.
  • Clean environment to attend to any medical needs.
  • Both locations are staffed with paramedics and firefighters.
  • Refrigerators for medication and other medical equipment.
• Future attractions will be indoor, out of the Florida heat and humidity.

Aren’t you excited plan your visit to LEGOLAND Florida Resort? A Special Situations Concierge team member will make it a fun and memorable event for everyone in your party.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort continually improves the experience of every family visiting the park and hotel. Reach out to a Model Citizen during your stay with questions, concerns, and feedback.

Don’t miss my other posts about the little-known gems throughout the LEGOLAND Park and the LEGOLAND Hotel.

“10 Tips & Tricks You Need Before Going to LEGOLAND”

“Little Known Things to do at LEGOLAND”

“What Everybody Ought to Know About the LEGOLAND Hotel”