Theme parks and summer seem to go hand in hand: fun, food, rides, loud music, colors, lights, crowds and more crowds. To many, this is what energizes us and makes us want to go back for more. However, for some….and for those with Autism [1] or sensory issues…these very things can make the experience overwhelming and unbearable. Dollywood Theme Park (Pigeon Forge, TN) has added a “calming room”” for those guests that need to retreat for some quiet time, some calming-down, and some relaxing.
Related: Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Know the Signs, Characteristics & How to Help [2]
The idea for this first-of-its-kind room was the idea of Team Leader, Judy Toth, who was noticing a huge swell of kids with autism spectrum disorders coming through the park’s ride accessibility center. Parents had been using bathrooms and the park’s first aid station for places to help their kids avoid or recover from sensory overload [3]. This room, not only, provides a space for their guests, but also, provides an example of forward thinking regarding the continued acknowledged increase in cases of people diagnosed with autism and autism spectrum disorders. The room is small, with comfy chairs, a tent, low-level lighting, and many sensory-soothing items like strings of fiber-optic lights and was designed in conjunction with Autism Speaks. Judy Toth has been quoted as saying, “If not for the new room, many recent visitors probably never would’ve gotten to experience coming to a theme park”.
Related: DIY Sensory Rooms on a Budget! [4]
[5]COURTESY DOLLYWOOD
The reviews have been extremely positive and typical comments include the following: “A big thank you to Dollywood from our family and the autism community,” one parent wrote on Dollywood’s Facebook page. Another parent wrote, “On my son’s first trip to Dollywood he became overstimulated and had a terrible meltdown… If we had a room like that to escape to, things may have been different.” As a result, many families are getting to stay at Dollywood longer and their children are having a much better time.
Although this is the first calming room of its kind at any theme park, others—notably Legoland—are beginning to follow Dollywood’s example. These theme parks should be applauded for making travel easier [6] for families everywhere.
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