Dollywood: First Theme Park in the World to Open Calming Room for Kids with Special Needs

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 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

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. 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!

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 for families everywhere.

You May Also Like

• Pittsburgh Int’l Airport Unveils the Largest, Most Comprehensive Airport Sensory Space in the World
• Enriching Your Child’s Sensory Environment Within Their Typical Routine
• Travel Tips for Parents of Children with Sensory Integration Issues
• The Disney Disability Pass: The Not so Mickey Mouse Approach to Enjoying the Parks
• Picnic in the Garden: Sensory Play and Sensory Foods for the Outdoors
• 7 Sensory Games Dads Can Play With Their Children
• Cool Sensory Tools for School
• 5 Ways to Help Children with Sensory Challenges Participate in Halloween Festivities
• Enriching Your Child’s Sensory Environment Within Their Typical Routine
• Biophilic Design Can Benefit People with Special Needs
• Eight Key Design Issues for Special Needs Environmental Design
• Your Baby: Babies Know More Than You Think
• Can I Get Help with My Child’s Behavior?
• Do It Yourself Calming Bottle
• Encourage Traveling for All Without Limits
• Traveling with Special Dietary Need
• How Will We Eat? Summer Traveling Tips