How LEGOLAND Handled Our Son’s Special Needs

When we asked our kids to choose a favorite part of our recent trip to Florida, they each had a different answer. But Nicholas did not hesitate to shout immediately that his favorite part was our day in LEGOLAND®! They were kind enough to work with our family so that I could bring this post to you, and I’m so happy that I can share all about our experience and especially the unique ways they cater to families with special needs.   

We started our visit two days in advance, because we took advantage of the savings they give you for buying your tickets early. Since we were doing both the theme park and the water park, we saved almost $20 on each ticket this way.  

We also brought our own bottled water and a few pre-packaged snacks like granola bars. If you have a food allergy just tell the person at bag check, and you are allowed to bring your own food. (Although the park restaurants will also try to accommodate your needs.) Check out their Guide for Guests with Disabilities. Nicholas qualified for a Blue Hero Pass, which was an amazing accommodation that helped us enjoy our time in the park. 

The pass was a small blue piece of paper with Nicholas’ name on it and the number 5, since there were five people in our party. Having the pass meant we were allowed immediate boarding for our first ride and could ask for a return time instead of waiting in line for subsequent rides. Since we happened to be there on a day that wasn’t very crowded, there weren’t many long lines anyway and most ride operators just boarded us immediately. 

This kids really enjoyed a full day of rides and activities. Personally, my favorite part was the 4-D theater show. Although, I think the kids preferred rollercoasters and Driving School. 

There were also tons of amazing life-sized statues throughout the park, including an entire Star Wars area, which Eddie and the kids all loved. 

LEGO® is also really committed to kids with Autism, Anxiety, Depression, and Adjustment Disorders. As an adoptive and foster mom, I really can’t express what their LEGO® Based Social Skills programs do for kids. We have seen with our son and the summer camps he has participated in how much this can help. I loved that there were quiet rooms  and “social stories” throughout the park specifically for kids like Nick. I was truly touched because it was the first time in over a decade since becoming a mom that I felt like we were in a public space that 100% truly understood my son and rose to the occasion to meet his needs.   

Our older kids, ages 9 and 11, were tall enough for every ride. Penny (age 6) was a little bummed that she was still not quite tall enough for a few things, but she got over it when I let her get her face painted while her siblings were on a rollercoaster. 

There Hero Pass wasn’t applicable to the water park area, although it didn’t really matter because, other than the water slides, there weren’t really any lines. The kids loved the wave pool and what I can only describe as the giant playground. 

I liked that there were complimentary life vests available in different sizes. We took advantage of using one for Penny. 

In the waterpark there were a few different pools (one specifically for younger kids), a lazy river, giant water slides, and the giant playground area. There were also a few water-based games. We were there for about two hours until unfortunately a thunderstorm caused them to have to close it down.  

We had plenty of time to enjoy our day before that happened, though. But because thunderstorms are a very common occurrence on Florida afternoons, I do recommending starting your day as early as possible. The park was open from 10am-6pm the day we visited. 

Thank you to LEGOLAND® for providing us with two complimentary tickets for the purposes of this post. All opinions are my own. 

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