09/19/2026
Teacher Mom Travel with Magically Wicked Vacations LLC is headed to Discovery Cove in Orlando in less than a week! Follow along as she shares her experience ๐คฉ
๐ Autism familiesโI would love your input! ๐
As a mom of a child on the autism spectrum, I know that โautism-friendlyโ vacation planning involves much more than simply choosing a fun destination. We need to know what the environment will actually feel like for our children.
That is one reason Iโm excited to tour Discovery Cove next Friday! Discovery Cove is an IBCCES Certified Autism Center, with specially trained staff, a sensory guide to help families prepare, and resources for guests with sensory needs.
It also offers several features that may make it a wonderful family-vacation experience:
๐ฌ Up-close animal encounters
๐ Snorkeling with tropical fish and rays
๐ฆ An aviary filled with beautiful birds
๐ด Beaches, peaceful lagoons and a relaxing lazy river
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Limited reservations for a calmer experience than a typical theme park
๐ฝ๏ธ Breakfast, lunch, snacks and nonalcoholic drinks included
๐งด Towels, lockers, wetsuits, snorkel gear and animal-safe sunscreen included
๐ Life jackets and flotation equipment available
๐ A sensory guide that helps families understand what to expect before visiting
I want this tour to be useful for families like oursโnot just a highlight reel. What would you like me to investigate while Iโm there?
Would you like to see:
โ The check-in process
โ Quieter areas and places to take a break
โ Noise levels and crowded areas
โ Changing rooms, restrooms or family facilities
โ Food choices for selective eaters
โ The sensory experience of the water and animal encounters
โ Life jackets, wetsuits or snorkel equipment
โ What happens if a child becomes overwhelmed
โ How accommodating and knowledgeable the staff are
โ Anything else that would help you decide whether Discovery Cove is right for your family
Please leave your questions in the comments! Tell me exactly what you would like me to find out, ask the staff or show you on video during my tour next Friday. Iโll be your eyes and ears and share what the experience is really like for an autism family. ๐