Certified Staff
Discovery Cove Ambassadors receive specialized training to ensure they have the requisite knowledge, skills, temperament, and expertise to cater to all guests, including those with special needs.
Training focuses include: sensory awareness, motor skills, program development, social skills, communication, environment, and emotional awareness.
The IBCCES Sensory Guide provides insight on how a guest with sensory processing issues may be affected by each sense for experiences at Discovery Cove.
Park Accessibility Program
Discovery Cove's Park Accessibility Program was designed to allow guests to fully participate and enjoy our parks while keeping in mind the safety requirements of our interactive experiences.
Quiet Space
Guests in need of some quiet time and relief from sensory stimulation can utilize our new Quiet Space located near our First Aid unit. This space is a low traffic and low noise area with seating for guests who need to take a break. Guests who would like to use the Quiet Space may do so on a first come first served basis.
Discovery Cove has lots of open, clear space; this makes attractions and services more accessible and reduces “sensory overload” for guests with cognitive disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD). People with autism often experience hypersensitivity to touch, taste, sound, smell and sight. Discovery Cove is quite serene and relaxing, with opportunities for higher stimulus activities such as animal encounters and swimming.
Discovery Cove provides a vast array amenities, attractions and services (including dining options) to assist and engage guests with special/sensory needs.
Resources for Guests with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Travel
Autism Travel is a resource provided by The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards to help parents understand their options for travel. Autism Travel provides parents with a community to share ideas, plan trips with other families, and explore travel options at some of the most beautiful places in the world.
Sesame Street® and Autism: See Amazing in All Children
Sesame Workshop® created Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children, a nationwide initiative aimed at communities with children ages 2 to 5. Developed with input from parents, people who serve the autism community, and people with autism, See Amazing in All Children offers families ways to manage common challenges, to simplify everyday activities, and to grow connections and support from family, friends, and community.