Autism Awareness Week 2019 at Valleyfair

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Autism Awareness Week | July 8-14, 2019

Valleyfair Photo Valleyfair |
July 8, 2019

When you or someone you love is on the autism spectrum, sensory sensitivities can make it difficult to enjoy yourself at a crowded amusement park.  In an effort to make our park more inclusive and accommodating to all guests, we are thrilled to dedicate July 8-14 to Autism Awareness Week for the second year in a row. Valleyfair is excited to welcome guests with all types of disabilities, especially guests on the autism spectrum, into the park. We will be providing specialized services and spaces for guests to feel more comfortable in the park. We believe that every guest should get to enjoy a fun-filled day at Valleyfair.

In this post, we are exploring the different steps Valleyfair has taken to make the park more welcoming for all. Keep reading to find out how you can make your day at Valleyfair your best day!

Live entertainment is central to Valleyfair and an important part of the guests’ experience. The loud volume and bright lights that are used in shows and events can be overwhelming for some individuals. That’s why we are making sure that amplified sounds and lights will be subdued during live shows and events so that a wider audience will be able to enjoy them. Another thing we are doing with our live entertainment is closing it off to a smaller crowd. We understand that being surrounded by lots of other individuals can be intense for some, so closing off the audience will help with this issue. 

Sensory-friendly family shows are available daily during Autism Awareness Week at: 

Vocal Coasters | Superior Stage

3:00, 4:15, 5:30, 6:30 (Off Tuesdays)

Peanuts Live at 5 | Superior Stage

5:00 (Off Tuesdays)

Sally's Sing-Along | Peanuts Showplace 

1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00 (Off Mondays)

Charlie Brown's Hoedown | Peanuts Showplace

12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 (Off Tuesdays)

We are offering guests with ASD or mobility impairments Boarding Passes, which are extremely useful for guests who get overwhelmed while standing in long lines for extended periods of time. Guests with a Boarding Pass can receive a specific ride time that equals the wait time for that particular ride. The guest is then able to leave the area to do other things like play a game, visit a store or grab some food while they wait. This offers a great alternative to waiting in an actual line. These passes can be obtained by visiting Guest Services. Guest Services can also provide guests with noise-canceling headphones that guests can use throughout their visit. Note: headphones are not allowed on rides. Alternative disposable ear protection is available at Guest Services.

At Valleyfair, we have a Quiet Room that guests can use at their convenience. This room has a variety of features and tools that can aid in intensifying or reducing stimulation in a safe environment. 

Valleyfair has implemented the KidTrack program that uses wristbands to reunite families or groups that may have gotten split up. Another program, the Parent Swap program, allows one parent to go on a ride while the other watches the child. Once the ride is over, the other parent can resume responsibility in a safe manner. 

Food is an important part of an amusement park experience and something everyone should be able to enjoy. We made an effort to provide options for all food intolerances. Dining options can be found on our website and include all the necessary nutritional information.
https://www.valleyfair.com/help/special-dietary-needs

Two rides in the park use strobe lighting effects, Wild Thing and Renegade. If you have a sensitivity to strobe lights, please avoid those rides. All other rides do not have this type of lighting and are inclusive to all riders. 

Valleyfair is dedicated to making your experience great. We strive to make every day the best day ever, and every visit to the park your best one yet. If there is anything we can do to better accommodate your visit, please let us know! Come out to the park for Autism Awareness Week and check out all of the great things our park has to offer.

Get tickets here: https://pages.cedarfair.com/autism

Download Autism Awareness Week Flyer