Carowinds Offers Resources for Guests with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Carowinds strives to create the best day ever for each guest that enters the park.
Accommodations are provided for guests with disability and accessibility concerns. Carowinds offers resources that ensure guests with autism have an enjoyable experience during their time at the park.
Lauren Flack, of the blog Channing’s Joy, recently visited Carowinds with her family. Her son, Channing, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of two-years-old.
“Carowinds was always my favorite place to visit growing-up. I couldn’t wait to have kids of my own to take and enjoy the atmosphere of my favorite park,” Flack said. “When my son was diagnosed with autism, I gave up hope on making the park a regular place to visit. We waited until he was five-years-old, then decided to give it a shot.”
Flack’s family was surprised by their experience at Carowinds. They took advantage of the many programs and services for families with autistic members.
“The entire day we felt welcomed and accommodated by associates,” Flack said. “My son had a smile on his face the entire day, and that is priceless.”
Boarding Pass Program
To provide equal access to attractions for all guests, Carowinds has developed the Boarding Pass Program for guests with mobility restrictions, cognitive impairments, or other applicable conditions. To obtain a boarding pass, guests must visit Guest Services, located at North Gate. An associate will ask a series of questions to determine which rides can be enjoyed safely by the affected guest. The Boarding Pass will be issued to the guest and up to three (3) riding companions. Additionally, the guest with accessibility concerns will receive a rider access form listing the rides they can enjoy safely.
Guests with a boarding pass should go to the alternate access entrance of their ride of choice. The associate attending to the ride will issue a ride time when the guest and their party may return.
“Upon entering the park, we learned about the Boarding Pass Program available for children with special needs,” Flack said. “The pass allowed us the opportunity to wait outside of the line, which meant no added stress on our son. We rode every ride he was tall enough for and even a few as a whole family.”
Quiet, Sensory-Friendly Spaces
Several quiet locations can be found throughout Carowinds for guests who may become over-stimulated.
Family Care Center
Carowinds’ family care center can be found in Camp Snoopy. This is a quiet, air-conditioned space where families can relax. The facility also houses diaper-changing stations and nursing areas for families with infants.
Guest Services
Guest Services, located at the front of the park, has a quiet room. This space is air-conditioned and offers comfortable furniture.
First Aid Stations
There are two first aid stations located in the park, with associates who are knowledgeable about autism spectrum disorder. One station is in Carolina Harbor Waterpark, near Harbor House. The second station is between County Fair and Carolina Boardwalk, across from the Carolina Goldrusher.
Attractions to Consider with Caution
A visit to Carowinds will include sensory stimulation caused by normal operating procedures, such as crowds, coasters traveling overhead and noises. While there are resources in place to help mitigate over-stimulation, there are some attractions that Carowinds recommends guests with autism consider avoiding.
The following list of rides and attractions use strobing, or quickly moving, lights and lighting effects:
- Afterburn
- Boo Blasters on Boo Hill
- Copperhead Strike
- Hover and Dodge
- Electro Spin
- Fury 325
- Thunder Striker
- Nighthawk
- Ricochet
- Rock ‘N’ Roller
- Wilderness Run
- Windseeker
- Woodstock Express
Take it Slow with Multiple Visits
Trying to experience the numerous rides, attractions and shows at Carowinds in a single day can be overwhelming. Guests with autism may find it more enjoyable to visit the park multiple times, creating new memories on each occasion.
A 2023 Silver Pass offers the best value for multiple visits. Passholders receive unlimited visits to Carowinds and the Carolina Harbor Waterpark through the summer, fall daytime visits, free parking and exclusive discounts.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think we’d have a season pass for an amusement park, but here we are! We’re already planning our next visit and are so very thankful for the inclusiveness Carowinds provides for families like ours,” Flack said.
Additionally, families with children ages three to five-years-old can register for a free Pre-K Pass. This special pass allows young children to accompany a Gold, Platinum, Prestige or Prestige+ Passholder to the park at no charge.*
* Note, Pre-K Passes are not valid for entry into SCarowinds.
Check out Lauren Flack’s blog, Channing’s Joy, or follow her on Instagram @laurensflack, to get a glimpse into her life as a local mom of a child with special needs.
For more information about resources and programs at Carowinds available to guests with accessibility restrictions or cognitive impairment, visit the accessibility webpage.
