Families with children on the autism spectrum are entitled to a vacation just like anyone else, but often face challenges when it comes to planning — particularly if their children have specific dietary requirements or sensory needs.
With that in mind, two Orlando hotels — SpringHill Suites and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Orlando at SeaWorld — are among the first in the city to earn Certified Autism Center designations. Both hotels completed a certification program from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards to ensure staff have the training, tools and skills needed to work with guests with autism or other sensory needs.
To make vacation planning even more seamless, the hotels are partnering with fellow Certified Autism Centers SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando and Discovery Cove located nearby.

Springfield Suites. Photo: Marriott International, Getty Images
“All of us at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Orlando at SeaWorld are committed to creating a brilliant and memorable experience for each and every one of our guests every day,” said Michael Wilke, dual general manager. “We are excited to be in the first group of hotels in Orlando to become autism certified and be able to best serve individual guests with autism. This effort hits close to home for me as two of my family members have autism. I am proud to bring light and dedicate my time to serving those with special needs.”
The SpringHill Suites property offers 200 suites with mini-fridges, a 24-hour convenience store, a swimming pool, free breakfast, complimentary WiFi, a Splash Bar & Grill poolside restaurant with kid-friendly fare and shuttle bus service to area theme parks.
The recently renovated, 200-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Orlando at SeaWorld offers an outdoor pool with a kids’ splash zone and poolside bar, a game room with new and retro arcade games, a free breakfast buffet and complimentary WiFi.
“We’re excited to work with another SeaWorld of Orlando partner that is fully committed to serving guests on the autism spectrum,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman. “We know training and certification from an established credentialing board is critical to ensuring a positive guest experience and we’re excited to see these organizations working together to create a seamless welcoming and fun experience for visitors.”
IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for parents that lists certified destinations and connects families to other resources and each other. Each destination listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center™ requirements.
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / Europe
May 22, 20256 Stroller-Friendly Cities in Europe
Families traveling with young children learn to be creative in getting strollers into seemingly impossible places. Some cities confound even the most determined parents: Innumerable bridges with steps are a challenge in Venice, and Lisbon’s hills seem insurmountable. Narrow or rough stone-paved streets are not stroller-friendly, either. Save those cities for another year and consider these instead.
Cruising
May 22, 2025Special Needs Group Makes Cruising More Accessible
As school comes to an end, family travelers gear up for summer travel. Thanks to endless multigenerational activities on cruises, many families gravitate to a trip on the high seas. That said, families who might need more assistance when traveling might stray from cruises; it may not be easy or ideal to bring all your equipment on your journey. Now, families won’t have to worry thanks to Special Needs Group/Special Needs at Sea.
Slideshow
May 22, 20256 Roman Walls for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these Roman walls with us.
Destinations / North America
May 21, 2025Santa Monica’s New AI Program Makes Visiting a Breeze
Artificial intelligence is everywhere these days, and it really is changing the way we travel. Santa Monica, the vibrant Southern California hot spot where family travelers to Los Angeles go to enjoy the sea, sand and quintessential “beach lifestyle,” joins the AI trend. When it comes to using AI to improve the tourist experience, plenty of destinations have recently gotten with the program, like Lake Tahoe, Aruba and New Zealand. By partnering with GuideGeek to create customized itinerary support to help travelers plan their vacations, Santa Monica is keeping up.
Destinations / North America
May 21, 2025Explore Hawai’i with “Lilo & Stitch” Magic
Ohana travelers might want to take time out of their busy Memorial Day weekend plans to head to the movies for the premiere weekend of Disney’s new live-action Lilo & Stitch. With the movie set in stunning Hawai’i, family travelers might find themselves inspired to plan their own Hawaiian adventure.
Destinations / North America
May 21, 2025The Family Heritage Experience Opens in Boston
There’s an innovative new exhibition for family travelers to Boston. Family Heritage Experience opened to the public on April 25, inviting visitors to ponder questions about their own family, from its origins to its cultural traditions.
ShareThis