"Traveling with Autism: Avoid These 5 Mistakes at Universal Studios"

Alright, let's talk about my recent Universal Studios adventure with my kiddo who has autism. You see, I usually pride myself on being a pretty organized traveler. I'm all about doing my homework before a trip, especially with disabilities in the mix. But, coming back from our Universal Studios trip, I had to do some serious reflecting. Turns out, there were a handful of things I could've done differently to make the trip smoother. So, here are the top 5 mistakes I made, along with what I wish I'd done instead.

1. I didn't pack spare clothes. Back when my kids were little, I always had a spare outfit handy for theme park visits. Messes happen, right? But this time, I figured my kids were past that stage. Well, cue the water ride and a scorching Florida sun. Wet pants, socks, and shoes turned out to be a sensory overload for my already cranky child. Next time, I'm definitely springing for a locker with dry clothes or at least dry socks and shoes.

2. I didn't properly prep my child for the experience. I thought watching YouTube videos together would be enough to get him ready for Universal Studios. But turns out, the whole "two parks" thing threw him off. It might seem small, but for a kid with autism, that kind of unexpected detail can cause some serious stress. Next time, we'll do a bit more pre-trip homework to avoid those bumps in the road.

3. I skimped on research. As the day wore on, my son's frustration levels started to climb. I began wondering about quiet spots or sensory rooms but didn't find much info online. Later, I discovered there were plenty of chill-out zones throughout the park. Lesson learned: next time, I'm mapping out those quiet spots in advance.

4. I didn't strategize on getting our assistance pass. We ended up waiting in a mega line at guest services outside the gate, which only added to my son's frustration. In hindsight, hitting up the guest services inside the park would've been smarter. And I could've had my son wait with my hubby while my daughter and I sorted out the pass. Live and learn, right?

5. I didn't schedule a break. I get it—park tickets are pricey, and there's so much to do. But going full-throttle all day? Not a great idea. My son was already asking about leaving by midday. Next time, I'll book a hotel closer to the park so we can sneak in a midday nap without feeling like we're missing out.
   

Look, this list isn't exhaustive, and every family's experience is different. But the bottom line? Planning ahead based on your own needs can make all the difference in making your Universal Studios trip a blast—for everyone involved.