Welcoming Every Guest, Every Time

Autism Acceptance Month at Camp Margaritaville Resort Auburndale

At Camp Margaritaville Resort Auburndale, we believe every family deserves a place where they can truly relax, have fun, and feel at ease being themselves.

This Autism Acceptance Month, and especially on National Autism Awareness Day, we are proud to reflect on what that commitment means and how it shows up in the experiences we create every single day. One of the ways we bring this commitment to life is through our team. 100 percent of our team members have completed Autism Double-Checked training, ensuring that every guest interaction is rooted in understanding, patience, and support. This is not limited to one department. It is a resort-wide commitment that shapes the experience from arrival to departure.

We are honored to be Autism Double-Checked Certified, a meaningful step in ensuring our resort is a place where all guests feel welcomed, supported, and understood. But beyond the certification, this is about something deeper. It is about how we show up for our guests in real moments.

It means patience.
It means awareness.
It means creating an environment where families feel comfortable simply being themselves.

Because for many families, travel is not always easy. It can come with uncertainty, overstimulation, and moments that feel overwhelming. And we recognize that.

That is why we have been intentional about building an experience that meets families where they are.

Sometimes that looks like helping a parent quickly find a quieter space when things feel like too much.
Sometimes it means giving a child the time they need to ease into an activity instead of rushing the moment.
Sometimes it is as simple as a team member understanding that a different approach is needed and responding with patience instead of pressure.

You will see this in the calm spaces throughout the resort, where guests can take a break and reset.
You will feel it in the flexibility we offer, allowing families to move through their day at their own pace.
And you will experience it in a team that is not only trained, but genuinely committed to creating a welcoming and non-judgmental environment.

We also believe that every guest should be able to experience joy in their own way. That is why we offer a variety of both structured activities and more relaxed, unstructured moments. Whether it is joining in on the fun or simply enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, there is space for every kind of experience here.

Because no two families experience travel the same way, and no two stays should feel exactly alike.

“At The Academy of Spectrum Diversity, we are dedicated to serving students with special needs through a personalized and compassionate approach to education. We believe every learner is unique, which is why we create individualized pathways that support both academic growth and life skills development.

With small class sizes and tailored instruction, our educators are able to meet students where they are, adapting to a wide range of learning styles and abilities. Beyond academics, we place a strong emphasis on social development, communication, and independence—helping each student build confidence in themselves and their capabilities.

Our goal is to be a supportive community for families—one where every child is understood, encouraged, and empowered to thrive at their own pace.”
— Chris and Tammy Dester, Owners of The Academy of Spectrum Diversity

One of the most meaningful parts of this journey is our relationship with The Academy of Spectrum Diversity. The family behind the academy has been staying with us for years and has become such a special part of our community.

They are not only longtime guests, but true partners in creating the experiences that make this place feel like home. Each October, they play a huge role in bringing our haunted house to life, helping create something that so many families look forward to year after year.

Through our Cheers for Charity initiative, we were proud to support their mission with a donation of $2,415.00 for the month of March. This is more than a contribution. It is a reflection of a relationship built on trust, shared values, and a commitment to making a difference for families both on and off our property.

We know that for many families, the most meaningful part of a trip is not just what you do, but how you feel while you are doing it.

Feeling comfortable.
Feeling understood.
Feeling like you belong.

That is the experience we are committed to creating.

Every family deserves a place where they can feel at ease, have fun, and make memories together.
That is what we strive to be, every guest, every time.