PortAventura World in Spain is strengthening its support for individuals with autism through two key initiatives.
The park is adding Julia, Sesame Street’s first character with autism, to the family-friendly SésamoAventura area. It is also implementing accessible signage with pictograms, created in partnership with the Tarragona-based association Todos en Azul and the Centro Aragonés para la Comunicación Aumentativa y Alternativa (ARASAAC).
It aims to improve the experience for visitors with autism and increase awareness of neurodiversity.
Julia, a young girl with autism who is sensitive, creative, and passionate about drawing, makes her debut in Europe in a special SésamoAventura performance, showcasing her talent alongside Sesame friends. This initiative seeks to normalise diverse communication, feelings, and interactions.
Julia was created in 2015 as part of the global initiative “See Amazing in All Children”. After two years of collaboration with over 250 organisations and autism experts, she was developed to ensure accurate, positive representation. Sesame Workshop also provides free educational resources to promote inclusion and understanding of neurodiversity.
Social sustainability
Julia’s integration and the use of pictograms are essential parts of PortAventura World’s social sustainability plan, designed to promote an inclusive leisure experience.
Activities such as installing hearing loops for the deaf, offering customised virtual reality experiences in Uncharted: The Enigma of Penitence, and the PortAventura Dreams Village project for families with seriously ill children, emphasise the resort’s dedication to being an inclusive space for all.
“Julia’s arrival represents so many children who, like her, see and feel the world differently,” says Choni Fernández, director of sustainability, customer, and communications at PortAventura World.
“We want them to feel seen, welcomed, and understood. With her and with the new pictograms, we continue building a PortAventura World where diversity is not only included but proudly embraced. We are very proud of our collaboration with Todos en Azul and ARASAAC, which undoubtedly allows us to continue learning and giving visibility to the community.”
Bernhard Gloeggler, managing director of Sesame Workshop Europe, says:
“With the mission to help all children grow smarter, stronger, and kinder, we are committed to creating stories where they see themselves reflected. Julia was created to help children with autism feel recognized and valued, and to foster empathy and understanding among their peers.
“We are thrilled that Julia brings her message of inclusion to families across Europe at PortAventura World in such a meaningful and joyful way. This is a perfect example of our strong partnership and shared values.”
These initiatives reflect a long-term dedication to supporting families with diverse needs. Via the PortAventura Foundation, the resort backs projects like PortAventura Dreams Village, providing free accommodations for families with children who have serious illnesses.
The resort has enhanced accessibility with hearing loops, Visualfy technology, and benefits for disabled visitors, such as free entry, adapted access, personalised assistance, and mobility services.
Last month, PortAventura World launched El Diablo Neo, which it describes as the world’s first mixed reality (XR) roller coaster.
