At Parques Reunidos, our purpose goes beyond creating unforgettable moments of joy. We believe that the experiences we design must be accessible, meaningful, and inclusive for everyone. Because creating memories only matters if everyone can be part of them.

Inclusion is not an isolated initiative within our parks; it is embedded in how we operate, how we train our teams, and how we engage with our communities. It reflects who we are: a company that cares deeply for the places where we live and work, and for the people who walk through our gates every day.

On Sunday, March 22, 2026, Parque Warner Madrid brought this commitment to life by hosting the celebration of World Autism Awareness Day under a powerful theme: “What Is Not Seen.”

A Morning of Awareness, Community and Shared Light

Gotham Square became the setting for a meaningful and emotional gathering, bringing together families of people with autism, representatives from the NGO Plena Inclusión Madrid, institutional authorities from the Community of Madrid, and the leadership of Parque Warner Madrid.

From early morning, families arriving at the park were welcomed with special access passes, wristbands, and a small but symbolic object: a bubble wand. Throughout the morning, information points led by Plena Inclusión Madrid provided visitors with insight into Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the essential work carried out by their organization.

The institutional ceremony began with welcoming remarks from Javier Guarido, General Manager of Parque Warner Madrid, followed by Tomás A. Sancho, President of Plena Inclusión Madrid. Authorities including Ana Dávila, Regional Minister of Family, Youth and Social Affairs of the Community of Madrid, and Alejandra Serrano, Director General of Disability Care, joined the event in support of greater awareness and inclusion.

But it was at 11:25 a.m. that the message of the day became truly visible.

The master of ceremonies invited everyone to reflect on the theme, “What Is Not Seen.” Autism, often invisible at first glance, is filled with nuances, just like soap bubbles. Transparent, yet full of colors when touched by light.

On the count of three, families, children, authorities, and park representatives opened their bubble wands together. Hundreds of bubbles filled the air Gotham Square — fragile, luminous, full of subtle shades.

A simple gesture. A powerful message.

Warner characters joined the stage for a final group photo, transforming the moment into what it truly represented: shared joy, visibility, and belonging.

Beyond One Day: A Long-Term Commitment to Inclusion

While March 22 was a celebration ahead of World Autism Awareness Day, our commitment to accessibility and inclusion extends far beyond a single day.

Through ongoing collaboration with Plena Inclusión Madrid and other social organizations, we continue to strengthen our approach to welcoming guests with autism and their families. Information points, awareness initiatives, adapted operational protocols, and team training are part of a broader effort to ensure that inclusion is not symbolic, but practical and operational.

To better understand how this journey began and how it continues to evolve, we spoke with Mabel Capdevila, Social Impact Leader and General Manager Assistant at Parque Warner Madrid, who has been instrumental in embedding inclusion into the park’s culture.

How did Parque Warner Madrid begin its journey in supporting people with autism?

Our journey around World Autism Awareness Day at Parque Warner Madrid began in 2017. After listening more closely to families and associations who shared their experiences of visiting leisure spaces, we realized that inclusion in a theme park environment requires both sensitivity and structure.

It is not only about accessibility. It is about understanding different needs and adapting the experience accordingly so that everyone can enjoy the park.

Working alongside organizations such as Plena Inclusión Madrid helped us move from good intentions to concrete action and develop initiatives that continue to evolve each year.

When did celebrating World Autism Awareness Day become part of the park’s calendar?

Over time, we understood that awareness is as important as operational measures. Hosting World Autism Awareness Day became a natural extension of our work. Each year it has grown in participation, in visibility, and in meaning.

This year’s theme, “What Is Not Seen,” resonates deeply because autism is often invisible. We wanted to create a visual, shared moment that could symbolize that reality in a simple but powerful way.

Beyond this celebration, what concrete actions does the park implement to support guests with autism and their families?

Our commitment to accessibility actually dates back to the opening of Parque Warner Madrid in 2002. From the very beginning, we have worked to ensure that people with disabilities can enjoy the park’s leisure experiences.

That commitment goes far beyond a single day of awareness. Over the years, we have continuously refined our policies and tools to better support guests with disabilities, including people with autism.

We work on several levels. Operationally, we adapt our protocols to accommodate different sensory and behavioral needs. We invest in team training so our staff understands how to assist families appropriately and respectfully, and we collaborate closely with associations to review our processes and keep improving them.

One key initiative has been the development of our Accessibility Guide, available on our website, which helps families plan their visit and understand how attractions and services can be experienced comfortably and safely.

The guide is updated regularly as we learn more and as new needs emerge. For example, last year we incorporated additional information related to sensory sensitivities, such as situations involving loud noises, to help families better prepare their visit.

This continuous process of listening, learning, and improving allows us to move forward with a practical approach to inclusion, ensuring that more guests and families can enjoy the park experience with confidence.

Because inclusion cannot be improvised. It requires preparation, empathy, and constant dialogue.

How do you ensure that inclusion is embedded operationally, not just symbolically?

Leadership involvement is key. Inclusion must be part of daily decision-making, not a side project. We integrate it into training, into procedures, and into how we evaluate guest experience. When teams understand why it matters, they act accordingly.

What does this day mean to you personally?

What moves me most is seeing families feel truly comfortable seeing children enjoy the park without barriers. When a parent tells you, “Today we felt at ease,” you understand that inclusion is not abstract. It is deeply human.

Why is it important to talk about “What Is Not Seen”?

Because many people associate disability with something visible. Autism often isn’t. That invisibility can lead to misunderstanding. If we create awareness, we create empathy. And empathy changes behaviors.

What role can leisure parks play in building a more inclusive society?

Leisure parks are places of shared joy. They are spaces where families come to create memories together. If we make those spaces inclusive, we send a strong message: everyone belongs.

Creating Experiences Where Everyone Belongs

At Parques Reunidos, we believe that authentic, memorable experiences must be inclusive by design. Our commitment to integrity, guest satisfaction, and caring for each other guides us not only in how we operate our parks, but in how we contribute to society.

Because sometimes what is not seen matters most.

And when light touches it, like a soap bubble floating in the air, its colors become impossible to ignore.