special disabled day out rates.

ajgrist

we go to alton towers every year, my son has a hidden disability (autism). we get special wristbands which allow my son and up to 3 carers to go on the rides via the exit queues. we just had to provide a copy of our DLA letter. the staff were very understanding and helpful. hope this helps

shykins

i used my tesco clubcard vouchers to buy merlin annual passes, i did enquire whether i would need 2 or 3 as i was disabled and was told i would have to get 3 as i would not be allowed a free carer in with my annual pass

also after we went to chessington i emailed them about how hard it was to stand in queues with my son (i dont go on the rides just stand in the queue with him so hes not on his own) and they said unless i had a wheelchair i could not bypass the queue which i thought was bad.... i dont use a wheelchair but i cant stand for long and this meant i either had to leave my son alone or just suffer

not terribly understanding i thought on either counts.... think before i decide to get merlin passes again i shall email head office for clarification

oh and btw if u have higher rate DLA u can use dartford tunnel free ONLY for high rate DLA tho ie those who get roadtax free

hth

hm71_2

yorkiegal wrote: »

Hi, I just wondered, has anyone with an invisible disability, such as mental illness, been able to get the disabled admission and special entrance to rides at Alton Towers. Myself and two friends, all of whom are on high rate care dla and low rate mobility would like to go there, but for two of us, standing in queues would be nigh on impossible. That's not a scam to get to the front of the queue I promise. I personally get very nervous being stuck in a crowd and last time I went to a theme park I ended up just sitting and watching my friends have a good time because I couldn't cope with it. On their website it says we'd need to apply before we went. I'm not sure how much of an explanation to give them.

when you go to alton towers etc.. take a copy of your DLA letter, at chessington I explained at the entrance & they gave me diabled rate to enter & then I had to go to the guest services office- they then ask you to fill in a form & issue you with wrist bads etc.. that allow you to use the fast track entrance, there is a time schedule on it but it really helped me.

alanrp123

You cannot show a blue badge, if it is in the front of your car, entitling you to park for free etc!!.

yorkiegal

thanks for the advice everyone!
now i just need to diet for the summer so i can be sure to fit on the rides.

ceebeeby

ajgrist wrote: »

which allow my son and up to 3 carers to go on the rides via the exit queues.

Am I the only one that finds this a little bit

Why does a child who is able to go on theme park rides, need 3 carers?

Is there the possibility that some folk take advantage of the 'disability'?

Don't get me wrong, I came on this thread to pick up MSE tips about good places to take disabled children (mentally and physically)!

ajgrist

ceebeeby wrote: »

Am I the only one that finds this a little bit

Why does a child who is able to go on theme park rides, need 3 carers?

Is there the possibility that some folk take advantage of the 'disability'?

Don't get me wrong, I came on this thread to pick up MSE tips about good places to take disabled children (mentally and physically)!

my son only goes on one ride and being able to take 3 carers on means we can go as a family. we are unable to do so much as a family its nice just to do one normal thing.

ceebeeby

Cheers ajgrist,

As alluded to in my mail, I've taken many disabled children (and able bodied children) out to many places before, as recently as last weekend.

I've never asked to queue jump before, tbh, I guess it never even crossed my mind, so have learnt something new if needs be for the future.

Why only one ride? Was that all that was suitable?

ajgrist

hi ceebeeby, my son dislikes most rides and doesn't tolerate loud noises and busy places. but he loves the runaway mine train! my son is 13, and i have an 7 year old and a 15 year old so it is not easy pleasing everyone. but they all love alton towers, we don't use the exit passes on any other rides but the runaway mine train. my son doesn't have the ability to queue for any length of time. with out the exit passes we wouldn't go to alton towers. its nice to have a family day out and see all our kids happy.

Broken_hearted

ceebeeby wrote: »

Am I the only one that finds this a little bit

Why does a child who is able to go on theme park rides, need 3 carers?

Is there the possibility that some folk take advantage of the 'disability'?

Don't get me wrong, I came on this thread to pick up MSE tips about good places to take disabled children (mentally and physically)!

Yes its open to abuse we pay full price for anyone other than me and dh as I always worry the dicounts will be stopped if people pull the pee.