Merlin Carer Pass

Annieuk75

My husband is visually impaired and has a Merlin Disabled pass which also gives him a carer pass. Our son has always gone in as his carer and has never been a problem. We were told today though that a carer has to be over the age of 14 years and they refused to let our son in on the pass. I was told by Merlin themselves that he could come in on the carer pass a year ago, but Chessington claim that is not true. Has anyone else encountered this problem? Thanks

Richie-from-the-Boro

- no such restriction on the Chessington site
- no such restriction on the Merlin site

Is your son named as the carer on the Merlin pass ? [disabled guests and carers passes will have the name, date of birth and a photo etc] / email them and ask !

Annieuk75

Thanks, you don't have a named person on the carer pass as it can be used by different carers. Thanks for checking the sites for me though, I'm going to phone Merlin in the morning. :-)

Richie-from-the-Boro

Annieuk75 wrote: »

Thanks, you don't have a named person on the carer pass as it can be used by different carers. Thanks for checking the sites for me though, I'm going to phone Merlin in the morning. :-)

That's the best bet, and have your email addy ready so thet you can politely ask if they will email you their actual policy - then print it off and take it with you always

AMG762

I have heard of this policy before at the Merlin parks

If you download the pdf document from Chessington its says, for safety reasons guests with a dissability must be accompanied onto rides by at least one helper over the age of 14

See link (under helpers/companions)

http://www.chessington.com/downloads/plan-your-trip/CWoA-disability-guide-2011.pdf

Annieuk75

Thanks AMG, thats the document the manager handed me. I pointed out though, that my son doesn't help him on rides, he helps him to see things in the park and find his way round. I was told by Merlin to let my son use the carer pass as they do not sell a children's merlin pass.

Annieuk75

Update - due to Health & Safety, Merlin are now saying that all carers have to be over 14 years and will be re-writing their terms and conditions. I now have to buy my son an individual pass and pay £172 (the same price that an adult would have to pay). Not very happy with Merlin.

Elle7

It due to health and safety and fire regulations - it really isn't anything that Merlin have done to make money.

Your son isn't old enough to be able to offer sufficient care as a 'carer' - 14 is quite generous, as I believe when this was being discussed by Merlin they initially wanted 16. If something happened and your OH needed help to get out, the chances of your son being able to help him alone are very slim.

Buying him an individual pass is expensive, but only fair from their point of view - they mean carer as being responsible, and your son can't be responsible for your husband in the way that Merlin need him to be, so if he wants to enjoy year-round access to the park he needs to buy a pass or pay on the door. On the bright side, you could now go with them for free as the carer.

Richie-from-the-Boro

Thanks Annieuk75 & Elle7 for the update that will at least help others in the future save a lot of time finding answers.

Annieuk75

Thanks for that Elle (and everyone else too). I am registered disabled myself (rheumatoid arthritis) and have my own carer. I just feel it is unfair that they don't offer a child individual pass. My friend faces a similar problem, it is just her and her son yet can't get a family pass and have to buy 2 individual passes.

Ladyshopper

Funnily enough I have literally just been looking at the carers pass, as my DS now receives DLA.

Merlin passes are half price at the moment (I think until 14th Jan), but you do have to go and buy them from one of the attractions, you can't do it online.