Disabled question

So me and a friend plan to go o alton towers when it opens up but he is currently in a wheelchair, he has prosthetic legs and can walk a little. My question is will there be any problems with him getting on the rides? Are there any restrictions? Are there certain rides he won't be able to go on? Can you get any help from staff?

Most rides are disabled accessable via the exit. As far as the prosthetic legs go, I think it may depend on whether they are above or below the knee. Some rides hold you in place by your lap, and I know there have been unfortunate incidents in other parks (not Alton) with that in the past. Some coasters (again, not sure if this aplies to Alton) state that you must have at least one arm and one leg to ride.

I'm no expert though, but I'm sure there are plenty of people here who can answer in more detail.

Alton Towers have a downloadable leaflet available at http://www.altontowers.com/useful-info/disabled-access/

If you go to Guest Services on your way in (through the ticket barriers, down the ramp, first building on the right) then you can get a red wristband and card. They allow you to use the disabled queue lines. These are usually at the exit of the ride.

The disabled person pays full price for an entry ticket, but they get one carer ticket free of charge. Staff will help out a tiny amount, but they are usually busy getting the rides dispatched on time. The carer/disabled person need to be able to get themselves on and off the ride at the same speed as everyone else, with minor exceptions (Duel they will stop the ride to let you off if you yell loud enough, Sub Terra they will guide you into the lift after everyone else, Hex there is a different route into the vault, Air the trains switch platforms - so they need to let you across in front of the other train to get to the step free access etc.) I have found it a case of trial and error a bit though. Other disabled guests in the queue lines can be a good source of info.

The downloadable leaflet is quite helpful and working out basic access questions. Talking to or phoning Guest Services would help you find out exactly what issues you will face with access.

An issue people seldom consider is that as a disabled guest, you most frequently are required to ride at the back of the bigger rides.

It is common sense for evac reasons, and I am sure you are aware - but if not, consider the extra forces the body will be under. Nemesis and Rita are the main culprits for this.

I frequently escorted a disabled person on rides, though not for the last couple of years, for which the back has now become far too intense. I only mention this as it is something that doesn't crop up very often, but if your friend is prone to pain/aches or stress on the body, it is something worth considering.

Other than that though, you will find Merlin staff and parks on the whole very welcoming and understanding. (Whether that has changed or not in the last couple of years I don't know.)

I hope you have a fantastic day out, Merlin were almost always exemplary in this field.

(Yes, it is me, no one has hijacked my account, and I really did just praise Merlin highly lol).

:twirly:

Disabled question

It's worth mentioning that there is no disabled access for Skyride under any circumstance and you MUST leave the gondola at the end stations (Towers Street and Cloud Cuckoo Land).

Several rides require three points of contact (only one missing limb above the elbow or knee allowed to ride). Rita doesn't allow riders with any amputations above the knee as it is a lap bar restraint system (despite looking like OTSR, the shoulder straps don't offer any support)

But yeah, any questions on the day there will always be a member of staff to help you. Besides the leaflet you will be given, it's worth nipping up the exit of a ride if you're not sure of anything and asking a member of staff to explain as they will have to know disabled procedures to be passed off on their ride.

Re: Disabled question

Earthwürm said:

It's worth mentioning that there is no disabled access for Skyride under any circumstance and you MUST leave the gondola at the end stations (Towers Street and Cloud Cuckoo Land).

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I'm not sure if I am misunterdanding this or mis-reading it, but the sky-ride is fully accessible even to wheelchairs. There is no special entrance for diabled guests (they use the normal entrance and exits) but these are fully wheelchair accessibe and you can board and alight at any of the stations. The staff will stop the ride while guests board or alight. Unless this has changed since last scarefest.

If your friend can walk a little then all rides will be accessible but as others have stated the attach point of the prosthetics may determine which rides can be ridden.

The flume has a channel where disabled guests can loaded into a boat that doesnt require negotiating the rotating platform.

Beware trying to take a shortcut from Forbidden valley to Dark forrest via the gardens. There is a path which is accessible which is a nice walk on a nice day, but it certainly isnt a shortcut.

None of the major rides allow amputations above the knee, and some rides require the prosthetic legs to come off. You'll need a minimum of 3 working limbs to go on rides.

Also, rides staff will not be able to assist in any way of getting onto rides or not, the helpers will need to do this.

Obviously don't know your friends own circumstances but hope this helps.