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Europa park disability options?

Terry Boyle

Terry Boyle

TS Member
Hi all, does anyone know if they offer a complimentary entry ticket or discounted rate for folk with disabilities and also a ride access pass option at the EP resort similar to Merlin themeparks?
I find EP's site quite alot bigger to navigate to the likes of alton towers etc
Many Thanks.
 
Terry Boyle said:
Hi all, does anyone know if they offer a complimentary entry ticket or discounted rate for folk with disabilities and also a ride access pass option at the EP resort similar to Merlin themeparks?
I find EP's site quite alot bigger to navigate to the likes of alton towers etc
Many Thanks.
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Yes and yes:

www.europapark.de

Visitors with disabilities

A magical stay means being well-prepared! We have summarised the most important information for you, so that you can be well informed and look forward to your visit to Europa-Park
www.europapark.de www.europapark.de
 
Also, some key points:
  • Go to the Guest Services underneath Euro Tower to receive a green card for using the ride exits/separate queue entrances with. Staff will ask for ID (i.e. Nimbus Access Card, National Disability Card etc) as proof and for your group number. If it's just you/you and a companion then you can use it carte blanche. If it's you and a group of up to 4 people then you can use it on up to 6 attractions then (I think, as I've never had a group) you go get a new one. Make sure you carry the green card and disability ID together as staff will ask for both at ride entrances/exits.
    20240329_180711.jpg

  • Some, but not all, rides have step free access available.
    Rollercoaster step free access includes: Alpenexpress lift via exit), ARTHUUUUUUUR (via exit?) Blue Fire (baby switch entrance by exit), Eurosat (lift via Coastiality), Matterhorn Blitz (via exit), Voltron (lift via exit).
    Rollercoaster access via steps includes: Baaa Express (via exit), Euromir (via exit), Swiss Bob Run (via exit), Wodan (steep ones, mind, via exit or VirtualLine).
And if you/whoever you're visiting with has requires the use of mobility aids around the resort and you need more information regarding navigation and infrastructure (because the website has left more key details off their site's page) then I'll tell you ✨ even more ✨.
 
Bowser said:
What’s the point of this? Seems cruel to inconvenience someone with a disability to have to trek back to a single location.
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I wouldn't know. As previously mentioned, I've only ever used it solo or with my partner.

Bowser said:
Do some rides have specific disability entrances? There’s no mention of that online, it just says use the exit.
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Technically, yes, the accessible entrance usage wholly depends on what the visitor's disability is and what signage is out. Here are some examples:

  • Eurosat technically has 2 accessible entrances. The first is a lift based inside the Coastiality building. The second is the Baby Switch entrance via a steep staircase. I just about managed to use the Baby Switch during my last visit, with a medical boot and crutches, as Coastiality was still being refurbished for the new IP.

  • Blue Fire has the step free accessible / Baby Switch entrance to the right of the exit. But when it's busy, the ride team may put out a sign asking visitors, where applicable, to use the VirtualLine queue instead. Unfortunately the VirtualLine is rife with steps and low lighting.

  • Dark ride wise, Piraten in Batavia's accessible entrance is within the main entrance. Snorri Touren has its own lift separate to the main entrance next to to the gift shop. Madame Freudenreich's queue is step free from entrance to batching, as is the exit.
So the blanket term 'use the exit' isn't applicable to every ride, it's all more nuanced and confusing than they let on. Once I've revisited later this month, I'll crack out a Rides & Attraction Accessible Entrances thingy topic around Jan/Feb time. And eventually, a proper Accessibility Guide for the entire resort. 'Eventually' being a very, very loose word.
 
There has been a sharp and noticeable increase in RAP use at Europa-Park in recent years. You may find, on Eurosat for example, you're waiting in a cramped stairwell for 15/20 minutes.

It's nowhere near as bad as Alton Towers but you will find there's a wait.
 
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