l want to take my DS who has Asbergers to Thorpe Park

[purplebaglady]

My DS is 13 and has Asbergers. My DD is 9 and does not. I have been unable to find out, despite calling Thorpe park for advice, if my DS and DD are allowed to both use the exits to gain entry to the rides as queuing will be impossible. I understand from the website that l can go as his carer and that both he and l can use the exits to gain entry, but have been told that my daughter must queue normally. We have always gone to Legoland as they are so good at welcoming the group (up to 6) with the person with special needs. I am a bit upset that Thorpe Park would split the family and the whole point of a family day out is to see each other and not just meet at the end of the day to travel home. Has anyone else taken a child with special needs and managed to stay as a family unit? And AIBU to feel quite rattled over this?

Did you call or email?

"Ride Access Passes
Disabled guests who are unable to queue may be eligible for a Ride Access Pass for themselves and up to two helpers. The wristband given will allow the disabled person and the helper to bypass the queuing system usually via the exit or designated entrance designed for ease of access. Proof of entitlement will be required before the Ride Access Passes are given. Such proof includes:

Documentary evidence in the form of a letter from a GP or hospital consultant, which details reasons that the guest is unable to queue. Please note this must be seen by THORPE PARK Resort every year, and this is different documentation to that required for admission to the Resort.

In certain situations (such as extreme weather conditions, mechanical problems or power interruptions) it may be necessary for guests to be evacuated from the rides, possibly from the highest point. We ask that any helpers are a minimum of 14 years old, and physically able to assist in the event of an evacuation. We can advise but it will always be up to the individual guest to decide whether or not they should ride."

From their website. So it seems your dd would be too young to count as a helper.

I think splitting you up could be discrimination (making your nine year old queue alone because of Aspergers brother). It would be different in a large party but with just three of you it's a different matter.

Being nosy, why aspergers with a 'b' not a 'p'? Absolutely not being snitty, just curious. And I suspect if you speak to someone seniorish it should be fine. Can't see how they would make a nine year old wait alone.

I got through to a booking line and was told basically what lougle has messaged above. Was told it could be up to each operator of every ride (not helpful when planning a day). Recall being told before that DD could not accompany us. Surely there must be other families with a mix of children using large theme parks. I feel quite cross about it tonight. There is no way we can queue for hours as my DS will freak out and start spinning.

Also would he require assistance from two able bodied helpers in the event of an evacuation? I myself am fairly mobile as are most people I know with the condition - it's standing around queuing that's the problem.

I don't think the management should assume that everyone requiring an exit pass will require assistance in an evacuation - I'd like to know how it fits in with the equality act.

lol, my clumsy typing. It is Aspergers!

Oh, wondered if it was a new thing .
Weird if Thorpe park don't let you but thinking about it I think chessington is the same.

Purple - would waiting for your DD to queue freak out your DS (assuming 9yo can queue alone).

I'd be taking this up with the Equality and Human rights commission if I were you. Might not get you anywhere but if they get multiple complaints it just might.

Leaving it up to individual operators is unacceptable for a start. Someone on the autistic spectrum will often need to plan these things ahead not turn up and be told that they can't get on ride with DSis when they were expecting to do so. And just how much Equality act training have these operators had I'd like to know?

I am shocked to read what lougle has posted from their website. It's fucking outrageous and YANBU at all to be rattled over this.

This is where the power of Mumsnet needs to come into force, people of Thorpe park need to be educated somehow.

Haven't read the website but we went to Thorpe park at easter. Their exit pass system was excellent and the woman in customer services was very polite and helpful. There are 4 of us and DS2 has HFA. My husband took both of our children onto most of the bigger rides, so 3 of them through the exit pass and it was absolutely fine, DS1 is 9 so doesn't need an accompanying adult. It was no problem at all and she told me that they share the same database with chessington so our details will be held there and it's the same system. In fact all 4 of us went on a few things all using the exit pass and lots of other families were doing the same. We are off to chessington in the summer for the first time so I hope it is true. Also there was No limit on the number of rides you could go onto. Try contacting them but this was our experience in April this year.

At chessington ds was given a wrist band and I think 4 people could go including him. Then you got a card with a time you could use the system again on the big rides.

Have just checked chessington and there is a guide stating how many can accompany the person with a disability onto the ride. I couldn't see one for Thorpe park but we had no issues at all when we visited.

Thankyou dietstartstmoz that has given me some hope.