Flamingo Land has strived to make as many of our facilities as possible accessible to each of our guests. This access guide for guests with disabilities has been produced to ensure their enjoyment whilst visiting our park and attractions.
Disabled Parking Spaces
A limited number of designated parking spaces reserved for disabled badge holders are available at the entrance to the theme park. Please ask the parking attendants for directions if unsure where to park.
Admission Rates
All guests aged 4 years and over require a valid admission ticket or pass. Guests who are able to provide proof of disability will receive one free entry ticket for their carer. Department for Work & Pensions and Disability Living Allowance letters will only be accepted as proof of disability if accompanied by photographic proof of identity. Our policy is designed to accommodate all disabilities, several of which are not easily visible and therefore to avoid offence ID is requested for all occasions. We do accept the access (Nimbus) card with one of the following symbols assigned to the card: standing and queuing, urgent toilet needs, difficulty standing, or difficulty in crowds but we are unable to accept information located on guests’ bank statements.
In addition we offer a free direct access pass for guests who due to a disability are unable to use our standard queue lines (refer to Ride Access for more information).
All carers must be of sufficient age and fitness to provide the level of care required. For everyone’s safety, all lifting of a disabled person will be the responsibility of their carer.
Ride Access
Ride safety restrictions apply to all riders irrespective of disability. Many rides have height restrictions imposed, and a number of rides require individuals to brace themselves etc. Guests with plaster casts are only allowed on rides and attractions that generate low forces. Unfortunately, this does not include roller coasters and white knuckle rides, due to the level of g-force these generate.
Guests with certain disabilities, who are unable to use the standard queue lines, may be eligible for a direct access pass. Documentary proof of disability is mandatory and Department for Work & Pensions or Disability Living Allowance letters will only be accepted if accompanied by photographic proof of identity. We will accept DWP, DLA documentation or a letter from a GP or specialist stating that the holder is unable to use a standard queue line or we will accept an access (Nimbus) card with one of the following symbols assigned to the card: standing and queuing, urgent toilet needs, difficulty standing, or difficulty in crowds.
Eligible persons will, on agreeing the terms and conditions of use, be issued with a pass for themselves and one carer. In some circumstances, Flamingo Land’s management may issue additional carer passes if they believe this to be necessary. The pass will allow those guests to enter the majority of rides/attractions using the ride exit gates (or as specified below in the ride section).
Disabled persons require a carer to either ride with them or to remain at the exit gate during the ride cycle to help/assist in the event of an evacuation. Please note carers are expected to perform any/all lifting assistance. The carer must be accompanied by a disabled person for them to be allowed entry to a ride/ attraction via the exit gate. This pass is available from customer information or first aid. The pass issued to individuals is a wristband type bracelet using the wheelchair symbol (international symbol of access) for a disabled person and a hand symbol to identify the carer. The band issued to disabled guests is orange in colour and this is to help staff acknowledge that these guests may require extra assistance, especially during an unplanned stoppage of a ride/attraction.
Some rides have had restrictions placed on them due to the extreme forces caused by the ride and the complexity of carrying out an evacuation in an emergency/breakdown. A purpose-built chair for carrying out evacuations down a flight of stairs is available for use if required. For safety reasons, the number of guests with disabilities permitted on certain rides at any one time may be limited and may be asked to sit in a designated seat. This is to ensure your safety whilst enjoying your day at Flamingo Land.
Carers Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the carer to provide the appropriate level of support such that a disabled guest in their care is able to enjoy our rides and attractions with the same degree of safety as any other guests. The carer should fully understand any relevant conditions or impairments the person in their care may experience and should assess and mitigate any risks associated with using our rides and attractions accordingly.
Consideration must be given to the possibility of potential evacuation from the rides from areas other than the station. Additional information on considerations for evacuation are provided in the Ride and A section of this Accessibility Guide.
Safety information, warnings and announcements
- All of our rides and attractions feature safety information signage at the ride entrance. The carer must ensure that the disabled guests fully understand this information and that they can adhere to the instructions provided at all times.
- Audible announcements are often played on our rides. If for any reason the guest is unable to hear or understand these, the carer must ensure that this information is communicated to the rider immediately.
Safety whilst using ride and attractions
- Having considered, assessed and mitigated all risks. The carer must inform the ride staff of any considerations which may put the disabled guest, other guests or our staff at any risk.
- Flamingo Land’s accessibility guide which is available on our website provides information on each of our attractions which may be helpful to disabled guests and their carers. Should you require any additional information relating to the operation of our rides to assist you in planning your visit, please contact us in advance.
- It is the responsibility of the carer to ensure that the person in their care is able to and does adhere to any guidance and instructions provided.
Ride Evacuations
- The carer must remain at the ride for the full duration of the ride cycle.
- Flamingo Land Resort recommends that in most cases the carer should remain present at the ride station throughout the ride cycle and be available to assist our staff in the event of an evacuation. Where this is the case, the disabled guest is welcome to ride with a friend or family member. We understand that in certain circumstances in particular on our slower rides that this may not be necessary or advisable. It is the responsibility of the carer to assess the needs of the person in their care for each attraction and make this decision accordingly.
- If an evacuation is taking place at height, the carer may be required to climb the rides staircase, or travel in a mobile elevated working platform to assist in evacuating the disabled guest under the advice of our rides team.
- If the carer chooses to ride with the person in their care, they must be prepared and able to care for themselves and the person in their care at all times throughout the ride and during any evacuation.
We appreciate that in some cases, the disabled guest may also take responsibility for assessing their own needs and that their carer is present for assistance only. In such cases, we may ask the disabled guest to also wear a carer’s wristband to help our team provide the most appropriate level of service.
Wristbands and Queue Passes
To help us provide a safe and fair level of service to our disabled guests on our rides and attractions, we operate a wristband and ‘Queue Pass’ system.
Wristbands
If a disabled guest or their carer has assessed that they may be unable to participate in our ride queues or require additional time, assistance or other consideration while using our attractions, they can request Disabled access wristbands from our First Aid, Holiday Village or Customer Services Team.
The disabled guest will be provided with an orange wristband which we ask is worn at all times during your stay, in addition the carer/s will be provided with a purple wristband.
Disabled guests Carers Carers will often have other family members that DO NOT wish to be separated while queuing for the rides so up to a maximum number of four discretionary yellow wristbands may be requested for immediate family members but this must NOT reduce the level of care or the carers responsibility for caring for the disabled guest.
For everyone’s safety and in the interests of fair use, guests who have opted into our wristband and queue pass card system are permitted to use ride exit queue isles but they must first read and respect all the ride signage displayed at the entrance to each ride.
Queue Pass Cards
Disabled guests will also be issued with a Queue Pass card which is used to ensure that all guests regardless of any disability are able to enjoy an equal number of attractions during their visit.
- Once you have decided which attraction you wish to enjoy, please wait at the disabled entrance for that attraction (this is usually the ride’s exit). Please be careful to allow space for other guests to exit safely while you wait.
- When it is your turn to ride, the rides team member will tell you when it’s OK to board the ride and where you should sit.
- On certain rides and attractions, Flamingo Land requests that all guests using the queue pass card will be required to be seated in prearranged designated seating to allow ease of evacuation during an unplanned ride stoppage. In some circumstances, large parties may be requested to split their group into smaller parties for loading.
- The rides team member will complete your Queue Pass with the name of the ride, the current queue time, the time you have enjoyed your ride and the time you will be able to choose another of our rides and attractions.
- You are now free to enjoy other facilities in the park until the designated time for your next ride.
First Aid Centre
The first aid centre is located in the Metropolis area just inside the main gates and is staffed by qualified personnel. Please speak to a member of the first aid staff if you or a member of your party requires privacy for the taking of medication.
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs are available on loan, free of charge from the first aid centre. A non- monetary deposit is required such as a valid passport, driving licence, disability book etc before a wheelchair can be issued. As wheelchairs are limited, it is recommended to pre-book the use of a wheelchair in advance of your visit by phoning our first aid centre on 01653 668 140.
Assistance Animals
Assistance animals are welcome at Flamingo Land but they must be on a leash or harnessed at all times. Assistance animals can accompany their owner as far as the loading areas but will not be permitted to ride any of the rides/attractions. Assistance animals must remain with a member of the party whilst the owner is on a ride.
Toilets
Toilets are located around the park and can all be accessed by disabled guests. Please refer to a park guide for locations.
Disabled Changing Facilities
Adult disabled changing facilities are available in the first aid centre. This service is accessible using the RADAR lock key system. Guests who require the use of the hoist must supply their own sling.
Customer Information
Customer Information is located adjacent to the turnstiles in the Metropolis area.
Use of Mobility Scooters and Powered Wheelchairs
Guests are requested that users of mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs refrain from exceeding 4mph whilst on pedestrian areas as defined within the rules for users of powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Holiday Village
Booking Office
Access: Access is via a ramp situated at the main entrance.
Special Conditions: None
Holiday Homes
A selection of our holiday homes can be accessed via a ramp. In addition to this we also have a specially modified holiday home with a full wet room for disabled guests. Several of our Lodges have ramp access to aid guests to enter the Lodge. We also hire a modified lodge with ramp access and a wet room for disabled guests. Please contact our Holiday Hotline on 0800 40 888 40 to make your reservation.
Touring Field Facility Blocks
Access: Disabled access is available at all facility blocks.
Special Conditions: Facility blocks 1, 3, 4 & 5 have disabled toilet facilities. Disabled shower facilities are available in all facility blocks. Block 2 has a combined shower & toilet facility.
The Splash Zone (Leisure Complex)
Access: Access is via the leisure centre main entrance.
Special Conditions: Disabled toilet facilities and changing rooms are available. A hoist can be supplied on request to aid a disabled guest to enter the swimming pool. Shallow pools are also available. A wet wheelchair is available to assist our guests.
Retail Outlets
All retail outlets are fully accessible to wheelchair users and persons with limited mobility.
Please contact retail staff if you require any further assistance.
Arcades/Game Stalls
The arcades and game stalls are accessible to all persons
Food Outlets, Restaurants and Bars
All food outlets, restaurants and bars are fully accessible to wheelchair users and persons with limited mobility. Please contact a member of the catering staff if you require any further assistance or for allergen information.
Zoo
The majority of the zoo is accessible by disabled persons except for places listed below. Please be aware that although most of Flamingo Land is fairly flat, the area around the Tigers is on an incline and may prove difficult to persons with limited mobility and wheelchair users without assistance.
Lion Raised Viewing Area
This area is accessed by ascending a set of stairs and is unsuitable for wheelchair users and persons with limited mobility. The Lions can be viewed outside in their enclosure from the various windows located on the perimeter of their enclosure or from the Lost River Ride.
Giraffe and Hippo Raised Viewing Area
This area is accessed by ascending a set of stairs and is unsuitable for wheelchair users and persons with limited mobility. Viewing of this area can be achieved by using the pathways around the Zoo or the Lost River Ride. Please refer to a park guide for directions.
Bird Shows
Wheelchair users can remain seated in areas directed by the show staff.
Rides and Attractions
Balloon Race
Access: Access is via the exit gate. Riders are required (with or without assistance from a carer) to step up into a gondola.
Special Conditions: Height restriction of 3’6”/1.07m unless accompanied by an adult. Riders must be able to sit upright and hold on tightly. Riders are required (with or without assistance from a carer) to step up and down into the balloon gondolas.
Cliffhanger
Access: Access is via the exit ramp.
Special Conditions: Height restriction of 4’4”/1.32m. Riders must be able to sit upright and hold on tightly, should be in good health and should be free from motion sickness, heart, back, neck or other problems detailed on ride restriction signage. In the event of an emergency evacuation riders will be required to be harnessed, and step into an evacuation man-lift. This ride is limited to a maximum of one disabled rider at any time.
Childrens Planet
Access: Access is via the main entrance.
Special Conditions: This is an unsupervised large interactive play area comprising of a water play area, sand pit and series of tall wooden towers linked together with rope bridges. It is highly recommended that all disabled guests are accompanied by a carer.
Cyclosaur
Access: Access is via the ride exit gate. Riders are required (with or without assistance from a carer) to step up into a gondola.
Special Conditions: Height restriction of 4’/1.22m or 3’/0.91m when accompanied by an adult. Riders must be able to sit upright and hold on tight.
Daktari Express
Access: Access is via ramped railway stations. Riders are required (with or without assistance from a carer) to step into the railway carriages. Larger seats are located in the centre of the train.
Special Conditions: Riders are required to bend sufficiently on entering the train carriages.
Dino Dig
Access: Access is via the main entrance.
Special Conditions: This is an unsupervised play area. It is highly recommended that all disabled guests are accompanied by a carer.
Flamingo1
Access: Access will be via the exit gate. Riders must (with or without assistance from a carer) be able to step up and down from the ride cars.
Special Conditions: Height Restriction of 4’3”/1.3m for drivers. If accompanied by an adult the minimum height for passengers is 3’/0.91m.
Please ensure that you familiarise yourself with any special conditions that are signed at the entrance to the ride. Riders will be required to be able to hold on tightly and remain sat upright.
Frog Hopper
Access: Access is via the entrance gate.
Special Conditions: Height restriction of 3’/0.91m. Riders should be in good health and should be free from motion sickness, heart, back, neck or other problems detailed on ride restriction signage. Riders must be able to hold on tightly and remain seated upright. Riders are advised that the middle seat is larger than the others.
Gallopers
Access: Access is via the exit gate. Riders are required (with or without assistance from a carer) to negotiate two steps up onto the ride platform and climb up onto a horse.
Special Conditions: Height restriction of 4’/1.22m unless accompanied by an adult. Riders must be able to sit upright and hold on tightly. We advise that riders with a disability ride the inside horses.
Helitoys
Access: Access is via the ride entrance. Riders are required with or without assistance from a carer to step into a gondola.
Special Conditions: Height restriction of 3’/0.91m unless accompanied by an adult. Riders must be able to sit upright and hold on tightly. Carers can sit in the rear of the gondola and assist.
Hero
Access: Access is via the ride exit gate. Riders are required (with or without assistance from a carer) to ascend a small ladder onto a moving ride car. Guests must also be able to disembark (with or without assistance from a carer) backwards from a moving ride car.
Special Conditions: Height restriction of 4’2”/1.27m. Riders must be able to stand upright, support their own weight on their legs and hold on tight. Riders must be in good health. Those who have had recent surgery, expectant mothers, those with high blood pressure, heart conditions, neck or back problems, and those with any impairment or condition that would prevent normal use of the safety restraints as provided, should not board this ride. In the event of an emergency evacuation riders will be required (with or without assistance from a carer) to be harnessed and either descend a narrow ladder from a height of approximately 18m or step into an evacuation man-lift. Regrettably due to the nature of the restraint and the loading procedure, those without full control of their limbs or who are unable to support themselves cannot ride this attraction.
HMS Bouncy
Access: Access is via the main entrance which is located on the 1st floor of Flamingo1 and can be accessed via a ramped walkway or lift.
Special Conditions: This is a children only attraction and has a maximum height restriction of 4’ 1”/1.24m. Disabled users may be accompanied by a carer. Parental supervision is required.
Jungle Carousel
Access: Access is via the entrance gate. Children are required (with or without assistance from a carer) to step up onto the ride platform and onto the ride animals.
Special Conditions: Children only attraction with a height restriction of minimum 3’6”/1.07m, unless seated inside the elephant or tea cup where no minimum height applies. Children must be able to hold on tightly and remain sat upright
Kumali
Access: Access is via the exit gate.
Special Conditions: Height restriction of 4’3”/1.30m. Riders must be able to sit upright and hold on tightly, should be in good health and should be free from motion sickness, heart, back, neck or other problems detailed on ride restriction signage. In the event of an emergency evacuation riders will be required (with or without assistance from a carer) and with the aid of an evacuation chair (if required) to either descend a narrow staircase from a height of approximately 36m or be required to be harnessed, and step into an evacuation man-lift.
Users of the access pass are required to sit in the rear two seats.
Mini Mine Train
Access: Access is via the ride exit gate.
Special Conditions: Height restriction of 3’5”/1.04m. Riders must be able to sit upright and hold on tightly. In the event of an emergency evacuation riders will be required (with or without assistance from a carer) and with the aid of an evacuation chair (if required) to descend a staircase from a height of approximately 8m. Users of the access pass are required to sit in the rear seat
Mischief Mansion
Access: Access is via the ride entrance. Riders are required (with or without assistance from a carer) to step onto the ride platform and into the ride cars.
Special Conditions: Height restriction of 3’6”/1.07m unless accompanied by an adult. Riders are exposed to a semi-dark environment with some strobe lighting.
Muddy Duck Tractor Ride
Access: Access is via the ride entrance. Riders are required (with or without assistance from a carer) to step up and down from the tractors.
Special Conditions: Height restriction of 3’6”/1.07m unless accompanied by an adult. Riders must be able to hold on tightly and remain sat upright.
Mumbo Jumbo
Access: Access is via the exit gate.
Special Conditions: Height restriction of 4’/1.22m. Riders must be able to sit upright and hold on tightly, should be in good health and should be free from motion sickness, heart, back, neck or other problems detailed on ride restriction signage. In the event of an emergency evacuation riders will be required (with or without assistance from a carer) and with the aid of an evacuation chair (if required) to either descend a narrow staircase from a height of approximately 30m or be required to be harnessed, and step into an evacuation man-lift. Disabled riders will be limited to one per car and should be seated in the rear right hand seat.
Navigator
Access: Access is via the exit ramp.
Special Conditions: Height restriction of 4’/1.22m. Riders must be able to sit upright and hold on tightly, should be in good health and should be free from motion sickness, heart, back, neck or other problems detailed on ride restriction signage.
Pterodactyl
Access: Access is via the exit gate.
Special Conditions: Height restriction of 4’/1.22m. Riders must be able to sit upright and hold on tightly, should be in good health and free from motion sickness. Riders are required (with or without assistance from a carer) to seat themselves within the swings. This ride is limited to a maximum of one disabled rider at any time.
People Moover
Access: Access is via the 1st floor of Flamingo1 and can be accessed by a ramped walkway or lift and via a ramp at Muddy Duck Farm entrance. Riders are required (with or without the assistance of a carer) to bend sufficiently on entering the train carriages.
Special Conditions: Height restriction of 3’6”/1.07m unless accompanied by an adult.
Peter Rabbit Play Area
Access: Access is via the main entrance.
Special Conditions: This is an unsupervised large interactive play area designed with little children in mind to explore play and learn shapes and musical instruments . It is highly recommended that all disabled guests are accompanied by a carer.
Splash Battle
Access: Access is via the exit gate. Riders are required (with or without assistance from a carer) to step into the boat.
Special Conditions: Height restriction of 3’/0.91m. Riders must be able to sit upright and hold on tightly, should be in good health and should be free from motion sickness, heart, back, neck or other problems detailed on ride restriction signage. Riders must be able to hold on tightly to operate the water cannons.
Splish Splosh
Access: Access is via the entrance points.
Special Conditions: This is an unsupervised wet play area. It is highly recommended that all disabled guests are accompanied by a carer.
Swoosh Air
Access is via the ride exit. Riders are required (with or without assistance from a carer) to step up into the planes.
Special Conditions: Height restriction of 3’/0.91m. Carers are permitted to sit in the rear of a plane to offer assistance. Riders must be able to sit upright and hold on tightly, should be in good health and should be free from motion sickness, heart, back, neck or other problems detailed on ride restriction signage.
Twistosaurus
Access: Access is via the ride exit gate. Riders are required (with or without assistance from a carer) to step into the ride cars.
Special Conditions: Height restriction of 3’5”/1.04m when accompanied by an adult. Riders must be able to sit upright and hold on tightly, should be in good health and should be free from motion sickness, heart, back, neck or other problems detailed on ride restriction signage. In the event of an emergency evacuation riders will be required (with or without assistance from a carer) to be harnessed and step into an evacuation man-lift. Users of the access pass are required to sit in the rear car.
Velocity
Access: Access is via the exit ramp.
Special Conditions: Height restriction of 4’7”/1.4m minimum and a maximum height of 6’6”/1.98m. Riders must be able to sit upright and hold on tightly, should be in good health and should be free from motion sickness, heart, back, neck or other problems detailed on ride restriction signage. Regrettably any guest who due to physical impairments cannot be fully secured will not be able to ride. In the event of an emergency evacuation riders will be required (with or without assistance from a carer) and with the aid of an evacuation chair (if required) to either descend a narrow staircase from a height of approximately 30m or be required to be harnessed, and step into an evacuation man-lift.
Disabled riders will be limited to one per train and shall be seated in the rear seats.
Voodoo
Access:Access is via the entrance gate. Riders are required (with or without assistance from a carer) to step into the gondola.
Special Conditions: Height restriction of 3’6”/1.07m. Persons between 3’6”/1.07m and 4’/1.22m must be accompanied by an adult. Riders should be in good health and should be free from motion sickness, heart, back, neck or other problems detailed on ride restriction signage. Riders must be able to hold on tightly and remain seated upright.
Children and disabled guests are requested to sit in the middle of the seating rows towards the centre of the boat.
Vortex
Access: Access is via the entrance gate. Riders are required (with or without assistance from a carer) to step up into the boat.
Special Conditions: Height restriction of 3’6”/1.07m unless accompanied by an adult. Riders should be in good health and should be free from motion sickness, heart, back, neck or other problems detailed on ride restriction signage. Riders must be able to hold on tightly and remain seated upright.
Wacky Races
Access: Access is via the entrance gate. Riders must (with or without assistance from a carer) be able to step up and down from the ride cars.
Special Conditions: Height restriction of 3’6”/1.07m unless accompanied by an adult. Riders must be able to hold on tightly and remain sat upright.
Zooom!
Access: Access is via the exit gate. Riders must (with or without assistance from a carer) be able to negotiate a small step up into the ride gondola.
Special Conditions: Height restriction of 3’5”/1.05m unless accompanied by an adult. Riders must be able to sit upright and hold on tightly, should be in good health and should be free from motion sickness, heart, back, neck or other problems detailed on ride restriction signage. In the event of an emergency evacuation riders will be required (with or without assistance from a carer) to descend an incline from a height of approximately 30ft or be required to be harnessed, and step into an evacuation man-lift. Users of the access pass are required to sit in the rear seat.
Zoo Monorail
Access: Access is via a staircase. The staircase has the benefit of rest platforms.
Special Conditions: Height restriction of 3’6”/1.07m unless accompanied by an adult. Riders are required to bend sufficiently on entering the train carriages.