Parking and Tickets

Unlike some of the larger theme parks, which have huge car parks, Flamingo Land has quite a user-friendly car park. Everything is in easy reach of the gates. Car parking is free and there are designated Blue Badge spaces right by the entrance. Even though we have a Blue Badge, we decided not to use it as everything was a short walk away.

It is best to book tickets online. Carers get in free and it is easy to add this to your booking. Just be sure to bring any evidence with you to the theme park. DLA or PIP letters will be accepted. Remember to bring photographic evidence to accompany it.

Access Pass

Flamingo Land has an access pass system for those who cannot stand in queues. Autistic people may find it very distressing to stand in a queue because of the noise and crowds. They may also find waiting very difficult and uncomfortable.

To get an access pass and band, just head to the First Aid office just as you go into the park. The staff are very helpful and friendly and you can show them your disability evidence documentation. Again, be sure to include photographic proof that the person on the document is the same as the person applying for the pass.

You will then be issued with a pass, as seen in the image above. The disabled person will be designated one carer, who will wear a wristband. Unlike some other theme parks, which allow multiple family members to ride together, Flamingo Land only allows one.

Using the Accessibility Pass

To be fair, the queues are quite short for most rides in the park, and in most instances we found that we didn’t need the pass. However, for some of the more popular rides, the queue pass was invaluable.

The rider goes to the disability gate, usually the exit of the ride, and shows their pass and wristband. The ride operator will then allow them onto the ride but will also mark their card with a time that they can next use it. This is a form of ”virtual queue.” For example, if a ride queue is 45 minutes, the rider will not be able to use the pass again for the same length of time. This is in fairness to the other park guests. It saves the disabled person from having to stand in an uncomfortable queue and during that time they can either ride one of the smaller rides, or do a different activity.

There are 9 spaces on the card, but it you fill them up, you can get a new card from the office. We didn’t use all of the spaces in our card.

Other Accessibility Information

Flamingo Land also has a number of facilities to help disabled people to have an enjoyable day out. There are disabled changing facilities, which are accessible by RADAR key. Wheelchairs are free to loan with a non-monetary deposit such as a driving license or passport.

Some areas of the park can get very loud, so I’d also recommend breaking the day up by going to the zoo area, which is quiet and peaceful of things get too much.

If your autistic child loves days out like this one, I’d recommend reading my article about the Max Card, which has many discounts and perks for autistic families.

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About the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme

The scheme was first launched at Gatwick airport in 2016, when staff wanted extra help recognising those with hidden disabilities in order to offer tailored assistance. The sunflower lanyard is a subtle and dignified way to meet this need. The sunflower symbol itself indicates positivity, cheerfulness and strength.

Anyone with a hidden disability, regardless of age, can wear the sunflower lanyard. The scheme recognises that many of us have disabilities or illnesses that aren’t immediately apparent to others. This could include things like autism, hearing problems, dementia or mental health issues; to name just a few. By wearing the lanyard, a person is letting staff know that they may need extra time or assistance; or just some patience and understanding.

How to get a Sunflower Lanyard

The lanyards are free of charge and available from the customer service desk of participating supermarkets. I like the fact that no proof of disability needs to be shown in order to get one, as this means that those currently undergoing diagnosis are not excluded. A lanyard can be worn by the disabled person or their carer.

As the scheme becomes more popular, more places will recognise and accept the sunflower lanyards and understand what they mean. Hopefully this will also result in staff receiving appropriate training in order to accommodate the needs of visitors with hidden disabilities.

I think the sunflower lanyards are a fantastic idea and hope that families like mine affected by autism, anxiety and other hidden conditions are able to make good use of this new and exciting resource.

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How Can Autistic People Qualify for a Blue Badge?

It is important to note that not autistic people want, or need, a blue parking badge. However, for many families, the new changes will make a huge difference to their quality of life. For example, a family with a severely autistic child may currently be unable to leave the house if their child has a poor sense of danger, or is prone to unpredictable meltdowns. Some autistic children will bolt and run away, causing danger to themselves and road users alike. Children with autism may also be prone to destructive behaviour.

For the reasons outlined above, we can see why the new changes have been made. Currently, a family affected by autism can apply for a blue badge if they:

1: Cannot take a journey without risk of serious harm or psychological distress.

2: Have 10 points on the PIP mobility component if planning and making a journey causes significant distress.

How to Apply for a Blue Badge for Autism

The new rules will come into effect from the 30 August 2019. From this date, families will be able to apply online for a blue badge under the new criteria. The website is https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge.

The National Autistic Society also have some useful advice about the application process for a blue badge on their website. It also has some real-life stories that show how families will benefit from having a blue badge.

New Blue Badge Rules Help Autistic Families

The new rules are overwhelmingly positive and will give families affected by autism a new lease of freedom. Individuals with autism, as well as those affected by anxiety, OCD or dementia will also benefit. It is encouraging to see how small changes like these can make a big difference for autistic children and their carers.

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