Shrek’s Adventure Disabled Access Review

Promotional image for "Shrek’s Adventure Disabled Access Review." On the left side, there is a photo of a person in a Shrek costume standing next to a smiling Iona wearing a crown and glasses, with a lanyard around their neck. The background shows a whimsical, fairytale-like setting. On the right side, against a yellow background, bold black text reads "Shrek’s Adventure Disabled Access Review." Below the text, there are two icons: one representing accessibility and the other showing a globe with a location marker. There is also a cartoon illustration of Iona with glasses and headphones, arms raised in excitement, riding in a stylized roller coaster car.
Join me as we take a trip to Far Far Away at Shrek's Adventure. It is a walkthrough multi sensory experience featuring lots of different shows and characters based on the iconic Shrek movies.

Table of Contents

Facilities and Services Available for Disabled Guests

Here is a quick overview of the facilities and services available for disabled guests at Shrek’s Adventure, so that you can decide if this attraction is able to meet your access requirements. Please note: some of the services are listed below and a full explanation is available later on in the blog post. In order to quickly navigate through the post you can use the table of contents.

  • Level access: Shrek’s Adventure has level access all through the full attraction and has green circles with the wheelchair symbols on in each room to show the wheelchair space. There are priority seats in a number of the rooms. Full information on seating and wheelchair spaces can be found in the ‘Our Visit To Shrek’s Adventure’ section of this blog post in each shows paragraph.
  • Essential companion tickets: Essential companion tickets formally known as carer tickets are available with the correct proof of disability. Full information can be found in the ‘booking tickets’ section of this blog post.
  • BSL tours: Throughout the year Shrek’s Adventure run a number of tours with a British Sign Language interpreter. You can find out the dates BSL tours are available by clicking here Shreks Adventure BSL tours
  • Sensory guide: Shrek’s Adventure is a multi sensory attraction this means there are flashing lights, loud noises, different smells and mist. This can be overwhelming for guests with additional sensory needs however, Shrek’s Adventure have created a great sensory guide so you know exactly what to except you can find it by clicking here Shrek’s Adventure sensory journey
  • Photosensitive epilepsy support: strobe lighting is used in some shows and areas within Shrek’s Adventure. Upon arrival a member of staff will be able to fully brief you on all locations strobes are used.
  • Assistant dogs: Shrek’s Adventure welcomes assistance dogs in all areas other then flying magic bus due to health and safety. A member of your group must look after the assistance dog if you wish to experience the flying magic bus.
  • Queue Assist: Although no official queue assist scheme staff were happy to direct us to the front of the line upon presentation of my access card with the standing and queueing symbol. Please note: Shrek’s adventure is done in timeslot groups which tends to limit the amount of waiting around. However, you move through to each room with your group meaning that you need to wait for everyone in the timeslot group to enter and exit each room during the attraction.
  • Wheelchair timeslot pre book: Wheelchair users must pre book a wheelchair time slot. Full information can be found in the ‘Before your visit’ section of this blog post.

Before your visit

Before visiting Shrek’s Adventure there are a few steps you must take in order to ensure you have the correct access available to you so you can enjoy your visit.

Booking Tickets

Shrek’s Adventure offers the following tickets to be pre booked: Adult tickets16+ from £21, Children’s ticket 2 to 15 years £16, essential companions and under 2 years are free of charge. Shrek’s adventure use a dynamic pricing system this means that pricing increases and decrease depending on the day. You book tickets by clicking here Shrek’s Adventure standard tickets

Essential companion ticket

Essential communion tickets can be selecting when purchasing the rest of your tickets by selecting carer as the ticket type as explained in the section above. Proof of disability is required to be shown on the day of your visit. Shrek’s adventure accept the access card with the +1 or +2 symbol. A full list of accepted disability proof can be found by clicking here essential companion tickets supporting documents.

Merlin annual pass

Shrek’s Adventure is included on the Merlin annual pass! All passholders are required to pre-book a time slot you can do this via the passholder portal more information on how to pre book can be found by clicking here Merlin Annual Pass passholder portal.

Book Wheelchair space

Due to fire evacuation procedures Shrek’s Adventure can only have 1 wheelchair per hour. please note: wheelchair can’t be wider then 27 inches and mobility scooters are not allowed. Therefore, wheelchair users can pre book a wheelchair slot. Wheelchair time slot is not an entry ticket meaning that an entry ticket also needs to be purchased. You can pre book a wheelchair slot by clicking here Wheelchair Prebook Timeslot.

Arrivals

In this section of the blog we detail what will happen when you arrive at Shreks Adventure so you know what to expect and can get exploring as quickly as possible.

blue badge parking

There is no parking directly near Shrek’s Adventure. The image bellow is a map of where Shrek’ Adventure is located I have managed to find some information regarding parking however, I have no personal experience as we got a taxi from Kings Cross Station. For parking details please click here Shrek’s Adventure parking. Photo credit Shrek’s Adventure website.

Map of central London tourist attractions near the River Thames. The map highlights several major attractions clustered near Westminster Bridge Road and the river. These include the London Eye, the London Dungeon, Shrek’s Adventure, and SEA LIFE London Aquarium, all located close together on the south side of the Thames, near the Waterloo and Westminster Underground stations. The London Eye River Cruise is also shown nearby. Madame Tussauds London is marked further away to the west, with a note that it is only 8 minutes away on the Jubilee Line. The map uses blue for roads and the river, with red Underground symbols marking the locations of the Westminster, Embankment, and Waterloo stations. Whitehall and York Road are labeled, and the iconic clock tower (Big Ben) is illustrated near Westminster station.

Using Public Transport

We went in a black cab taxi to get from Kings Cross station to Shrek’s adventure. This was on the expensive side and cost £29 however, it depends on traffic to how much it costs as the pay roll went up every minute.

There is an Uber boat station very close to the London Eye the station is called Uber Boat by Thames Clippers – London Eye (Waterloo) Pier and is in walking distance from Shrek’s Adventure. The Uber boat cost just £6 and carers went free I booked our tickets online in advance. Despite this, we were not allowed on the boat as it was getting full and having a mobility aid I might ‘take to long.’ As you can imagine this caused a meltdown as I had booked a time slot ticket. It seems we just had a bad experience. We waited for the next boat that was much bigger and the staff on there were really helpful even making sure I had enough time get on and off the boat. You are able to stay in your wheelchair and there is toilets and comfy seats so was a very accessible option I believe I just had a bad experience. You can pre book the uber boat and look at all the stops by clicking here Uber Boat information.

Nighttime riverside scene with city lights. The image shows a river with dark, rippling water in the foreground. On the river, there is a white boat with blue and red lights. Across the river, city buildings are silhouetted against a cloudy night sky, with some windows illuminated. In the background, there are colorful lights, including a large, circular structure glowing orange and pink, likely a Ferris wheel or similar attraction. On the right edge of the image, part of a large structure with pink lights is visible, possibly the London Eye.

entering Shrek’s Adventure

We entered Shrek’s Adventure into the admissions area as seen the images bellow. We got our ticket scanned very quickly and were let through in to the attraction.

Once through admissions we walked down a couple of corridors and went in a lift that played a short video of the gingerbread man.

Once exiting the lift it lead us to another queue for a green screen photo opportunity this is also where the buggy park is located. This was called departures and was a very long queue so we showed my access card with the standing and queueing symbol on and were directed round to the front where we has some green screen photo taken as seen in the images bellow.

Entrance to Shrek's Adventure attraction at night. The image shows a building facade with large stone walls and tall windows above, illuminated by blue and green lights. The words "SHREK'S A" are visible in large letters on the wall, likely part of the full name "Shrek's Adventure." There are two glass entrance doors labeled "ENTRANCE" with Shrek-themed decorations. To the right, a large poster features Shrek, Donkey, and other characters, with the text: "A BONKERS interactive experience for all the family!"
Indoor entrance area with glass doors open to the outside, letting in daylight. The interior has purple lighting on the floor, brick-patterned walls, and several signs. On the right, there is a large DreamWorks Tours sign with warnings and information.
Reception area for DreamWorks Tours. The image shows a curved wooden counter with a glass display case built into the front, containing various items. Behind the counter, there are shelves with plush toys and merchandise, and a computer monitor. Above the counter, a sign reads "DreamWorks Tours" in large letters. The walls are made of brick, and several self-service kiosks with green-lit screens are mounted along the wall behind the counter. There are also some illuminated signs and a price list on a pillar to the left. The floor is smooth and shiny, and there are rope barriers guiding visitors. The overall lighting is dim with colorful accent lights, giving the area a themed, entertainment-venue feel.
A price board for tickets and extras at an attraction. The board is divided into categories for adults and children, with prices listed in British pounds. The options are: VIP Ticket: Adult £58, Child £52 Anytime Entry: Adult £40, Child £34 Standard Entry + Character Ears: Adult £38, Child £32.50 Standard Entry + Printed Photo: Adult £40, Child £34 Standard Ticket: Adult £32, Child £26 Activity Book: £5
Shrek's Adventure!" theme attraction. The image features several animated characters from the Shrek movie series, including Shrek himself in the foreground with his arms outstretched and a big smile. To the left, the Three Little Pigs and Puss in Boots are visible, looking excited. In the center, there is a circular area with a blurred spot, possibly covering a face or object, and a characte

Our Visit To Shrek’s Adventure

Now we’re inside the attractions and have sorted all of our access out it’s time to explore all of Far Far Away. In this section you will find a write up of our visit to Shrek’s Adventure including all the accessibility information of course. So come and enjoy the day with us! Please note: picture and video were not allowed during the attraction so I apologies for the lack of pictures but we weren’t allowed to take them.

Bus Depo

The first room on our tour of far far away was the bus depo we waited a little wile for the rest of the group before it began. There was music, flashing lights and some videos in this area that welcomed us to our tour. This section had lots of audience participation like dancing. There was an actor that lead this area and got everyone to sing and dance to help the magic bus.

In terms of access, the room was fully level however, due to the amount of people was hard to find the green cercal for wheelchair. Making it hard for wheelchair users to see the show. There was audience participation in this room that all came with sensory effects like lights, smoke effects and loud music.

Magic Bus

The Magic Bus is a 4D experience where Donkey is driving a bus to Far Far Away. The seats are set inside a bus and everyone is giving 3D glasses to ware. During the bus ride to Far Far Away there is lots of 3D projections on the screens and effects like loud noises, flashing lights and water effects.

In terms of access, there is quite a big lip to get into the bus where the seats are located. There is a row of priority seating at the back of the bus. If unable to get on the magic bus or don’t want to experience it then let a staff member know as their is a TV screen at the side the video can be watched from. The Magic bus is a 4D experience that had loads of sensory effects these were: loud noises, flashing lights, firework effects on screen, music, air blasting at you, water spray, and smell pods.

Shrek’s Swamp

Once getting of the bus we were directed for our next show in Shrek’s swamp. This room was very small for the amount of people in our group and smelt funny as it was Shrek Swamp. Upon entering the room we were greeted by Cinderella who told us a story and gave us some clues. From what I understand the magic bus landed on Rumpelstiltskin land so that’s why we needed clues. I can’t lie I didn’t really understand the story but still found it very funny and fun even if I didn’t have a clue what was going on. Someone was chosen to given something to take to the next show I have no idea what they were given as their was lots of children pushing so I stood out the way.

In terms of access, this room was level and had a designated spot for wheelchair however, due to children pushing it was very hard to find and impossible to get to. There was lots of sound effects in this show like toilet flushing.

Fortune Teller’s Carriage

The next show was located in a fortune teller place where we met a lady who was a fortune teller. She invited some people to the front to pick a card. Towards the end of the show there was a magic crystal ball that lit up with lots of Shrek character videos inside the crystal ball.

In terms of access, this show room was very small and their was a step up to the stage area where people were invited up. This room had some lighting effects for the crystal ball.


Poison Apple Pub

This show room looked just like the pub in the movie! In this movie we met the ugly sister who we had to help to make a magic potion. I believe the potion was to help us escape far far away and get back to London.

In terms of access, there is a few seats in this show and the room was fairly big. This room got quite noisy as everyone was encouraged to shout out when finding the ingredients.


Farquad’s Dungeon

This show was set up like a game show we had to get answers right to save Pinocchio. In this room everyone sat on the benches and had 3 buttons next to their chair that you pressed for the multiple choice questions. I really enjoyed the Farquad’s Dungeon it was really interactive and felt like a real game show.

In terms of access, there was a wheelchair space and priority seating located at the front of the room. The actor in this room was really good in ensuring that we got priority seating even though near the back of my group as I had my sticks. There was lighting and sound effects used throughout this show.

After Farquad’s Dungeon there was a mirror maze I skipped this as I really struggle to navigate around mirror mazes. This was no bother we just waited till the end of the Farquad’s Dungeon and let the actor know who showed us through a door round the back into the Drury Lane show. We only waited a few minutes for the rest of the group to come out of the mirror maze.


Drury Lane

Upon entering Drury Lane Sleeping Beauty was there helped us to find the Muffin Man this show was shorter then the rest and led straight into the Muffin Man bakery.

In terms of access, the room was quite small and very hard to find the wheelchair spot.

Muffin Man’s Bakery

When we entered the bakery we were greeted by the muffin man. We had been told about ingredients in other shows such as the Poison Apple Pub. The Muffin Man then helped us find the last ingredients and make the magic potion to get us through the magic portal back to London.

In terms of access, The bakery had lots of smell effects in the room like gingerbread men. There is also a magic mixing bowl that lights up and has smoke. This room was a bit bigger and was easy enough to find the wheelchair spot.

Magic Portal

Once we had finished making the magic potion we went through to the magic portal. It was a big room with a box on the floor that everyone had to stand in. There were projections on all of the walls to help us teleport back to London from Far Far Away.

In terms of access, the wheelchair spot was very easy to see however, hard to get to as children kept jumping on it. There was lots of sensory effects including flashing lights, sound effects and air canons.

The Prison

The magic portal didn’t work to get us back to London so we went into the prison show. When we entered the room we were greeted by princes Fiona. This show room was big and everyone had a space on the benches. During this show Shrek and Fiona helped us get away from the prison and back to London we had to help them break down the wall that revelled an animation of Shrek behind the wall. The Benches we sat on had air canons in them that went off and blew air at our legs when the rats came. We did not get to do a meet and greet with Fiona she was just leading the show.

In terms of access, there was priority seating located at the front of the show. Wheelchair space was also available at the front of the show. This show had some loud sound effects and music as well as lighting effects. The benches all had the air canons that went off.

Shrek Meet and Greet

We exited the show into a meet and greet area with Shrek himself. There was a photographer who took our picture and gave us a little card to hand in at the photo desk. The Shrek meet and greet was all London themed as we had returned from Far Far away to London. The meet and greet was a lovely touch and didn’t feel rushed.

In terms of access, the meet and greet area was fully level. There was no sensory effects in this area and we didn’t have to wait long at all to meet Shrek.

A green ticket being held between someone's fingers. The top of the ticket features the logo for "DreamWorks Tours Shrek's Adventure! London." Below the logo, large white text reads: "Take this ticket to the photo retail counter to view your photos!" In the center of the ticket, there is a rectangular area that is blurred out, likely concealing a barcode or unique code.
Theme park photo with Shrek. In the center, there is a person in a Shrek costume with green skin, a big smile, and wearing Shrek’s signature vest and tunic. On Shrek’s left, a person with long dark hair, wearing a light-colored jacket and black pants, is leaning in; their face is blurred for privacy. On Shrek’s right, another person is standing, wearing a dark puffy coat, a crown, glasses, and a lanyard around their neck, holding a walking stick. Behind them is a bright red British telephone box and a partial view of the Union Jack flag.

Dreamstations

Once exiting the meet and greet we walked through into the Dream station where their was lots of photo opportunities from other Dream Work Tours. Like how to train your dragon.

In terms of access, all the parts we experienced were level there was some cause and effect style lights and sound effects in this area.

wo people standing in a themed, fantasy-like setting. Both are wearing paper crowns and smiling at the camera. The person on the left is wearing a long brown coat, glasses, and holding a pink cane, while the person on the right is in a light purple hoodie, black leggings, and white sneakers. Behind them, a large black dragon with glowing yellow eyes (resembling Toothless from "How to Train Your Dragon") looms overhead. The background is decorated with artificial rocks, glowing green crystals, and fantasy props.

Photo Desk

After experiencing Shrek Adventure there was a photo desk before going back down in the lift. At the photo desk you could purchase different photo packages as seen in the images bellow. The pictures available to buy were from the green screen photos in departures and the meet and greet with Shrek.

Price list for photo packages at an amusement park or attraction, displayed under blue lighting on a wooden counter. There are three packages shown: Premium Package (£30): Includes unlimited digital photos sent straight to your phone, 4 printed photos, a travel journal, and a keyring & magnet pack. Value Package (£25): Includes unlimited digital photos sent straight to your phone, 3 printed photos, and a keyring & magnet pack. Print Package (£20): Includes unlimited digital photos sent straight to your phone and 2 printed photos. At the bottom, there is a note: "Annual passholder discount available."
A digital display screen showing three photo package options for DreamWorks Tours Shrek's Adventure. The background is green, and the packages are listed from left to right: Print Package: Unlimited digital photos, straight to your phone! 2 printed photos Value Package: Unlimited digital photos, straight to your phone! 3 printed photos Keyring & magnet pack Premium Package: Unlimited digital photos, straight to your phone! 4 printed photos Travel journal Keyring & magnet pack There are small images below each package showing examples of printed photos, a phone, and the included items. At the bottom of the screen, there is a note: *Annual passholder discount available.

Gift Shop

We exited Shrek’s Adventure through the gift shop. The shop was filled with lots of Shrek merch as well as other Dream Works movie. Since our visit they have also added a Shrek themed photo boof to the shop.

Shelves filled with plush toys in a souvenir shop. On the left, there are several rows of orange and brown plush cats dressed as pirates, with black hats and red trim. On the right, there are green plush dolls resembling Princess Fiona from the Shrek movies, wearing blue dresses and tiaras on the top and bottom shelves, and pink capes on the middle shelf. Each plush is priced at £22, and there is a sign offering "2 FOR £35" on medium plush toys

Final Thoughts

Overall I really enjoyed visiting Shrek’s Adventure and exploring all the shows. I do feel this isn’t an attraction for young children as lots of listening however, even if you don’t really have a clue what’s happening the shows are interactive so still enjoyable. I found once going around the attraction it was hard to get access help especially with people standing in the wheelchair spots. I did struggle during the experience as the same children kept jumping Infront and getting picked for all the tasks. I love things being fair and rules so the fact a lot of the children were ignored and the once pushing and shoving the others were chosen upset me. I fully understand the actors are not their to control the group however, I do believe a staff member coming around the shows with you would be good as would ensure it was fair and everyone access needs were met. My favourite show was Farquad’s Dungeon as everyone had a part in the quiz and it felt like a real game show. I do believe Shrek’s Adventure is an attraction you should try whilst in London if your looking for an attractions that wheelchair accessible or of course have a Merlin Annual Pass. Anyway, thank you so much for coming with me on my London trip! Hope to see you on my next adventure, bye for now.

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Disclaimer​

The information provided on this blog about theme park accessibility is based on my experiences and the details available from the attractions’ official websites at the time of my visit. Please note that facilities and services for disabled guests may change, and the information may not always be up-to-date. I strongly recommend checking the accessibility section on the respective attractions’ websites for the most current information. The comments and opinions expressed in this blog are solely my own and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of any other organisation.