Facilities and Services Available for Disabled Guests
Here is a quick overview of the Facilities and services available for disabled guests at Drayton Manor, so that you can decide if this attraction is able to meet your access requirements. Please note: some of the services list bellow a full explanation is Available latter on in the blog post. in order to quickly Navigate through the post you can use the table of contents.
- Wheelchair & mobility scooter hire: wheelchair can be hired on a first come first serve bases from the hire station by the main entrance. There is a hire charge of £10 Alongside a £10 cash Deposit. Mobility scooters can be hired for £25 Alongside a £10 cash Deposit. During our visit their was sign saying that you had to be 18 to hire a mobility scooter. So if your planning on hiring a mobility scooter I recommend bringing ID.
- Changing place: Drayton manor has a changing place Toilet in the first aid Centre located next to the 4D Cinema. The park Reefer to it as a hoist room and full detail can be found by clicking here Drayton Manor changing places website.
- Essential companion ticket: Essential companion tickets formally known as carer tickets are available to paying guests with the access card or Nimbus ID with the +1 or +2 symbol. Full information can be found in the ‘before your visit’ section of this blog post.
- Easy access pass: For guests unable to queue due to a disability Drayton Manor offer the reasonable adjustment of an easy access pass. In order to obtain a easy access pass you need a valid access card or Nimbus ID with the standing and queuing symbol. Full information can be found in the before your visit, Arrivals and how easy access pass works sections of this blog post.
- Assistance dogs: Assistance dogs must be kept on a lead/harness at all times and always be accompanied by a member of your group. Assistance dogs are not allowed in ride queues and the zoo.
- Makaton: Many of the entertainment team at Drayton Manor know basic Makaton signs and use these thought meet and greets and some shows include the actional Makaton signs.
Before Your Visit
Before visiting Drayton Manor 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 day.
booking tickets
For Drayton Manor you can Easily book tickets by clicking here Drayton Manor book now. In terms of prices, Drayton Manor use Dynamic Pricing this means that prices Differ depending on when you Visit. You do not pre book Essential companion tickets. For the Christmas event day tickets for guests aged 4+ start from £19. Day tickets do not include Santa Grotto, Elftoria, Twinkle Express and Cinderella Pantomime these are all upcharge experiences and can be added on when booking your day tickets.
The event is free for gold and platinum annual pass holders. Annual pass holders can book the upcharge experiences Santa Grotto, Elftoria, Twinkle Express and Cinderella Pantomime by clicking here book Christmas add on
Upcharge experiences: Santa Grotto and SEND santa Grotto
When booking your tickets you will also be given the option to purchase Santa Grotto tickets or SEND Santa Grotto tickets. For both Santa’s grotto experiences tickets cost £10 for anyone over 23months old. Babies up to 23 months tickets cost £5 and essential companion tickets are available. For the Santa’s grotto experiences everyone must purchase a ticket including adults. Full information on the SEND Santa’s Grotto be found in the ‘entertainment’ section of this blog post.
Essential companion tickets are available for both Santa’s Grotto experiences if you have the plus 1 or plus 2 symbol on your Access Card. Essential companion tickets can only be booked after you have purchased the rest of your groups upcharge experiences. Once you have booked the Christmas upcharges you want to do email guestservices@draytonmanor.co.uk with your order number and time slots for each of the upcharge experiences. I also recommend emailing a picture of your access card or access card id number to the email so your essential companion tickets can be sent via email.
Upcharge experiences: Elftoria
When booking your tickets another of the add on you will be given the option to purchase is the Elves Behavin’ Badly Elftoria. Elftoria is a transformed version of the Vikings area including prank workshops, 1 hour exclusive ride time on the rides in the Vikings area, gingerbread decoration, snowball fight and of course meeting the Elf. Elftoria has a recommended ages of 4 years and older and is open on selected dates in the evening. Tickets cost £20 for anyone 4 years + and £15 for under 4 years essential companion tickets are available. Full information on Elftoria can be found in the ‘entertainment’ section of this blog post.
Essential companion tickets are available for Elftoria if you have the plus 1 or plus 2 symbol on your Access Card. Essential companion tickets can only be booked after you have purchased the rest of your groups upcharge experiences. Once you have booked the Christmas upcharges you want to do email guestservices@draytonmanor.co.uk with your order number and time slots for each of the upcharge experiences. I also recommend emailing a picture of your access card or access card id number to the email so your essential companion tickets can be sent via email.
Upcharge Experience: Twinkle Express
When booking your tickets another of the add on you will be given the option to purchase is the Twinkle Express. The Twinkle Express is a Christmas version of the train ride Polperro Express. The Twinkle Express features lots of Christmas light displays and audio including charismas songs. The Twinkle Express costs £5 per person riding including under 2s, essential companion tickets are available. The Twinkle Express is open from 3pm meaning tickets are very limited. Full information on the Twinkle Express can be found in the ‘entertainment’ section of this blog post.
Essential companion tickets are available for the Twinkle Express if you have the plus 1 or plus 2 symbol on your Access Card. Essential companion tickets can only be booked after you have purchased the rest of your groups upcharge experiences. Once you have booked the Christmas upcharges you want to do email guestservices@draytonmanor.co.uk with your order number and time slots for each of the upcharge experiences. I also recommend emailing a picture of your access card or access card id number to the email so your essential companion tickets can be sent via email.
Upcharge Experience: Cinderella Pantomime
When booking your tickets another of the add on you will be given the option to purchase is the Cinderella Pantomime. The Cinderella Pantomime costs £5 per person including under 2s, essential companion tickets are available. Full information on the Cinderella Pantomime can be found in the ‘entertainment’ section of this blog post.
Essential companion tickets are available for the Cinderella Pantomime if you have the plus 1 or plus 2 symbol on your Access Card. Essential companion tickets can only be booked after you have purchased the rest of your groups upcharge experiences. Once you have booked the Christmas upcharges you want to do email guestservices@draytonmanor.co.uk with your order number and time slots for each of the upcharge experiences. I also recommend emailing a picture of your access card or access card id number to the email so your essential companion tickets can be sent via email.
Essential Companion Ticket
Essential companion tickets can be obtained at the ticket office on the day if your visit.
Booking with an access card: If you already have an access card with the +1 or +2 symbol on then all you need to do is book the rest of your party tickets online. Please not: you can not pre book essential companion tickets all information in the ‘arrivals’ section of this blog post.
Booking without an access card: If you do not already have an Access Card the I have a full blog post all about the access card that you can find by clicking here what is the access card and is it worth it. If you do not wish to purchase the access card and only want your access needs registered for Drayton Manor then you can get a free Nimbus ID by clicking here Drayton Manor access register. Please note: on the day of your visit you will need show proof of either your Drayton Manor Nimbus ID or your access card with the +1 or +2 symbol.
Easy Access Pass
Have an Access Card: If you already have an access card with the standing and queueing symbol then there isn’t anything you need to do before your visit. Please proceed to the ‘Arrivals’ section of this blog post.
Don’t Have an Access Card: If you do not already have have an Access Card the I have a full blog post all about the access card that you can find by clicking here what is the access card and is it worth it. If you do not wish to purchase the access card and only want your access needs registered for Drayton Manor then you can get a free Nimbus ID by clicking here Drayton Manor access register. Please note: In order to use the easy access pass you must be awarded the standing and queuing symbol.
Arrivals
In this section of the blog we detail what will happen when you arrive at Drayton Manor so you know what to expect and can get on the rides as quickly as possible.
blue badge parking
Drayton Manor has lots of blue badge parking hardstanding blue badge parking space are located past the main car park and over the bridge. Car park cost £9 online or £12 on the day and is free with an Annual pass there is no discount available for blue badge holders. Parking can be pre booked online by adding it on when buying tickets or clicking here pre book car parking. Which is helpful as it means the barrier Automatically open for you.
Essential companion ticket
in order to get your Essential companion ticket you need to go to one of the ticket kiosk located at both entrances and show your access card or Nimbus ID with +1 or +2 Symbol on. You will then be given a paper ticket for the Essential companion to enter the park.
entering the park
In order to enter the park your tickets will be Scanned so make sure you have your tickets ready on your phone. There is female, male and accessible toilets located at at the entrances.
collecting easy access wristband
To use the easy access pass you need to go and get your wristband from gust services. Guest services is located opposite the pirate ship and is in a visible red building as seen in the images bellow.
Once in guest services I showed the staff Member my access card with the standing and queueing symbol on and she gave me a blue Wristband that said easy access and Stated the number of people in our group. you can have up to 3 accompanying people with you when using the easy access pass. If you have limited mobility then when collecting your easy access wristband ask for an attraction accessibility guide. Please note: during extremely busy periods you may only be allowed one accompanying person on the easy access pass.
Sensory wise, it can be loud thought the full park due to the music playing all throughout the park.
How Easy Access Works
Drayton Manor allow the easy access pass users and a maximum of 3 accompanying guests unlimited access to enter the ride via the ride exit on the day of there visit. Please see my step by step by guide to using easy access pass at rides bellow:
Please note: There is still an element of queueing and the easy access is available on all rides open in this years Christmas event. During extremely busy periods you may only be allowed one accompanying person on the easy access pass this will be indicated by the number on your wristband.
Step 1: Check ride restrictions
Before going through the ride easy access pass entrance for the ride of your chose it’s important to make sure you have checked the ride restriction to make sure this ride or attraction accessible for you. The ride restriction board are clearly located at the entrance for each ride and attraction. You can find the ride easy access guide with restriction for disabled guests by clicking here Drayton Manor easy access guide 2024. You can also collect an attraction accessibility guide from guest services this features all restrictions for guests with limited mobility or limb differences as seen in the images. So you can check the ride requirements before getting to the ride.
step 2: find the easy access pass entrance
Now you have found out the ride is accessible for you it’s time to locate the ride easy access pass entrance for the ride you would like to enjoy. The easy access pass entrance at Drayton Manor are clearly signposted as seen in the image to the left. For the majority of rides you use the exit but please look for a easy access pass entrance before going up the exit as some rides have a separate easy access pass queue.
Step 3: show your easy access wristband
Once reaching the front of the ride easy access pass queue line for your chosen ride a ride host will come and ask to see your blue wristband As seen the image to the left.
Step 4: Enjoy the ride
It’s now time to experience your chosen ride! weather your riding Gold Rush or taking a more genital ride on Thomas, Rosie and Percy engine tours. I hope you enjoy being able to access the ride thanks to the ride easy access pass system.
Event Overview
There is so much do this Halloween so here is a list of all there is to explore at the Monsters & Magic Halloween Event. Please note:
- SEND Friendly Santa’s Grotto: The SEND friendly Santa’s grotto is designed to be a calmer and relaxed environment for people with additional sensory needs or some extra time. The SEND grotto includes meeting Santa and a present. Full information can be found in the ‘entertainment’ section of this blog post.
- Santa’s Grotto: The main Santa’s Grotto is located in the castle and includes a story with Mrs Cluse as well as meeting Santa and of course children get a present.
- The Twinkle Express: The Twinkle Express is a Christmas version of the train ride Polperro Express. The Twinkle Express costs £5 per person and opens at sun set. Full information can be found in the ‘entertainment’ section of this blog post.
- Christmas Miracle End Of Day Show: Drayton Manor have got a brand new end of the day show on the lakes. This Christmas show is a water, fire and multimedia show. Full information can be found in the ‘entertainment’ section of this blog post.
- Winter’s Trail Walk: There is a Christmas themed trail through the Drayton Manor zoo where you can see the animals and festive lights. Full information can be found in the ‘entertainment’ section of this blog post.
- Thomas Land Christmas show: Join Sir Topham Hat, Rusty and Dusty on the Thomas Land Balcony for a festive Christmas show! Full information can be found in the ‘entertainment’ section of this blog post.
- Rory’s Christmas Show: Join Rory the Lion on the main stage for a Christmas show and meet and great completed with party dances of course.
- Cinderella Pantomime: Drayton Manor have got there very own pantomime in the falls theatre this is an upcharge experience. Full information can be found in the ‘entertainment’ section of this blog post.
- Elftoria: The Elf’s have transformed the Vikings area with prank workshops, 1 hour exclusive ride time on the rides in the Vikings area, gingerbread decoration, snowball fight and of course meeting the Elf. Elftoria has a recommended ages of 4 years and older and is open on selected dates in the evening. This is an upcharge experience. Full information can be found in the ‘entertainment’ section of this blog post.
- Rides and Attractions: This year Drayton Manor have upgraded their ride line up for the Christmas event to include some of the thrill rides including the Wave and Air Race. Some rides are closed during the Christmas event and all rides are subject to availability. rides are opening and closing at different times throughout the day at this years Christmas event. You can each see rides opening and closing times during your visit by clicking here ride ride times and availability. For more information about the ride accessibility and how I found the rides at Drayton Manor please have a read of my other Drayton Manor blog posts by clicking here Drayton Manor disabled access review. Click here Drayton Manor: Big Blue Birthday Bash Disabled Access Review.
Our Day At Drayton Manor
Now we’re in the park and have sorted all of our access out it’s time to enjoy the park and get on some rides. In this section you will find a write up of our day at Drayton Manor Christmas including all the accessibility information of course. So come and enjoy the day with us!
Entertainment
SEND Friendly Santa’s Grotto
This year we experienced the SEND friendly Santa’s grotto tickets cost £10 for anyone over 23months old. Babies up to 23 months tickets cost £5 and essential companion tickets are available. This was Drayton Manors second year doing a SEND friendly grotto and I have to admit was a bit of let down compared to last years. The SEND friendly grotto is timed slots that should limit waiting however, we arrived at our time slot with 3 families in front of us queuing is something I struggle with as well as the majority of people do that would need a SEND friendly grotto. We waited around 10 to 15 minutes before it was our turn to meet Santa.
The SEND friendly Santa’s grotto is located in the zoo area just opposite where you get off the Thomas train as seen in the images below. Upon entering our tickets were checked and we was each given a magic coin for a free hot chocolate! When it was our turn to meet Santa we got called through Santa had a chat with us and asked what we want for Christmas. I must admit the Santa we met this year spent a lot of time talking and at points we didn’t have a clue what was going on. At the end we got to chose a little present to take home there was lots to pic from including baby toys, games and building sets. It was a bit chaotic this year so didn’t manage to get any photos inside however, I filmed the full experiences last year and the set up was the same. You can find the video bellow so you know what to expect. After we had met Santa we headed next door to Mrs Kyndley’s Tea Room where we exchanged our coins for hot chocolates before heading back on the engine tours train. However, you could do the Winter’s Trail Walk through the zoo on your way back to the theme park.
In terms of access, we waited for Santa inside there was a little bit of music and some twinkle lights but no big sensory effects however, I did struggle a little with the music. The Grotto is fully level and wheelchair accessible. The engine tours train are fully wheelchair accessible with multiple spaces where you can stay in your wheelchair for the train ride.
Cinderella Pantomime
Brand new for this years Christmas event was the the Cinderella Pantomime. The Cinderella Pantomime costs £5 per person including under 2s, essential companion tickets are available. The pantomime was 30 minutes long and was located inside the Falls Theatre as shown in the images below. I didn’t really know what to expect from the panto however, have always enjoyed the entertainment at Drayton so had to give it a go and it was definitely worth it! The pantomime was a shorted version of Cinderella with all the key parts from the much lived fairy tail included. The show had all the things you would expect from a Pantomime and was a great family friendly show with lots of audience participation. I would recommend arriving 10 to 15 minutes before your time slot as they do close the doors to the theatre at the time on your ticket.
In terms of access, the Falls Theatre has a number of wheelchair spaces on the front row there was a staff member on the door outside checking tickets and making sure people didn’t take buggies in ensuring the wheelchair spaces were free for wheelchair users. The Cinderella Pantomime included the following sensory effects: water guns, wind effects under the seats, loud music and people encouraged to shout out as well as stage lights with the main lights being turned off.
Thomas Land Christmas Show
On the Thomas Land balcony Dusty, Rusty and Sir Topham Hat are doing a number of different Christmas show throughout the day with Christmas songs and games. The show even includes a snow machine as seen in the images below. After each of the shows have finished Dusty, Rusty and Sir Topham come out for a meet and greet.
Rory and Lory’s Christmas Show
Throughout the day at this years Christmas event Lory and Rory have got their own individual shows. Rory’s Christmas cracker show featured 3 Christmas crackers each with a joke and Christmas song. At the end of the show there is a snow machine. Lory’s Christmas conga show includes lots of party dancers in conger style with Lory she comes down and walks around the stage area doing the party dances with the children. At the end of both shows there is a meet and greet by the frontier falls sign. This year they had added some picnic benches near the stage so there is now seating to watch the show.
Winter’s Trail Walk
The Winters walk trail was a Christmas themed light walk through the zoo. We did it the evening to see the lights at night however, we didn’t see many animals as they were all asleep and inside. The winters trail walk lead us on a short walk through part of the zoo round to the train station where you can get the engine tours trains to and from Thomas Land. This is also where the SEND friendly grotto is located. This light trail was better then I was expecting compared to the Halloween zoo trail. There was some nice photo opportunities with some lovely lights to walk through as seen in the images below.
In terms of access, there was no flashing lights throughout the winters trail walk. All of the winters trail walk was level and wheelchair friendly.
Elftoria
The Elf’s have transformed the Vikings area with prank workshops, 1 hour exclusive ride time on the rides in the Vikings area, gingerbread decoration, snowball fight and of course meeting the Elf. Elftoria has a recommended ages of 4 years and older and is open on selected dates in the evening. Tickets cost £20 for anyone 4 years + and £15 for under 4 years essential companion tickets are available. I was a little bit unsure about the price of this experience but decided to give it a go. When we entered Drayton Manor in the morning we were asked if we had booked onto Elftoria and each given a red wristband as well as a time card for our group to do the prank workshop. We had the 4 pm till 6pm slot with the first hour the area was only open to people doing the Elftoria experience so we made the most of the quiet and got lots of rides in all the rides in Vikings had been given new signage to fit with the Elftoria theme. Next to Loki was a snowball arena where you had to throw snowballs at the targets. The snow ball arena was not timed we just had to show our red wristbands.
Jormungandr
Located in the Vikings area Jormungander is a fun buffalo style roller coater. With a hight restriction of 1.05 meters its the perfect roller coaster for younger children or people who are new to rollercoasters due to the ride being tame although Jormungander does future a few sharp terns.
In terms of access, the easy access queline is located just through the the main entrance to the right. Jormungandr easy access entrance is not wheelchair accessible therefore, wheelchair users/those that need step free access enter the ride via the exit as seem in the images bellow.
Loki
Loki is a unique and thrilling ride and is the UK first Zamperla Nebulaz. Each carriage on the ride goes around in a cycle motion and up in the air as you can see from the videos bellow.
In terms of access, the easy access entrance is located via the ride exit as seen in the pictures bellow. The seats for the ride were quite high up and I did struggle to get in my seat so something to note if you have reduced mobility. It’s also worth noting that you will have to wait at the top for the other ride vehicles to be unloaded due to the loading process for Loki.
Thor
I was very excited to have a ride a Thor a thrilling but simple flat ride. With s 1.2 minimum hight restriction Thor is a great chose for older children as it features plenty of air time.
In terms of access, the easy access entrance is located through the ride exit where it then splits in to easy access and ride exit as seem in the images bellow. It is worth baring in mind that Tor requires a lot of upper body strength to ride due to the style of seat as seem in the images bellow.
Pranking Workshop
The main part of Elftoria is the pranking workshop this was a time slot event and we were given our time slots when we entered the park in the morning. I was a little worried about the wait for this experience as earlier in the night there was a big queue however, we were let in on time to our slot whilst wating for our time slot in the queue we also met the Elf. The pranking workshop is located near the seating area in and gift shop in Vikings there was plenty of staff around guiding people on where to go. The actual pranking workshop took place around the back of the Vikings area in some tents. There was 2 experiences in the pranking Worksop the pranking workshop itself that was in the first tent and then gingerbread decorating in the second tent. The tents were located inside a Christmas tree maze.
In terms of access, the ground was all bark as seen in the images below this made it very challenging for electric mobility aids to get through on our visit a few mobility scooters got stuck. The ground is ok if you are being pushed in a manual chair however, the trees in the Christmas tree maze were to close together to get a wheelchair through so it was challenging.
The first tent we were lead through to was the pranking workshop. This was a fun and interactive show with music and audience participation. There were 2 Elf’s running the show how teach everyone how to do pranks. They brought one of the kids on stage and did a prank where they pretend to make their shoe shrink. After the show section everyone was split into two teams adults and children and each team was given a prank to do. The pranks included props the children had a pretend spider in a box and the the adults had a tube of sweets and when you opened it a slinky popped out. After the pranks were done we were all giving a pranking guide as seen in the images below before being lead through the Christmas tree maze to tent number 2. The show was around 10 minutes long and was very funny for all the family and engaging.
Once we entered tent number 2 it was time to decorate some gingerbread men. The tent had plenty of picnic benches for everyone to sit out with icing and plates already laid out. An Elf then came around the tables and gave all the adults and children a gingerbread man each to decorate with the icing tubes on the table. This was a fun and tasty activity it was not to structured which was a really nice fit after the prank workshop. It didn’t take me long to decorate my gingerbread man so found we didn’t spend much time in this activity.
Now we had decorated our ginger bread men we headed through the last part of the Christmas tree maze where we found a marshmallow toasting station with a fire picnic benches and a little stall to purchase marshmallows from. We didn’t do this activity as it was another upcharge however, it was a nice addition if you like marshmallows. Through the marshmallow toasting was the gift shop full of elf on the shelf merchandise as seen in the images below. The gift shop was the normal gift shop in the Vikings area just filled with Elf merchandise.
Twinkle Express
The Twinkle Express is a Christmas version of the train ride Polperro Express. The Twinkle Express features lots of Christmas light displays and audio including charismas songs. The Twinkle Express costs £5 per person riding including under 2s, essential companion tickets are available. The entrance to the Twinkle express is located next to the carousel this is where a member of staff with check your time slot ticket before you board the train. There was a little bit of waiting around on the train but then we set off through the Christmas lights.
In terms of access, The back carnage is fully wheelchair accessible allowing you to stay in your wheelchair for the ride. There was a space inside the train station to leave wheelchairs as you get off and on the train at the same station. Sensory wise, despite being advertised as the music and story being played through headphones it was just audio on the train so could be overstimulating as was quite loud. A few of the lights were flashing but there was no strobe lighting.
Christmas Miracle End Of Day Show
At the end of the day on the big like there is a is a end of day show, The Christmas miracle end of day show includes water, fire and multimedia effects. The show takes you on a charismas story with Santa delivering presents, elf making presents, lots of Christmas activities and scenes as well as plenty of well known Christmas songs.
In terms of access, there was no designated wheelchair area for the Christmas lake show, however, on both weekend dates I went it was not busy at all and able to get a front row spot just 5 minutes before the show started. The show has music and sound effects that are loud. The only ither sensory effect in the show other then some Suttle changing lights that change the colour of the fountains was the fire effects.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Drayton have done a really great Christmas event that now can Cater for the full family with the addition of opening the bigger rides. Despite the dissepiment of the SEND friendly Santa it was good to see the park had took other steps to make the event more accessible like doing free essential companion tickets for all up charge activities and you were able to sort this out via email before your visit. The park overall felt very festive however, the crowd levels were very low at some points during in the day they were waiting for riders to fill rides so I can understand why the rides have staggered opening and closings. I did think the upcharge experience made the day quite expensive even being annual pass holders the only once I would say were worth the money was the pantomime and twinkle express. We had a great festive day out and it was really cool to be able to ride some thrill rides and coasters during closed season.