In recent years we have undertaken significant work to ensure that a visit to The Milky Way is a fun and safe experience for our disabled guests. We are committed to continuing this work and would welcome your comments and feedback on this guide.
This guide has been designed to give guests with disabilities a realistic picture of the facilities and attractions at The Milky Way. Hopefully the information below, together with the general guidelines and restrictions given on signage throughout the site, will enable you to assess your own abilities and make an informed decision about which attractions you are able and would like to use.
Dedicated disabled parking for 10 cars is available to disabled badge holders and is located to the left hand side of the main entrance, alongside the parking area for coaches. The path to the entrance is concrete or tarmac with a slight incline.
Those who are able to provide documentary proof of disability (i.e. blue/orange badge or similar) will be able to purchase discounted tickets to the park for themselves and possibly their helpers. The provision of admission discounts is entirely at the managements discretion.
We have a number of wheelchairs which are available free of charge to our disabled guests on a first come first served basis. You are welcome to contact us the day before your visit or on the morning of your visit and we would be happy to reserve one for you.
Phone us on 01237 431255 or email us
Toilets with disabled access are available and all guests will receive a site map on arrival which shows their location.
Dogs on leads are welcome throughout the park except in the bird of prey centre, bird of prey shows and indoor play areas. An exception is made in the indoor play area for customers with guide dogs. A water bowl is provided for dogs near the entrance.
The Milky Way is very easily accessed by wheelchairs and the vast majority of the flooring and access paths throughout the inside and outside of the site are relatively level tarmac or concrete. Walls, floors and doors etc. are painted in contrasting colours wherever possible. Doors throughout the site have low level handles or operate automatically. Please see the information below for more information on access to individual areas.
Archery and laser target shooting fully accessible. One small step to enter the golf driving bays.
Accessed via tarmac pathways with a moderate slope in places.
Fully accessible although there is a viewing platform above the train track that has steps to access.
Moderate tarmac slope followed by grass to access.
Moderate tarmac slope to access viewing area.
Slightly sloping concrete flooring to access. Steps are used to access banked arena seating, although there is ample space for wheelchair users to view shows from ground level.
Fully accessible.
Stairs are used to access the slides and upper levels.
Moderate slope to access servery and indoor seating. One step to access tea gardens. The restaurant is counter service. Chairs and tables are movable. Chairs with and without arms are provided.
Unfortunately the Galactic Cafe can only be accessed via stairs and so is not currently accessible for wheelchair users, although there are indoor picnic tables provided throughout the site and we are happy to provide a waitress service for those who cannot climb the stairs. The restaurant is counter service. Chairs and tables are movable.
Ride restrictions and guidelines are clearly displayed at the entrance to the rides, it is the responsibility of every guest to read and adhere to these. Please click here to view the height restrictions for each ride. Access information is given below.
As well as taking note of the ride restrictions, we strongly suggest that you watch our rides in motion before deciding whether to ride. Please be aware that in certain situations, for example during power cuts or in extreme weather conditions, it may be necessary to evacuate guests from the rides and possibly even from their highest point.
To ride the Cosmic Typhoon, Big Apple, Clone Zone and Dodgems guests will need the ability to brace themselves in an upright position. All rides require guests to keep their arms and legs inside the ride carriages, and remain seated at all times.
Guests with disabilities who are unable to use the normal queue lines should make themselves known to the ride operator. Documentary proof of disability may be required.
Ramp with one step to get on and the same to get off but this step can be removed to provide easier access for wheelchair users.
Fully accessible with wheelchair carriage and ramp.
Steps to get on and off. Guests in wheelchairs can access the ride with carers who are able to assist them up the steps and onto the ride.
Ramp to get on and steps at exit. Guests must be able to walk unaided up the access ramps in order to ride.
Not suitable for wheelchair users. Uneven floor surfaces throughout with a number of obstacles and dim lighting.
If you require any further advice on ride access and restrictions or facilities for guests with disabilities please contact us or ask when you arrive at the entrance.
In 2009 our senior and full time members of staff undertook a Welcome All training course. Our staff are always on hand to offer assistance where required - they can be easily identified as their clothing has staff written on the back!
Members of the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions (BALPPA) welcome visits by disabled people and will do all that is possible to ensure a safe and pleasurable stay. However, certain rides and attractions in our parks can be physically demanding and vigorous. We therefore reserve the right to refuse admission to certain rides should we feel there is a danger to a particular individual or individuals for whatever reason. We have been advised by the Health and Safety Executive that refusal on the grounds of health and safety does not constitute discrimination. We hope that you understand and accept the decisions made in the interest of your safety.
