Six Flags policy aims to help disabled visitors

[GAcoaster]

From the Fort Worth Star Telegram:

 

Six Flags policy aims to help disabled visitors

BY PAUL BOURGEOIS

 

ARLINGTON -- Six Flags theme parks in Arlington and across the nation have installed a new two-stage policy to accommodate patrons with disabilities.

 

Basically, people with disabilities who can wait will be allowed to make appointments for each ride and receive a "yellow pass." Patrons who are unable to wait will receive a "blue" pass so they can skip to the front of the line immediately.

 

Workers in the parks' guest relations offices will be trained to determine which patrons receive which pass, said Sharon Parker, a spokeswoman for Arlington parks.

 

The new policy applies to all 21 Six Flags theme and water parks, including Hurricane Harbor, also in Arlington, Parker said.

 

Before last year, the parks had allowed people with disabilities to go to the head of the line. They were identified by special wristbands issued by the park.

 

But this prompted complaints that some people were feigning disability and that some people with disabilities were sharing their wristbands with people who were not disabled.

 

The parks changed the policy last year, requiring people with disabilities to get a boarding time from a ride attendant. When they returned at the appointed time they were allowed to go directly onto the ride. They still had to wait, but not in line. It was a system virtually identical to the amusement park company's "Flash Pass," available to all patrons.

 

But the policy prompted complaints from some parents of children with disabilities.

 

The parks are open daily through March 23 to accommodate spring break.

 

After spring break it will be open weekends only, until May 17 when it will be open daily through the summer season.