Six Flags changes its line policy for disabled patrons

[RagingBullFan]

The point he was trying to make is that if anyone cared to read the ride qualifier boards, pretty much anything that would make you "disabled" should make you ineligible to ride. Excess forces on even things like broken bones encountered during a ride can cause greater injury.

And when someone is injured more due to a preexisting injury whose fault is it? Six Flags for not stopping that person from riding.

Now don't get me wrong there are many valid reasons for someone to have a RAP pass, but I think its just the abuse of it over the past few years has really soured everyone to even the idea of it...

[Trailblazer Tony]

^True, the old system was abused, and hopefully the new system will eliminate this issue and allow for the people in line to not feel cutted or jipped.

[CoasterTycoon77]

While, I completely agree that there were probably people abusing the old Disability/Rapid Access system...

I love going to Six Flags & I love the roller coasters especially....I just can't handle standing/walking for long periods of time...I get tired easily & due to a disability I've had from birth, my balance is very messed up...so...I take my 3 wheel scooter to Six Flags with me.

I would be MORE THAN HAPPY to forego the disability pass & wait in the entrance lines like everyone else....IF there were no stairs....it was always a question I had....if they can make coaster EXITS with ramps....then why not roller coasters? While, I understand it would be too expensive to go back and change EVERY entrance to a ramp....but what about FUTURE rides??

I have no problem waiting for a ride....but in some of the exit lines, it takes me about 10-15 minutes to maneuver my wheels to the gate...and then be told "It'll be 30 min". So rather than go all the way back down, I'll wait at the exit gate at the station....and TRY to stay out of people's way getting off.....

So, in that sense....I think it would be easier for a quick on & off ride.....

Also...all the people who complain about people with disability passes....I don't think I've EVER gotten a back to back ride, even during slow times....

I would have to go back to the exit and get a time...rather than just stay on the ride.....I think they let me do it maybe ONCE....on Splashwater falls....

Sometimes it sucks not being able to handle all the walking....

[Colonel Mustard]

There will be a special Wheelchair entrance for TDK coaster, all of the rides in southwest (Built in the Warner Era) are wheelchair accessable except for Bull (Built in the Premier era).

[CoasterDude12-2]

Well I can agree this is a good idea. I never waited in line all day when I sprained my ankle a couple years ago. It was awesome, but it's still unfair.

[RagingBullFan]

Raging Bull is handicap accessible via the exit.

It is all ramps in the exit, as required under the ADA.

[Colonel Mustard]

^Sorry, I forgot to mention I specified the queues. Viper is off the ground and has no stairs, None of the Flats, including trailblazer have stairs, also Giant Drop (Until they moved the turnstile to the Entrance). Of course almost all the rides are accessible, but I meant through the entrance.

Obviously the notable exception would be the remaining waters, Whizzer, And the upper deck of Carousel.

[Mr. D.T.]

SFGAm changed to this type of policy 3 years ago.

Parents should not be bringing severely autistic kids on roller coasters. If the time come need for an evacuation, thats a major problem.

I happen to be an autistic myself and do fine on roller coasters. I have it on a lower scale, but it's still noticeable nonetheless.

[Colonel Mustard]

I think the key to that was "severely autistic kids" Since you are obviously above the age of 13 as you are posting here, and you said you don't have it on such a high scale, it obviously doesn't apply to you.

[rico28]

Update:
New Yellow and Blue passes handed out this year.

Full story herehttp://www.star-telegram.com/business/story/528002.html

[UWW-10]

I don't see how it's ever an "easy" job for GR to be able to decide what kind of pass each person gets. Pertaining to the article...they are going to be trained to identify what kind of pass each particular person may need.

In the end, it always comes down to the gray matter anyhow...it's quite obvious to tell who needs what pass (i.e. someone who is autistic and needs to be boarded immediately versus someone that just broke their leg)...it usually seems to be in between where you don't want to tick the guest off, but don't want to give the person a "no wait" pass when they should have one to make reservations.

Someone did mention before about the time process...for most rides, the ramp up the exit takes a good 10 minutes to get there, dodging the exiting guests and what not and then to be told to wait another 30 minutes for the actual ride. Most disabled guests will wait at the exit rather then go back down only to have to wheel themselves back up again. It's accessible, but it takes work in a particular way just to enjoy the ride.