For our movie-loving family a trip to Movie World is a must when visiting the Gold Coast. When the kids were younger the rides were the focus, but as they’ve grown up we visit more for the character interactions and parade. In fact, BJ celebrated his 18th birthday at Movie World and Batman ensured it was a special experience by including him in the parade. There was BJ with Batman pushing him in his wheelchair with his bat wheel guards making him fit right in.
A lively atmosphere and festival-like buzz means the smile never leaves BJ’s face while he’s at Movie World. appears to put everyone in a good mood. So here’s what you need to know about accessibility at Movie World.
RIDES
When BJ was younger he was able to access many of the family rides but he no longer can fit on these so the focus is on entertainment.
He’s not a big thrill seeker so while he is happy to watch people splashing down the final frontier of the Wild West Falls Adventure Ride, or those turning upside down on the Doomsday Destroyer Ride, he’s not keen to leave his comfort zone of terra firma.
He always enjoys the Justice League ride (a target shooting interactive ride) and the dodgem cars. The dodgems have a step up to get to the cars, but wheelchair users are welcome to use the exit rather than queuing at the entry.
For young children there’s plenty of rides which allow parents to be there for support, including Junior Driving School, Sylvester & Tweety Cages, Yosemite Sam Railroad and the Carousel. All rides are included in your entry price so you can ride as many times as you like.
If you are keen to access the rides, pop into Guest Services on your arrival at the park. The staff there will run through the rides and help you work out which ones are suitable.
You can research ride suitability and access prior to arrival by checking this guide.
QUEUE PROXY
Parent Swap and Queue Proxy services are available within the park for guests who are unable to stand in a queue for extended periods or have children unable to experience a particular ride or attraction and require supervision. As personal situations and ride requirements vary, please visit Guest Services for specific information.
Alternatively, Fast Track is available at selected rides. Fast Track is a fee based system, offering guests the opportunity to maximise their experience in the park by accessing a shorter queue exclusively for Fast Track guests, reducing their waiting time.
ENTERTAINMENT
BJ is a fan of the Hollywood Stunt Driver 2 show. Being a real boy’s boy he loves the rumble of the cars, the slap-stick humour and the smell of burning rubber. He never tires of this show.
Reserved accessible seating ensures a good view but it’s worth noting in summer this seating is in the full sun.
CHARACTER MEET & GREET OPPORTUNITIES
If you’re keen to meet your favourite superheros and other Movie World characters, check the appearance times at the start of the day to ensure you don’t miss them. Some character meet and greet opportunities are only for those happy to pay for a park photographer’s photo but don’t worry there’s plenty of chances to use your own camera to take a photo with your favourite character.
THE PARADE
We need to supervise BJ while he’s watching the parade. His excitement means his wheelchair slowly inches forward despite the brakes being on and he’s in danger of jumping the curb. It’s almost too much for him seeing the spectacle of the parade, especially when Wonder Woman got off her float and came over and greeted him by name.
BJ’s not good at waiting in position for a parade. He likes being on the go too much. When we mentioned this to the staff at Guest Services they kindly accommodated him by allowing us into the VIP roped off area which we only had to go to 10 minutes before the Streets Parade began. This gave BJ an unobstructed view which he really appreciated.
FACILITIES
DINING
All food venues are wheelchair accessible. The queuing system in some venues doesn’t allow for much circulation space for wheelchair users but a wheelchair can physically get into all stores.
And you just never know who you might meet while you’re in queue for some sweet treats at the café!
TOILETS
Since our last visit to Movie World, a stand-alone unisex bathroom has been installed. For those who need itc there’s an adult change table, however there’s no hoist facility. This bathroom is popular with parents so there may be a wait to use it.
Guests with a disability can also use the First Aid facility if needed.
LISTENING DEVICES
An assisted listening service which amplifies sound through headphones or induction loop is available at specific attractions for guests with hearing difficulties. A limited number of devices are available for hire from Guest Services for a refundable cash deposit of $25.
The system operates at Main Street, Guest Services, Roxy Theatre and the Hollywood Stunt Driver venue.
QUIET AREA
Movie World has a carnival atmosphere with lots of stimulation. Of course BJ loves the music and noise but for children who find it overwhelming, we found a little oasis in the Family Zone. While this area is aimed at younger children, it’s an ideal chill out zone with bean bags and a relatively quiet environment.
ASSISTANCE ANIMALS
Assistance animals are welcome throughout the park with the exception of restricted ride areas. Please contact Guest Services for additional enquiries.
ADMISSION
Guests who have an Australian Companion Card are entitled to 1 free of charge Companion Ticket so that their companion can provide care and support during the visit.
Discounted single day entry admission rates are available to guests holding a State or Commonwealth issued Disability Pension Card. Present your card to the ticket booth cashier when purchasing admission tickets to obtain the discounted rate.
WHEELCHAIR HIRE
Wheelchairs are available complimentary however Movie World does require a $20.00 refundable deposit which you will receive back upon safe return of the wheelchair. As an aside, the wheelchairs at Movie World come with really cool themed wheel guards (see Joker wheel guards above).
A form of ID is required. A limited number of wheelchairs are available so we recommend you prebook with Guest Services.
ACCESSIBLE PARKING
Many accessible parking spaces are available in the open-air car park in front of the entrance to Movie World.
SHOPPING
BJ is notoriously difficult to buy gifts for so I stocked up while at Movie World. BJ now has a Superman backpack and lunch cooler bag to match his wheelchair. We find the lunch cooler bags from Movie World are just the right size to fit well in his backpack and fit his assortment of lunch boxes he takes to his day program each day. I have my eye on the Superman suitcase below for BJ in the future. I can’t think of a more striking and appropriate bag for our travel adventures.
We always stock up on the capes for our little cousins and friends. They make a great gift and are light to take home in the luggage.
We received complimentary entry to Movie World so we could share all the accessible details. We have visited multiple times so you can be assured our opinions are our own and our enthusiasm is based on the fun days we’ve experienced at the park.
Leave a Reply