Some people are just Christmas people and that’s BJ. He loves Christmas with even greater enthusiasm now than when he was younger. I tend to groan when I start to see the shops putting out the Christmas decorations the minute Father’s Day is over, but for BJ it signals a time of great celebration. He embraces every bit of the festive season, so there was no better place to send him on an outing than to the Sydney Santa Spectacular.
We visited as a family a couple of years ago when the Sydney Santa Spectacular was at Rosehill. This year BJ headed out with one of his lovely support workers to the new location at Penrith Panthers.
With Aqua Golf and the Fire Museum nearby we knew he could find a full day’s activity at the location. In fact he ended up combining a visit to Sydney Santa Spectacular with the Fire Museum. He had an amazing day.
WINTER WONDERLAND
BJ particularly enjoyed Winter Wonderland where he got up close with Mrs Claus, experienced a snow flurry and the dazzling Christmas displays. The indoor area is spacious and due to the timed tickets not too busy so it’s easy to get around.
There’s carol singing, spectacular displays, animatronic house displays and over 200000 lights!
An ice rink is a popular feature but without AJ to take him on the ice, BJ didn’t skate. I checked in with another HWWT reader who visited with her daughter regarding accessibility of the ice rink. She advises there’s a lip into the rink but staff were super helpful in assisting to get her daughter’s wheelchair over the lip so she could skate with the rest of the family.
Unlimited rides are included in the entry price but please note all require wheelchair users to transfer. BJ went for a ride in the Ferris Wheel and our support worker said the staff couldn’t have been more helpful in assisting her to get BJ into the cabin which had a step up.
Roving characters are great for photo opportunities. Characters include Elf, Belle, Paw Patrol and more.
SYDNEY SANTA SPECTACULAR ACCESSIBILITY
Tickets need to be purchased in advance and are valid for a 3 hour session.
Companion card is accepted.
Accessible parking is available at the event.
A stand-alone unisex accessible bathroom is available.
BJ can do a standing transfer so he can participate in quite a lot at the event but the rides are better suited to younger children, say up to age 12 due to their size.
Our support worker reported there’s a bit of an incline on arrival to get to the event but she didn’t have a problem with but she said for some self-propelling it would be a bit of a work out.
Plastic matting is provided in some areas over the grass but in general she advised it was easy to get around.
You can read more about the event and what’s included in your ticket price on the Sydney Santa Spectacular website.
BJ received free entry to Sydney Santa Spectacular but as always our opinions are our own and his smile just can’t be faked!
PHOTOS FROM OUR PREVIOUS SYDNEY SANTA SPECTACULAR
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