Growing up, my family’s favorite vacation was to go to an amusement park. Mom liked to see the different shows and ride the tamer rides, while my dad would take us kids on thrill rides like the Scrambler and the roller coasters.
When my husband and I moved to Pennsylvania, we were fortunate enough to end up within 10 miles of Hershey, home to Hersheypark. The daily rate to enter the park has gone up quite a bit over the years, but the season passes are still reasonably priced and, since they include parking, we can go as often as we want for just the cost of gas and any food we choose to buy.
A couple of years ago, I learned from another mom about the “Companion Pass.”
Because I have a child with a disability, I am able to have my season pass marked with the word “Companion” instead of my name and a big “C” instead of my picture. This pass can then be used by anyone, so it is easy for another caregiver to take him in my place.
This has been a wonderful investment for us, as with just two passes my husband and I can take turns taking him to the park and giving each other a little time alone. Michael loves the sensory input from the rides and will go on just about anything he is allowed to, so it is a big treat for him as well.
Although we could avoid many of the long lines by using the accessible entrances, we have chosen not to do so. Our flexibility in when we go, and for how long, allows us to choose times that aren’t as busy and to help Michael decide whether he can handle the wait for a ride or wants to come back to it on another day. (I’m sure we would take advantage of this service if we were making a trip to another park for just one day!)
He still finds it fairly difficult to handle going with a larger group, but with just the two of us, we have had a lot of fun times the last couple of summers while sneaking in some work on being flexible and increasing meaningful communication.
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I love places that are willing to be flexible so that their special guests are able to enjoy their visits as well. I wish more places made accomidations like this as well.
When my family makes a trip to Disney World in a couple of weeks we’ll be using a Guest Assistance Pass for my son. With it he (and the rest of our family) can by-pass the lines for most rides. Without it there’s no way we could do the parks because the noise and stimulation of crowds would have him melting down within minutes.
New one on me! Never heard of a companion pass. What a boon. I wonder if anywhere else does them e.g. a wee bit closer to us?
Cheers
I’m also wondering if other places do the companion pass. I was just ordering some Busch Gardens Williamsburg tickets this morning. I think I will contact them and check.
Jen, Disney World was one of the most accessible places we have ever visited, and all the team members were incredibly nice to boot.
We visited for my daughter’s Make A Wish trip, and couldn’t have had a better time. We went to the front of every line, never had to wait, and they made my Ashley Princess for a Day!!
love the companion pass idea. while we don’t live near an amusement park, we did join the Y here. found out that my son can bring an aide anytime he doesn’t come with us and the aide is free. the first day his aide took him swimming and they had a great time. we have been swimming as a family, and hubby and i have been working out together. i highly recommend the Y for those with kiddos who are mobile and have issues. i know all Y’s are not created equal, but we have had great success with our local one here.
I also have the companion pass at Hersheypark. Actually I have a regular season pass for me and the companion one is my husband’s but I have also used it to take my son’s therapists in with us. Sometimes we go just to watch the shows. Many amusement parks, museums, etc offer their disabled guests a discounted price not just for a season pass but even for a daily ticket. You just have to be brave enough to ask because it’s rarely advertised.
Jessica & Gail, thanks for the great tips on asking about discounts or companions at other places.
We would like to do to Disney at some point and will likely take advantage of whatever they offer so we can have the most fun with the least meltdowns! LOL
Thanks for posting this Trish — companion passes hadn’t even occurred to me and I’ll be sure and pass this on to friends!
What a great idea!!!
[...] and I can also take someone other than Dad with us if he is at work, thanks to the Companion Pass we were able to purchase. Many amusement parks offer similar arrangements, as well as other [...]
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