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Packing and documents checklist Tick the needs that apply and your home country. Get a checklist you can tick, add to, print or download.
Every item here comes from one of our own pages, and each one links to the page it came from, so you can see why it is there. We add no new advice. Parks differ, and a park’s own page and its reply to you are what count.
Nothing is stored or sent by us. Ticks and anything you add stay in this page and disappear when you close it. Please avoid medical record numbers and full names if you do not need them. We do not ask for health details: ticking a need only chooses which items to show.
This tool is a planning aid, not medical advice.
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Your checklist themeparkaccess.org/packing-checklist.html. This tool is a planning aid, not medical advice. Check each park’s own page.
Documents and evidence Parks differ. Many name no document from visitors from outside their own country. “Not named” is not “refused”: where a park’s page is silent, ask the park, in writing, and check the park’s own page. We cannot tell you what a park will accept at the gate.
Check what the park's own page says it asks for before it issues a card, wristband, pass or reduced ticket. Check the page again before you travel, because rules change. For: everyone. Why / source: UK documents guide .
Check whether the park wants originals. Some parks say they want originals and that copies or photographs are not accepted. If you are not sure, ask. For: everyone. Why / source: UK documents guide .
The park's written reply to your question, kept where you can show it, for example on your phone. A reply from the park is better evidence than our summary. For: everyone. Why / source: UK documents guide , Deaf or hard of hearing page .
If a document is not in English, ask the park whether it needs a translation. For: everyone. Why / source: UK documents guide .
If you are visiting a UK park: Alton Towers, Chessington, LEGOLAND Windsor and Thorpe Park assess through Nimbus Disability (a Nimbus Access Card or a free Merlin Digital Access Pass). Alton Towers says to apply at least three months ahead. Blackpool Pleasure Beach says it cannot accept a Blue Badge, a doctor's note or DLA or PIP paperwork, and asks for Nimbus documents at least seven days ahead. For: everyone. Why / source: UK documents guide .
If you hold UK evidence, such as a PIP or DLA award letter, a Blue Badge or an Access Card: most parks outside the UK name no UK document. Write to the park, name the document you hold, and ask whether it will be accepted and in what form. Avoid sending more medical detail than the park asks for. For: everyone (home: UK). Why / source: UK documents guide .
Your national disability card or certificate. Some parks name the EU Disability Card (the UK documents guide lists Gröna Lund and Kolmården), but the European Commission says the new card is for people living in EU countries and expects cards to be in use from 2028. Ask the park what it accepts from you. For: everyone (home: an EU country). Why / source: UK documents guide .
The document or card your home country gives you. Our UK documents guide covers what parks say to UK visitors, and our pages do not say what a park will accept from your country. Write to the park, name the document you hold, and ask whether it will be accepted and in what form. For: everyone (home: an EU country or USA or Canada or another country). Why / source: UK documents guide .
If you are visiting a US park that uses the IBCCES Accessibility Card: IBCCES, a US credentialing company, issues this free online card, not the parks. You apply online with supporting documents and show the digital card at Guest Services. Cedar Point, Kings Island, Knott's Berry Farm and two Six Flags parks encourage it, and the two Universal parks use it. None of them says whether a UK document will do as the supporting statement. For: everyone. Why / source: UK documents guide .
Check the queue scheme early. Some schemes need documents, an online step or proof of eligibility, and we do not assume yours will be accepted. Ask what evidence the park wants and how soon. For: autism, ADHD, learning disability, anxiety, chronic illness or fatigue, complex needs and carers, wheelchair or limited mobility. Why / source: Autism page , Anxiety page , Chronic illness or fatigue page .
If there is no diagnosis letter: NHS guidance says assessment waits 'may be several months or years'. Ask the park what else it accepts. Isla Mágica and Ocean Park ask for official or professional proof. For: ADHD. Why / source: ADHD page .
Copies of any proof for a companion or reduced ticket. Scope says proof may be asked for at booking or at the venue, and to take copies, not originals. Check the companion wording before you buy: minimum age, whether the companion must ride, and how many can go. For: complex needs and carers. Why / source: Complex needs and carers page .
A written emergency plan for the carer: who to call, medication, continence products, mobility aids such as a hoist, and anything others need to know. Carers UK advises every carer to make one. Bring a copy. For: complex needs and carers. Why / source: Complex needs and carers page .
If you travel abroad: a letter from your healthcare team and a check of your travel insurance. Diabetes UK suggests both. For: diabetes. Why / source: Diabetes page .
Identification, if the person agrees: a card with the carer's phone number, a helpcard or an ID bracelet. Tracking needs consent first. For: dementia or older visitors. Why / source: Dementia or older visitors page .
If you use an assistance or guide dog: the proof the park asks for. Some parks want registration or documents days ahead. Ask whether a card from your home country counts, and ask the park and the relevant government about vaccination and import rules. We do not give those rules. For: blind or low vision, wheelchair or limited mobility. Why / source: Assistance dogs guide , Blind or low vision page .
Medication, devices and equipment These are reminders that our pages already state. They are not advice on what is safe for you, and there are no doses or timings. The park decides on the day.
Whatever medicines or equipment you need for the day. Check the park's own rules on carrying and storing them, and note where first aid is, its hours and what the park says it can store. If the park says nothing, ask in writing and keep the reply. A park that says nothing has not necessarily refused. For: everyone. Why / source: Medication guide .
Questions about your own medicines and travel are for your clinician or pharmacist. This checklist gives no doses or timings. For: everyone. Why / source: Medication guide , ADHD page .
Check whether the park asks for a letter or document at security when you carry medicines or injection equipment. For: diabetes, epilepsy or photosensitivity, complex needs and carers, chronic illness or fatigue, dementia or older visitors, wheelchair or limited mobility. Why / source: Medication guide .
If medication must stay cold: ask whether first aid or a medical centre can store it, how you leave and collect it, and the opening hours. Only a minority of parks say they store medication in a fridge. For: diabetes, epilepsy or photosensitivity, complex needs and carers, chronic illness or fatigue. Why / source: Medication guide .
Hypo treatment, snacks, diabetes ID and any letter, in your own bag rather than the car or a locker. Charge devices. For: diabetes. Why / source: Diabetes page .
Spare supplies. Diabetes UK's advice for travelling is to take more than you would usually use. Decide with your diabetes team what that means for a day trip. For: diabetes. Why / source: Diabetes page .
If you use a pump or CGM: read the manufacturer's instructions and ask the park about devices. None of our profiles says how parks treat pumps and sensors. Read the notices on rides and ask the ride team. For: diabetes. Why / source: Diabetes page , Diabetes page .
If you use injections: a safe way to dispose of needles. Of the parks we read, only Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort say containers can be provided, so ask the park. For: diabetes. Why / source: Medication guide , Medication guide .
Medication in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription. The Epilepsy Society and Epilepsy Action say this for travel. It is written for trips, not park days, so ask your clinician or pharmacist about your own medicines. For: epilepsy or photosensitivity. Why / source: Epilepsy or photosensitivity page .
Somewhere cool for medicines, out of hot cars and direct sunlight. The Epilepsy Society says below 25C and that a cool bag can help. Speak to a pharmacist about your own medicine. For: epilepsy or photosensitivity. Why / source: Epilepsy or photosensitivity page .
The person's own care plan, if they have one. It comes first. Our page gives published guidance only. For: epilepsy or photosensitivity. Why / source: Epilepsy or photosensitivity page .
A plan for feeding, equipment and medication on the day, written with your own care team. We give no clinical advice. One NHS trust's leaflet for children with a feeding tube suggests spare supplies and a spare pump on holiday. It is not national guidance, so ask your own team. For: complex needs and carers. Why / source: Complex needs and carers page .
Continence supplies and charged equipment. For: complex needs and carers. Why / source: Complex needs and carers page .
Ask whether first aid can store medication and equipment, and whether there is refrigeration. For: complex needs and carers. Why / source: Complex needs and carers page , Medication guide .
Charger, and any powered chair or scooter charged. Several profiles say nothing about where you can charge, so check the park says where if that matters. If you rely on a battery, ask the park and consider a spare. For: wheelchair or limited mobility. Why / source: Wheelchair or limited mobility page , Hire guide .
Ask what your own device can do. Scooters often cannot go everywhere: some cannot enter ride queues, attractions or park shuttles. The same question applies to a hired scooter. For: wheelchair or limited mobility, chronic illness or fatigue. Why / source: Hire guide , Hire guide .
If you plan to hire a wheelchair or scooter: write down the hire charge, any deposit or card pre-authorisation, the ID the park wants and the opening hours of the desk. Hire is often limited and several parks say it cannot be reserved. If you need a chair all day, bring your own or book where the park allows booking. For: wheelchair or limited mobility, chronic illness or fatigue, dementia or older visitors. Why / source: Hire guide , Chronic illness or fatigue page , Dementia or older visitors page .
Your own sling or harness for a hoist, unless the park says it lends one. Only Kolmården says it lends a harness, and Efteling's hoist needs a sling with four to six loops. If you use a RADAR key, bring it: some parks lend one for a deposit, but stocks are limited. For: complex needs and carers, wheelchair or limited mobility, learning disability, dementia or older visitors. Why / source: Changing Places guide .
If you use an assistance or guide dog: a bowl and waste bags. Several parks suggest bringing them. For: blind or low vision, wheelchair or limited mobility. Why / source: Assistance dogs guide .
A charged phone, and any devices you normally use. For: deaf or hard of hearing, blind or low vision, anxiety, wheelchair or limited mobility, complex needs and carers. Why / source: Deaf or hard of hearing page , Blind or low vision page , Anxiety page .
If you wear a hearing device: look at the park's ride guide for any rule about magnets or wet rides. For: deaf or hard of hearing. Why / source: Deaf or hard of hearing page .
Your white cane, if you use one, and sunglasses or a hat if they help you. For: blind or low vision. Why / source: Blind or low vision page .
Comfort and sensory Ear defenders or headphones, if the person uses them. Take your own if they are used to a particular pair: parks hold small stocks and may not lend any. For: autism, anxiety. Why / source: Autism page , Sensory guide .
Comfort items the person likes. For: autism, anxiety, learning disability, dementia or older visitors. Why / source: Anxiety page , Autism page , Learning disability page , Dementia or older visitors page .
Spare clothes. For: autism, learning disability, dementia or older visitors, complex needs and carers. Why / source: Autism page , Dementia or older visitors page , Complex needs and carers page .
A hat, and drinks. Check the forecast and plan shade. Loose, light clothing if it will be hot. Sun protection if you need it. For: learning disability, dementia or older visitors, blind or low vision. Why / source: Learning disability page , Dementia or older visitors page , Blind or low vision page .
Your cushion. For: wheelchair or limited mobility. Why / source: Wheelchair or limited mobility page .
Find the calm place early, and an outdoor quiet corner or a bench away from the crowds. Quiet rooms are limited and many parks have none. For: autism, anxiety, learning disability, ADHD. Why / source: Autism page , Sensory guide .
Preview the park together: ride lists, and any sensory guide or visual story the park publishes. We do not rank parks or rides for sensory suitability. For: autism, ADHD, anxiety, learning disability. Why / source: Autism page , ADHD page , Sensory guide .
Food and drink Food and drink the person accepts. For: autism. Why / source: Autism page .
Water to hand, especially in hot weather. The Epilepsy Society adds: unless your doctor has told you to restrict fluids. For: epilepsy or photosensitivity, blind or low vision, dementia or older visitors, learning disability, diabetes. Why / source: Epilepsy or photosensitivity page , Learning disability page , Dementia or older visitors page .
Snacks, as well as water. For: dementia or older visitors. Why / source: Dementia or older visitors page .
Offer drinks often. Age UK notes that you may not feel thirsty. For: dementia or older visitors, learning disability. Why / source: Dementia or older visitors page , Learning disability page .
Own-food rules. Delayed or missed meals can trigger a hypo, Diabetes UK says, and queues can make meals slip. Check the park's own-food rules before you go. For: diabetes. Why / source: Diabetes page , Medication guide .
If you bring your own food for a medical need: find the entry rule first. Some parks that otherwise ban own food allow it, with different conditions such as a cooler, a medical certificate or a word with security. Carry any documents the park asks for. For: diabetes, complex needs and carers. Why / source: Medication guide , Medication guide .
If anyone has a food allergy: ask for the park's current, dated allergen list for each outlet and who you can speak to about cross-contact. 'Allergen-friendly' is not 'allergen-free'. For: everyone. Why / source: Medication guide , Medication guide .
Communication An About me card for staff and for if you are separated. Do not put medical record numbers on it. You never have to share a diagnosis. For: everyone. Why / source: Autism page , Diabetes page . Tool: About me card tool .
Your questions for the park, written down. Ask in writing and keep the reply. For: everyone. Why / source: UK documents guide , Wheelchair or limited mobility page . Tool: Ask the park tool .
A way to communicate without speaking, packed and ready in case the person goes quiet or cannot speak. For: autism. Why / source: Autism page .
Plan with the person, not for them, as far as that suits them. Ask what they want to do and what they would rather skip. For: autism. Why / source: Autism page .
Talk it through together while everyone is calm: what each person finds helpful, who will do what if one person needs a break, and what signal you will use. For: anxiety. Why / source: Anxiety page .
How the person communicates, written down. A communication passport, if the person has one: make it or update it. For profound and multiple learning disabilities, PAMIS describes fuller passports. For: learning disability, complex needs and carers. Why / source: Learning disability page , Complex needs and carers page .
A simple way for the person to say 'stop' or 'break': a word, a card or a gesture. For: learning disability. Why / source: Learning disability page .
Tell the park what support is needed, such as help with eating or toileting, and ask whether a carer may stay with the person at attractions. For: complex needs and carers. Why / source: Complex needs and carers page .
A Sunflower lanyard, if you use one or the park offers one. It can signal that you may need extra time, space or patience. The pages we read do not say it gives queue priority. For: ADHD, learning disability. Why / source: Learning disability page , ADHD page .
Decide what you want from the day: a sign language interpreter at a show, a loop or listening device, captions, or written ride information. Then check which of these the park lists. For: deaf or hard of hearing. Why / source: Deaf or hard of hearing page .
If you want sign language, check which language the park provides. ASL, BSL and other sign languages are not interchangeable. For: deaf or hard of hearing. Why / source: Deaf or hard of hearing page .
Ask in writing, and say how you would like a reply: email or text rather than a call, if that suits you. For: deaf or hard of hearing. Why / source: Deaf or hard of hearing page .
If you are unsure about any safety information, tell the ride operator you are deaf or ask for extra support. Ask staff to show or write what they said. For: deaf or hard of hearing. Why / source: Deaf or hard of hearing page .
How the group will reach each other if you are separated: text messages, a fixed meeting point, a named staff area. For: deaf or hard of hearing. Why / source: Deaf or hard of hearing page .
Ask whether a tactile map, Braille or large-print guide, or audio description is available, and where to collect it. For: blind or low vision. Why / source: Blind or low vision page .
Check the park's website with your own screen reader or zoom setting. If key information is only in an image or a colour code, ask the park for it as text. For: blind or low vision. Why / source: Blind or low vision page .
The day itself Agree where to meet if you are separated and what to do, and make sure the person has something with your phone number on it. Agree this at the start, not in a crowd. For: everyone. Why / source: Learning disability page , ADHD page , Wheelchair or limited mobility page .
An exit plan: who leaves with whom, the quickest way out, where you will meet, and whether you can leave and come back in. Check the park's current re-entry rule for your date. Leaving early is not a failure. For: everyone. Why / source: ADHD page , Anxiety page , Wheelchair or limited mobility page .
Plan breaks before they are needed: somewhere to sit, drink and eat, out of the sun and the crowd. For: everyone. Why / source: Learning disability page , Anxiety page , Chronic illness or fatigue page .
On arrival, note where first aid, the toilets and any quiet place are, before you need them. For: everyone. Why / source: Anxiety page , Learning disability page , Dementia or older visitors page .
If you need a card, wristband or pass, go to the service desk first. For: autism, ADHD, learning disability, anxiety, chronic illness or fatigue, deaf or hard of hearing, complex needs and carers, wheelchair or limited mobility. Why / source: Autism page , Chronic illness or fatigue page , Deaf or hard of hearing page .
A written or visual plan of the day, in order, with the breaks in it, and with the plan visible to everyone. Leave room for it to change. For: autism, ADHD, learning disability, anxiety, dementia or older visitors, epilepsy or photosensitivity, chronic illness or fatigue. Why / source: Autism page , ADHD page , Epilepsy or photosensitivity page . Tool: Day planner tool .
A plan B, and a plan C, said out loud. For example: if it is too loud we go to the quiet place, and if that is full we leave for the car and have lunch there. For: autism. Why / source: Autism page .
A visible clock or timer for waiting and for moving from one thing to the next, and 'after this, we do that' rather than 'soon'. Our ADHD page says the evidence for this is weak. For: autism, ADHD. Why / source: Autism page , ADHD page .
Choose a short list of things you would like to do, and leave gaps. Choose a few rides, not a long list. For: autism, anxiety, blind or low vision. Why / source: Anxiety page , Sensory guide , Blind or low vision page .
Keep sleep and meals as usual the night before, and leave the morning unhurried. For: ADHD, autism, anxiety, epilepsy or photosensitivity, chronic illness or fatigue. Why / source: ADHD page , Autism page , Epilepsy or photosensitivity page .
Check the forecast. If it will be hot, plan shade and a cooler or indoor place to go. For: learning disability, dementia or older visitors, chronic illness or fatigue, epilepsy or photosensitivity, diabetes. Why / source: Learning disability page , Dementia or older visitors page , Chronic illness or fatigue page .
Choose your top two or three things and do one early, while energy is highest. Treat the rest as extra. For: wheelchair or limited mobility. Why / source: Wheelchair or limited mobility page , Wheelchair or limited mobility page .
Check the park's news page for ride or lift closures, and where the lifts are rather than assuming. For: wheelchair or limited mobility. Why / source: Wheelchair or limited mobility page , Wheelchair or limited mobility page .
Allow time at the start: hire desks may have a queue, an ID check or a form. For: wheelchair or limited mobility, chronic illness or fatigue, dementia or older visitors. Why / source: Hire guide .
Find the changing room on the map or app, and note how far it is from the rides you plan. Have a back-up: it may be closed or out of order, so ask what the park does then. For: complex needs and carers, wheelchair or limited mobility, learning disability, dementia or older visitors. Why / source: Changing Places guide .
Read the park's own guide or warnings for strobe and flashing light, noting the date on any PDF. Ask the park in writing which attractions, shows, events and queues use them, and check whether your visit falls on an event night with added strobe. For: epilepsy or photosensitivity. Why / source: Epilepsy or photosensitivity page .
Find the first aid post on the map and tell one other adult where it is. Check signs at ride entrances and ask staff about effects. For: epilepsy or photosensitivity. Why / source: Epilepsy or photosensitivity page .
Choose a quieter week and a time of day that is best for the person. Consider a shorter or half day. Think about a second person coming, so one of you can queue or fetch things. For: dementia or older visitors. Why / source: Dementia or older visitors page .
Note what the person is wearing, and with their permission take a recent photo that morning. If someone gets lost, tell the nearest member of staff at once and give the photo, clothing notes and phone number. For: dementia or older visitors. Why / source: Dementia or older visitors page , Dementia or older visitors page .
Go to the toilet before you need to, and go with the person to the door. Alzheimer's Society notes people can get lost on the way back. For: dementia or older visitors. Why / source: Dementia or older visitors page .
Plan a break for the carer as well as the person. Agree who does what, and when the carers swap. For: complex needs and carers. Why / source: Complex needs and carers page , Complex needs and carers page .
Walk the main route together at an easy pace and note landmarks, rest places and toilets. For: blind or low vision. Why / source: Blind or low vision page .
Check show times against any interpreted performances, and ask which seats get a loop or listening-device signal. Ask at Guest Services how you would be told of an evacuation or emergency. For: deaf or hard of hearing. Why / source: Deaf or hard of hearing page .
Check the park's opening times and any notices. For: wheelchair or limited mobility, anxiety, learning disability. Why / source: Wheelchair or limited mobility page , Anxiety page , Learning disability page .
Afterwards: allow time to rest, and keep the next day light if you can. For: autism, chronic illness or fatigue, learning disability, anxiety. Why / source: Autism page , Chronic illness or fatigue page , Learning disability page .
Getting there and back Request travel assistance when you book flights or trains, and save the confirmation. The published notice periods are minimums: 48 hours for flights, 24 hours for most EU rail and 36 hours for long-distance coaches. National Rail takes Passenger Assist requests up to 2 hours before a journey in Great Britain. For: wheelchair or limited mobility, blind or low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, dementia or older visitors, learning disability, autism, anxiety, complex needs and carers, chronic illness or fatigue. Why / source: Getting there guide , Getting there guide .
Note the assistance phone number for the day, and check your confirmations again a few days before. For: wheelchair or limited mobility, blind or low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, dementia or older visitors, learning disability, autism, anxiety, complex needs and carers, chronic illness or fatigue. Why / source: Getting there guide .
Ask the shuttle or bus operator, by email: which vehicle runs on your date and can it take your chair or scooter, is there a ramp or lift and a space for a wheelchair, where it stops and what the step-free route to the entrance is, and what the last return and the fallback are. For: wheelchair or limited mobility, complex needs and carers, dementia or older visitors, chronic illness or fatigue. Why / source: Getting there guide .
If you fly with an electric wheelchair or mobility aid, or a medical condition needing care: tell the airline. Allow extra time to check in and confirm how much with the airline. For: wheelchair or limited mobility, complex needs and carers. Why / source: Getting there guide .
If you fly with an assistance dog: UK airlines must accept assistance dogs free of charge, and you must tell the airline in advance. For: blind or low vision, wheelchair or limited mobility. Why / source: Getting there guide , Assistance dogs guide .
If you drive from the UK: a UK Blue Badge is recognised in some European countries, not all. Check GOV.UK for the country you drive in, any local parking notice and any parking disc (Denmark, for example). Take the original badge, photo ID, and a translation or doctor's note if GOV.UK suggests one. For: wheelchair or limited mobility, complex needs and carers, autism, chronic illness or fatigue (home: UK). Why / source: Blue Badge guide , Blue Badge guide .
If you drive with an EU parking card: it should be recognised in all EU countries. Display the front clearly, and check the conditions in the country you drive in. You may also display the free-standing notice in that country's language. For: wheelchair or limited mobility, complex needs and carers, autism, chronic illness or fatigue (home: an EU country). Why / source: Blue Badge guide .
If you drive with a disabled parking permit from your home country: parks publish very little about whether a permit from another country counts. US parks say a 'valid' placard and do not say whether a UK Blue Badge counts. Ask the park. For: wheelchair or limited mobility, complex needs and carers, autism, chronic illness or fatigue (home: USA or Canada or another country). Why / source: Blue Badge guide , Blue Badge guide .
Write to the park before you travel and ask whether your permit counts in its bays. Keep the reply. Know where the drop-off point is, because bays can be full and many are first come, first served. For: wheelchair or limited mobility, complex needs and carers, autism, chronic illness or fatigue. Why / source: Blue Badge guide .
A back-up: a taxi, a hotel space or public transport. Check the way in from the car park, for example walkways or trams. For: wheelchair or limited mobility, complex needs and carers, autism, dementia or older visitors, chronic illness or fatigue. Why / source: Blue Badge guide , Getting there guide .
Know where your car, taxi or station is, how long it takes to reach, and what you will do if you need to leave early. Agree a signal with your companion. For: wheelchair or limited mobility, complex needs and carers, chronic illness or fatigue, blind or low vision. Why / source: Wheelchair or limited mobility page , Complex needs and carers page , Chronic illness or fatigue page .