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Buy The Smiler

X-Sector, Alton Towers Resort, Alton, Staffordshire, ST10 4DB

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Access Guide

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Summary

Getting Help and Assistance

  • For the theme park map please click here (new tab).
  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • There is a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: large print on request.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • There are mobility aids available.
  • The mobility aids available include wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact a member of staff or Guest Services.
  • There is a designated place of safety which can be used by people who may feel scared or at risk.
  • The quiet/safe place is located in No.1 Towers Street.
  • Ear defenders and RADAR keys are available from Guest Services.
  • Portable hearing loops are available for use around the resort. These are available from Guest Services.
  • Free WiFi is available throughout the resort.
  • All staff undertake Disability Awareness and Equality Training.

Approach

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is block paving.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a steep gradient and has no handrails.
    • The floor surface changes to concrete with a non-slip surface fronting the entrance.

Outside Access (Shop Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the shop, opposite The Smiler ride.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Buy The Smiler'.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There are no doors at this entrance.
    • The width of the opening is 175cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • This entrance can be used to give step-free access to The Smiler ride, via an internal platform lift.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located on the pathway leading to the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.

Shop

  • The majority of aisle widths are 150cm+.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl.
  • There is flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of walkways.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • The till(s) is/are located beyond the entrance to the right.
  • There is step-free access to the till(s).
  • There is a clear unobstructed route to the till(s).
  • The till(s) is/are not clearly signed.
  • There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors at/behind the till(s).
  • The till(s) is not/are not placed in front of a plain background.
  • The lighting levels at the till(s) are good.
  • The chip & pin card machines are accessible from the till(s).
  • The height of the till(s) is/are 102cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the till(s).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system at the till(s).

Counter (Photos - The Smiler)

  • Counter View
    • The counter is located at the rear of the shop.
    • The counter is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the shop entrance.
    • Clear signage for the counter is not visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the counter.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The counter is not placed in front of a plain background.
    • The lighting levels at the counter are good.
    • The height of the counter is 106cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a lowered section of the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 76cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • Clipboards can be provided to anyone who is unable to use the counter.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the counter.
    • There is a touch screen.
    • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
    • There is flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.

Lift (Buy The Smiler Shop - Step-Free Route to Ride Platform)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the Buy The Smiler Shop.
  • The lift was out of use at the time of the survey.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the shop entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • A member of staff needs to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 0 (Shop), 1 (Platform).
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is good.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 93cm x 140cm (3ft 1in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.
  • Comments View
    • This platform lift can be used by Ride Access Pass holders to gain step-free access to The Smiler ride boarding station platform.
    • Ride Access Pass holders can also use it to exit the ride.

Exit

  • Exit View
    • This information is for the exit located between the counter and the entrance at the front of the shop.
    • The exit area/door is not clearly signed internally.
    • The exit is step-free.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this exit area which may look like a hole to some people.
    • There are no doors at this exit.
    • The width of the opening is 175cm.