A MUM has accused Thorpe Park of ruining her son’s birthday when she was pulled off a ride because she only has one arm.
Lisa Johnstone, 45, said it was “very degrading” and made Toby, 11, nervous when the theme park’s staff told her to get off of Stealth.
She was banned from the roller coaster after showing workers her arm was above the elbow, despite having previously been on all the rides at Alton Towers, which is owned by the same company.
A Thorpe Park spokesman said it has a dedicated accessibility website with information on, adding health and safety for its guests and staff remains of paramount importance.
Mrs Johnstone, who attended with Toby, daughter Ava, 13, and husband Matthew last month, told NottinghamshireLive: “It ruined the day.
"I was unable to share in my son’s birthday excitement and my friends felt very uncomfortable with me not going on anything too.
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“I haven’t got an amputation. I was born with one arm that is above the elbow.”
The family travelled three hours from Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire, to the theme park in Chertsey, Surrey, because Toby was excited to be tall enough for the bigger rides.
They had visited two years before and complained that Lisa, a teacher, faced similar issues with the water-soaking ride Tidal Wave.
Matthew, who has a Ride Access card to join virtual queues because of his diabetes, said he was shown a long list of rides his wife was banned from when he spoke to a steward.
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And a manager told them the bans were due to manufacturer guidelines, the family said.
Lisa added: "I find it ludicrous that the 'guidelines' can be so different between Merlin-owned parks.
"As my husband pointed out Stealth has the same [safety] restraints as Rita (an attraction at Alton Towers), which I have been on."
Mr Johnstone said: "It just completely spoilt the whole holiday. I'm still raging from it."
The family, who are Merlin Gold Pass holders, were offered food vouchers and fast-tracks.
A Thorpe Park spokesman said: “At Thorpe Park Resort we take multiple steps to ensure all our guests have the correct information before their visit.
"Our website homepage has a shortcut tab at the top which links directly to our dedicated accessibility webpage which in turn includes a clear hyperlink to our dedicated Accessibility Day Planner with further information.
“We conduct full accessibility reviews throughout the year working closely with manufacturers to establish where there is scope for adjustments to allow for greater accessibility.
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"Ultimately the health and safety of our guests and staff must remain of paramount importance.
"We remain committed to listening, learning and adapting to the needs of our guests, and welcome the opportunity to discuss guest experiences to help us create the best experiences possible for the future.”
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