Every summer for nearly a decade, Monica Matheson and her daughter Jessica have made cherished memories at Canada’s Wonderland. However, a recent change in the park's accessibility passes threatens to disrupt those joyful experiences, leaving Matheson worried about her daughter's well-being during their visits.

Jessica, 14, is a sensory seeker who thrives on energetic rides, making the amusement park her favorite destination. As a non-verbal child with autism and a secondary intellectual disability, she requires constant supervision and assistance with daily tasks. Monica highlighted how crucial the park's previous 'Plan Your Day' accessibility pass was, allowing them to enjoy rides every 30 minutes and providing time for breaks when Jessica felt overwhelmed.

This year, the pass was replaced by a new Attraction Accessibility Pass (AAP), which bases ride times on current wait times instead of fixed intervals. Although this means no physical waiting in line, Matheson expressed concerns that the new system could result in lengthy waits that might lead to meltdowns for Jessica, who struggles with transitions.

A Frustrating Visit to the Park

On May 12, anticipating a smooth experience, Matheson arrived early to secure their accessibility pass but was met with a surprising and disappointing update: a single blanket pass for all disabilities with no specific accommodations tailored to Jessica's needs. Instead of receiving tailored support, they were informed that she would share the same access as others who might face different challenges.

Despite explaining her daughter’s needs, Matheson felt unheard, stating, 'Your options are to take this pass for everybody, or don’t come to the park.' This left them feeling trapped, as leaving would cause distress for Jessica. Throughout their visit, Matheson recorded her daughter's struggles, capturing moments of distress that underscored the challenges they faced.

Calls for Change and Understanding

In a follow-up conversation with park management, Matheson was again offered the standard AAP or a refund, but no explanation for the sudden change in policy was given. Enquiries about the rationale behind discontinuing the previous pass were met with vague responses, indicating a lack of accountability.

Grace Peacock, the regional director of public relations for Six Flags, clarified that the AAP allows guests to enjoy other park areas until their ride time, but Matheson emphasized that it's the waiting time and potential changes that impact Jessica's experience, not just the physical act of waiting in line.

Legal Obligations and Advocacy