What are we paying for?

Having tried to get into the sea life centre the day before and seeing the centre was overwhelmed with visitors we decided the best bet was to come and try Pila Palas in the afternoon the following day. We hoped by coming towards the end of the day it would be quieter. It was.

My daughter can’t cope with or understand long queues or lots of people. The summer holidays are always extremely difficult as everywhere is so busy. Having arrived at 3.15 it was quieter but we were still made to pay the full amount despite the centre closing at 5.30. All the experiences of feeding or petting animals (except the meerkats) had stopped for the day. The playground didn’t look particularly accessible for those with disabilities and the disabled toilets were before the entrance, on the outside of the building. We were there no more than an hour, because, like many with learning disabilities an hour is enough, they can’t cope with any longer and they can’t access the full facilities as others do, so why are they always charged the full price or thereabouts ? We got £1 off the price for a disabled person making it £10.95, the carer had to pay £10.95 and the other adult £11.95.  Many families stay for a day, or at least half a day, whereas those with learning disabled children often come towards the end of the day, when it is quieter but are still charged the full amount. What is it they are paying for? It doesn’t seem fair.

Poor show Pila Palas and others that do this. Places need to think what they are charging families with disabilities more and also think about “quiet times” for those who struggle with busier environments.

*reminder unpaid carers get paid £11.70 a day.