Essential Companion Tickets

An Essential Companion Ticket allows one additional guest to enter Splashdown Waterparks, to support a paying customer who requires assistance during their visit. This is only available to customers who hold an Access Card/Splashdown Poole Digital Access Pass displaying the +1 symbol.

The Essential Companion must be 18 years or older and must remain with the cardholder at all times on a strict 1:1 basis, both in and out of the water. 

An Essential Companion ticket is available for guests where support is needed that is significant, substantial and in excess of what could be reasonably expected of family/friends already accompanying the guest. The support must be due to disability-related needs.

• Essential Companion must be 18 or older and must remain with the cardholder at all times on a 1:1 basis.
• Only Access Cards/Digital Access Passes with the +1 symbol will be accepted, no alternative documentation can be used.
• To secure an Essential Companion Ticket you must apply to us ideally, at least 48 hours beforehand, and no less than 24 hours. This will allow us time to process your request and help ensure that the requested ticket is available. (We do get very busy in peak periods).
• All applications to obtain an Access Card/Digital Access Card must be completed, at least 7 days before your visit. 
• If you don’t yet have an Access Card or Digital Access Pass and need to apply, please apply online. If you are unable to apply online, you can also submit applications via a paper application or a telephone appointment. This can be arranged with the Access Card team

To secure an Essential Companion Ticket you must apply to us ideally, at least 48 hours beforehand, and no less than 24 hours. This will allow us time to process your request and help ensure that the requested ticket is available. (We do get very busy in peak periods).

Please note

• Your Access Card/Digital Access Pass must display the +1 symbol.

• The Essential Companion must be 18+ and be supported on a 1:1 basis, and in line with our supervision and safety ratios.

• Access Cards or Digital Access Passes displaying the +1 symbol cannot be applied retrospectively. You must have the physical card or digital equivalent showing the +1 symbol at the time of purchasing your tickets.

Already have an Access Card/Splashdown Poole Digital Access Pass?

This process needs to be followed for every booking made, regardless of any previous visits. 

1. Book all standard tickets (excluding the Essential Companion Ticket) through our usual booking system.

2. Email [email protected] with:

   • The Cardholders Access Card/Digital Pass - Card ID Number & Full Name. The +1 must be allocated to request an Essential Companion ticket. Digital Access Passes  must be specifically issued for Splashdown Poole to be valid.

   • Your Splashdown booking name & order number.

3. We will verify your Access Card/Digital Access Pass and add the Essential Companion Ticket to your booking.

4. A new confirmation email will be sent to you with all updated tickets for your visit.

Remember: Bring your physical Access Card or Digital Access Pass confirmation email with you on the day of your visit. A quick check will be completed at reception.

Don't yet have an Access Card/Digital Access Pass?

1. Visit: https://app.accesscard.online/apply/splashdown-waterparks-poole

2. Choose between a free Digital Access Pass, only accepted at Splashdown Waterparks Poole, or upgrade to a physical Access Card to receive access to thousands of venues for just £15.00 for 3 years.

3. Start Your Application.

4. Allow 7 days for your application to be processed before visiting Splashdown Waterparks Poole.

5. If a +1 has been awarded, follow the steps above to secure your Essential Companion Ticket.

If you already have an Access Card/Digital Access Pass displaying the +1 symbol, you are entitled to bring one Essential Companion with you free of charge.

The +1 symbol means you’ve been assessed as requiring additional support during your visit. Your Essential Companion must accompany you throughout your time at the waterpark, including in the water.

Please note that this complimentary ticket must be arranged in advance and approved through our booking process. To apply, follow the steps outlined above. You should contact us by email ideally at least 48 hours before your visit, and no later than 24 hours in advance. This ensures we have enough time to verify your Access Card/Digital Access Pass and confirm ticket availability, particularly during busy periods.

All applications can be submitted via the Nimbus Disability website, a direct link can be found here: 

• https://app.accesscard.online/apply/splashdown-waterparks-poole

Applications are free of charge for guests who only wish to register their need to visit Splashdown Poole. Your application, if approved, will be valid for 3 years. 

You will also have the option to upgrade to a full Access Card at a cost of £15. Access Cards are valid for 3 years and are widely accepted across thousands of locations across the UK and beyond, including many other amusement parks and leisure attractions that offer similar assistance.

If you are not able to use online forms and would be unable, because of the nature of your impairment, to apply online, Nimbus will be able to assist with telephone registration on 0330 808 5108.

We remind all applicants that the +1 Essential Companion Ticket is not a discount for carers.

In the past, many venues may have operated a buy-one-get-one-free scheme for disabled customers but our approach is more detailed than this, so please read carefully before submitting a response.

The +1 is not about the fact that you need care and support, and this part of the form is not to question that you may need a certain amount of support when out and about.

The +1 symbol can only be awarded where an individual's needs are so significant or substantial that, without support, the price of a ticket to bring a carer would place the customer at a significant disadvantage when visiting paid-for events, and as such, it is the responsibility of the venue to subsidise the cost of this by issuing a reduced price / complimentary companion ticket.

The support needed must be in excess of what could be reasonably expected of family/friends already accompanying you and must be due to disability-related needs.

For children, and young children especially; the +1 can only be considered where the needs are outside of the range of what can be expected of parental responsibility.

The decision to add +1 is not based on care needs but by the disadvantage imposed by charging additional fees for a essential companion to attend. At events where you would be attending with your child as part of the family group, you may be charged as a fee-paying parent just like all other family groups enjoying an event.

The +1 can only be considered where the support you require results in the cost of a essential companion ticket ticket being an unreasonable barrier to your being able to attend.

Remember - this is not about whether your child needs care and support but whether the cost of a ticket for the person providing that care and support should be waived as a reasonable adjustment

Unfortunately, no. To receive a Complimentary Essential Companion Ticket, you must book and email us at least 24 hours before your visit. This allows our ticketing admin team enough time to verify your Access Card/Digital Access Pass.

Please note: Our staff are unable to review or approve any supporting documentation presented on arrival, except for a Complimentary Essential Companion Ticket along with their Access Card/Digital Access Pass detials that has been checked and pre-approved in advance by our ticketing admin team.

Any other requests will be declined, and all guests will be required to pay the full on-the-day admission price to enter the park. Subject to availability.

At this time, we only accept Access Cards/Digital Access Passes displaying the +1 symbol, which entitles the cardholder to one Complimentary Essential Companion Ticket.

While we recognise that Access Cards/Digital Access Passes may include other symbols indicating additional needs (such as +2, "Queueing", "Toilet", etc.), we currently do not have the facilities or resources in place to support these additional accommodations. Our focus is on ensuring we can consistently and effectively provide support for one essential companion per eligible cardholder.

We appreciate your understanding as we work to maintain an accessible and inclusive experience within the practical limits of our venue.

We understand that some guests may require more than one companion for support (e.g., Access Cards displaying +2 etc.). However, we only offer one Complimentary Essential Companion Ticket per cardholder, and only for Access Cards/Digital Access Passes showing the +1 symbol. Additional symbols such as +2 are not accepted for extra free companion tickets.

This policy helps ensure the sustainability of our accessibility program. By offering one complimentary ticket, we can continue to provide meaningful support to those who need it, while balancing the operational and financial needs of our business.

Guests are welcome to bring additional companions if needed, but standard admission charges will apply for anyone beyond the one companion covered by the +1 Access Card/Digital Access Pass.

We are committed to making our services as accessible as possible and ensuring we understand and can effectively meet the diverse needs of our customers with disabilities. By working with Nimbus Disability and their recognised and award-winning Access Card Scheme, we can:

● Provide a more consistent and reliable way to assess and accommodate access requirements.

● Offer a streamlined booking process, potentially including online booking for access provisions.

● Ensure our staff can provide appropriate support based on validated access needs.

● Help protect access provisions from potential misuse.

Our commitment to accessibility remains unchanged, and our friendly team is still here to support you if you have any questions or need assistance. For further support, please contact [email protected]

The Digital Access Pass is completely free and gives you a limited version of the Access Card. However, it is only accepted at Splashdown Waterparks Poole, making it ideal if you only need access to this specific venue.

The physical Access Card, on the other hand, is a paid upgrade, available for just £15.00 for 3 years, and unlocks much wider access. With it, you can use your card at thousands of venues across the UK

In summary:

Digital Access Pass = Free, but limited to Splashdown Waterparks Poole only

Physical Access Card = £15 for 3 years, accepted at thousands of venues nationwide.