Sensory days back for Fota events
By Aislinn O'Connor
Fota Island Resort have added special sensory friendly hours for two upcoming family event in 2019. Spooky Town and the Wonder Christmas Experience will have designated hours for children and adults with sensory needs.
These tailored events are softer with significantly reduced crowds and more gentle lighting to create a calming atmosphere. There will also be different exit options at both events. Fota Island Resort also have full wheelchair accessibility and will welcome guide dogs or assistance dogs at both events.
“We hope to make Spooky Town and Wonder as inclusive as we possibly can and we will have help from Santa and his elves in this regard,” said Séamus Leahy, Director of Marketing, “working with us on the best procedures and practices to ensure both are as comfortable an experience for all our patrons.
“For any assistance people need during the events, the public are welcome to email us at christmas@fotaisland.ie and we can advise those with sensory needs how best to enjoy Spooky Town and Wonder. We are looking forward to opening the doors to all and feel that we will have our best experiences to date,” said Mr Leahy.
The dates for this year’s Wonder Christmas Experience sensory friendly days are 23 and 29 November as well as 7, 8, 10, 15 and 19 December and will approximately last for 90 minutes. Starting times vary.While The Spooky Town sensory day is on Sunday 27 October from 6.15pm to 6.30pm and runs for 45 minutes.
To keep these slots exclusive to anyone who wishes to avail of the sensory friendly times at Spooky Town and Wonder Christmas Experience, Fota advise that people all to book a slot at 021-2024024 or emailing christmas@fotaisland.ie or spookytown@fotaisland.ie. Accompanying care assistants will receive complimentary admission.
The Wonder Christmas Experience at Fota Island Resort runs from 23 November to 23 December. The individual tickets for the event cost from €14 to €18 per adult and €21 to €28 per child and children under one are free.
Spooky Town at Fota Island Resort runs from Friday 25 to Thursday 31 October. Individual tickets for Spooky Town cost from €14 per person and children under two are free.