Hi there,
I've been several times, though it's been a good 4 years or so now since I've been there. I, nor anyone I was with, use a wheelchair, so I must admit, my knowledge of these things is pretty limited. I do know that we saw many people there in wheelchairs and they seemed to accomodate them on most rides and shows and so forth. I'd say on the whole, if you're used to Disney standards, you'll find that Great America is a bit of a let down. The workers there have generally been somewhat rude and unhelpful and the place is just not as clean or pleasant as Disney. Nonetheless, it's a fun way to spend a day, if you like rollercoasters
While I'm sure you were looking for some firsthand info, which as I said, I'm afraid I'm mostly lacking in, I did find this on their website, which might be helpful:
GUIDE FOR GUESTS WITH DISABILITIES
PARKING
Parking spaces near the main gate are available on a first-come, first-served basis for vehicles displaying the official state-issued Disabled Parking Permit.
WHEELCHAIRS
Wheelchairs can be accommodated in all gift shops, theatres, games and arcades, restaurants (including the Picnic Grove) and most rides.
THEATRE SEATING
Please arrive at theatres 15 minutes before show time to receive the reserved seating provided.
FOOD SERVICE
Some of our food service locations are designed with queue line railing to control the flow of guests at the counter. At those locations, please contact a host or hostess for assistance. At any time or place during your visit, please feel free to contact a host or hostess to assist you.
GUESTS BRINGING A WHEELCHAIR
Please visit Guest Relations as soon as you arrive at the park to obtain an "Exit Admission Pass" that will guarantee easy access to rides and attractions. Guests using their own wheelchair will be permitted Exit Admission Access with up to three companions, maximum.
GUESTS RENTING A WHEELCHAIR
Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis for rental for a nominal daily charge plus deposit. Rentals are available just outside the main entrance of the park. Rental of a wheelchair does not automatically entitle a guest and his/her party to Exit Admission privileges. Please visit Guest Relations as soon as you arrive at the park. The Guest Relations host/hostess will determine at this time if an Exit Admission Pass will be issued. In general, Exit Admission privileges are reserved for guests who are unable to maneuver the queue line. If the guest has the ability to walk, an Exit Admission Pass will not be issued. Guests renting a wheelchair who receive an Exit Admission Pass will be allowed access with up to three companions, maximum. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis for rental for a nominal daily charge plus deposit. A deposit of a photo ID card or major credit card is required.
GUESTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Guests with a disability that prohibits them from standing in a ride line for extended periods of time should check with Guest Relations for information concerning accommodations available to them. The Guest Relations host/hostess will determine if an Exit Admission Pass will be issued based on the information provided by the guest. If the guest has a non-visible condition and is requesting an Exit Admission Pass, it is suggested that the guest provide documentation of his/her situation explaining why he/she cannot wait in line. This will help Guest Relations make an informed decision.
ENTRANCE/EXIT ADMISSION PASS
Exit Admission Passes are available for guests whose wheelchairs cannot navigate the queue lines. Please visit guest Relations upon your arrival to the park to obtain an Exit Admission Pass for you and up to three companions. Please refer to directional signs at each ride entrance for the wheelchair entrance location. Often these entrances are located at the ride's exit or via an access gate. Once you have received an Exit Admission Pass from Guest Relations, you and up to three companions may enter and board the ride through the exit/wheelchair entrance. All others in your party must go through the general entrance and wait in line. If you choose to wait for the remainder of your party to proceed through the line before boarding, only one escort may wait with you in the loading/unloading area due to limited space at most rides. Guests who require assistance boarding attractions should be accompanied by members of their party who are able to provide such assistance. Six Flags hosts and hostesses cannot provide this assistance, but will coordinate safe access to the ride or attraction. Guests using alternative entrances may be required to wait varying periods of time, depending on the attraction. Six Flags Great America strives to provide mainstream access whenever possible; however, each attraction is different. The Exit Admission privilege cannot be used at the following attractions in the Southwest Territory: Viper, Chubasco, Ricochet, River Rocker and Giant Drop. The entrance queue lines of these attractions are wheelchair accessible. As a courtesy to other guests, we ask that the Exit Admission privilege be used no more than once per ride within a two-hour period.
RESTROOMS
All Park restrooms are accessible by wheelchair. Please consult the park map in your Park Guide for restroom locations.
FIRST AID
The First Aid station, staffed with paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians, is located in Hometown Park across from The Orbit.
GUESTS WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENTS
Telephones are located near every restroom throughout the park and are compatible for guests with hearing impairments. A Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) is available at Guest Relations. Please ask for assistance. Most rider instructions are posted on signs at the ride and repeated in audio spiels. Should you need clarification of rider requirements or special instructions, please ask a ride host or hostess.
GUESTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS
Guests with visual impairments are admitted to all rides and facilities. Due to the architecturally complex nature of a theme park, and the variety of rides, attractions, food and merchandise, we recommend that a sighted person accompany the guest who is visually impaired. If not accompanied by a sighted person, the guest should speak to a ride host or hostess before boarding. Therefore, Exit Admission Passes will not be issued when a sighted escort is present. Service animals may not be allowed on some rides and attractions where they may create a hazard or pose a threat to the safety of our guests or the animal.
RIDE ACCESSIBILITY
Safety is top priority at Six Flags Great America. All guests should assess their abilities to ride each ride prior to boarding (see chart inside).
CAN I RIDE?
While most ride attractions are accessible to wheelchairs, it should be noted that some guests may be denied the opportunity to board a certain ride in the interest of personal safety. Determination is based upon any guest's ability to utilize all safety restraints and devices as designed, and to maintain a proper riding posture throughout the ride. Safety restraints and ride forces vary from ride to ride, so please ask a ride host or hostess if you have questions concerning specific rides. They will make a decision that is safe for both you and the other guests on the ride. Although remote, there is always a possibility that a situation may arise which would necessitate being removed quickly from a ride which is not in its usual unloading area. These occasions are rare; however, guests should be aware of this and exercise good judgment before boarding. Because of the above situation possibilities, there are limitations on the number of physically or mentally disabled guests allowed on a ride during a single cycle. Most rides require guests to step up or down to board. All rides have height requirements that every rider must meet. For additional information, please call Six Flags Great America at 847-249-2133 and speak to a member of our Guest Services staff.
Have a good time!!!
-Laura
