Building theme parks for everyone: Bahar’s vision for accessibility

Theme parks should spark joy for everyone who enters their gates. Yet for millions of visitors with disabilities, accessing attractions and navigating spaces can present significant barriers. At AtkinsRéalis, we believe accessibility isn't just good practice - it's fundamental to creating exceptional experiences. 

Meet Bahar Jaferzadeh, our Regional Creative Design Lead, who has championed accessible design throughout her career. Her work on Six Flags Qiddiya demonstrates how thoughtful design can create spaces where everyone belongs. 

This philosophy challenges a common misconception that accessible features only benefit a small group. Studies consistently show accessible theme parks see a 15-20% increase in attendance from families with members who have disabilities. More importantly, accessible design improvements boost overall customer satisfaction scores by up to 25%. 

Bahar emphasises that accessibility should be "embedded at the earliest stages of design so it becomes a natural part of the project's DNA rather than an afterthought." This approach creates environments that enhance usability and comfort for everyone. 

Key accessible attractions and design elements include: 

This dual focus on physical and digital accessibility creates seamless experiences at every touchpoint. Parks with such features report a 30% higher rate of repeat visits among diverse visitor groups, proving that accessibility drives both social impact and business success. 

At Six Flags Qiddiya, accessibility wasn't retrofitted, it drove the overall guest experience design. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates how accessible features can improve safety and ease of navigation for all visitors. 

Her message to those hesitant to share their accessibility needs is clear: "Your voice matters, and it helps us create better spaces for everyone." 

The future of theme park design lies in recognising accessibility not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to create extraordinary experiences for all. Through projects like Six Flags Qiddiya, AtkinsRéalis continues demonstrating how technical excellence combined with human-centred design shapes a more embracing entertainment landscape. 

Ready to be part of this transformative work? Learn more about joining our team and help us build accessible experiences that empower everyone.