A DISABLED boy’s birthday was ruined when he was told he could not go on a ride he had spent nearly an hour queueing for.

Landen Brett went to Chessington World of Adventures with his family and friend to celebrate turning 12.

The amputee from the Dyke Road area of Hove was looking forward to going on the Vampire ride at the park.

But after joining the long queue and preparing to join the ride, Landen and his family were left “mortified” in front of hundreds of onlookers when staff told him he could not get on.

The Argus:

His mother Michelle Brett said it was embarrassing for Landen, who had to have his leg amputated after complications at birth.

She said: “We paid on the gate and weren’t told about any possible restrictions for those with disabilities or amputations.

“We have been to Disneyland Paris where we were told about ride restrictions in advance.

“So we queued for 45 minutes and as we reached the gate to board the ride, staff saw he only had one leg.

“It was belittling to have it said in front of everyone to be told ‘you cannot go on the ride because you only have one leg’.

The Argus:

“My husband and I were absolutely livid, Landen broke down in tears, it really upset him. We were mortified this could happen in front of so many people.”

Mrs Brett said the family had paid £132 for tickets to the Surrey theme park to go with her husband, Landen’s older brother and one of his best friends.

“He was ecstatic to go for his birthday, he hadn’t seen his friends much at all during lockdown,” she said. “So we thought we would take him to Chessington as a special treat, but it was ruined.

The Argus:

“Landen has had to put up with comments being made in front of him for his whole life and he has had depression. Comments are often belittling him and people make comments in front of him which are embarrassing.”

Mrs Brett said she did not receive an apology or a refund for the price of the tickets.

Theme parks were able to reopen their doors to visitors last month after months of closure due to coronavirus.

Chessington World of Adventures said a guide for those with disabilities could be found on its website. People wishing to go on the Vampire ride must be able to walk unaided, the theme park said.

The Argus:

The company said: “The health and safety of our guests is always our priority and we have a number of requirements in place to allow our guests with disabilities and additional needs to enjoy our rides and attractions.

"We welcome many guests with disabilities, however as not all disabilities are visible, our team does not advise guests of ride restrictions on entry to the resort unless asked.”