The blueness of water signifies calmness. The ripples that exist above hold secrets that are yet to be discovered. Humans have barely been able to scrap a mere percent of marine life that is predicted to be in existence. Yet, the enormity of what is known induces wonderment in our minds. The immeasurable extent of diversity and beauty that life holds is truly understood when we get a peek at what lies below the waves. For that is where it all began – in the water. Now in this article we will see Does Ripley’s Aquarium Have Wheelchairs?
Ripley’s aquarium offers us a glimpse into the richness of species that exists beyond the terrestrial hold. The exotic form of life is at times overwhelming because of the beauty and the variety. The visit at one is like entering the vastness of the ocean. The experience can only be described as fascinating and enamoring.
Where is Ripley’s Aquarium present?
There are two Ripley’s Aquariums situated in the United States. They are known as Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, and Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, respectively. The first branch is located in Gatlinburg, a city in Tennessee. The second branch is situated at Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. Its mission is to conserve the wide range of aquatic life in a world-class facility that replicates the aquatic environment to provide a resource for further studies and research focused on understanding and conserving them.
What is special about Ripley’s Aquarium?
With Finding Nemo, we all came to know of a world that is different from ours yet similar in so many ways. It filled our young minds with curiosity and a will to see more. Children or adults, the experience can fill each of us with thrill. The list of fun activities to do there is endless. Some of them are mentioned below:
- Feeding the Turtles
- Enjoying a night out under the watch of sharks
- Drifting through the shark lagoon on a glass-bottom boat adventure
- Touching a ray bay
- Visiting the penguin playhouse
- Experiencing the diversity through walking underwater features in the ocean realm
- Gallery of the seas and exhibits that keep getting updated
This marvel of a place supports locally generated energy through renewable resources, thus making it even more special. But before claiming that it is accessible for everyone, we must find out if it is wheelchair friendly.
Does Ripley’s Aquarium have wheelchairs?
Under the ADA requirements, it is expected of all the visiting places to include services that will make the visit accessible for the specially abled. Especially, with an experience that Ripley’s Aquarium has the potential to offer, it would be unjust if it weren’t to accommodate these necessities. It must ensure that anyone and everyone that desires to learn and experience aquatic wildlife gets a stress-free opportunity to do so.
Closing all the space for doubts about its inclusivity and accessibility, Ripley’s Aquarium provides the service of wheelchairs. This serves as an essential move to ensure that everyone has the same relaxed experience through all the different facets that Ripley’s Aquarium has to offer.
What are the rental charges for renting a wheelchair at the Ripley’s Aquarium?
Ripley’s Aquarium offers a limited number of manually operated wheelchairs. There is no requirement of a rental charge or a deposit to access wheelchairs, implying that it is free of cost for specially-abled individuals. What is required is a photo ID up until the wheelchair is returned, to ensure accountability.
Where can the wheelchairs be accessed from?
Wheelchairs at the Ripley’s Aquarium can be availed from the Guest Services center. You must also submit your photo ID there itself. To make further inquiries in advance you can mail them to aquariumofthesmokies@ripleys.com or give a call at (865) 430-8808 for Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Whereas, to send a query to the Aquarium at Myrtle beach you must mail at info@ripleysaquarium.com or contact them at (843) 916-0888.
The area of Ripley’s Aquarium is accessible through the wheelchair, especially the ocean realm section, where the presence of glide paths makes it easy to approach for people with special needs.
Is there a parking space reserved for specially-abled individuals?
Although wheelchairs are provided at the aquarium, there is no parking space on its premises. The area around and behind the aquarium has a lot of parking spaces. The city also has plenty of owned parking lots that have to be paid for. The charge for most of them is around $10.00 for a day.
All the levels of the parking garage have reserved handicap spots for parking cars or vehicles.
Conclusion
A just society is not one where governing decisions are taken based on equality. A society can only proclaim to be fair when it is run on the righteousness that is governed by the essence of equity. Accommodating the needs of everyone is the right step ahead to claiming that glory.
Faqs
- Are wheelchairs available at the Ripley’s Aquarium?
Wheelchairs are available at both the Ripley’s Aquarium (Gatlinburg and Myrtle Beach), present in the United States.
- Can I visit the aquarium in a wheelchair comfortably?
The premises of Ripley’s Aquarium is wheelchair friendly.
- Can I reserve the wheelchair in advance?
The wheelchairs at the Ripley’s Aquarium are accessible on a first-come, first-serve basis.
