Overview

My local cinema which I visit a lot.

Transport & Parking

The whole front row of parking at the cinema is reserved for blue badge holders. There is plenty of accessible parking, I would say at least 10 spaces. Other parking spaces are nearby and there are clear pathways for people coming by foot. There are a few bus stops around the area of Dundee were the cinema is and they come from all over Dundee, bus stops I would say are at least a 5-minute walk in either direction of the cinema. Train station is 15-minute drive away and there are plenty of taxis services around Dundee.

Access

Inside the main entrance to the Odeon it is very spacious and the doors to enter are automatic doors which makes access easier, the doors to exit at the other side are not automatic but other visitors hold the door open for me and I can go over to the automatic doors if I want to. As I said the main entrance is spacious and the there is plenty of space to collect pre ordered tickets or queue to buy your tickets. The only thing I would say is after buying my tickets I always have to be careful reversing my powerchair as there isn’t much room when people are queuing behind you, I don’t want to run over anyone. The only main problem I have at the Odeon is that it isn’t all on the one level, I have to use a lift to go up to the screens. I get anxious sometimes wherever I have to use a lift places in case there’s a fire or it breaks. I feel the lift at the Odeon can be a bit dodgy sometimes, the doors don’t always open when you get up and you have to press the button again. I have also heard it’s been broken occasionally, luckily, I’ve not been there when it has. The lift isn’t the most spacious one I’ve seen, but I have managed to fit in it in my powerchair and with 3 other people. Upstairs is also very spacious and there are double doors leading to the screens at either side. I’ve noticed though there are new runners on the carpets which feel like mini speed bumps and means I can’t go fast, although maybe that’s a good thing. There are two types of cinema screens in regard to accessible seating, there are screens where the accessible seating areas are right at the front and other screens have their accessible seating area are a few rows back. I don’t really like the fact that I have to sit near the front, although I love to go to the cinema too much not to go.

Toilets

There are two accessible toilets at either side of the food and drinks till upstairs. I think there would be enough space for someone in a wheelchair to transfer as well as having assistance from who they are with. You are only able to transfer from the left side of the toilet though as it is closer to the wall at the right. These facilities are not suitable for my requirements though as I need a hoist which is only found in a changing place toilet.

Staff

I go to the Odeon a lot and I must say I have never had any problem with how I’m treated by the staff, they are always very friendly and welcoming. There is a particular staff member who usually works on the food and drinks till upstairs, unfortunately I don’t know his name, but he is always very chatty, and my friends and I always talk to him about the different movies that are out. He is very friendly and always remembers us.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

The Odeon accept CEA cards that allow customers with a disability to get their carers in for free. I really like the online system for booking tickets and you are able to easily declare that you have a CEA card. I usually like to book tickets before I go to the cinema as there aren’t many accessible areas in a screen, I don’t want to turn up and I don’t want to not be able to see the movie.

Photos