Overview

This accessible VR gaming experience is great for the whole family and is located just outside the city centre of Dundee.

Transport & Parking

There are parking spaces outside the building where Showcase VR is situated. These parking spaces aren’t marked though so, disabled parking aren’t visable. I would say there is plenty of space though to easily get out a car. Unfortunately, the ground surface of the car park is quite uneven and has a few pot holes so, some wheelchair users might find it difficult to drive on. I know I did, had to drive slowly to avoid bumps. I don’t know much about the public transport in this area of Dundee but, I think there are bus stops nearby that have buses coming from the city centre. You would have to get a bus or taxi to Showcase VR if you came into Dundee by train as it is about a 5/10 minute drive away.

Access

The signage to know which building to enter from the carpark for Showcase VR isn’t very visible if you don’t know where you are going. There are two sets of doors to enter the building but, neither of them have an automatic access button. They both open in the same direction but, I did think the handles were quite high. I would suggest maybe having a call button outside linked to the reception would be good, incase someone struggles to open the doors themselves. Within the building signage for Showcase VR is fairly visible on the back wall and then around the door where you enter the Showcase VR room. These doors also don't have an access button but, when we visited the doors were left open. The party food area is on the level access but, isn’t very spacious once there are a lot of children. Tables can be moved around though to make more room. To access the gaming are, there is a small step. However, a plastic ramp is placed at this step to allow it to be accessible for everyone. I think this ramp is always placed down which is great because you can access everything straightaway without having to wait. There are 4 pods that have VR games in them. The one at the far end has a couple of steps to enter it and I didn’t see a sign or get offered a ramp to access it. Two of the other pods had spinning platforms that you stand on whilst playing the game but, I don’t know if you can use the VR game without the platform. One of the pods is level access and very spacious for wheelchair users. There are also 2 car racing VR games but, because I can’t transfer without a hoist, I’m not sure if the car seats are too low to transfer on to. With lots of children running around because I was at a birthday party, there was still plenty of space.

Toilets

There are toilets located across the corridor from Showcase VR and there is an accessible toilet. Within the accessible toilet there is not an emergency red cord which could be dangerous if someone falls and needs to call for assistance. The accessible toilet itself is quite small so some wheelchair users may struggle, especially if they need someone to assist them. There was a wet floor sign in the toilet when I visit so, there wasn’t much room inside. The bin was positioned at the only transfer side of the toilet and was quite big so, I’d maybe suggest a smaller bin to accommodate more space for wheelchair users. I think the closet Changing Places toilet is in the V&A Dundee.

Staff

I visited Showcase VR for my friends little boys birthday so, I didn’t really interact with the staff members myself. I know my friend didn’t find them very friendly or helpful with party arrangements on the day.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

I didn’t try the VR when I visited so, I will try and get back as I’ve never done it before.

Photos