W5 is committed and proactive in ensuring services are accessible for all visitors.
W5 offers an essential aid/carer ticket free of charge. This is available to aid customers who would be unable to visit W5 without the support of another person. Tickets are available here.
Essential aid/carer tickets are for customers who would otherwise be unable to attend W5. We ask that you inform a staff member if you meet this criterion upon arrival or when booking in advance. Visitors will be asked to provide evidence such as front page of Disability Living Allowance (no specific rate required), front page of Attendance Allowance letter (no specific rate required), front page of Personal Independence Payments (no specific rate required), a Nimbus Access Card or Registration Card for charitable organisation which supports disability.
Accessible Parking: Disabled parking bays are available in the main Odyssey site car park and the small car park to the rear (closest car park to W5 entrance). The car park operates on a first come first served basis for all parking spaces. Blue badge holders must display their blue badges at all times whilst parked.
Taxi/Drop-off: There is a taxi rank at the front of the Odyssey Pavilion for drop-off and pick up.
Public Transport: Translink's Metro Service Number 26 leaves Belfast City Centre at Donegall Square West and makes a stop outside the Odyssey Pavilion. The Airport Express 600 to George Best Belfast City Airport departing from Europa Bus Station also stops outside the Odyssey Pavilion. The Glider G2 departs from the Belfast Welcome Centre (47 Donegall Place) and there is a stop located on the main road in front of the Odyssey Pavilion. The nearest train stop is the Titanic Quarter Halt is approximately 0.5 miles.
Arriving at W5: Entry into the Odyssey Pavilion (and W5) is at street level and lifts are available to provide access to all levels within W5. There is a low level counter at the Ticket Desk. Vertical access through the building is provided principally by two lifts, located in the centre of the building.
Ticket Collection: Pre-booked tickets can be collected at the Ticket Desk in W5.
There are 7 unisex, wheelchair accessible toilets throughout public areas within W5 (Ground floor opposite Gift Shop, Level 1 beside Coffee Shop, Level 2 concourse, Level 3 concourse, Level 4 concourse, Level 5 beside Lecture Theatre and Level 5 beside the Seminar rooms).
In the Ground Floor accessible toilet (located outside the Gift Shop) there is an adult sized changing facility and hoist. Please note that W5 does not provide slings for use with the ceiling hoist for hygiene reasons - customers are required to bring their own sling.
W5 welcomes visitors who need to bring medicines, food or drink or medical equipment to manage a medical condition. If you have any concerns about managing a medical condition when in W5, please contact us in advance of your visit. There is a First Aid Room on the ground floor in W5. In the event of a medical emergency, please contact a member of staff who will radio for First Aid (Defibrillator on site).
A hearing loop system is operational in Lecture Theatre upon request. There are a number of removable seats and wheelchair spaces. The main entrance to the Lecture Theatre is located on level 5; however those with mobility problems can access the Lecture Theatre through level 4 (escorted by a member of staff) to avoid having to use the stairs.
Assistance dogs are welcome and we can provide water for dogs as required.
A small number of exhibits in W5 have strobe lighting. Visitors who are affected by strobe lighting should inform staff upon arrival at the Ticket Desk who can arrange to have these exhibits switched off for the duration of the visit, as a precaution.
W5 is now a JAM Card friendly site. JAM Card lets people with a learning difficulty, Autism or Aspergers tell others they need ‘Just A Minute’ discreetly and easily.
W5 Quiet Room is for visitors who need some quieter time, including children and adults with sensory needs or individuals on the autism spectrum, to take a break from the main exhibition spaces, crowds, noise and excitement of W5. The Quiet Room is designed for one user group at a time to take a break (we suggest 5, 10 or 15 minutes) to relax in a comfortable setting, with adjustable lights and sounds.
A small number of exhibits in W5 contain strong magnets. Visitors who are affected by strong magnets should inform staff at the Ticket Desk who can arrange to have these exhibits switched off for the duration of the visit, as a precaution.
Ear defenders are available on a first-come first-serve basis upon request at the Ticket Desk.
At W5, we welcome feedback regarding all aspects of accessibility. You can get in contact with our team today via our Contact Us form here.
Alternatively, you can contact us by post: W5 at the Odyssey, 2 Queens Quay, Belfast, BT3 9QQ