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Concern about Merlin's RAP changes for autistic visitors

seanjhatch

Hi everyone,

I wanted to start a discussion about Merlin’s (Alton Towers, Chessington, Thorpe Park etc) recent update to the Ride Access Pass (RAP), as I’m worried it may negatively affect many autistic people and others with non-physical disabilities.

Merlin have announced that from 2nd February 2026, they will only accept the following Nimbus symbols for RAP eligibility:

  • Difficulty Standing

  • Level Access

  • Urgent Toilet Needs

This seems to mean that difficulties related to crowds, sensory overload, and long queues may no longer be considered in the same way.

My 12-year-old sister is autistic and physically able, but she really struggles with busy, crowded queues for long periods of time. RAP has been what made visits to places like Alton Towers manageable and enjoyable for her. Without that support, it’s hard to see how we could continue going.

I completely understand the need for clear criteria, but I’m concerned that this change could unintentionally exclude many neurodivergent visitors who still have very real access needs.

Has anyone else been affected by this or heard more about how it will work in practice?
And does anyone know what the best way is for families to raise concerns or ask Merlin to reconsider support for autistic visitors — for example through feedback channels or disability advocacy groups?

It would be really helpful to hear others’ thoughts and experiences.

Thanks

Parents

  • I’m genuinely devastated by this change, as I’m no longer eligible for a Ride Access Pass. In my view, I think it’s discrimination against people with invisible disabilities.

    I was diagnosed as autistic and ADHD three years ago. Since then, I’ve worked extremely hard to understand my needs and make my life more accessible. Before my diagnosis, I spent years trying to function as a neurotypical person, which had a serious negative impact on my mental health and led to me becoming very isolated and largely housebound.

    Following my diagnosis, one of my main goals has been to reduce isolation and improve my mental wellbeing by removing barriers where possible. Visiting theme parks has been a huge part of that journey, but only because I was able to use the Ride Access queues.

    Without access to these ride access queues, I simply won’t be able to visit Merlin parks. Long, crowded queues cause overwhelming sensory overload for me… confined spaces, noise, crowds, and the associated anxiety quickly lead to physical exhaustion and shutdowns that can last for days afterwards. This isn’t about “not liking queues”, for autistic people, queuing can be genuinely disabling.

    The Ride Access Pass has never been about free fast-tracking or skipping queues. You still wait, but just waiting outside of an environment that causes harm. I don’t get on more rides than anyone else, and when the normal queues are short (around 20 minutes or less), I use the standard queue without issue. It’s only longer waits that become unmanageable.

    I understand concerns about misuse of the system, but a small number of people abusing it should not result in thousands of disabled people losing access altogether. Removing reasonable adjustments does not solve abuse, it simply excludes those who genuinely rely on them.

    I’m deeply concerned that this change will force many autistic, ADHD, and invisibly disabled people back into isolation. I really hope Merlin listens to the people being disadvantaged by this policy and reconsiders a system that currently places us at a significant and unfair disadvantage.

Reply

  • I’m genuinely devastated by this change, as I’m no longer eligible for a Ride Access Pass. In my view, I think it’s discrimination against people with invisible disabilities.

    I was diagnosed as autistic and ADHD three years ago. Since then, I’ve worked extremely hard to understand my needs and make my life more accessible. Before my diagnosis, I spent years trying to function as a neurotypical person, which had a serious negative impact on my mental health and led to me becoming very isolated and largely housebound.

    Following my diagnosis, one of my main goals has been to reduce isolation and improve my mental wellbeing by removing barriers where possible. Visiting theme parks has been a huge part of that journey, but only because I was able to use the Ride Access queues.

    Without access to these ride access queues, I simply won’t be able to visit Merlin parks. Long, crowded queues cause overwhelming sensory overload for me… confined spaces, noise, crowds, and the associated anxiety quickly lead to physical exhaustion and shutdowns that can last for days afterwards. This isn’t about “not liking queues”, for autistic people, queuing can be genuinely disabling.

    The Ride Access Pass has never been about free fast-tracking or skipping queues. You still wait, but just waiting outside of an environment that causes harm. I don’t get on more rides than anyone else, and when the normal queues are short (around 20 minutes or less), I use the standard queue without issue. It’s only longer waits that become unmanageable.

    I understand concerns about misuse of the system, but a small number of people abusing it should not result in thousands of disabled people losing access altogether. Removing reasonable adjustments does not solve abuse, it simply excludes those who genuinely rely on them.

    I’m deeply concerned that this change will force many autistic, ADHD, and invisibly disabled people back into isolation. I really hope Merlin listens to the people being disadvantaged by this policy and reconsiders a system that currently places us at a significant and unfair disadvantage.

Children
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