• Replies 14 replies
  • Subscribers 34 subscribers
  • Views 2835 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

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

  • In July 2010 our UK Government took the trouble to produce a 12 page PDF to help service providers to the Public understand the Equality Act 2010.

    "This Disability Quick Start Guide tells you how
    the Equality Act 2010 changes how you have
    to act in order to prevent and address disability
    discrimination and disability-related harassment
    when you provide goods, facilities and services to
    the public, for example as a residential care home,
    community shop or after-school club.These parts of
    the Act will come into effect on 1 October 2010."

    N.B. in the above; "...how you have to act".

    Page 4 of the Guide clearly explains to service providers to the Public; the nature and range of disabilities falling within the scope of the Act, including "...such as Autism":

    https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a79c79940f0b66d161ae174/disability.pdf

    In addition to Sharon Mod's inclusion of the email contact for Merlin Entertainment (in the event that they need to read the above Disability Quick Start Guide document):

    rideaccesspass@merlinentertainments.biz

    ...I do not believe any disabled groups should be accepting of a service provider to the Public disregarding an Act of Parliament, replacing it with terms of their own devising.

    I also believe that our respective MPs ought to represent us in reinforcing this legislative compliance by service providers to the Public too (find my MP):

    https://members.parliament.uk/

Reply

  • In July 2010 our UK Government took the trouble to produce a 12 page PDF to help service providers to the Public understand the Equality Act 2010.

    "This Disability Quick Start Guide tells you how
    the Equality Act 2010 changes how you have
    to act in order to prevent and address disability
    discrimination and disability-related harassment
    when you provide goods, facilities and services to
    the public, for example as a residential care home,
    community shop or after-school club.These parts of
    the Act will come into effect on 1 October 2010."

    N.B. in the above; "...how you have to act".

    Page 4 of the Guide clearly explains to service providers to the Public; the nature and range of disabilities falling within the scope of the Act, including "...such as Autism":

    https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a79c79940f0b66d161ae174/disability.pdf

    In addition to Sharon Mod's inclusion of the email contact for Merlin Entertainment (in the event that they need to read the above Disability Quick Start Guide document):

    rideaccesspass@merlinentertainments.biz

    ...I do not believe any disabled groups should be accepting of a service provider to the Public disregarding an Act of Parliament, replacing it with terms of their own devising.

    I also believe that our respective MPs ought to represent us in reinforcing this legislative compliance by service providers to the Public too (find my MP):

    https://members.parliament.uk/

Children
No Data