If you are looking to visit a Merlin theme park and unable to queue in a conventual queue line due to a disability then you may have heard about Merlin ride access pass or RAP for short. But, what exactly is the ride access pass scheme? What needs doing before your visit in order to use the RAP pass and how will ride access pass work when in the theme park? In this blog post we will explore all of the above so come on and lets find out everything we need to know about Merlin ride access pass system!
What is a ride access pass?
The ride access pass scheme is available to guests who are unable to queue in a conventual queue line due to a disability. The ride access pass means that you virtual queue for the rides and attractions. However, there is still an element of physical queuing. The ride access pass is free and must be pre book for the day of your visit. You must apply for a ride access pass at least 7 days in advance.
Before Your Visit
How to apply for a Ride Access Pass
Already have an access card: If you already have an access card with the standing and queuing symbol on the all you have to do is use your access card ID to create a Merlin ride access pass. There is a really helpful blog post on the access card website explain how to do this. You can find their blog post by clicking here how to link your Access Card / ride access pass registration number to Merlin
Don’t have an access card: If you do not already have an access card then there is two roots you can chose from you can either apply for an access card. I have a full blog post all about the access card that you can find by clicking here. If you do not wish to purchase the access card and would only like your needs to be registered for the Merlin ride access pass system then you can do so by clicking here to fill in the Merlin ride access pass application form.
Please Note: during your application for a Merlin ride access pass or linking your access card to get a Merlin ride access pass you will be asked a series of questions witch will help to determined weather you receive a red ride access pass or a yellow ride access pass. The difference is those with a red ride access pass need a carer over the age of 14 to accompany them on all rides wear as, those with a yellow ride access pass can ride alone.
If your application for a Merlin ride access pass is successful then you will receive an email stating that you have a ride access pass. This email will also contain your ride access card barcode number that you will need to pre book your ride access pass for the day of your visit. You can see your ride access pass barcode number by clicking view tickets on the email. I explain all about pre book a ride access pass for the day of your visit in the section bellow.
Pre-book Ride Access Pass for the day of your visit
Due to increasing demand and to ensure guests get the most out of using the ride access pass all ride access pass users are required to pre book to use there rides access pass on the day they are visiting the theme park.
Guests can book a maximum of 3 days at a time at each theme park. for example, The maximum bookings you could have at one time is 3 ride access pre book for Chessington, 3 ride access pre book for Legoland, 3 ride access pre book for Thorpe park and 3 ride access pass pre books for Alton Towers.
A ride access pass pre book does not including admission to the theme park. Therefore, you will need to book theme park took or pre book to use your Merlin annual pass separately.
It’s important to note that at the times of writing ride access pass pre books for weekends are selling out between 4 to 6 weeks in advance so I highly recommend planning ahead especially if visiting at peak times.
How to pre-book a ride access pass reservation
There is separate ride access pass pre booking system for each of Merlin four theme parks. I have included the link to pre book your ride access pass for the day of your visit bellow.
- Alton Towers: Click here to pre book your ride access pass reservation at Alton Towers
- Thorpe Park: Click here to pre book your ride access pass reservation at Thorpe park
- Chessington: Click here to pre book your ride access pass reservation at Chessington
- Legoland: Click here to pre book your ride access pass reservation at Legoland
When you click on the link to pre book your ride access pass you will be given the options of pre booking a red ride access pass or pre booking a yellow ride access pass. As shown in the picture bellow.
You can find out weaver your ride access pass is red or yellow by looking at your confirmation email when you applied or linked your ride access pass. The difference is those with a red ride access pass need a carer over the age of 14 to accompany them on all rides wear as, those with a yellow ride access pass can ride alone. As you can see from the picture bellow of my confirmation email (from when I linked my access card to create a Merlin ride access pass) I have red ride access pass.
You will then need to select the number of accompanying guests and the ride access pass user. You can have a maximum of 3 accompanying guests as well as the ride access pass user so 4 in total. It’s important to remember when selecting your party size that it’s the 1 ride access pass user and the accompanying guests. For example, I’m going me and my PA so I will have a party size of 2.
Now it’s time to select the date you would like to use your ride access pass. If a date is greyed out this means that the ride access pass reservations for that day are fully booked.
Before checking out you will need to enter your ride access pass barcode number. Please note: you will be asked for barcode numbers for the number of people you selected. For example, mine says 2 however, all you only need to enter the barcode number of the ride access pass user and it will allow you to check out. You can find your ride access pass barcode number on your physical ride access pass ID card the blue card as seen in the picture bellow. If you haven’t yet collected your ride access pass ID card then click view tickets on your ride access pass confirmation email and your barcode number will be there.
Once you have entered your ride access pass barcode number you can now check out. remember ride access pass pre-books are free so you will not be asked any payment details all you need to do is enter your contact information. You will then receive an email with your ride access pre book confirmation. If you are visiting Alton Towers or Thorpe Park your pre book email will contain a barcode. You will need to show this on the day of your visit. I highly recommend creating a separate folder in your email for your ride access pass pre book as you will need this handy when collecting your ride access pass time card at Alton Towers or Thorpe Park. You will still receive a confirmation email of your ride access pass pre book for Legoland and Chessington however, you don’t need the barcode on this email as both Legoland and Chessington use an online system not a time card. Don’t worry I’ll explain all you need to know about using your ride access pass at each of Merlin theme parks in the ‘at the theme park’ section of this blog post.
Cancelling a ride access pass pre book
Ride access pass pre books can be cancel by emailing rideaccesspass@merlinentertainments.biz. For Alton Towers and Thorpe Park you also have the option of moving your ride access pass pre book to another date. This is done by clicking ‘manage your booking’ on your ride access pre book confirmation email and then selecting a new date. You can change the date of your ride access pass pre book up to 3 times.
Alton Towers have now created a ride access pass pre book cancelation form. You can find the form by clicking here ride access pass pre book cancelation form Alton Towers. Please note: This form is to only cancel ride access pre books for Alton Towers.
At The Theme Park
In this section of the blog post I have fully explained exactly what you will need to do at the theme park in order to use the ride access pass when inside the theme park allowing you to enjoy the rides and attractions. There are a few differences between each of the Merlin theme park regarding how the ride access pass will work on the day of your visit. Therefore, I have split exactly what you need to do when arriving to use your ride access pass into a different steps for for each theme park.
Ride Access Pass ID Card
Once you have been awarded a ride access pass and successfully pre booked to use your ride access pass for the day of your visit all that is left to do is pick up your ride access pass ID card. Your ride access pass ID card is valid for 3 years and only needs to be collected once. Your ride access pass ID card is a physical card that you must show at each ride and attraction when using the ride access pass service. When collecting your ride access pass ID card you may be asked for your photo taken this is because as seen in the picture bellow the ride access pass ID card has a picture of the user on it to avoid anyone else using the ride access pass ID card. If you lose or forget your ride access pass ID card then it can be reprinted at any of the Merlin theme parks. It doesn’t matter which Merlin theme park you collect your ride access pass ID card from.
Alton Towers Resort
Collecting Ride Access Pass ID card
If you haven’t yet collected your ride access pass ID card then you can do this at Alton Towers by going to Guest Services located inside the park on Towers Street or at the carer and accessibility info hub located at admissions before you enter the theme park as seen in the images below.
Collecting Ride Access Pass Time Card
Alton Towers use a paper time card where they wright the time you can use the ride access pass for your next ride or attraction. In order to get a time card you will need to show both your ride access pass pre book for the day of your visit as well as your ride access pass ID card. You can collect your ride access pass time card from either Guest Services located inside the park on Towers Street, the carer and accessibility info hub located at admissions before you enter the theme park as well the guest services hub located in Forbidden Valley. A member of staff will scan your ride access pass pre book and check your ride access pass ID card before filling out the information on your time card and issuing it to you.
How Ride Access Pass Works on rides and attractions at Alton Towers
Once you have collected your time card you can go on your first ride without a timeout you will be timed out after all other rides for the length of the main queue. Please see the example bellow of how ride access works at the rides.
Step 1: Check ride restrictions and sensory Level
Before going through the ride access pass entrance for the ride of your choice it’s important to make sure you have checked both the ride restriction and sensory level to make sure this ride or attraction accessible for you. The sensory level board and ride restriction board are clearly located at the entrance for each ride and attraction. Your ride access pass time card also has a handy restrictions table so you can check the ride requirements before getting to the ride.
Step 2: Find ride access pass or step free entrance
Now you have found out the ride is accessible for you it’s time to locate the ride access pass entrance for the ride you would like to enjoy. The ride access pass entrance can be found by the sign saying ride access pass. The entrance for ride access pass users is normally located not to far away from the mail queue. For some rides and attractions the ride access pass queue line isn’t wheelchair friendly. The vast majority of rides at Alton Towers have a step free option available for guests that require level access, as you can see for Rita there is a lift.
Step 3: Show your ride access pass ID and time card
Once reaching the front of the ride access pass queue line for your chosen ride a ride host will come and ask for your ride access pass ID card and time card. they will check your ride access pass ID card is you and write a time on your timecard in line with the length of the main queue line. For example, if I went on Rita at 14:00 and the main queue line was 40 minutes the time written on my card would be 14:40. This means that you are unable to use the ride access pass on any rides and attraction till 14:40 when the time on your card is up. This is commonly referred to as a timeout.
Step 4: Enjoy the ride
It’s now time to experience your chosen ride! waver your going on thrilling rollercoaster or a chilled ride in CBeebies Land I hope you enjoy being able to access the ride thanks to the ride access pass system.
Step 5: Relax until your timeout is finished
Once you have experienced the ride of your choice it’s time to take a break and re regulate until your timeout is over so in my example till 14:40. Once your time out is up you simply repeat the process with another ride or attraction.
Top tip: Use the Alton Towers app to see what rides have a long main queue time so that you can do a ride with a long main queue before your lunch or dinner. This allows you to be virtually queueing whilst having your lunch or dinner maximising your day at Alton Towers
Thorpe Park Resort
Collecting Ride Access Pass ID card
If you haven’t yet collected your ride access pass ID card then you can do this at Thorpe Park. If you are collecting your ride access pass ID card before 1pm then then go to the access kiosk located after security next to the turnstiles before you enter the park. After 1pm you will need to collect your ride access pass ID card from Guest Services located inside the park bellow the Dome.
If you haven’t yet collected your ride access pass ID card then you can do this at Thorpe Park by going to the access kiosk located after security next to the turnstiles before you enter the park before 1pm. or if you would like to collect your ride access pass ID card after 1pm then this can be done at Guest Services located inside the park bellow the Dome.
Collecting Ride Access Pass Time Card
Thorpe Park use a paper time card where they wright the time you can use the ride access pass for your next ride or attraction. In order to get a time card you will need to show both your ride access pass pre book for the day of your visit and your ride access pass ID card. You can collect your ride access pass time card before 1pm at the access kiosk located after security next to the turnstiles before you enter the park. After 1pm you can collect your time card from Guest Services located inside the park bellow the Dome. A member of staff will scan your ride access pass pre book and check your ride access pass ID card before filling out the information on your time card and issuing it to you.
How Ride Access Pass Works on rides and attractions at Thorpe Park
Once you have collected your time card you can go on your first ride without a timeout you will be timed out after all other rides for the length of the main queue. Please see the example bellow of how ride access works at the rides.
Please note: Hypira is no longer limited to 1 ride per day so your time card will not have the golden row at the bottom.
Step 1: Check ride restrictions and sensory guide
Before going through the ride access pass entrance for the ride of your choice it’s important to make sure you have checked both the ride restriction and sensory guide making sure this ride or attraction accessible for you. The ride restriction boards are clearly located at the entrance for each ride and attraction. Your ride access pass time card also has a handy restrictions table so you check the ride requirements before getting to the ride. Thorpe Park have created a sensory guide with sensory information for each ride and attraction. You can see Thorpe park sensory guide by clicking here sensory guide Thorpe Park.
Step 2: Find ride access pass or step free entrance
Now you have found out the ride is accessible to you it’s time to locate the ride access pass entrance for the ride you would like to enjoy. The ride access pass entrance can be found by the sign saying ride access pass or on the Thorpe Park app. The entrance for ride access pass users is normally located not to far away from the main queue. For some rides and attractions the ride access pass queue line isn’t wheelchair friendly. The vast majority of rides at Thorpe Park have a step free option available for guests that require level access, as you can see for Stealth there is a lift.
Step 3: Show your ride access pass ID and time card
Once reaching the front of the ride access pass queue line for your chosen ride a ride host will come and ask for your ride access pass ID card and time card. They will check your ride access pass ID card is you and write a time on your timecard in line with the length of the main queue line. For example, if I went on Stealth at 14:00 and the main queue line was 40 minutes the time written on my card would be 14:40. This means that I would be unable to use the ride access pass on any rides and attraction till 14:40 when the time on my card is up. This is commonly referred to as a timeout.
Step 4: Enjoy the ride
It’s now time to experience your chosen ride! waver your going on thrilling rollercoaster or a a gentle ride on Dobble Tea Party I hope you enjoy being able to access the ride thanks to the ride access pass system.
Step 5: Relax until your timeout is finished
Once you have experienced the ride of your choice it’s time to take a break and re-regulate until your time out is over so in my example till 14:40. Once your time out is up you simply repeat the process with another ride or attraction.
Top tip: Use the Thorpe Park app to see what rides have a long main queue so that you can do a ride with a long main queue before your lunch or dinner. This allows you to be virtually queueing whilst having your lunch or dinner maximising your day at Thorpe Park.
Chessington World Of Adventures Resort
Collecting Ride Access Pass ID card
If you haven’t yet collected your ride access pass ID card then you can do this at Chessington by going to the ride access pass information hub located near the Merlin annual pass hub and Rattle Snake inside the park.
Redeem your ride access pass
On the day of your visit you will need to redeem your ride access pass session that you pre-booked. First you’ll need to go to Chessington reserve and ride click here for the link to redeem your ride access pass session for Chessington. You will then login with the same email you used to pre-book your ride access pass. If it’s your first time you may need to create an account. Next you check the number of guests selected is correct and click redeem allowing you to use your ride access pass. The pictures bellow are of each page you will see.
How Ride Access Pass Works on rides and attractions at Chessington
Once you have redeem your ride access pass session you can select your first ride using reserve and ride website. First ride is without a timeout you will be timed out after all other rides for the length of the main queue. Please see the example bellow of how ride access works at the rides.
Please note: Chessington use a digital system for ride access pass done via a smart phone. If a ride access pass queue gets very long then it will show as closed queue full on the ride access pass website meaning you are unable to book that ride. Once the ride access pass queue has gone down for that particular ride it will be back open on the website to book.
Step 1: check ride restrictions and book ride
On the reserve and ride you can see all of the rides available and there queue times as seen in picture to the left. Before booking a ride make sure you have checked the ride restriction to ensure the ride or attraction is accessible for you. This can be found by clicking on your chosen ride and scrolling to the bottom.
Now you know the ride is accessible for you simply click on the ride of your choice and click the book now button. This will then bring up a QR code that you will need to show at the ride.
Step 2: Find ride access pass or step free entrance
Now you have booked the ride it’s time to locate the ride access pass entrance for the ride you would like to enjoy. The ride access pass entrance can be found by the sign saying ride access pass. The entrance for ride access pass users is normally located not to far away from the main queue (except for Vampire however it’s sign posted on where to go.) For some rides and attractions the ride access pass queue line isn’t wheelchair friendly. A few rides at Chessington have a step free option available for guests that require level access. For Mandrill Mayhem just explain to the ride host when they scan your QR code that you need step free.
Step 3: Show your ride access pass ID and QR code
Once reaching the front of the ride access pass queue line for your chosen ride a ride host will come and ask for your ride access pass ID card and QR code. They will check your ride access pass ID card is you and scan your QR code that will time you out for the length of the main queue line and is shown with a countdown. For example, if I went on Mandrill Mayhem at 14:00 and the main queue line was 40 minutes the reserve and ride would then countdown for 40 minutes. This means that you are unable to use the ride access pass on any rides and attraction till your countdown is over when you will be able to book your next ride or attraction.
Step 4: Enjoy the ride
It’s now time to experience your chosen ride! waver your going on thrilling rollercoaster or a for a spin on Sea Storm I hope you enjoy being able to access the ride thanks to the ride access pass system.
Step 5: Relax until your timeout is finished
Once you have experienced the ride of your choice it’s time to take a break and re-regulate until your countdown is over so in my example 40 minutes. Once your countdown is up you simply repeat the process with another ride or attraction.
Top tip: Use the Chessington app to see what rides have a long main queue so that you can do a ride with a long main queue before your lunch or dinner. This allows you to be virtually queueing whilst having your lunch or dinner maximising your day at Chessington.
Legoland Windsor Resort
Collecting Ride Access Pass ID card
If you haven’t yet collected your ride access pass ID card then you can do this at Legoland by going to the ride access pass information hub located just after the turnstiles inside the park.
Redeem your ride access pass
On the day of your visit you will need to redeem your ride access pass session that you pre-booked. First you’ll need to go to Legoland reserve and ride click here for the link to redeem your ride access pass session for Legoland. You will then login with the same email you used to pre-book your ride access. If it’s your first time you may need to create an account. Next you check the number of guests selected is correct and click redeem allowing you to use your ride access pass. The pictures bellow are of each page you will see.
How Ride Access Pass Works on rides and attractions at Legoland
Once you have redeem your ride access pass session you can select your first ride using reserve and ride website. First ride is without a timeout you will be timed out after all other rides for the length of the main queue. Please see the example bellow of how ride access works at the rides.
Please note: Legoland use a digital system for ride access pass done via a smart phone. If a ride access pass queue gets very long then it will show as closed queue full on the ride access pass website meaning you are unable to book that ride. Once the ride access pass queue has gone down for that particular ride it will be back open on the website to book.
Please note: As Minifigure Speedway is a new ride slots can only be booked 10 past, half past and quarter to the hour. You will find Minifigure speedway at the bottom of the rides and it may be listed as a show. I believe Minifigure speedway is limited to one ride per day for ride access pass users.
Step 1: check ride restrictions and book ride
On the reserve and ride you can see all of the rides available and there queue times as seen in picture to the left. Before booking a ride make sure you have checked the ride restriction to ensure the ride or attraction is accessible for you. This can be found by clicking on your chosen ride and scrolling to the bottom.
Now you know the ride is accessible for you simply click on the ride of your choice and click the book now button. This will then bring up a QR code that you will need to show at the ride.
Step 2: Find ride access pass or step free entrance
Now you have booked the ride it’s time to locate the ride access pass entrance for the ride you would like to enjoy. For Legoland ride access pass and Fastrack share an entrance so you will go through the reserve and ride entrance. The reserve and ride entrance can be found by the sign reserve and ride. The entrance for reserve and ride is normally located not to far away from the main queue. For some rides and attractions the reserve and ride queue line isn’t wheelchair friendly. The majority of rides at Legoland have a step free option available for guests that require level access. For Minifigure Speedway its a ramp down the reserve and ride queue and then a lift at the exit.
Step 3: Show your ride access pass ID and QR code
Once reaching the front of the reserve and ride queue line for your chosen ride a ride host will come and ask for your ride access pass ID card and QR code. They will check your ride access pass ID card is you and scan your QR code that will time you out for the length of the main queue line and is shown with a countdown. For example, if I went on The Dragon at 14:00 and the main queue line was 40 minutes the reserve and ride would then countdown for 40 minutes. This means that you are unable to use the ride access pass on any rides and attraction till your countdown is over when you will be able to book your next ride or attraction.
Step 4: Enjoy the ride
It’s now time to experience your chosen ride! waver your testing your driving skills on Lego City driving school or going for a spin on spinning spiders I hope you enjoy being able to access the ride thanks to the ride access pass system.
Step 5: Relax until your timeout is finished
Once you have experienced the ride of your chose it’s time to take a break and re-regulate until your countdown is over so in my example 40 minutes. Once your countdown is up you simply repeat the process with another ride or attraction.
Top tip: Use the Legoland app to see what rides have a long main queue so that you can do a ride with a long main queue before your lunch or dinner. This allows you to be virtually queueing whilst having your lunch or dinner maximising your day at Legoland.
Final Thoughts
Well I think that is everything you need to know about Merlin ride access pass! I have used the ride access pass system for many years now since I was a little kid and it has allowed me to access all the rides I love. Stay tuned as I have full disabled access review on each of the Merlin theme parks coming soon. Let me know what Merlin theme park you think does ride access pass best? See you on my next theme park trip, bye for now.