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!
| Please Note: Alton Towers are the only park currently using the ride access pass app. If you are visiting Chessington, Legoland or Thorpe Park for all information you need to know about how ride access pass works there please click here Everything you need to know about Merlin Ride Access Pass. The blog posts are updated regularly and will be updated if more parks join the ride access pass app. 21.11.25 I know change can be very challenging therefore I have created a social story all about the new Merlin ride access pass app that you can find by clicking here Ride access pass app social story. |
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 download the ride access pass app and register. Full information can be found in the ‘Setting up ride access pass app’ section of this blog post.
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. If you are successful you will receive an email with an ID number on you will need this to set up your account on the ride access pass app.
Download and set up ride access pass app
Click here for an easy read version of setting up the ride access pass app.
The Merlin ride access pass app can be downloaded from the App store or Google play.
- Download app on IOS: click here to download ride access pass app IOS
- Download app on Android: click here to download ride access pass app Android
Once you have downloaded the ride access pass you need to register for an account even if you already have a physical ride access pass.
It’s supper simple to set your account up just click the register button and then type your name and Nimbus Access Card number. You can find your access card number on the front of your access card or if you chose an access registration with Merlin the ID number on your email. Before completing your registration you will need to answer yes or no to two questions in order to determined if you get a red or 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. That’s all you need to do to set up your ride access pass ID it will now be added to the home page in your Merlin ride access pass app.
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 in the app
You can pre book the day you would like to use your ride access pass by clicking theme park you would like to visit. You will then need to select the number of people coming with the ride access pass user. You can select a maximum of 3 people this does not include the ride access pass holder so would be max 4 of you in total. If the ride access pass user has a red ride access pass they must have at least 1 guest riding with them. You can then select the date you would like to use your ride access pass.
How to import an existing ride access pass pre book into the app
You may already have pre booked some visits using the old ride access pass booking system. In order to use these bookings you need to import them into the app.
Click here for an easy read version of importing existing booking into the ride access pass app.
You can import an existing reservation by clicking on my account on the home page and selecting import my reservation. You will need to enter the email address you used to pre book your ride access pass reservation as well as the pre book order number. The ride access pass pre book order number would have come from the email address noreply@accessoticketing.com. Once you have added your order number in the app will then find the booking and add it to the my pass booking section of the ride access pass app.
Cancelling a ride access pass pre book in the app
Click here for an easy read version on how to cancel your ride access pass booking in the app.
It’s now very simple to cancel a ride access pass pre book if your plans change meaning you are unable to visit the park on the date you pre booked. You can cancel a ride access pre book in the app by clicking on the visit date you would like to cancel and selecting cancel booking.
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.
How Ride Access Pass Works on rides and attractions at Alton Towers
When you arrive at the theme park you will click your pre book for that day and select check in. All you need to do is select the t] 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 book ride
On the ride access pass app you can see all of the rides available and there queue times. Before selecting 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. Ride restriction and sensory boards are available at the entrance to each ride and attraction.
Now you know the ride is accessible for you simply select the ride of your choice.
Step 2: Find ride access pass or step free entrance and scan in
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.
At the entrance to the ride access pass or step free queue for each ride and attraction there is a QR code. In your app you have already selected your ride. Now you can scan in to the ride by scanning the QR code in the app. This will start a countdown the length of the main queue line.
Step 3: Show your ride access pass app
Once reaching the front of the ride access pass queue line for your chosen ride a ride host will come and check your ride access pass app. they will check your ride access pass ID card is you and check that your are scanned in to the correct ride.
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 simple press the finish ride button. it’s time to take a break and re regulate until your countdown is over. Once your countdown has finished you simply repeat the process with another ride or attraction.
Top tip: look on the ride access pass 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.
Final Thoughts
Well that’s everything you need to know about the brand new Merlin ride access pass app! 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. So I am very excited to see Merlin being so innovative with there accessibility. See you on my next theme park trip, bye for now.
2 Comments
Hi Iona. Thanks very much for taking the time to explain all this in detail, it’s super helpful. I haven’t used this system yet and am still a little confused, when I arrive at the park and click sign in, do I go to the first ride I want to do without having to scan the QR code, and go straight in – or do I click the ride and get a time to turn up? It might be helpful to let readers know they have to at least apply for a free Merlin Access Card before going, they can’t just use the Ride Access Pass on the app. Thanks lots, Matilda 🙂
Hi thank you for reading!!
To go on your first ride you will scan the QR at the rides entrance and get straight on via the ride access pass or step free entrance. When you scan the QR code it will start counting down the time of the main queue this is the time you can go on your next ride. All your time out are after the ride you do not get given a time to turn up as long as you have no countdown on your app from a ride you have already done you can go on a ride whenever you want by going to ride access pass entrance and scanning the QR code. Hope this helps to answer your question if you have any more questions please feel free to get in touch. Thank you, Iona