Theme park ride access passes explained, including the Merlin Ride Access Pass
Most UK theme parks offer a ride access pass so that visitors who cannot queue in the usual way can wait elsewhere. 32 of the theme parks we track describe theirs, including the Queue Assist, Ride Access Pass, EasyPass.
The Merlin Ride Access Pass explained
How does the Ride Access Pass work at Merlin theme parks?
The Ride Access Pass (RAP) is a virtual queue that takes eligible guests out of the main standby line. After you validate a reservation at a ride, you wait roughly as long as the standby queue before going in through a separate entrance. It does not promise instant access, and you may still queue physically at busy times.
Which parks accept the Merlin Ride Access Pass?
The RAP works only at four UK resorts: Alton Towers Resort, Chessington World of Adventures, LEGOLAND Windsor Resort and Thorpe Park. The same eligibility rules apply at all four, although restrictions vary by ride and are shown in the app and at each ride entrance.
Who is eligible for a Ride Access Pass?
It is for people who cannot queue for long because of a disability or long-term health condition, using the Equality Act 2010 meaning of disability (an impairment that has lasted, or is likely to last, at least 12 months). Nimbus Disability assesses each applicant, and any of these four allocations qualifies: Difficulty Standing, Difficulty with Crowds, Urgent Access to Toilets or Level Access.
What proof do I need to apply for the Ride Access Pass?
You apply online through Nimbus Disability, uploading photo ID and documents that show your access needs. Nimbus accepts a wide range of evidence, such as confirmation of a disability benefit, a letter from a professional, a care plan, an EHCP or an occupational therapy assessment.
What is the Merlin Digital Access Pass and how do I get one?
The Merlin Digital Access Pass (DAP) is a free pass from Nimbus Disability that lets you use the RAP at the four Merlin UK parks. You apply online through the Nimbus Access Card scheme, and once approved Nimbus emails you an ID number. As at 13 October 2026, Nimbus says it aims to process applications within 72 hours.
Do I need a new application if I already have a Nimbus Access Card?
No. If your Access Card already shows a qualifying symbol, you skip the application and simply register the card number in the Ride Access Pass app. A full Access Card is also recognised at many venues beyond Merlin, whereas the DAP only works at the Merlin UK parks.
How many people can ride with the Ride Access Pass holder?
The pass holder can bring up to three companions, and at least one of them must be 14 or older. Companions cannot use the pass without the named holder, who must board with them.
What do the red and yellow Ride Access Pass categories mean?
When registering, holders answer two questions about the help they would need in an emergency, such as an evacuation at height. A red RAP means the holder must ride with at least one companion aged 14 or over who takes full responsibility in an emergency, as staff cannot lift or carry guests. A yellow RAP means the holder may ride alone or with up to three companions.
How do I book ride slots with the Ride Access Pass app?
Download the Merlin Ride Access Pass app on iOS or Android, register with your DAP or Access Card number, and allow location, camera and notifications. You must pre-book RAP for each visit in the app at no cost, and you can hold up to three reservations per attraction at a time on a rolling basis.
Does a Ride Access Pass booking include park entry?
No. A RAP reservation does not get you into the park, so you still need a day ticket or an Annual Pass pre-booked slot. If you do not pre-book RAP, you may not be able to use it that day.
Do I still need a paper timecard with the Ride Access Pass app?
No. At Alton Towers the help centre says everything is handled in the app: you scan QR codes at ride entrances, check countdown times and pick your next ride. A manual wristband and timecard system may be used only if the network or app has a major failure.
Is the Ride Access Pass changing?
Yes. Merlin says that from the end of 2026 the RAP will move to a new virtual queuing system, with the eligibility criteria staying the same. It also aims to phase out the need to pre-book RAP slots.
Checked against the official sources on 13 October 2026: accessibility.merlinentertainments.biz/ride-access-pass, thorpepark.com/blog/ride-access-pass, app.accesscard.online/apply/merlin, legoland.co.uk/plan-your-day/before-you-visit/accessibility/theme-park-accessibility/ride-access-pass, support.altontowers.com/hc/en-us/articles/31858212795037-Do-I-still-need-to-collect-a-timecard-to-use-the-Ride-Access-Pass-app.
Ride access at each theme park
| Theme park | Pass | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Adventure Island, Southend-on-Sea | Queue Assist | Queue assist scheme: ride access sheet gives return times; arrive within 20 minutes of slot |
| Alton Towers Resort | Ride Access Pass | Ride Access Pass via Nimbus, apply 7+ days ahead, valid 3 years; up to 3 companions, one aged 14+ |
| Blackpool Pleasure Beach | EasyPass | EasyPass virtual queue; includes 1 companion, up to 2 more at £10 each |
| Chessington World of Adventures Resort | Ride Access Pass | Ride Access Pass, apply online at least 7 days ahead, then book in the Merlin RAP app; no on-the-day registration |
| Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park | No named pass | Wheelchair and mobility scooter users enter free; accessible map available; some steep areas |
| Crealy Theme Park & Resort, Exeter | Ride Access Pass | Free Ride Access Pass for guests who cannot queue: user plus up to 3 guests enter via the exit line. Needs Access Card with toilet, standing, queue or crowds symbol; book 72 hours ahead; daily quota; adult carer 18+ required |
| Diggerland | No named pass | No fast track due to single-queue system; queues usually under 20 minutes. Carers (12+) can use rides and drives |
| Disneyland Paris, Marne-la-Vallée | Priority Card | Priority Card gives priority (not immediate) access to attractions, shows, parades, character meets and tills; up to 4 companions on attractions, 2 at outdoor shows; apply online up to 1 month ahead and collect at park desks or Disney Hotel. Easy Access Card gives return time slots for chronic conditions (doctor's certificate) |
| Drayton Manor Resort, Tamworth | Easy Access wristband | Easy Access wristband from Guest Services; exit or designated queue, daily ride allowance |
| Dreamland Margate | No named pass | Essential Companion Wristband lets the companion ride free with the pass holder; pre-bookable accessible platforms at Scenic Stage Arena and Hall by the Sea |
| Efteling, Kaatsheuvel | Facility card | Facility card (in the Efteling app) gives use of special wheelchair/disabled entrances; not priority, waits no shorter; up to 3 companions aged 16+ on most rides (fewer on some); request online via Pennenveer or at the Visitors' Service Centre |
| Emerald Park, Ashbourne | Queue Assist Pass | Queue Assist Pass issued on the day at Admissions: reduced waits on up to 10 rides via return times; 1 named companion 18+ plus up to 3 more guests |
| Europa-Park, Rust | Green Card | Disability card gives priority access with one companion via exit, Baby-Switch, special or VirtualLine entrance; Green Card from Information Desk by the Tower allows six attractions with up to four companions (show with photo ID) |
| Fantasy Island, Ingoldmells | No named pass | Virtual queue: a group member queues in place of the guest, who then enters via the ride exit; no fast track; tell staff on arrival. Wheelchair users must transfer onto rides themselves |
| Flamingo Land Resort, Kirby Misperton | Queue Pass | Direct access pass via ride exits with Queue Pass cards and wristbands (orange guest, purple carer, up to 4 yellow family) |
| Gardaland Resort, Castelnuovo del Garda | No named pass | Fast-track service from the Welcome Desk with disability certification; preferential, not immediate, access to approved rides |
| GreenWood Family Park, Bangor | Ride Assist | Ride Assist on supervised rides for visitors who find queuing or social interaction difficult; arranged at admissions in the Acorn Gift Shop |
| Gulliver's World Warrington | Ride Access Pass | Ride Access Pass for holder plus up to 3 helpers via ride exits; must be reserved online in advance; needs medical letter or Nimbus Access Card with queuing or crowds symbol |
| LEGOLAND Billund Resort | Show Consideration wristband | Show Consideration wristband from Information Services for guests unable to queue; quicker access to selected rides for the wearer plus up to 5 others |
| LEGOLAND Windsor Resort | Ride Access Pass | Ride Access Pass via free Merlin Digital Access Pass (Nimbus), slots booked in the Merlin RAP app; carer ticket alone does not include RAP |
| Lightwater Valley, Ripon | Rides Easy Access Pass | Rides Easy Access Pass: guests who find standing or queuing a barrier use a dedicated access entrance instead of the main queue, with a managed wait; up to 3 others can ride with them; needs difficulty standing or crowds symbol |
| Liseberg, Gothenburg | Accessible Queue | Accessible Queue: book return times for 17 popular rides, use the accessible entrance elsewhere; up to 3 people may ride with you (all need ride tickets) |
| M&D's Scotland's Theme Park, Motherwell | No named pass | No named queue pass; most rides are wheelchair friendly and Information Desk staff advise on ride suitability |
| Parc Astérix, Plailly | Accessibility Pass | Accessibility Pass via the Parc Astérix app: no-wait priority access on 10 rides, direct access on others, priority show seating; free wheelchairs at welcome desk (EUR 50 deposit) |
| Paultons Park, Ower | Queue Assist | Queue Assist Scheme booked separately; helper aged 14+ needed on rides |
| Phantasialand, Brühl | No named pass | No priority access; individual ride usage agreements needed, Quick Pass can be bought |
| PortAventura World, Salou | Disabled visitor ID wristband | ID wristband from the green Special Needs ticket booths gives access to rides via barrier-free entrances; not priority, wait time still applies; 1 adult companion at shows; riders with serious boarding difficulty may repeat once |
| Thorpe Park, Chertsey | Ride Access Pass | Ride Access Pass via Nimbus (72+ hrs ahead), then Merlin RAP app; up to 3 companions, one aged 14+ |
| Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen | Show Consideration Card | Show Consideration Card: priority access via ride exits for the disabled guest plus up to 4 people, no booking needed |
| Universal Orlando Resort | Attractions Assistance Pass | Attractions Assistance Pass for guests whose disability prevents long queuing; added to the Universal account and app after a call with the accessibility team; lets the guest (or guest with a companion) step out of the queue while others wait; IAC does not guarantee an AAP |
| Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando | Disability Access Service | DAS for guests who cannot wait in a conventional queue for long (e.g. autism or developmental disabilities); gives return times similar to standby wait, booked in the My Disney Experience app or at Guest Relations; registered guest plus up to 3 companions |
| Wicksteed Park, Kettering | Queue Assistance Pass | Queue Assistance Pass for Access Card holders with the queue symbol who have a wristband: assisted entry once per attraction |
Built from our venue data, last checked 13 October 2026. How we check.