Merlin Entertainments is set to overhaul its Ride Access Pass (RAP) system across its UK theme parks, with a new virtual queuing system beginning its rollout at Alton Towers towards the end of 2026.
The new system will eventually replace the current pre-booking and “reverse queue” arrangement, where RAP guests ride first and then wait for the duration of the normal queue before selecting their next attraction.
Instead, guests will virtually queue through the RAP app, with the wait intended to match the normal queue time. They can spend that time elsewhere in the park before receiving a notification telling them when to head to the ride.
Merlin says dedicated merge hosts and new RAP queue lines will also be introduced to make the process more consistent. Importantly, eligibility criteria are not changing, and RAP users will continue to be able to ride with up to three companions.
Merlin says the changes have been developed following feedback from RAP users, disability charities and accessibility experts.
Rob Smith, Chief Operating Officer at Merlin Entertainments, said:
“This new virtual queuing approach has been designed in response to that feedback. By providing a practical alternative that avoids RAP guests having to wait in physical queue lines, we believe it will significantly improve visits for these users and their families.”
The initial Alton Towers rollout will be followed by full implementation across Merlin’s UK theme parks in 2027, ahead of the peak summer season. Merlin also says it intends to phase out the requirement to pre-book RAP slots over time, once the new system has proved effective.
TPD Take: The biggest change is simple — RAP users will wait before their ride rather than after it, while being able to spend that waiting time away from the physical queue.
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