Ride Access Pass and Disabled Access - 2024 Discussion

[GooseOnTheLoose]

Was at Drayton Manor today. It's interesting that on the face of it they offer the same system as Disneyland Paris. Same qualification, no time outs, no capacity and no meaningful impact on main queues.

Anecdotal as always but i also noticed that the users were quite obviously disabled.

The Merlin conundrum continues...

It was very dependent on the ride and the ride host. As Fast and Easy Pass share the same line, it's a little difficult for a bystander to monitor which group is making the most use out of it. As someone using the queue, you're in and out of it quickly. As someone in the main queue, not every disability is visible and one doesn't like to make judgement. I wasn't looking for wristbands either.

As you, anecdotal. The only ride I felt any sense of irritation on was Sheriff's Showdown, where the ride host would pause the main queue until the Fast / Easy Pass lane was empty. Whilst it meant that there wasn't a queue build up for Fast and Easy Pass, it also meant that what probably should have been a 10 minute queue turned into 45 for everyone else. It doesn't help that Drayton Manor Park and Zoo's ops make PortAventura's look efficient.

There were far more people noticeably using the Fast and Easy Pass lanes this year than in 2023, but that observation means nothing on its own, of course. The data will never be available, but it would be interesting to see the RAP breakdown of Annual Pass holders across all of the UK's parks, as that generally appears to be the feeling of where Merlin's problems begin.

 

[Leigh]

As you, anecdotal. The only ride I felt any sense of irritation on was Sheriff's Showdown, where the ride host would pause the main queue until the Fast / Easy Pass lane was empty. Whilst it meant that there wasn't a queue build up for Fast and Easy Pass, it also meant that what probably should have been a 10 minute queue turned into 45 for everyone else. It doesn't help that Drayton Manor Park and Zoo's ops make PortAventura's look efficient.

Not the sort of bonus you want.

 

[Smiley]

Let's not forget that not all disabilities are visible! The rise - especially in neuro-divergent or mental health issues - needs addressing generally. (Don't want to get into that debate).

Occam's razor suggests a solution where no-one gets any benefit, but people can be allowed to "virtual queue" if they have a specific reason. Which is what RAP should be. A wristband system could be used to stop people queuing for other rides in the meantime. Parks can then elect to be more generous to some users if they wish (e.g. Physically disabled).

Otherwise people will continue to game to system, spoiling it not only for the rest but for genuine RAP users.

 

[MellowPasta]

I noted that long-term illnesses include Type 2 diabetes, which I find rather bizzare. That's an awful lot of people when you include up to 4 additional guests - might as well have a queue for the healthy people

It’s not that black and white though. My partner has diabetes which has lead to diabetic neuropathy, he struggles to walk without a stick and has immense pain in his hands and feet. He hates coasters so no RAP needed, however it would be wrong to discriminate if he did.

 

[Alphe86]

That’s the thing though. He doesn’t need RAP because of diabetes - he needs Rap because of the mobility issues that just happen to have been caused by Diabetes. My work colleague has a nimbus with queue symbol for t1 diabetes but has no physical reason to have to use it. System can always be abused unfortunately

 

[Bowser]

That’s the thing though. He doesn’t need RAP because of diabetes - he needs Rap because of the mobility issues that just happen to have been caused by Diabetes. My work colleague has a nimbus with queue symbol for t1 diabetes but has no physical reason to have to use it. System can always be abused unfortunately

Then your colleague has lied on the application to acquire one. As you say, the system can always be abused. You could turn up in a wheelchair in the past, nobody would have questioned it. I think the difference now is the knowledge of how to do so and the benefits gained are widespread whilst the governing body is not in a position to require evidence.

We were hoping to ride Hyperia but Thorpe Park is fully booked till near the end of April and the next Saturday available is May 17th. It is what it is at this point, the number of applicants will keep increasing and the battle for slots will become increasingly difficult.

 

[Smiley]

That’s the thing though. He doesn’t need RAP because of diabetes - he needs Rap because of the mobility issues that just happen to have been caused by Diabetes.

As @Bowser says. Theme parks (like Govts) don't want to have the discussion about "what's a disability" because no one size fits all. Just make it fair and the same for all.

Rocket science it ain't.