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Ride Access Pass and Disabled Access - 2026 Discussion

Bowser said:
Does anyone have any experience of the new EES (European Entry) system yet?

I'm wondering how it works in regards to disabilities, particularly those who cannot follow instructions or pose for photos with eye contact. Presumably there will still be a manned desk option as there will be various exemptions such as babies?
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I second what @Benzin says above, I recommend booking Special Assistance as I'm sure they will guide you through the EES process as part of their support.
 
Bowser said:
Is anyone else having issues with the new app? It seems every week it logs me out and makes me create a new account.
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Yeah we been waiting to book the hotel for September but the dates have only just come out but went on the app to double check the dates and it’s asking me to also create a new account.
 
Are people expecting more RAP to be released? Got my daughter an Annual Pass at Christmas but as it stands she can't use it at Alton as all the weekends seem to be taken. I know there may be a few spots on the day but it's quite a trek if there aren't any available.
 
Wilko said:
I know there may be a few spots on the day but it's quite a trek if there aren't any available.
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This isn't the case anymore, they discontinued the daily waitlist. Instead, they may release extra slots the day before.
 
Skyscraper said:
This isn't the case anymore, they discontinued the daily waitlist. Instead, they may release extra slots the day before.
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Ehhh I think if you're lucky you can get them on the day. Friend of ours managed to get one sorted first weekend of Scarefest.

I hope more are due because would love to pencil in some dates.
 
Wilko said:
Are people expecting more RAP to be released? Got my daughter an Annual Pass at Christmas but as it stands she can't use it at Alton as all the weekends seem to be taken. I know there may be a few spots on the day but it's quite a trek if there aren't any available.
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There must be more as at the very least it’s only available up to June currently.
 
I have just received this email.....

Happy New Year!
Exciting News for RAP Pre-Booking

We hope you had a fantastic start to the year! We know many of you have been eagerly waiting for updates on the Ride Access Pass (RAP) for UK Resorts and we’re thrilled to share the first update of news with you.

To help you plan ahead, we’re releasing the first allocation of RAP bookings on 2nd February 2026. This initial release will cover *:

• February Half Term
• March (partial allocation release with more to follow)
• April (partial allocation release with more to follow)
*Subject to attraction operating calendars

This means you can begin to secure your visits for you and your loved ones and look forward to starting the 2026 season!​
What’s Next?
We’re committed to making planning easier for you. That’s why, in early February, we’ll share a full annual calendar of RAP release dates, so you’ll know exactly when future allocations will become available.​
Can’t Find Your Date Yet?
Don’t worry! We’re only releasing RAP for the dates mentioned above right now, but more will follow soon. Plus, we’ll continue to support last-minute plans by releasing additional allocations 48 hours before your visit date, more details on this will follow.

Many thanks
Accessibility Team​
 
They've just sent out a RAP email, so it does appear that more will be released, and then some held back until 48 hours before each day, which sounds like a much better system.
 
First allocation for 2026 RAP bookings, for all Merlin attractions, will be released on 2nd Feb 2026, which will cover dates up to and including April.

A full release schedule for RAP slot allocation releases will be published in February.

Email reproduced below:
HAPPY NEW YEAR! EXCITING NEWS FOR RAP PRE BOOKING

We hope you had a fantastic start to the year! We know many of you have been eagerly waiting for updates on the Ride Access Pass (RAP) for UK Resorts and we're thrilled to share the first update of news with you.

To help you plan ahead, we're releasing the first allocation of RAP bookings on 2nd February 2026. This initial release will cover *:

February Half Term

March (partial allocation release with more to follow)

April (partial allocation release with more to follow)

*Subject to attraction operating calendars

This means you can begin to secure your visits for you and your loved ones and look forward to starting the 2026 season!

WHAT'S NEXT?

We're committed to making planning easier for you. That's why, in early February, we'll share a full annual calendar of RAP release dates, so you'll know exactly when future allocations will become available.

CAN'T FIND YOUR DATE YET?

Don't worry! We're only releasing RAP for the dates mentioned above right now, but more will follow soon. Plus, we'll continue to support last-minute plans by releasing additional allocation dates.

Many thanks

Accessibility Team
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I've still seen people who have booked Towers Rap on the app for July and June already though. Maybe those will be wiped then? Or maybe honoured in good faith if it was testing the new system I guess.
 
Wilko said:
I've still seen people who have booked Towers Rap on the app for July and June already though. Maybe those will be wiped then? Or maybe honoured in good faith if it was testing the new system I guess.
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I expect bookings will be honoured. They released up till October for Alton Towers at one point and you can still book up to mid June, albeit very poor availability. Bit of a shambles, as usual.

February 2nd is going to be like trying to get Taylor Swift tickets. We will be very reliant on the 48 hour release option. Hopefully they enable functional real time cancellations and bookings so on the day is possible too.

Each passing year we seem to be visiting Merlin parks less and less, it's a bit sad.
 
Bowser said:
February 2nd is going to be like trying to get Taylor Swift tickets.
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Depends when you plan on going. Opening day and Easter weekend will be the main "targets" for majority but I'm not bothered by those dates.

Scenes when they announce Bluey cred isn’t opening in March after these are released though.
 
Do you think we could celebrate this news with an up to date topic title after eighty six pages of 2024?

My nit picking nerve has been twitching for some time now...

I would do it myself but I can't find my blue badge.
 
rob666 said:
Do you think we could celebrate this news with an up to date topic title after eighty six pages of 2024?

My nit picking nerve has been twitching for some time now...

I would do it myself but I can't find my blue badge.
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Thread title brought up to date! :sweatsmile:

As you were...
 
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