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Ride Access Pass Systems and Disabled Access (pre 2024)
- Thread starter Skyscraper
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Skyscraper
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Nemesis
Yeah I agree that strictly limiting the number of RAP users each day would be a good idea. The park would just have to make sure that the info is easily finable so people can't complain that "I didn't know we had to book RAP now" and such though.
pluk
TS Member
You still need those places to go to those who actually need it though. You still need to remove the demand so those that don't need it don't take the places.
James
TS Founding Member
I think shifting toward a virtual queueing system (that can be adaptable, accounting for breakdowns/ride closures) would work better that cuts out the 'free Fastrack' usage those abuse at the moment.
I think the issue is more that Alton Towers/Merlin has created an easily exploited system. If it operated properly, then it's unlikely those who abuse it would even bother using the RAP system.
I think the issue is more that Alton Towers/Merlin has created an easily exploited system. If it operated properly, then it's unlikely those who abuse it would even bother using the RAP system.
tayspru
TS Member
Merlin should never have endorsed the various Annual Passholder Facebook groups. The information of how to get RAP was far too readily available. The new setup should help in time reducing the amount of false RAP claims but the damage is done
BPB had an IDENTICAL paper based RAP system and doesn’t have a problem
BPB had an IDENTICAL paper based RAP system and doesn’t have a problem
Shaggy_Dog_
TS Member
Just a question about the RAP application and registration process, I’ve applied for a card for my son and I’ve had the email back from Merlin telling my that the application has been processed and it gives me the ID number.
It then tells me to go through to the Access Card website with the information on linking the Ride Access Pass with Merlin and then directs me to the MAP site whereby I fill in the details for the RAP card. But once I complete this section does the RAP get posted to me or do I have the option to pick it up from Guest Services at a park? We are visiting Thorpe next Monday and it will be the first time using RAP so I’m just a bit unsure of the whole process.
It then tells me to go through to the Access Card website with the information on linking the Ride Access Pass with Merlin and then directs me to the MAP site whereby I fill in the details for the RAP card. But once I complete this section does the RAP get posted to me or do I have the option to pick it up from Guest Services at a park? We are visiting Thorpe next Monday and it will be the first time using RAP so I’m just a bit unsure of the whole process.
Skyscraper
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Nemesis
Which park website did you apply for it through? If you applied via Towers' site you pick it up from Guest Services at Towers.
Shaggy_Dog_
TS Member
That’s a good question, I’m not actually sure. It could have been from a link on the Thorpe or Chessington website (I can’t recall which) but then I went through to a generic RAP application page, and then today I got the acceptance email and the links from that just took me through to the MAP page to complete the process. I thought at some point I’d get the option to select which attraction I wanted to pick it up from but I didn’t. However I’ve just had an email from both Chessington and Legoland confirming my Reserve & Ride order so I’m not confused as to what’s going on with it.
Skyscraper
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Nemesis
Yeah I've just seen this form and it's different from when I applied last year. I think you can collect it from any park's guest services/accessibility hub, just show them your confirmation email and they'll print the card.
Craig
TS Administrator
You need to check each park's own websites for information on what's accepted, as their requirements vary so widely. Nimbus is a UK company though, so it's unlikely to be recognised or accepted in Europe. If you put the park name plus accessibility into Google then you're pretty likely to get the info for each park.
Skyscraper
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Nemesis
Well, this was unexpected but a nice surprise! The exit on Oblivion is now for wheelchairs only, with ambulant RAP now using the Fastrack entrance.
From the MAP Additional Needs Facebook Group.
From the MAP Additional Needs Facebook Group.
John
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Steel Vengeance
So are RAP & FT combined right through to boarding or do they split one off into the old SRQ? Potentially an issue with long FT wait times if they've combined them.
I'd imagine the main winners here will be wheelchair users as they'll now have near-immediate access to the ride. Main queue will likely be squeezed out further though.
I'd imagine the main winners here will be wheelchair users as they'll now have near-immediate access to the ride. Main queue will likely be squeezed out further though.
This will massively help efficiency
It took so long for the Offloader to deal with signing the cards, checking restraints and people trying to load from the exit!
I’d quite like the split to be at the old merge point, so RAP will use the old SRQ and does not require another staff member
I’d hope long term that if merge staffing is back, the SRQ could return as it worked well on oblivion
It took so long for the Offloader to deal with signing the cards, checking restraints and people trying to load from the exit!
I’d quite like the split to be at the old merge point, so RAP will use the old SRQ and does not require another staff member
I’d hope long term that if merge staffing is back, the SRQ could return as it worked well on oblivion
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