Alton Towers narrows Ride Access Pass eligibility and draws mixed reaction

Alton Towers is trialling a refined Ride Access Pass that removes the 'difficulty with crowds' category during a brief February half-term opening; the resort says it will review guest feedback and the new RAP app ahead of its main season in March.

Alton Towers is trialling a refined eligibility for its Ride Access Pass during a brief February half-term opening. The trial removes the 'difficulty with crowds' symbol while keeping passes for difficulty standing, urgent toilet needs, and level access. The park said rising demand had left the existing system struggling for some guests. It has also introduced a new digital RAP app and said it will listen to guest feedback ahead of the main season in March. Key facts: - Merlin Entertainments' chief operating officer, Rob Smith, said guests had increasingly reported that the Ride Access Pass was not working for them as demand and queue times rose. - During the trial, the pass will not cover the 'difficulty with crowds' category but will continue to cover difficulty standing, urgent toilet needs, and level access. - The resort is rolling out a new digital RAP app and a transparent availability calendar as part of the changes. - Alton Towers has said it will review the trial results and guest feedback before deciding its approach for the main season opening in March. Summary: The refined eligibility has prompted both criticism from families who say the pass enabled visits and support from others who say the system was being misused. Alton Towers will evaluate the trial outcomes, the new RAP app, and guest feedback before confirming its approach for the March season opening.