Drayton Manor, the UK's fourth-largest theme park, is implementing a 10-ride limit on its Easy Access Pass, a system designed to assist visitors with disabilities by allowing them to skip queues. This measure comes in response to an increase in visitors allegedly abusing the pass.
The Easy Access Pass is intended for guests who cannot stand for extended periods or have urgent restroom needs. However, the park has observed a rise in the number of individuals using the pass due to concerns such as social interaction difficulties or claimed neurodiverse conditions like autism and ADHD, leading to significant queues for other park attendees.
The new 10-ride restriction aims to ensure the pass remains accessible to those who genuinely require it, according to park officials. The park stated that a growing number of customers using the system has added pressure to wait times for all visitors.
Drayton Manor has reportedly experimented with various strategies to address the issue, including adjusting schemes for peak and off-peak hours and utilizing wristbands. Social media posts from visitors suggest that the number of rides permitted by the Easy Access card can vary depending on park attendance.
This development follows a similar situation with Merlin Entertainments, which operates popular UK attractions such as Alton Towers, Legoland Windsor, and Thorpe Park. Merlin had planned to modify its Rapid Access Pass (RAP) system, which offers a virtual queue option for guests with disabilities and up to three accompanying individuals. However, proposed changes threatened eligibility for individuals with ADHD and autism, sparking backlash from affected parkgoers and families.
Merlin Entertainments announced in February it would pause the trial changes to its RAP system to explore alternative options, citing feedback from guests. Rob Smith, chief operating officer for Merlin Entertainments, acknowledged that the current system is under significant pressure due to high and increasing demand for RAPs, sometimes resulting in longer waits than the main queue. The company has apologized for the impact of its announcement and committed to continued listening and improvement.
These discussions around accessibility passes at theme parks come amid broader conversations about disability access. In May, UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated that an ADHD diagnosis alone should not automatically qualify an individual for a Blue Badge, a parking permit for people with disabilities, in response to concerns about the widening criteria for such badges.