Drayton Manor, the UK's fourth-largest theme park, has implemented a limit of 10 rides on its Easy Access Pass in response to alleged exploitation of the system by visitors. The pass is designed to assist guests who are unable to stand for extended periods or have urgent personal needs. However, the park reports an increase in usage by individuals citing concerns such as social interaction difficulties or neurodiverse conditions like autism and ADHD.
Changes to Access System
The new restriction aims to ensure the pass remains effective for guests with genuine accessibility requirements. Over recent years, the park has observed growing queues attributed to the Easy Access system, creating longer wait times for all visitors. Drayton Manor has reportedly experimented with various measures, including variable schemes for peak and off-peak hours and the use of wristbands, to address the issue.
Social media reports from park visitors suggest that the number of rides permitted via the Easy Access card can fluctuate based on park attendance. One account detailed being allowed to skip nine queues, with the tenth slot marked as unavailable.
Wider Industry Concerns
This development follows a similar situation involving Merlin Entertainments, which operates attractions such as Alton Towers and Legoland Windsor. Merlin had announced plans to trial changes to its Rapid Access Pass (RAP), which offers guests with disabilities or medical conditions a virtual queue option. The proposed modifications could have excluded individuals with ADHD and autism from eligibility, requiring them to wait in standard queues.
Merlin Entertainments later paused this trial, stating it would explore alternative options after receiving feedback from guests. Rob Smith, chief operating officer for Merlin Entertainments, acknowledged the high and increasing demand for RAP passes, which was sometimes resulting in longer waits than regular queues. He stated the company's commitment to improving the experience for guests who rely on the pass and apologized for any distress caused by the announcement.
These changes come amidst broader discussions regarding accessibility and the criteria for support. In May, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated that an ADHD diagnosis alone should not automatically qualify individuals for a Blue Badge, a parking permit for disabled people, in response to concerns about the increasing use of badges for hidden disabilities.